Colorado is a place like no other when it comes to having your engagement photos taken — our state offers a range of scenic locations that can serve as a spectacular backdrop as you commemorate this time in your lives. Whether you are looking for portraits in front of a cascade of mountain peaks, the buzz of historic city streets, or a more personal location — you can find it all in Colorado.
Here are a few engagement session locations that I’ve come to love shooting over the years.
Guanella Pass
Above 11,000 feet, this summit location has beautiful mountain peak views and alpenglow if you go at the right time. It’s also somewhat close to Denver (about an hour and a half all the way to the top of the summit) and has an easy-access parking lot and bathrooms (albeit rustic). This one also doubles as a nice road-trip style session option, with gorgeous foliage in the fall and lots of places to stop all along Guanella Pass road. Other similar locations include the Peak to Peak Highway in Boulder County, numerous locations all over Rocky Mountain National Park (permits and weather permitting), and Boreas Pass in Summit County.
Cheesman Park & Pavilion
I love this spot because it is right in town and has a very regal, old-world quality with the neoclassical columns. It’s great for a more neutral choice and has a lot of potential for a more editorial look. The only thing to note is that it is open to the public and can get crowded on warmer days. Another spot that is similar is the Byron E. White Courthouse downtown (see below), but that does require a permit so there needs to be some lead time before your session if you want to shoot there.
RiNo Arts District
The River North Art District is a vibrant urban location full of murals, industrial buildings, and creative energy. Perfect for modern, edgy couples who want a colorful, dynamic setting. The same couple from above chose to add RiNo for the second half of their session with me, and later, their session got featured in Rocky Mountain Bride.
Boulder Foothills
There are ton of beautiful spots in Boulder, but my favorites are the ones near the Flatirons. Chautauqua Park has some of the best views of the Flatirons, but one of my absolute favorite locations is Fourmile Canyon Creek trail, especially for wildflowers in the summer.
Roxborough State Park
Just 45 minutes from Denver, Roxborough has dramatic red rocks and peaceful trails. Permits are required, so plan ahead. This is a great spot to shoot during those shoulder season months — April, May, November — when a lot of lush foliage is at a minimum.
Garden of the Gods
In Colorado Springs, Garden of the Gods offers some striking sandstone formations and views of Pikes Peak. No permit required, but aim for early morning or weekdays because it can get crowded. It is also known for some issues with car break-ins, so that is something to consider. But the views are arguably worth it!
Officer’s Gulch and Surrounding Area in Frisco, Colorado
If you’re looking for a place that feels like a true mountain escape, this is it. Officer’s Gulch in Frisco and its surrounding areas in Summit County offer a perfect blend of alpine beauty, mountain lakes, and forest trails. There are a handful of locations that feature tranquil water, sweeping mountain views, and open meadows. Locations like this provide an incredible mix of backdrops all within close proximity — making them ideal for couples who want variety in their gallery. These quieter areas tend to be less crowded, allowing for a more intimate, relaxed experience. This is one of my most popular requests for engagement sessions because it allows my couples to highlight their love of hiking and the outdoors, while still being relatively easy to access.
Tips for Planning Your Engagement Session
• Seasonal Considerations: Colorado’s seasons offer varied backdrops—wildflowers in spring, lush greenery in summer, colorful foliage in fall, and snowy scenes in winter.
• Time of Day: Golden hour (just after sunrise or before sunset) provides the most flattering, soft lighting.
• Permits and Regulations: Some locations require permits. Check in advance to avoid surprises.
• Attire and Props: Choose outfits that complement your location and are comfortable to move in. Consider bringing your pet!
This era of your story deserves a backdrop as extraordinary as your relationship. Whether you’re dreaming of golden alpenglow in the mountains or the vibrant energy of the city, I’d love to help you find the perfect location and create images you’ll come back to for years to come. Reach out to check availability and let’s start planning your perfect session together!
