HOW TO PICK THE RIGHT LOCATION FOR YOUR ENGAGEMENT PHOTOSHOOT

Romantic couple in casual attire standing close during golden hour photoshoot.
Winter mountain engagement photo with couple and golden retriever by wooden fence.
Playful couple embracing in wildflower meadow with mountain vista background.

Colorado is such a beautiful state. There is such a wide variety of scenery. You can go from the pure white rocks at the Paint Mines to the hulking green and brown Rocky Mountains.


Because of the vast possibilities and endless choices, I have narrowed it down to seven locations that I think would would make for a beautiful mountain engagement photography session.

Close-up of hand showing engagement ring with sunlight creating lens flare effect.
Happy couple celebrating engagement on forest trail with joyful laughter.

The location you choose should reflect who you are as a couple. Think of your happy place and consider what makes it so special. Now keep that in mind while deciding your location.


If you already have the perfect outfit in mind, make sure it compliments your location, and the same goes both ways. If you want to wear a green dress, don’t choose a park full of greenery and If you want pictures by the ocean, maybe wear white instead of blue.

Locations not in RMNP

Loveland Pass

A couple shares an intimate moment against a backdrop of majestic mountain peaks at sunset.

Located on the Continental Divide, Loveland Pass provides a dramatic backdrop with panoramic views of the Rocky Mountains. As the highest mountain pass accessible by paved road in Colorado, it offers unparalleled vistas and a sense of awe-inspiring elevation. The open expanse and rugged peaks make it an ideal location for sunrise or sunset shoots, capturing warm hues and dramatic shadows against the majestic mountain backdrop.

Locations in RMNP

Sprague Lake

A romantic wedding pose on a wooden dock over a misty mountain lake.

Within Rocky Mountain National Park, Sprague Lake offers a quintessential mountain lake setting with views of the Continental Divide. The easy loop trail around the lake allows for diverse photo opportunities, from reflections of snow-capped peaks in the lake's waters to shaded areas under towering spruce trees. Sunrise here bathes the landscape in soft light, ideal for capturing serene moments against the backdrop of Hallett Peak and the surrounding peaks.

Loveland Pass

Keystone, Colorado

***This is my favorite & recommended spot based on what you’re looking for***


Recommended Time

Loveland Pass is truly gorgeous no matter what time you go at but sunset is going to have the best lighting. It doesn't get too crowded up here even on the weekends.

Extra Fees

None

Key Features

  • Sweeping mountain Views
  • Not too crowded
  • Diverse landscapes including lakes
  • Great spot for astro photography if the sky is clear
  • No cell service


A couple embraces against a dramatic mountain backdrop during sunset with pink clouds in Colorado.
Two figures share a tender moment on a mountainside during golden hour with snow-capped peaks behind them.
A romantic moment between two people by an alpine lake surrounded by mountain peaks.
A couple holds hands in a wildflower meadow with mountain views and golden sunset light.


Sapphire Point

Breckenridge, Colorado

Recommended Time

Sapphire Point is another spot that I don't think time really matters. Afternoon/evening tends to give off softer lighting but it's totally up to you! Sometimes in the early afternoon, clouds start rolling in getting ready for an afternoon thunderstorm which provides soft lighting for photos.

Extra Fees

None

Key Features

  • Sweeping mountain Views
  • Not too crowded
  • Diverse landscapes including the lake
  • Not the best cell service


A couple shares an intimate moment on a mountain overlook with snow-capped peaks in the background.
Two people share an intimate moment on a lakeside shore with mountains in the background.
A romantic scene unfolds on a stone wall overlooking mountain vistas and a serene lake.
A playful winter moment captured between two people against a snowy mountain landscape.


Lost Gulch Overlook & Chautauqua Park

Boulder, Colorado

Recommended Time

I'm pretty adamant about photographing these locations at either sunrise or sunset. The lighting is just so dreamy at these time that I can't really recommend anything else.

Extra Fees

A $25 photo permit is required for the majority of photo shoots and can be obtained through Boulder Country Park Services.

