You might be reading this because you are researching locations and are looking for recommendations. With so many gorgeous locations to choose from, how do you pick the best one for your elopement or engagement photography session? Well, you should most definitely pick a place that’s gorgeous (duhh), an adventure to get to, and far enough away that tourists won’t be in the background of your shots!

The state of Colorado is so diverse for photoshoot locations – it has the incredible Rocky Mountains, lakes, snowy areas, aspen and spruce trees, cliffs, sand dunes, all within a day’s drive. While it can be overwhelming to pick the perfect location for your engagement session, we wrote this blog post so you can see some photogenic (and easy to get to) locations from the Boulder – Denver area!

These are 18 epic engagement photographer session locations in Colorado’s state parks, national parks, public lands, public parts, etc. Please research appropriate permits/access before scheduling a shoot. Always practice “Leave No Trace Principles” and leave the environment better than how you found it!

1. Rocky Mountain National Park

RMNP is more than 415 square miles of protected, spectacular mountain environments.  It has over 300 miles of hiking trails, wildflowers, wildlife, starry nights, and fun times.   Its proximity to Boulder and Denver helps make it the 3^rd most visited National Park in the US.

Many people stop by Kind Coffee in Estes Park for a fresh coffee or smoothie before heading into the park for their photos!

Pro Tip: Photography sessions in RMNP require a photo permit, which is currently only $50.  Make sure you remind your photographer that a permit is required in the park.  You certainly don’t want to be put in an uncomfortable situation with a park ranger.

2. Great Sand Dunes National Park

Great Sand Dunes National Park is truly one of the most interesting natural phenomena in the state and is only a 4-hour drive away from Denver.  With the beautiful mountains as the backdrop, the humongous dunes make a wonderful location for an engagement photographer with your fiancé.  If you’re a real adventurer, it would pay off if you hiked up to the top of one of the dunes to catch the sunset.  The sunsets here are seriously amazing, just like the top of the dune sunset I photographed a few summers ago. The Medano Creek is easy to get to from the parking lot, so it can also be crowded.  Make sure you come on a weekday to get the most out of your experience. And on your way back to I-25, try and make a stop in Blanca, CO, at Lu’s Main Street Cafe for some delicious lunch or dinner.

Pro Tip: You’ll be sweating together from hiking up sand hills, and you’ll have sand in places you never knew you had, so have fun and make it a memorable experience instead of harping on the little negatives!

3. Lost Gulch Overlook

Lost Gulch Overlook is a very popular spot for the adventurous types in Boulder. This location is just up Flagstaff Mountain, only a 15-minute drive up a beautiful winding road. Once you’re there, you can make your way to the rocky edge of the overlook and be amazed at how far you can see. From the eastern plains to the jagged, snow-capped peaks of Rocky Mountain National Park.
Lost Gulch Overlook is easy to get to from the parking lot, and it offers a few other nearby scenic spots for variety in your session.  This location does get a little crowded with CU Boulder students, especially at sunset on the weekends.

A great meeting spot is at the Starbucks, which is located on the corner of Baseline Rd and Broadway in Boulder.

Pro Tip: Bring a pair of tennis shoes to change into to get to the lower overlook spots; you will be scaling down some small boulders.  Not extreme at all, but it can be harder with very formal shoes.

4. South Mesa Trail

South Mesa Trail is an incredible and slightly hidden gem of a location; the views just don’t quit.  It is a bit out of town, so most of the other visitors are either doing a photo shoot or they are informed hikers.  The variety of shots you can get on this trail simply cannot be beaten by any other location on this list.  From scenic vistas to aspen groves to flowing creeks, blooming shrubs, and even a cute pioneer home! This trail is a dog-friendly trail but they must be leashed.

Pro Tip:  In the fall, this trail is so colorful.  The trees and the blossoming red vegetation are amazing.  Please coordinate your clothes so they complement the seasonal colors!

5. Confluence Park (Denver)

Confluence Park is a unique and scenic park that has a lot to offer for photography sessions. Conveniently located in Denver, right off of I-25 and right next to the Denver REI store.  The Cherry Creek and South Platte River meet here to create an interesting intersection of nature and downtown Denver views.  There is a nice variety of locations in this confluence area that will surely make your session memorable and interesting. The REI store and the Starbucks that is attached to it is a great place to hang out and meet your photographer.

Pro Tip:  Don’t be scared to politely ask someone to excuse themselves out of the way of one or two of your photos!! Your engagement session only happens once; people are generally nice and will get out of your photo if you ask kindly!

