Top 8 Engagement Photo Locations in Colorado
Colorado is a beautiful state filled with endless opportunities for photos. It can be difficult to decide on the best place for you and your partner so, I’ve put together a list of my top 8 locations throughout Colorado that I recommend for engagement photos specifically. Each of these areas has advantages and disadvantages depending on the time of year so, it’s best to plan ahead and be informed before making the final decision. Book your engagement session with me today for more information!
Sapphire Point Overlook
FRISCO, CO
Sapphire Point Overlook is by far the most popular place that I shoot engagement photos for its stunning mountain views, easy access, and year around beauty. The viewing area is located roughly 15 minutes from downtown Breckenridge and overlooks Lake Dillon and the surrounding mountains.
Know before you visit:
This spot is VERY popular, so there are always other people around. Choose a weekday for your shoot for a less crowded experience.
There is a parking lot walking distance from the overlook. Do not park on the road if the lot is full because the ranger will ticket you. Best to wait 10-15 minutes and a parking spot will open up.
Reservations are available here if you’d like to set up a picnic, floral arrangement or to have the overlook to yourselves.
DO NOT FEED THE CHIPMUNKS…This spot has been a hotspot for tourists feeding wildlife. There is now a portion of the overlook closed off because too many people left garbage and disturbed the wildlife. Because of the this the chipmunks are all over the viewing area. They are quite used to people and will come right up to you. Please listen to all the posted signs and do not feed them. Please and thank you.
Best time to visit:
The overlook is open year-round so feel free to pick your favorite season for photos. The path and parking lot are maintained and heavily used through the winter so, it’s always an easily accessible location.
I prefer to shoot around sunset at this location because the sun sets directly behind the mountain in the main view from the overlook. Book me for your session to learn more about why I love to shoot here!
Blue Lakes Trailhead
BRECKENRIDGE, CO
Blue Lakes Trailhead is one of those locations that I love bringing couples for that true Colorado experience. Located roughly 25 minutes from downtown Breckenridge, the drive alone to this location with make your jaw drop. The two lakes are nestled between Colorado 14er Mt. Quandary and other surrounding peeks making it feel like you’re off the beaten path.
Know before you visit:
This is another popular location, so there may be people camping nearby or just dropping by for a family photo
There are two lakes, one at the bottom and another further up the road. Sometimes the road to the upper lake is closed, if not proceed with caution. This is a rough dirt road and there is a cliff on one side so drive carefully!
Best time to visit:
This location is only accessible in the summer and fall seasons. During the winter the road is inaccessible due to snow. Unless you plan on hiking up the hill, I recommend driving when the road is open.
I prefer to shoot first thing in the morning around sunrise or right around sunset in the afternoon. The sun tucks back/comes up behind the surrounding mountains and illuminates the mountains in the distance around these times of day.
Book me today for more information on some hidden gems at this location!
See more from this session featured on Rocky Mountain Bride
Loveland Pass
SUMMIT COUNTY, CO
Loveland Pass sits roughly at 12,000ft above sea level so prepare for those 360 degree surrounding mountain views. I love this location for the endless opportunities for photos and that “top of the world” feeling.
Know before you visit
It is ALWAYS windy at the top of the pass…which I would say makes for beautiful photos. To avoid the wind, a shoot at sunrise is usually much more of a light breeze.
If you’re visiting from sea level make sure you acclimate to the elevation prior to your shoot. Otherwise, the altitude sickness is real.
Best time to visit:
The pass is open year-round but due to avalanche danger and winter storm warnings, the pass does shut down with little-to-no notice. It’s best to always have a back up plan when planning to shoot here in the winter.
I prefer to shoot here at sunrise or sunset. You are on the top of a mountain so you can take advantage of any of the surrounding mountain views depending on where the sun is located. Sunrise is less busy for crowds as well. Book me for your session to learn more!
Rocky Mountain National Park
ESTES PARK, CO
Rocky Mountain National Park is the epitome of Colorado vibes. Take a drive from one side of the park to the other and plan to make multiple stops along the way. Located roughly 2 hours from Denver, I usually enter from the Estes Park side for it’s proximity to some of the best hikes and easy access points.
Know before you visit:
As a national park, there is an entrance fee and designated gates to enter through. From May-October there is a timed-entry reservation system in place so that you can avoid the crowds. I like to pick either first thing in the morning or the last slot in the evening. This will give you a better chance for a parking spot in the popular areas. To make a reservation click here.
Take a drive around sunset and watch the park literally "glow” with that Colorado golden light.
