As a Colorado native and Denver-based photographer for over 10 years, I have found spots that never disappoint when it comes to engagement sessions. There is a lot to consider when picking a location (time of year, walkability, crowds). Here is a list of some of my go-to spots! We are definitely not limited to these, but some ideas!

Lookout Mountain.

Why it’s a favorite: Lookout Mountain is great anytime of the year (think evergreens, boulders, and an epic view). It’s about 35 minutes from downtown Denver and a beautiful drive!

Best time of year: Anytime outside of a winter storm of course. This is a great spot to choose in the winter because the evergreens look good all year round.

Walkability: There are a couple of stops. The first one is about a 5-10 minute walk in. The second one is just a few minutes' walk, but be sure to wear sturdy shoes as it involves walking on a rocky trail. Perfect for two outfits.

Bonus: Stop in Golden on the way out for a drink at one of their local breweries Or grab a snack here.

Price: $950

Denver Botanic Gardens.

Why it’s a favorite: With indoor and outdoor options, there are hundreds of little nooks to explore and spots that make it look like you are in the jungles of Hawaii. They do require a permit for photographers, which I am happy to cover!

Best time of year: Spring, Summer, or Fall! In the winter, they put up a bunch of lights for a holiday light display, which might be fun to take flash photos of for a unique night session.

Walkability: Everything is paved, but it does require a bit of walking

Bonus: You get to see Botanic Gardens! In downtown - so not a lot of travel if you live in Denver. Parking is usually easy.

Price: $950

Lost Gulch Lookout.

Why it’s a favorite: Another spot that is good anytime of the year although it can be windy and cold in the winter so dress appropriately. And wear shoes with grip! It has an incredible mountain view without going too far from Denver. And is perfect at sunset. Only about 15 minutes from downtown Boulder

Best time of year: All year, but it can be a bit windy at times. And can be crowded on the weekends.

Walkability: Requires a bit of maneuvering around rocks. Not for those who are scared of heights.

Bonus: Make it date and grab some sushi at Japango after (my favorite sushi spot)

Price: $950

Downtown Denver

Why it’s a favorite: Perhaps you are having a mountain wedding and want to mix it up. Or you just love the city life. The city at sunset is beautiful to me and I have multiple location ideas. We could start at 15th and Wewatta (the iron bridges) and do a loop! There are a ton of cool spots and buildings. Or we can get some epic street art and wander through Rino. We can meet at Denver Central Market. Or we can find some fun spots on South Broadway. If you want the view of the city - Zuni and 26th is your spot! Or if you live downtown or are staying downtown, we could start at your place and go from there!

Best time of year: All year and we can shoot any time of day - using the shadows of the buildings and getting some direct sun as well

Walkability: Up to you! We can spend an hour walking around and hitting up different spots or we can just choose one

Bonus: Make it date and grab some food after or start with a cocktail, or we can swing by your favorite pizza place or brewery for some fun lifestyle photos

Price: $950

Rocky Mountain National Park

Why it’s a favorite: Summer or Fall is the perfect time to head to RMNP. I have an all parks pass so we would meet at Coffee on the Rocks - grab a warm drink if you wish and jump in my car! There is a good chance you will see elk and the colors in the fall are to die for! Estes Park is a little over an hour from Denver.

Best time of year: All year with some exceptions during winter as Trail Ridge Road is closed and other roads can be closed due to snow

Walkability: This varies depending on where we go - we could do a two mile hike or just pull over to different spots

Bonus: Grab some Mexican food at Ed’s Cantina and Grill or a drink and live music at Rock Inn Mountain Tavern or if you are feeling fancy a cocktail at the haunted Stanley Hotel.

Price: This is considered an adventure session and is 2 hours of coverage and cost $1200.

Burning Bear Trailhead off of Guanella Pass.

Why it’s a favorite: This scenic byway is about one hour and 20 minutes from Denver (a little longer if it is peak season with traffic) and has beautiful views and foliage.

Best time of year: FALL and summer - if you are looking for leaves during peak season (mid to late September) this is a great spot

Walkability: requires some walking - nothing too strenuous

Bonus: Add on a stop at Bierstadt Trailhead on the way out! This is also the route through Georgetown, where you can grab a late dinner.

Price: $950

Paintmines.

Why it’s a favorite: Paintmines is a super unique spot in the middle of nowhere (about an hour and 45 minutes from Denver). You feel like you are on Mars. If you like a more dramatic/artsy look this spot is for you!

Best time of year: Summer - it can be windy and cold during the non-warm months

Walkability: requires about a 20-minute walk in and then walking around - nothing too strenuous though

Bonus: your photos will be unique! More privacy - not a ton of people unless it’s a weekend

Price: $1050.

Sand Dunes .

Why it’s a favorite: The Sand Dunes is about 4 hours from Denver and is a must-see National Park. It is miles and miles of sand and looks different at all times of the day. I can’t think of a better spot to have your engagement photos.

