Best Colorado Engagement Session Locations
TOP Colorado engagement
photography session locations
Engagement session locations within 1 hour of Denver, Colorado
As a Colorado engagement location scouting expert, I am here to recommend locations based on how you picture your dream session. Here are some of my all-time favorite photo session locations near Denver, Colorado that showcase the city, lakes, mountains, and endless beautiful nature options. Click the button below so we can chat more about planning your engagement session together.
Bald Mountain, Boulder
Hidden gem status. Bald Mountain in Boulder, Colorado offers gorgeous sweeping mountainous views and sights of the city below. There are 3 different lookout spots and a patch of pine trees for some forest feels. The best part about this spot is it is PRIVATE, and usually we don’t encounter any other humans here. It is a 15 minute uphill walk from the parking lot and a 50 minute drive from Denver.
Chautauqua Park, Boulder
This popular park in Boulder showcases some of the best views of the flat irons. Grassy fields lead to many different trails where you can see plenty of mountain views, and even wildflowers during certain summer months. Plus it is an easy 5-10 minute walk from the parking lot. This park can be crowded but allows plenty of walking space to find privacy.
NCAR Trail, Boulder
NCAR Trail aka the National Center for Atmospheric Research trailhead. You may notice that there are a lot of gorgeous spots in Boulder. This one is no exception. There are flatiron rock formations nestled into the mountains that are visible from all angles. As opposed to mountains in the background, here you feel nestled into them. During Spring-Summer, the fields are full of lush green grasses. There is also a sweeping overlook of the city and mountains right at the beginning of the trail, surrounded by pine trees. The locations pictured here are a 15-minute moderately uphill walk. There is also an option closer to the parking lot that is flat and requires minimal walking, which can be great for surprise proposals!
Table Mesa Trail, Boulder
Just a few minutes from NCAR Trail, this spot sits at the base of the mountain that heads up toward NCAR. This makes it a bit more easily accessible, with a 3 minute walk from the car and ample neighborhood parking. Because it is at the base of the mountain, you have a great view of the flatirons behind you from a lower elevation. This is an easy and beautiful option any time of year, and looks a lot like Chautauqua Park but is less crowded.
South Mesa Trailhead, Boulder
This spot blew me away with how many different beautiful mountain views it has, and within only a 10-15 walk from the parking lot. It is also full of lush greenery and interesting foliage and flowers in the spring and summer! There is even a small creek with a bridge running over it. It is reminiscent of Chautauqua Park’s flat irons, but more private and with more plant life.
Lost Gulch Lookout, Boulder
Lost Gulch has some of the most spectacular mountain views that you can get without traveling more than an hour from Denver. There is a reason this is one of the most popular photo spots. You feel like you are on top of the world, and it’s only a 3-minute walk from the parking lot. Because this spot is so iconic, it can be busy at certain times of the year. Because I schedule sessions at sunset Monday-Thursday, this helps minimize the crowds. If you don’t mind the sight-seers, the beauty is worth it. The 2nd photo shows a more private area next to the main lookout. This area can be very icy/slippery/windy on the lookout in the winter, so spiked shoes are recommended.
Mt. Falcon, Indian Hills Side
There are two different trailheads for Mount Falcon Park. This spot is in Indian Hills and showcases mountainous views and forest trails. Note that the Indian Hills side lookout (2nd photo) can get crowded, but there are other private spots 10 minutes down the trail that have similar mountainous views and a bit more privacy (1st photo). There are also plenty of patches of pine trees and anywhere you look here is gorgeous.
Mt. Falcon, Morrison Side
The Morrison side of Mt. Falcon has backdrops with the red rock formations from a lower elevation. This spot isn’t your typical Colorado mountain vibe, and showcases more grassy swooping hills with the mountains farther in the background. Perfect for couples who love those red rock views and rolling around together on a grassy hill.
Red Rocks, Morrison
Next door neighbors to Mt. Falcon, Morrison. Colorado is full of spectacular red rocks that make perfect backdrops for photos. Red Rocks in Morrison is just one of the many places you can see these unique formations. There are also driveable overlooks of the city and mountains below. It is a very easy walk around the park, and a 30 minute drive from Denver. There is also lush greenery and flowers during Spring-Summer!
Beaver Brook, Evergreen
I found this hidden gem on a picnic, and love how easy it is to access (10 minute downhill walk from the car to the rocky overlook.) It is super private, and you can walk a little further down to the shore of the lake and be closer to the water. There are distant mountain views, and you are surrounded by evergreens which stay green year-round, which is on brand for being located in Evergreen, about 40 minutes from Denver.
