It’s time to pick a spot for your Colorado Engagement Session!
The only problem now is… Where should you go? Honestly, anywhere in Colorado is incredible and you really can’t go wrong. That being said, there are considerations to be made. Do you want to pay for a permit because often this is a pass through cost. How far do you want to drive? Are you comfortable with the snow? How about altitude? Celebrate your Colorado engagement with the vibrant beauty the state has to offer!
I’ve compiled a list of my top ten Colorado Engagement Session spots. These are chosen for ease of access, beauty, and variety. They are speckled from Colorado Springs north to Denver and West to Estes Park and Breckenridge. Therefore, there is a little something for everyone!
Palmer Park
Locals to Colorado Springs, like me, are likely familiar with Palmer Park. Dog parks, playgrounds, ball fields and more! I love this location because engagement sessions work somewhere within the park all day long. It is great for hectic schedules! From sunrise to sunset we can find a quiet spot and capture the magic of your love story. I often suggest this location for couples who want both fields and mountains but have a time crunch.
Garden of the Gods
Garden of the Gods is a destination for people around the world. From families to couples coming to get engaged and those wanting engagement or elopement pictures, this park has something for everyone. There is no lack of raw beauty and has one client told me “You don’t get views like these in Pennsylvania.” Because the park can get busy, it is best to book your session on a weekday or at sunrise.
Red Rock Open Space
Cheyenne Canon
Cheyenne Canon is beautiful year round and provides so many different options! In the summer, it is lush and green. During the fall you can access all the beauty of autumn and in winter and spring you can find a winter wonderland. Adding to that, driving from the base of the park to the top provides beautiful views and an “in the mountains” feel. There are few places in Colorado Springs as beautiful as the Canon.
Monument Valley Park
Spring and Summer at Monument Valley Park near downtown Colorado Springs is an experience you don’t want to miss! If you aren’t interested in hikes and would rather some arranged beauty not to far from home… This is your spot! With not one, but two flower gardens that you can walk through and a pond, you have the beauty of nature in a refined way. There is almost a “southern” feeling to the space.
Pikes Peak Urban Arts District
Maybe parks aren’t your thing at all. I’ve got an option that might make you smile! Perhaps, you prefer a more urban feel to your session. Look no further than the Pikes Peak Urban Arts District. With street art that constantly changes, brick buildings and a city feel – this is the antithesis of the “mountain engagement” session that Colorado is known for!
Castlewood Canyon State Park
If you really love the great outdoors but don’t want to drive two plus hours into the mountains this is a great option! Castlewood Canyon State Park lies between Colorado Springs and Denver and is rich with history and beauty. With an abandoned and destroyed homestead, a canyon and a waterfall, there isn’t much you can’t love about this spot. In the summer, I have not found more beautiful sunsets than the ones I see here. Then, in the fall, the colors of the leaves are like a sunset themselves. Because a permit of $40 is required for this location, I like to make sure that couples who select it are going to enjoy a full session with me.
Matthew Winters Park
If you are close to Denver Metro area and want a bit of an “outdoorsy” feel without trekking deep into the mountains, Matthew Winters Park is a Jefferson County location that packs a beautiful punch. While there is a $25 permit fee associated with portraits at this spot, it is definitely worth it. I love the stream and easy walk from the car. That’s why it’s one of my preferred Denver Metro locations!
Rocky Mountain National Park
This is actually my favorite place in the world. Rocky Mountain National Park in the summer is a green playground for wildlife and tourists alike. With mountains, fields, streams and meadows there is a view for everyone. But, I do charge an additional fee to do sessions at the park. However, if what you want is a beautiful spot with epic views, this is should be a contender!
Sapphire Point & Lake Dillon
This is another location where the views can’t be beat. Because of winter weather and the likelihood of getting stranded I suggest you plan an overnight trip to Breckenridge or the surrounding area. I love how the mountains surround the reservoir and there are multiple spots with different views. Winter weather can cause problems but summer and fall trips to the area are equally beautiful. Your Colorado engagement session will not leave you cold with this spot! I do charge additional fees for this location, which can be discussed at booking.
The reality is, in Colorado you can find a ditch on the side of the road that is gorgeous. I still pinch myself that I am lucky enough to live with all of this beauty surrounding me. If you have questions about other locations – of which there are many – feel free to contact me using the form above!
Non Mountain Destination Engagement sessions are included in my wedding packages. To learn more, click here!
Mary Elizabeth is a Colorado based, adventure loving storyteller and photographer. With a goal to capture the emotion that moves between individuals in her work, she and her camera can be found hiking, playing with her kids and drinking lots of coffee when she isn’t working with incredible clients!
