PLUS OUR BONUS BUCKET LIST LOCATIONS!
Engagement photos are a beautiful way to capture the love and connection between you and your partner before your big day and selecting the perfect location is key. Choosing an amazing location for your engagement session can be difficult as Colorado has so many great spots to choose from.
We’ve compiled our top 5 engagement photography locations that offer breathtaking backdrops and unique settings to capture beautiful and timeless photos of you and your partner. These locations are sure to inspire you and help you find thee spot for your engagement session.
GUANELLA PASS
Guanella Pass has it all! This is one of our favorite spots for an engagement session with its breathtaking views, serene landscape, and beautiful wildflowers. Located in Clear Creek County near Georgetown, Colorado, this spot offers a wide variety of natural backdrops including majestic peaks, luscious green valleys, alpine lakes and forested creeks.
The pass is stunning during the summer months, particularly in mid-July when the wildflowers are in full bloom, which creates a colorful and vibrant environment for your photos. You’ll be surrounded by fields of lupines, Indian paintbrushes, and other beautiful blooms that will add pops of color and texture to your photos. The drive up Guanella Pass Scenic Byway is filled with aspen trees that turn bright gold in the end of September, so it always has something special to offer.
Whether you’re looking for a lush meadow, a rocky mountain backdrop, or a forested trail, Guanella Pass is versatile in nearly every way. The scenery is truly breathtaking with unparalleled views. Check out Jordan & Alexa’s summer wildflower engagement session at Guanella Pass!
LOVELAND PASS
Located in Colorado, Loveland Pass is a unique location known for its breathtaking vistas and alpine lakes that offer a stunning backdrop for engagement photos. The pass goes over the Continental Divide at an elevation of over 11,000 feet, which provides a dramatic setting for your pictures.
In just a short stroll from the parking lot, you could be on top of the world. Loveland Pass also offers several scenic drives through mountains and Arapahoe Basin. If you’re looking for a romantic setting with an adventurous vibe, Loveland Pass is the spot for you!
ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK
Rocky Mountain National Park is a beautiful location for engagement photos with its stunning mountain ranges, crystal clear lakes, and diverse wildlife. Just outside of Estes Park, RMNP offers a wide variety of natural backdrops that are perfect for capturing intimate and romantic moments between you and your partner.
From panoramic mountain views to tranquil alpine lakes, the park has something to offer for every couple’s style and preference with scenery that is truly awe-inspiring. Rocky Mountain National Park is particularly beautiful during the fall months when the aspen trees turn golden and provide stunning contrast against the snow-capped peaks. The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including elk and big-horn sheep, which can add a unique touch to your photos if you’re lucky enough to spot them.
PINEY RIVER RANCH
Piney River Ranch is a unique setting for engagement photos due to its natural beauty and rustic charm. Piney Lake is nestled at the foot of the majestic Gore Range within the White River National Forest, just under an hour drive from Vail, Colorado. The fall scenery is breathtaking, with golden aspens reflected in the still waters of the lake. Just make sure you leave enough time for the drive to this secluded gem because you’ll have to navigate a bumpy washboard road that will be sure to keep you on your toes!
This special spot is well worth the trek though, as it combines mountain views with a peaceful and serene atmosphere by the water. The ranch is situated on a pristine alpine lake and is surrounded by mountains and forests, creating a rustic setting that is perfect for a romantic and intimate engagement session, especially in mid-late September.
The ranch’s rustic cabins, barns, and lodges provide additional backdrops for photos and add to the charm and character of the setting.
GREAT SAND DUNES
The Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve is a truly special place for engagement photos due to its unique and otherworldly landscape. Located in southern Colorado near Alamosa, the park features towering sand dunes that rise over 700 feet, creating a dramatic and breathtaking backdrop for photos. This spot holds a special place in our hearts and its unparalleled beauty makes it one of our favorite places in Colorado.
The park also offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, which can be seen from the top of the sand dunes. In the spring, the snowmelt from the mountains creates Medano Creek, which is a fun spot to dip your toes in and create some unique images.
BONUS BUCKET LIST LOCATIONS
As photographers, we have a few bucket list locations that we would really love to visit! Despite having photographed throughout Colorado, there are still several dreamy destinations that we would love to take couples to! Check out our bonus bucket list locations for some fun inspiration while you plan the perfect spot for your engagement photos!