Roxborough State Park, Littleton
What a special spot. Jagged giant red rock formations are surrounded by sweeping views of the mountains in the distance, as well as lush greenery from spring until early fall. It is only about 45 minutes from Denver, and a unique spin on Red Rocks Park in Morrison (with the added bonus of much more PRIVACY and room to spread out). There is even a lookout spot with mountain views in the distance and deer often make a special appearance. The trails are mostly flat and take about 15-20 minutes to get through the entire loop.
*Now requires a paid photo permit. Please allow 2 weeks before your session to process this permit.
Brainard Lake, Ward
Adventure Session Location (Additional Fees Apply)
This is one of my all time favorite spots that is only open mid-June to mid-October. The stunning lake is surrounded by sweeping mountainous views, lush fields of wildflowers and pine trees, and rocky beaches. Plus aspen trees that pop with color in the fall. This spot encompasses all of the natural beauty Colorado has to offer in one location. Plus it’s only a 2 minute walk from the parking lot, can you believe it?
Hiking Session Add On: Lake Isabelle
Located next to Brainard Lake, this 1.5 hour hike takes you to one of the most stunning places I have ever seen in Colorado (and that’s saying a lot!) During the warmer months, the lake is full and wildlife, flowers, and green grasses are surrounding it. Because of the distance from Denver + the hiking time, this location may not be available during busier months and will be subject to Adventure Session pricing. This spot is also perfect for elopements. Inquire for details.
Echo Lake, Evergreen
Echo Lake has a similar vibe to Brainard Lake in that it includes both mountains in the background and a beautiful lake in the foreground. However, Echo Lake is open year-round and is about 1 hour from Denver. The mountains are more distant in the background here versus Brainard, but it includes plenty of beautiful foliage and little flowers during Spring-Summer to make up for it. Also, the sunset on the water can produce gorgeous colors. During the winter, the lake may be frozen and snowy, and is perfect if you’re a winter-vibe couple, especially because the evergreen trees stay green year-round!
Juniper Pass, Evergreen
This is a hidden gem (shhh) so usually very private at sunset. There are incredible views of the mountains and you feel like you’re floating in the sky above them! This location pairs well with Echo Lake, as it is about a 5min drive from there. This is an easy 2min walk from the parking lot, and there are two different overlooks, and multiple different mountain ranges.
Lookout Mountain, Golden
Lookout Mountain includes great elevated mountainous views, surrounded by forest and pine trees. There are plenty of beautiful green fields in the Spring-Summer months. There are multiple lookout points, plus it is easily accessible via a 30 minute drive from Denver. This spot can sometimes get mildly crowded, but there are private areas nestled in the pine trees. Some lookout spots may be closed for restoration and fenced off.
Chatfield State Park, Littleton
This is a totally different look than the typical mountains and fields of Colorado. If you’re feeling beachy and craving some water, this is the spot for you! The sandy beaches offer a cozy place to lounge and snuggle up on a blanket, and maybe even have a picnic. Run along the shores of the water and dip your feet in the lake to cool off!
Alderfer Three Sisters Park, Evergreen
This easily walkable location offers plenty of privacy, many different trails to follow, and AMAZING fall colors close to Denver! This is more of a forest feel with some distant mountain views in the background. The aspen trees become vibrant shades of yellow and orange during the fall season and the pine trees keep their dark green color year round.
Golden Gate Canyon State Park, Golden
THE premium spot for peeping those early October fall colors and aspen trees! This area is close to Denver, and there are plenty of beautiful areas to explore within the park, as well as distant mountainous views. I adore the colors and trees here, even in the summer months it maintains its wow factor!
White Ranch Park, Golden
White Ranch Park is one of the stronger foothills spots near Golden because it gives you a lot of visual variety without needing a huge hike. You get open meadows, pine forest, rocky outcroppings, rolling foothills, and big mountain + Denver skyline views all in one location. Spring-summer brings green hills and wildflowers. Perfect for couples/engagement photos that want a natural Colorado feel without driving deep into the mountains.
Clinton Gulch, Summit County
Adventure Session Location (Additional Fees Apply)
Approximately 1hr and 45min from Denver, this location near Breckenridge encompasses grand mountainous views paired with a stunning reservoir surrounded by pine trees. It is an flat 10 minute walk from the car along the shore. These views will take your breath away!
