Updated February 2021

Colorado Engagement Photographer

Colorado is filled with endless beautiful locations to take engagement photos. If you are looking for mountains in your engagement photos, you’ve come to the right state. There are variety of national parks, state forests, recreation areas and wilderness areas to choose from.

If mountain and nature views aren’t your thing, downtown Denver, Colorado Springs, Boulder and numerous other cozy towns are scattered throughout Colorado that will give you small town vibes and city views.

I’ve come up with a list of the ’25 Best Locations for Engagement Photos in Colorado.’

I have photographed or have been to all of these locations. These are some of my favorite engagement locations, most of which are iconic staples in Colorado.

IMPORTANT NOTE ON PHOTOGRAPHY PERMITS

As far as photography permits, many of these locations may require photography permits. Please do your research ahead of time and call your local rangers office or visitor center for securing the correct photo permits. If you don’t know where to start, google ‘photography permit’ for the area or park you are planning on photographing at to get more info.

LEAVE NO TRACE

I am very passionate about protecting the environment and a member of the Leave No Trace [LNT] community. I advocate within my own business, educating our couples on healthy LNT practices when planning for photos outdoors.

We need to be mindful to stay on the trails, pack out what you pack in, taking all your trash, and respect the wildlife. With national parks and nature areas becoming high traffic areas, we need to be caretakers of this lands and lessen our impact. If we don’t these places won’t be around for long.

There are countless resources available on Leave No Trace. If you are not sure what LNT is and would like more information, here is an excellent resource to start with: The 7 Principles. We need to start making less of an impact when visiting the outdoors. It is our duty and responsibility.

For more information, resources and education on Leave No Trace Click Here

25 BEST LOCATIONS FOR ENGAGEMENT PHOTOS IN COLORADO

RINO ART DISTRICT IN DENVER

RiNo is the art district just outside of downtown Denver. If you are looking for something more artsy, city, urban look for your photos, RiNo is the perfect spot. There are endless cool little alleyways, murals, graffiti and street art throughout the district. Start on Larimer Street and then explore from there. This vibrant, creative hub is the perfect spot to get artsy and funky with your engagement photos.

CHEESMAN PARK IN DENVER

A beautiful park in the heart of the beautiful trendy Capitol Hill neighborhood of downtown Denver. Big open fields, city and mountain views, as well as some lined tree areas. This location is the perfect spot if you want a little city and a little nature for your engagement photos.

LOVELAND PASS

About 1 hour from Denver off I-70 west. It is located on the continental divide at just under 12,000 feet in elevation. It is definitely a very popular area for engagement shoots. It’s easy to get to and you can drive right to the top of the Loveland Pass with easy parking and 360 degree views. This is another high alpine location with some piney trees, an alpine lake and towering panoramic mountains. The best time of day for photos would be either at sunrise to beat the crowds or at sunset for the best lighting. It can get chilly up there, even in the middle of the summer so be sure to bring some extra layers. For photography permit information click here: Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests

LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN PARK

Lookout Mountain is located right in the front range of the Rockies, just 20 minutes outside of downtown Denver. It’s an easy drive up the mountain to some rolling, mountain and city views. Ideal for a sunrise or sunset session. This is one of the easiest locations to get to if you want a good mountain location in your photos but don’t want to drive too far from Denver. For photography permit information click here: Jefferson County Open Space

RED ROCKS PARK

Red Rocks in Morrison, Colorado is best known for the open air amphitheater that hosts concerts throughout the year, although it is currently closed due to COVID restrictions.  Attached to the amphitheater, Red Rocks Park is filled with easy walking trails lined by vibrant red rock sandstone formations. There are picturesque spots along the trails. It is yet another iconic staple just outside of Denver, Colorado. For photography permit information click here: Red Rocks Park

MATTHEWS WINTERS PARK

Located right off of I-70, adjacent to Red Rocks Park. Beautiful golden grasses, mountain views, a little creek with a woodsy area. This park is beautiful all times of the year, located right at the front range before heading west into the mountains and is just 20 minutes outside of downtown Denver. For photography permit information click here: Jefferson County Open Space

ST. MARY’S GLACIER

The trailhead is located in Idaho Springs. It’s about an hour drive from Denver and a 30 minute hike to the glacier and alpine lake. It isn’t strenuous but there is an uphill portion, so proper hiking boots are recommended. Beautiful, lake, mountain and glacier views.

