Colorado offers some of the most stunning engagement photo locations. With picturesque views of the mountains, forests, mesas, canyons, plateaus, and rivers, there is no shortage of locations to explore. The below list includes 7 of the best locations in Colorado for stunning engagement photos, including tips for navigating each location.

1. Denver Botanic Gardens

Undoubtedly a stunning wedding venue in Denver, the Denver Botanic Gardens is equally beautiful for capturing engagement photos. Within the Denver Botanic Gardens, there are two unique Colorado engagement photo locations, Chatfield Farms, and York Street. Each of these locations provides a variety of vibrant local plants in bloom, creating an illustrious backdrop for your engagement photos.

Plan Your Session | The gardens are open daily from 9 am to 2:30 pm. Parking is available on a limited basis in the parking complex between York Street and Josephine Streets. Additionally, street parking is available in Cheesman Park or Congress Park. Admission to York Street is priced at $15.75 with admission to Chatfield Farms priced at $12.

2. Lake Dillon 

Lake Dillion is a majestic sprawl of land located in a small mountain community filled with scenic overlooks. This breathtaking outdoor location is an idyllic setting for capturing engagement photos in Colorado. During the warmer months, you can expect engagement photos with ridgeline views and expansive greenery. During the winter, snow-capped mountains and icy terrain will grace your images. 

Plan Your Session | There is no fee to access Lake Dillon. To access Lake Dillon from Denver take Interstate 70 through the Eisenhower Tunnel to Dillon.

3. Chautauqua Park

An iconic and historic landmark, Chautauqua Park dates back to the inception of the city of Boulder over a century ago. This breathtaking park is filled with some of the most popular trailheads in Boulder with hikers typically heading out at sunrise. However, a sunrise engagement photoshoot is still possible at Chautauqua Park. In particular, this is one of my favorite times for capturing stunning photos with the warm pink and red tones of the mountains glowing in the background.

Plan Your Session | The park is open Sunday to Saturday from the hours of 5 am to 11 pm, making it an ideal location for a sunrise or sunset engagement photoshoot. Admission is free but there may be a small parking fee upon arrival.

4. Byron Courthouse

For engagement photos with sleek Neo-Classical architecture, the Byron Courthouse, located in downtown Denver, is a noteworthy location. Originally constructed in 1916, the facade of the courthouse is a marble wonder with larger-than-life Roman pillars casting a shadow of elegance for all who pass by. Of the Colorado engagement photo locations listed here, this location is the most refined, offering a chic but modern look for your photography experience.

Plan Your Session | There are several places to park near the courthouse with lots located at 20th Street & Champa Street and at 19th Street & Arapahoe Street. The courthouse is open to the public Monday through Friday from the hours of 8 am to 5 pm which is why I highly recommend a sunrise or sunset session, which will ensure less foot traffic during your photoshoot.

5. Brainard Lake Recreation Area

A glacially carved valley offering spectacular panoramic views of Brainard Lake. This majestic location is surrounded by subalpine forests and high peaks. Creating an enveloping sense of beauty for awe-inspiring engagement photos in Colorado. If you wish to include your fur baby during your engagement photo shoot, Brainard Lake Recreation Area permits dogs who are leashed.

Plan Your Session | There is a $10 day use fee to access Brainard Lake. Additionally, the seasonal gate is open from approximately mid-June through mid-October. During the winter months, access to the area is limited to cross-country skiing and snowshoe trails.

6. The Maven Hotel Lobby

A luxury boutique hotel located in Denver’s dairy district, the Maven Hotel lobby is a stunning work of art & architecture. Though grand in scale, the atmosphere of the lobby has a cozy and intimate feeling to it which is an ideal atmosphere to look for in Colorado engagement photo locations. 

Plan Your Session | There is a bar located in the lobby of the Maven Hotel. This will allow us to plan your engagement photoshoot layered with a feeling reminiscent of date night. Valet parking is available at the Maven Hotel. Conversely, you may opt to find parking on the street – which can be very limited

7. Mount Falcon Trailhead

If you are an adventurous couple who loves to spend your time hitting the trails, Mount Falcon Trailhead is one of the best Colorado engagement photo locations for you. This loop trail features picturesque views of Denver, Red Rocks, and the Front Range. It is considered a relatively easy hike with a wide flat trail. Which makes it an ideal location for a professional photography experience that embodies your love of the outdoors.

Plan Your Session | Admission to Mount Falcon Trailhead is free. Additionally, there is ample available parking located at both the East & West entrances of the trailhead.

Colorado Engagement Photographer

Your engagement photos will preceed your wedding photography experience, marking this new chapter in your life together. When it comes to Colorado engagement photo locations, you should select a place that reflects your unique personality while showcasing the stunning landscape or architecture that Colorado is known for. For more details on the experience I provide as a Colorado engagement photographer, you can follow this link.