Mayflower Gulch, Summit County
Adventure Session Location (Additional Fees Apply)
Mayflower Gulch is one of my all time favorite Colorado photo locations for couples who want epic mountain scenery without committing to a long, difficult hike. The hike is approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour up. Located near Copper Mountain and right next to Clinton Gulch, this trail leads through a beautiful alpine valley surrounded by peaks, historic mining cabins, and wide-open meadows. Everywhere direction you look provides incredible views.
Blue Lakes, Breckenridge
Adventure Session Location (Additional Fees Apply)
This spectacular location near Breckenridge is perfect for couples looking for easy access to a lake vibe with mountains in the background. There are actually 2 lakes here, the upper and lower lake. The lower one is a quick 5 minute walk from the car, and the upper one is about a 25 minute uphill trek.
Guanella Pass, near Georgetown
Adventure Session Location (Additional Fees Apply)
Guanella Pass is one of the best engagement photo locations near Denver for couples who want a little bit of everything Colorado has to offer. With sweeping mountain views, alpine lakes, wildflower-filled meadows, golden aspens in the fall at the base of the mountain, and easy access to stunning overlooks, it delivers incredible variety without a strenuous hike. Located just outside Georgetown, this scenic mountain pass has breathtaking backdrops in every direction.
Lake Dillon, Summit County
Adventure Session Location (Additional Fees Apply)
This is a highly recommended spot both for engagement sessions, and elopements. Although Sapphire Point Overlook is one of the most popular spots here, there are plenty of private beaches that allow endless exploration near the water, with mountainous views in the background. The area is also surrounded by some aspens and pine trees which adds a beautiful touch of nature. It is approximately 1.5 hours from Denver.
Byron White Courthouse, Denver
This is the perfect backdrop for people who love the architectural elements of the iconic old courthouse buildings in Denver. Your photos will have that city feel with a twist of elegance. The courthouse is also surrounded with a very city feel, nestled in the tall buildings of downtown, so you can achieve many different vibes with this spot.
City Park, Denver
or any Denver park like Cheesman Park or Washington Park
Not only is Denver full of beautiful parks, but you don’t have to drive far to experience the nature within the city! Spring and summer months bring cherry blossom trees and flowers. City Park and Washington Park both have a tree-lined lake, and Cheesman is a classic with the giant white coliseum and flower gardens. Plus, you can see the mountains in the distance from certain areas at City Park! Discounts are available for sessions within Denver city limits.
Downtown Denver City Session
I love city date night sessions so much! They are such a different feel from the nature/mountainous sessions you usually see in Colorado. We can stroll around town, grab a cocktail, and take advantage of backdrops like textured walls, brick, old houses, alleys, parking garage roofs, bridges, and parks that are all within our city of Denver (or its surrounding cities). There is a unique beauty to be found in an alley, trust me.
Fort Greene Bar
Or other rentable spaces from Peerspace
This eclectic space is one of the coolest gems in Denver! The giant wooden bar provides a backdrop for sharing champagne, or you can snuggle up on the plethora of antique furniture and throw on a record. If you love color, funky vibes, interesting textures and decor, and a truly unique space to share a date together, this is your spot. This bar must be rented outside of their business hours for enhanced privacy. I also love browsing Peerspace for other one of a kind spaces that can be rented for photo sessions.
Denver Botanic Gardens
Botanic Garden permit fee applies.
Want a location that is stunning year round, even in the winter? The Denver Botanic Gardens is not only close to all that Denver has to offer, but is absolutely gorgeous in both the inside and outside nature areas (inside only during winter.) Explore endless species of plants, a water lily pond, or have a picnic in the grass. The indoor tropical conservatory stays warm and humid even in the cold of winter, and presents vibrant greenery and exotic species of plants as the perfect backdrop for a session. There is even an adorable green terrarium you can explore (or use to host your small wedding!)
In-Home Session
One of the best ways to showcase who you are as a couple is by interacting within your own home. This is a chance to capture what you two enjoy doing together, whether that is snuggling in bed with your puppy, making tea, playing music together, or dancing in your underwear while having a pillow fight. These sessions can be slower-paced and intimate, or full of energy and movement (or both!)
Sentimental Spot
When in location doubt, it helps to think of where you’ve spent time together. Where was your first date, or a spot you connected over a pizza, or a place where you beat your partner in pool? Where is your favorite bookstore, or bakery? What activities do you like to do together? These sessions are a special kind of awesome, because you get to be in your zone. I will also assist with getting permission/permits if needed from your favorite spot.
I hope this helped you get some ideas of what your engagement session can look like. Please reach out so we can collaborate on picking a perfect spot for your engagement photography!
View more about to expect from your engagement session experience here.