Best time of year: I recommend May/early June or September/early October, as it can get pretty hot mid-summer. In May you can still get some run off water in this little river which is fun to play in!

Walkability: requires about a 20-minute walk in and then walking around - definitely a bit of work out hiking through sand! Bring water and we can take a lot of breaks

Bonus: Your photos will be unique! More privacy - not a ton of people. One of the most magical places in Colorado. You can camp (with reservations) at the dunes or Zapata falls. Or you can stay at Joyful Journey - a hot springs about 45 minutes away.

Price: This is considered an adventure session and is 2 hours of coverage and cost $1500.

Red Rocks.

Why it’s a favorite: Yes, it’s the best music venue in the state (maybe the country) and for a reason. There are a ton of cool trails and lookouts which are especially great if you are hoping for a session between October-March when most things are dead. Red Rocks still looks beautiful.

Best time of year: Any time of year! If it’s concert season, they have shows most evenings, and it can get pretty crowded even early in the day, so I do SUNRISE sessions only at Red Rocks.

Walkability: Very little walking!

Bonus: A unique landscape that is very iconic of Colorado. Also, deer come out most mornings around sunrise!

Price: $950

Mount Falcon East Trailhead.

Why it’s a favorite: There are two parking lots/trails for Mt. Falcon. The photos below were taken at the Mount Falcon Park in Morrison off of Vine street. There is also a West trailhead - that is about a 13 minute drive further from Denver and both are beautiful. You also get views of Red Rocks. This has easy parking and little walking!

Best time of year: Any time of year!

Walkability: Very little walking! Up to you.

Bonus: Downtown Morrison is a great spot to swing by before or after

Price: $950

Your house.

Why it’s a favorite: I love “at home” sessions. Take note of when your house receives good light (mornings…afternoons?). We can take some of you eating Chinese food and drinking wine. Or picking tomatoes in the garden. Making cookies or just snuggling up in bed or on the couch. Maybe you like to make coffee together on Sunday mornings and listen to records. Let’s capture it! I have done quite a few of these of people who are moving and want to remember their space. Your home is such a special spot where so many memories are made.

Best time of year: Any time of year! Any time of day (when there is daylight).

Walkability: From your bedroom to your living room lol.

Bonus: No driving. You can change outfits with ease. Capturing this season of your life wherever you live.

Price: $950 (if you are within and hour and a half of Denver)

Strawberry Park Hot Springs.

Why it’s a favorite: This would be awesome to get a steamy session of you two taking a dip in the beautiful hot springs. I have been to quite a few in Colorado and Strawberry Park is my favorite. You are surrounded by evergreens and natural rock. There is a $15 per person entrance fee, cash only.

Best time of year: Any time of year! Any time of day. The colder the steamier, of course.

Walkability: Not much - just be cafeful as the rocks can get very slippery (and icy in the winter). Bring water!

Bonus: You get to be in the coolest hotsprings in Colorado. You are warm lol. A fun getaway in Steamboat!

Price: This is considered an adventure session and is 2 hours of coverage and cost $1500.

Dowdy Trail in Boulder.

Why it’s a favorite: If you live here, we are all familiar with the crowded, hard-to-find parking at Chautauqua Park. But I know of a secret spot with a beautiful view of the Flat Irons and lot’s of privacy

Best time of year: Any time of year! Any time of day. The colder the steamier, of course.

Walkability: Not much - just be cafeful as the rocks can get very slippery (and icy in the winter). Bring water!

Bonus: You get to be in the coolest hotsprings in Colorado. You are warm lol. A fun getaway in Steamboat!

Price: This is considered an adventure session and is 2 hours of coverage and cost $1500. Best time is spring and summer! There is a steep hill to climb up so bring a change of shoes if you need! $950

North Table Mountain in Golden. It is a little bit of a hike (not long (about 15-20 minutes, but very steep). So bring some water and come check out some views for sunset! Only about 20 minutes from Denver. $950

Indian Peaks The hike to Lake Isabelle is an out and back and is beautiful the whole way so we don’t need to do the entire hike. There is a lower lake as well - Brainard Lake. I would recommend about 3 hours total or more (45 minutes of hiking in - an hour and a half of shooting - 45 minutes of hiking back with some more stops along the way) if you want the views pictured below. Bring bug spray and keep your eyes out for moose! I saw three my last time we were there! This is considered an adventure session and is 2 hours of coverage and cost $1500.

Rooftop/Parking Garage Photographers have discovered the fun downtown feel of being on the rooftop of a parking garage. The best thing about these locations is the privacy (hello, no one is parking on the roof) and the views. Here are a few recent shoots from some parking garages in Denver! $950

Sapphire Point/Lake Dillion Sapphire Point Overlook is about an hour and a half from Denver but a popular spot for a reason. You get lake and mountains and pine trees - plus the glow of the sunset. I have done quite a few elopements up there as well! It’s a short 12 minute drive from downtown Breckenridge. $950