MOUNT EVANS WILDERNESS

Mount Evans Wilderness is the highest peak in the Rocky Mountain front range, towering well over 14,000 feet. It is the highest paved drive in America and you can drive almost to the very top. This is a high alpine location and is basically a big rocky boulder at the top. This spot is not for the faint of heart, with no guard rails, whipping chilly winds and driving up into a high altitude quickly. If you suffer easily from altitude sickness, this may not be the ideal spot for you but the views are breathtaking and epic to say the least. *Note: Mount Evans is only open Memorial Day through Labor Day. It was closed during COVID, so be sure to check the website before planning to take your photos there. For photography permit information click here: Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests

EVERGREEN, COLORADO

Just a short 40 minute drive from Denver. Evergreen, Colorado is filled with parks, big open fields, mountain views, lakes, and lush woods filled with evergreen trees. Elk Meadows, Alderfer Three Sisters Park or Echo Lake Park are a few of my favorites. This is the perfect hop into the mountains but not too far from the city.

ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK

One of the most iconic locations you could choose for engagement photos in Colorado. Trail Ridge Road, 3m Curve, Dream Lake are a few of the more popular spots to go in the RMNP. You really can’t go wrong. For photography permit information click here: Rocky Mountain National Park

GARDEN OF THE GODS

Another iconic staple located in Colorado Springs. Live out your red rock engagement photo dreams with this location. Sunrise is my favorite time of day here, since the park is facing east. Shooting at sunrise you will not only for the best lighting but beating the crowds. This is a very popular, easily accessible park.  For photography permit information click here: Garden of Gods

LAKE DILLON

Located in Summit County off I-70 and bordered by Frisco, Dillion, Silverthorne and just 15 minutes from Breckenridge. Lake Dillion has epic lake and 360 mountain views. Sapphire Point Overlook is a super popular spot with some iconic Lake Dillion views, easy parking and minimal walking. This is a gem in the heart of the mountains. For photography permit information click here: Dillon Lake Ranger District

BRECKENRIDGE

This is the mountain town of all mountain towns. Breckenridge is beautiful in all the seasons. The picturesque downtown,  easy mountain access. You can take photos around town or hop into any of the surrounding mountains, trails, passes for some more remote, nature photos. This is a playground for engagement photos!

BOREAS PASS IN BRECKENRIDGE

About a 45 minute drive from Breckenridge, Boreas Pass is a scenic, gravel road taking you to over 11,000 feet. A good mix of piney tree forests, rolling mountain views. Sunset is by far my favorite time of day for engagement photos at Boreas Pass. It is one of my favorite spots.  Best for photos June through October.

GUANELLA PASS

This might be one of my favorite passes close to Denver. Taking you up to over 11,000 feet this location offers a variety of terrain. Piney forests, rolling creeks and open area mountain views at the top of the pass. The weather is always unpredictable in the passes so be sure to plan for it but that is Colorado for you!

GEORGETOWN, COLORADO

An old mining mountain town, take some photos in the western inspired town and then hop over to Georgetown Lake for some mountain lake views. Guanella Pass Brewing is the perfect spot to grab a beer for some liquid courage or for post engagement shoot celebration.

SILVER PLUME, COLORADO

Another tiny little mountain mining town, the next exit west of Georgetown. Be sure to stop by Plume Coffee Bar [currently closed due to COVID] for some yummy coffee or Bread Bar for some of the tastiest cocktails. Silver Plume is the perfect for the quaint mountain town engagement photo vibe.

