Being engaged is one of the best feelings in the world. You and the person you love have just committed to spending the rest of your lives together, you're planning your dream day, and you seriously can't stop staring at the ring on your - or your partner's - finger. I mean, just look at it!
But now it's time to start thinking about your engagement pictures, and the overwhelm is starting to hit you. What was supposed to just be some cute and fun pictures with your love is turning into one more thing you have to plan. Where should it be, what should you wear, who should you hire, and what season should you have your session? All these questions can cause stress, especially if planning isn't necessarily something you love doing. Thankfully, though, that's where I come in!
Let me help you narrow down your list of where to have your dream Colorado engagement photos without the headache of researching them yourself. So, without further ado, here are five breathtaking mountain locations to have your engagement session within a few hours of Denver.
Ward
Brainard Lake
Brainard Lake is located in Ward and is a fantastic spot for breathtaking photos year-round. Your engagement photos will have a good mix of beautiful mountain ranges, a large lake, and thick evergreen trees. Depending on time of year and which specific lake you're hoping for, a short walk is required, but absolutely worth it.
Pros
- Accessible all year
- Dog friendly
- No permit required
- Bathrooms at winter lot
Cons
- Winter lot parking in winter months
- Not a huge con, but a bit of a longer walk
- Paid reservation parking outside of winter lot
- Short hike/walk required
Breckenridge
Blue Lakes
Blue Lakes is the ultimate hidden gem of easily accessible mountain locations! No hike is required to reach this stunning spot, however the road to reach it is unpaved and on the narrow side. Blue Lakes is a fantastic spot for your engagement session if you don't mind a bit of a longer drive, are hoping for stunning sunset light, and are planning for summer engagement photos.
Pros
- Stunning sunset light
- Very diverse scenery without having to walk a lot
- No permit required
- No hike required
- You can get in the water
Cons
- Only accessible June - early October, or late September depending on snow
- Small parking area and narrow, unpaved road
- Extremely cold in October
- Terrain is not heel friendly
- No bathrooms
Boulder
Lost Gulch Overlook
Lost Gulch Overlook is a very popular overlook in Boulder right off Flagstaff Road. It has amazing views, is accessible all year, and there's no hiking required! Its convenient location combined with its stunning views makes it a great spot for photos, but it does get extremely crowded. Lost Gulch is the perfect choice if you're an adventurous couple who's not afraid of heights, and not bothered by the company of others.
Pros
- Convenient location
- Amazing and unique views
- Adventurous vibe
Cons
- Very crowded
- Small parking lot
- Permit is required
- Can be extremely icy and difficult to traverse in winter
- Not recommended for those afraid of heights
Rocky Mountain National Park
Sprague Lake
Sprague Lake is one of my favorite places, hands down. It's gorgeous and constantly takes my breath away. It also has the benefit of having a larger parking lot, is extremely easy to access, and it gets such a beautiful green color June through August. The downside is because it's located in RMNP a permit and park entrance fee will be required, so plan to spend an extra $75.00 just to get in and be able to legally have your session. It also can get ridiculously crowded, as is the case with most locations in RMNP. However if you're willing to have your engagement session on a weekday, you're likely to miss the crowds and get the perfectly romantic backdrop you've been dreaming of.
Pros
- Very diverse scenery
- Beautiful year round
- You can get in the water
- Extremely green in summer
- Easy walking trail
Cons
- Snow can close the road to Sprague Lake
- Permit is required
- Park entrance fee required
- Can get very crowded
Rocky Mountain National Park
Lilly Lake
Like Sprague Lake, Lilly Lake is another gorgeous lake located in Rocky Mountain National Park. The lake here is larger and the mountain peaks have a much different look to them, though are still quite beautiful, especially at sunset. Lilly Lake also has a really fun flat bridge, pier, tons of evergreens you can get next to for a foresty look, and you don't have to pass through the ranger station to reach it. Now, because it's still in RMNP, you will still need to have a permit and you can expect it to get busy here. But the bright side is there is a huge overfill parking area right across the street and the walking trail has a long enough loop that even while busy there should be plenty of room to get some space from others.
Pros
- Gorgeous sunset light
- Large overflow parking area
- Don't have to pass through ranger station
- Unique features
Cons
- Permit is required
- Can get very crowded
- Does not get as green as other areas
So, there you have it! Five mountain locations for the perfect engagement session.
Remember, finding the perfect spot is only one piece of the puzzle. No matter where you choose to have your session, your photographer will be the number one determining factor to whether or not you love your photos. So, make sure you hire a photographer you absolutely love, and don't settle for the cheapest option or a family friend who owns a camera. After all, engagement photos are in celebration of you and your love getting married. Isn't that worth splurging on?
And if you're still on the hunt for the perfect engagement photographer, I'd love to chat! All of my full day wedding packages include a complimentary engagement session with custom location suggestions to ensure you're getting exactly what you're dreaming of. Let me take the stress out of your engagement and wedding photos, so you can focus on this magical time of your life. Reach out today for a custom quote and to start your wedding photo journey.