TRAIL RIDGE ROAD
Trail Ridge Road is a stunning location to have your engagement photos taken. The road is open from late May to mid-October, making summer the ideal time to capture your photos. During this time, the weather is warm, and the wildflowers are in full bloom, creating a colorful and vibrant background for your photos.
This windy road through Rocky Mountain National Park takes you above tree line with stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. There are a few things to consider when planning your engagement photography session at Trail Ridge Road. The weather can be unpredictable (and windy!) so it’s essential to bring layers and check the forecast before heading out.
The road can also be busy during peak season, so consider scheduling your shoot during off-peak hours to avoid crowds. To access the park during peak season (May 26th – October 22nd) you will need to obtain a Park Access Timed Entry Permit.
CRESTED BUTTE
If you’re looking for an incredible location for your engagement photos, consider Crested Butte when the wildflowers are in bloom! This stunning mountain town is known as the “Wildflower Capital of Colorado” and is home to some of the most vibrant and picturesque wildflower displays in the state. During the summer months, the hillsides are covered in a rainbow of colors.
The area is home to more than 50 species of wildflowers, which are typically in bloom from mid-July to early August, so plan accordingly! The wildflowers cover the hillsides, meadows, and alpine tundra, creating a stunning natural tapestry.
The town is surrounded by towering peaks, including Mount Crested Butte and Whetstone Mountain which provide a stunning backdrop for outdoor activities such as hiking, mountain biking, and skiing.
TELLURIDE
Telluride is one of our favorite mountain towns in Colorado, and if you haven’t already been, you are missing out! The San Sophia Overlook offers breathtaking views of the surrounding San Juan Mountain Range, making it an ideal spot for photos. To get there, take a gondola ride up the mountain, which provides stunning views of the town below and the surrounding mountains.
Once at the San Sophia Overlook, you’ll be surrounded by panoramic views of the San Juan Mountains, including the iconic Wilson Peak. The overlook is especially popular during the fall months when the aspen trees turn vibrant shades of yellow and orange.
OURAY
If you’re looking for a stunning fall location to have your engagement photos taken, consider Ouray. Ouray is known as the “Switzerland of America” and is home to some of the most breathtaking fall foliage displays in Colorado. The town is surrounded by towering mountains and is nestled in a picturesque valley.
Ouray is also known for its hot springs, which offer a relaxing and rejuvenating experience for visitors. The town’s historic downtown area is also a popular destination, with unique shops, restaurants, and cafes.
During the fall months, the trees turn vibrant shades of orange and yellow, creating a colorful and romantic atmosphere for your shoot. Whether you choose to have your photos taken in the historic downtown area or venture out into the surrounding mountains, Ouray is a magical location for your engagement photos.
COTTONWOOD PASS
Cottonwood Pass in Colorado is an incredible location for your session. The pass provides stunning views of the surrounding mountain ranges and is open from late-May to early-November, making it an ideal location for a summer or fall engagement shoot.
The pass provides access to the surrounding mountains and offers breathtaking views of the Collegiate Peaks and the Sawatch Range. Cottonwood Pass is especially popular during the fall months when the aspen trees turn vibrant shades of yellow and orange, creating a stunning backdrop for outdoor activities such as hiking and photography.
Cottonwood Pass is also known for its unique 4WD road, which provides access to remote areas of the mountains that are otherwise difficult to reach. This road provides a unique and thrilling experience for visitors who enjoy off-roading and adventure.
RED MOUNTAIN PASS
Last but not least, if you are looking for a true adventure engagement photography session, consider Red Mountain Pass! The pass is known for its stunning views of the San Juan Mountain Range and the breathtaking scenery that surrounds it.
Red Mountain Pass is named for the distinctive red color of the surrounding mountains. The rocks in the area contain iron oxide, which gives them a red hue, particularly when illuminated by the sun. The unique geology of the area adds to its natural beauty.
Accessing the pass requires a 4WD vehicle, as the road can be steep and rocky, and it’s important to check weather conditions and road closures before heading out. If you don’t have a 4WD vehicle, there are jeep rental options in the nearby town of Ouray!
Loving what you see? Check out our blog for more engagement photography tips when planning your session or download our engagement session guide for more details!