VAIL, COLORADO

Vail might be one of my favorite places in Colorado. There is a reason their slogan is ‘Like no place on Earth’. There is a little magic there. Vail Village has a European mountain town feel, endless footpaths, Gore Creek rolling through the middle of village and mountain views that will make your heart complete. You can take the Lions Head Gondola to the top for some unreal mountain views. This is perfect for the easy to get to, summer engagement mountain top views but also one of my favorite spots for overwhelming views of golden Aspen trees in the Fall or if you want some cozy wintery engagement photos, this is the place.

PINEY RIVER RANCH

We shot our very first Colorado engagement shoot here, 5 years ago! Located about 13 miles north from Vail. This is a bit of an off road adventure, dirt road, high clearance vehicle recommended. Only open June 21st to the last weekend of September, it is nestled deep in the wilderness of the mountains. The views are unreal and worth the adventure to get there. A beautiful alpine lake, jaw dropping mountain views, piney tree forest and aspens lining the open field. If you want mountains and a lake for your engagement photos, this is the spot. For photography permit information click here: Piney River Ranch

GREAT SAND DUNES NATIONAL PARK

Sand dunes in Colorado? You read that right. There are sand dunes in Colorado! In fact, they are the tallest sand dunes in North America. We’ve hiked to the top and it’s no easy hike. With a 13,000+ foot mountain in the background, the sand dunes are one of the coolest, unique engagement shoot locations hands down. A three and half hour drive from Denver, it’s worth the trip. For photography permit information click here: Great Sand Dunes National Park Official Website

CRESTED BUTTE

Nestled in the southwest corner of the state a little over 4 hours away from Denver. This mountain town is surrounded by stunning mountains and wilderness. A ski town by winter, an outdoor paradise by summer for hikers, campers and mountain bikers. The colors, the landscape, the mountain views, Crested Butte is as Colorado as you can get for engagement photos. Wildflowers are in abundance in the later summer months. Crested Butte is a backcountry, mountain dream.

TELLURIDE, COLORADO

This may very well be the most beautiful place in Colorado, in my opinion.  A small mountain town surrounded by mountains as high as skyscrapers. The town of Telluride is one the most picturesque locations for engagement photos. You can ride the gondola from town to the mountain village at Telluride Ski Resort for a birds-eye view of the entire town. Spring, summer and fall the colors in Telluride are vibrant and lush. Head up to Bridal Veil Falls, one of the most popular spots in town. In the summer, you’ll have access to endless hikes and alpine lakes. Telluride is a paradise for adventurous hiking engagement photos and getting to some epic locations. You won’t be disappointed.

PAINT MINES INTERPRETIVE PARK

Located 30 minutes east of Colorado Springs. This unique location features geological rock formations that are vibrant pink, yellow, multicolored colored clay. If you’re looking for engagement photos where you feel like you are on another planet, he Paint Mines are just that. Definitely up there as one of my favorite engagement shoot locations. You do need a permit for this location so be sure to plan for plenty of time to get one. For photography permit information click here: Paint Mines- El Paso County Official Website

CHAUTAUQUA PARK IN BOULDER

One of the most popular locations on the list located in Boulder. Easy access from the parking lot, flatiron mountain views, tall grasses. There is no surprise why this location is one of the most photographed. It is beautiful year round, each season giving a different vibe. It is the perfect spot for engagement photos in the front range. For photography permit information click here: City of Boulder – Chautauqua Park

LOST GULCH LOOKOUT IN BOULDER

Another popular spot and for good reason! A short, steep drive up Flagstaff Mountain about 5 miles outside of Boulder. It’s an easy way to get those mountain top views. On a clear day you can see the snowy peaks of Rocky Mountain National Park. A jagged rocky mountain top makes for some epic photos. Highly recommend either a sunrise to avoid the crowds or a weeknight to catch the sunset. It’s one of the best spots in Boulder! For photography permit information click here: City of Boulder – Lost Gulch Lookout

I hope this post is helpful in brainstorming some location ideas for your engagement photos in Colorado. Let me know if you have any questions. Happy to help in any way that I can!