I highly recommend entering from the Estes Park side to experience Trail Ridge Road first hand on your way to Grand Lake in the summertime.
Best time to visit:
The park is open year around however, Trail Ridge Road is closed during the winter months due to snow.
Depending on the specific location within the park, I highly recommend shooting around sunrise for less crowds. However, there are areas I love to shoot at sunset for where the sun tucks behind the mountain in relation to the view. Book me for your session for more information on my favorite areas within the park!
Chautauqua Park
BOULDER, CO
Chautauqua Park is located on the west side of Boulder and it’s impossible to miss. The iconic rock formation also known as the “Flatirons” are responsible for the overwhelming beauty of this area.
Know before you visit:
A commercial permit is REQUIRED to shoot here. The rangers are less than 100 feet away from the trail so I highly recommend you get a permit before you shoot in this area. For more information on permits click here.
This area is very popular especially on weekends. I recommend shooting on a weekday for the best chance at a parking spot and less people around.
Best time to visit:
This is one of my favorite spots at sunset. The sun literally sets directly behind the flatirons and at golden hour the light is STUNNING!
This park is open year around with paid parking memorial day through labor day. Book your engagement session today for more information on my favorite hikes and views in this area.
Maroon Bells
ASPEN, CO
Maroon Bells are a few of THE MOST photographed mountains in North America. They are truly breathtaking when you see them for the first time…and every time for that matter. The mountain formation distinctively known as “the bells” is tucked away roughly 30 minutes from downtown Aspen. I love shooting here with couples around sunset because of the tranquil alpine lake and stunning mountain views.
Know before you visit:
A parking reservation is required May-October from 12AM-8AM and 5PM-12AM. During the hours 8am-5pm the only way to access the bells is by taking a shuttle from the Aspen Highlands Ski resort base or by bike or by foot.
The road from the entrance alone is roughly 4.6 miles UPHILL so I highly recommend driving. If you do not have a reservation the rangers will turn you away.
To make a parking reservation during the Summer/Fall season click here.
Best time to visit:
Maroon Bells scenic area is only accessible May-October by car. The rest of the year the road up to the bells is closed due to heavy snow and avalanche danger.
The only way to access the bells during the winter is by snowshoeing, cross country skiing or renting a snowmobile down the road at T-Lazy Ranch.
Summer & Fall are by far the best times of year to visit the bells, but if you can come in the fall when all the aspen leaves have changed you won’t be disappointed. The golden aspen trees are SPECTACULAR!
Planning to propose to your significant other? Reach out today for more information on proposals and engagements in this area.
Twin Lakes
LEADVILLE, CO
Twin Lakes are located roughly 20 minutes from downtown Leadville. Sitting at the base of Independence Pass, the lakes are hard to miss if you’re on your way to Aspen. The long shoreline of the two lakes provides plenty of opportunities to stop, have a picnic, go paddle boarding, and take some photos!
Know before you visit:
There is an $8 fee to park for the day in any of the parking lots.
One of my favorite spots to shoot is from Hwy 82 looking across the lakes towards the mountains.
The Interlaken Trail is a great easy walk along the water where you end up at an abandoned house and lake resort from the 1800’s.
Did you know the aspen trees form a shape that looks like an angel? Peak fall season is the best time to see her.
Best time to visit:
My favorite time to visit is definitely mid-summer (July) and peak fall colors (mid-end of September).
During the winter, parking is free and the lake is usually frozen over enough to walk on. Though I don’t recommend it, you will probably find many ice fisherman walking on the ice on colder days.
Book your engagement session today for more information on my favorite spots to shoot in this area.
Trout Lake
TELLURIDE, CO
Trout Lake is located roughly 15 miles from downtown Telluride. If you’re up for the long drive to the San Juan mountain range, Telluride is one for the books. This whole area is incredibly picturesque and Trout lake is one of my favorite areas to stop and take it all in.
Know before you visit:
This lake is very easy to access and has a parking lot in close proximity to the shore.
There are bathrooms nearby if needed.
You are allowed to kayak or paddle board on the lake.
If you drive up the dirt road you will have access to some alpine lake hikes and more stunning views.
Best time to visit:
The fall season is by far my favorite time to shoot here in mid-late September for the best fall colors and if you’re lucky, lightly dusted mountain tops with snow.
The parking lot is accessible year-round and parking is free.
Book your session today for more information on my secret spots in this area for photos.
Thank you for reading through my favorite locations for engagement sessions in Colorado! For more locations not included in this list, fill out my contact form more information on areas I’d recommend for your proposal or engagement session!