6. Sandstone Ranch Park (Longmont)

This is one of my favorite locations from the entire list because of so many of the photogenic things that Sandstone Ranch offers.  The historical barn, fences, mature trees, open fields, creeks, sandstone cliffs, wildlife bird sanctuary, ponds, hiking paths, and public Victorian house with a beautiful backyard—the list of features goes on and on at Sandstone.   Who doesn’t love a rustic barn?!  Want to try a fun theme for your session?  Dress up as a bird watcher, binoculars and all! The parking is limited in this location, but it generally isn’t a problem.  There are lots of friendly wildlife and bird watchers on the trail throughout the day, so please remember that this is a wildlife sanctuary area and to respect the area.  This location is near to me, and I often hike this trail to view the beavers and owl nests and have even spotted a huge mother snapping turtle laying her eggs.

7. McKay Lake (Broomfield)

McKay Lake in Broomfield is a popular spot for locals to get away from the hustle and bustle!  McKay Lake and the surrounding trails and trees provide a nice backdrop for romantic couples, along with uninterrupted views of the mountains.  The mature cottonwood and willow trees along the path provide a great setting for intimate portraits, like we did during this engagement session! Like most of the places on this list, McKay Lake is dog-friendly so bring your (leashed) fur children to join you on your engagement photography session!

8. Doudy Draw (Boulder)

Doudy Draw is one of the most epic locations on the list because of the incredible vista views that it reveals of the Flatirons of Boulder.   In the colder months of the year, you might get snowed on, as we did for this engagement session! This is a location where I would recommend that you bring a pair of comfortable shoes; hiking is required.

Pro Tip:  Just like all outdoor locations, the wind can get rather strong, so either be willing to just “let it flow” or grab some hairspray.

9. Chautauqua Park (Boulder)

A photography location list would not be complete without including the most popular spot in Boulder.  Chautauqua Park is indeed beautiful, and the views never get old.  If you’ve never explored here, what are you waiting for?  If you have time, you can hike up the trail and find a lovely patch of evergreens, as we did for this morning’s session.  But be willing to get your exercise on; it’s a steady elevation gain on the trail there. This area is very busy with hikers and other photographers, so good Photoshop skills to erase distractions in your shots are a must!

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Are you interested in scheduling an engagement session? We’d love to capture you and your significant other, or your entire family. Reach out to us on the Portrait page so we can schedule our next session! Our 1-hour “Couples Portrait Sessions” are priced affordably.

Location: Grasso Park in Superior, Colorado

Unfortunately, Grasso Park was lost in the Marshall Fire on Dec 30th 2021.

Here are a few tips I like to share when you’re thinking about what to wear for your e-session:

• I always recommend neutral, earthy tones. It keeps the focus on the subject & ensures that your images will be timeless.
• Avoid being too matchy-matchy. Gone are the days of both couples wearing white t-shirts and jeans. You’ll want what you wear to complement each other, not copy! (Using a pop of color to tie both of your outfits together always works well).
• For women, avoid shirts that are baggy or super-loose. Sometimes the camera can exaggerate the looseness in the clothing, which can cause one to appear more round than they really are.
• Feel free to bring an outfit change (one casual look, one dressy look). It’s always good to switch things up a bit and if we change locations, it will essentially be like you had two photoshoots.
• Solid colored clothing items are great, and if you want to bring in a pattern, have only one person wearing the pattern.
• Wear what you feel comfortable in. If you’re not comfortable in what you’re wearing, it often shows in the images.
• If wear heels, also bring flip-flops or other shoes that you can be more comfortable in while walking in-between shots.
• Try on everything a few days before the shoot. You’ll want to make sure your clothes fit correctly and you don’t have distractions from panty lines, bra straps, poor fitting clothing, or wrinkles!

Should I get my makeup professionally done?

• There are many benefits to getting your makeup done professionally:
• Makeup looks different on-camera than in-person, and a professional makeup artist will know how much more makeup you’ll need to show well on camera and make you look your best!
• Your skin will look better in-camera (I highly recommend that you use a makeup artist who airbrushes on their makeup), and you’ll be amazed how awesome your skin looks!
• It’s a great trial run for your wedding day! You can find out what works and what doesn’t, and make adjustments for your wedding day.

Should we bring props?

This is completely up to you! If there are certain items that reflect something about you guys or your story that you would like to incorporate into photos, bring them (hats, fun shoes, a pet, sports paraphernalia, a car, bicycles, etc.)! If you have any fun signs or other props for a great “save the date” shot for you to use, bring those as well. It’s completely up to you.

Is there anything else we should bring?

Bring finishing powder to help eliminate any shine on the skin, lipstick, hairspray and a brush for any flyaway hairs. Other than that you’re good to go! Be ready to have some fun!