Key Features

  • Sweeping Mountain Views
  • Can be crowded
  • 10 minutes from each other
  • Only 30 minutes from Denver


A couple stands together on a rocky mountain overlook during sunset with vast valleys below.
A person in a dress holds flowers in a green meadow with the Flatirons mountains behind.
Two silhouettes stand together on a mountain peak overlooking rolling hills at golden hour.
A silhouetted couple embraces on a rocky outcrop as the sun sets behind mountain ranges.

Indian Peaks Wilderness

Ward, Colorado

Recommended Time

Indian Peaks Wilderness is SO pretty during sunrise. It's the time I recommend the most for this location as the mountains light up in oranges and reds and the sun rises. It's definitely worth the lack of sleep.

Extra Fees

$14 Entry Fee

Timed Entry Reservation

Key Features

  • Sweeping mountain Views
  • Not too crowded
  • Diverse landscapes including lakes
  • No cell service but easy to find each other


A couple embraces by an alpine lake with snow-capped mountains in the background at dusk.
A couple and their golden retriever pose together by a lake with mountain scenery at sunset.
A playful piggyback ride moment on a forest trail surrounded by evergreen trees.
A couple sits together on yellow road lines with mountain peaks and blue skies in the background.

Garden of the Gods

Colorado Springs, Colorado

Recommended Time

Sunset is the time for photos in Garden of the Gods. The sun makes the red rock glow and it’s so beautiful!

Extra Fees

None

Key Features

  • Diverse scenery
  • Can be crowded on weekends
  • Diverse landscapes


Visitors walking on a path through the towering red rock formations at Garden of the Gods.
Scenic mountain landscape at Garden of the Gods with snow-capped Pikes Peak visible in the background.
A romantic moment at Garden of the Gods park in Colorado with red sandstone formations and blue skies in the background.
Couple sharing a moment on a paved path at Garden of the Gods with towering red rock formations behind them.

The Following Locations Are in Rocky Mountain National Park


Any locations within Rocky Mountain National Park are based on their Timed Entry. Timed Entry Slots open 24 hours before the time we want to go in and it will be based on availability. Weekends are more difficult to reserve than weekdays because of crowds.


View the Time Entry Park Services Webpage.


All locations within RMNP are subject to a $50 photography permit fee that I do not personally cover, though I am happy to obtain the permit for us.

Rocky Mountain National Park


Sprague Lake

Overview

Unfortunately, I have only been to Sprague Lake during foggy weather :'( but there are beautiful mountains in this location. Anytime here is great but if you want to avoid crowds then sunrise is the best. This is the case for all of the RMNP locations.

Extra Fees

$50 Photo Permit & Entrance Fee

Key Features

  • Beautiful mountain & lake views
  • Close to Bear Lake & Moraine Park
  • Versatile: forest & mountain backdrops



A romantic moment on a misty wooden dock overlooking a tranquil lake surrounded by forest.


Bear Lake

Overview

Bear Lake is tucked away from the rest of the park and is gorgeous. How the lake looks is very dependent on the season. Anytime is great for this location as far as lighting goes. Because it's so close to a mountain, the sun drops behind the mountains here a lot earlier than some of the other locations.

Extra Fees

$50 Photo Permit & Entrance Fee

Key Features

  • Secluded feeling
  • Versatile: forest & mountain backdrops


Silhouettes of a couple against a majestic snow-capped mountain backdrop with evergreen forest.


Moraine Park

Overview

Moraine Park is one of the first views once you enter RMNP. It's gorgeous and even if you choose another spot in RMNP we can quickly stop here as well.

Extra Fees

$50 Photo Permit & Entrance Fee

Key Features

  • Beautiful mountain views
  • Easy to get to


A bride in a lace gown stands in a golden mountain meadow during autumn.
A couple shares a joyful moment while holding hands in casual attire against a forest backdrop.
Good vibes & scenery

Don't see one you love?

Don't worry! There's plenty more where that came from so if you want to take a good look at more options, you just let me know and we will deep dive into Google until we find the perfect location for you!

Check out my master list of locations
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