As a wedding photographer in Denver, I love to take advantage of all the natural scenery in Colorado. After all, people travel from all over to experience the mountainous beauty of Colorado. The Rockies offer a built-in backdrop for adventurous couples and epic shots. There aren’t many states that feature the vibrant urban scene that Denver provides right next to towering mountains, so I like to use both for photoshoot location depending on the couple’s personality. I’m all ears for your suggestions (like the location of your first date perhaps?), but I also want to offer a few ideas for couples photos near Denver in case you can’t decide.
Best Scenery in Colorado for Couples Photos
5 Location Ideas for Colorado Couples Portraits
1. Downtown/Uptown
The Mile High City has plenty of artistic urban scenes to explore. We can use the vibrant grassy space in City Park, just east of downtown, to keep some fresh greenery in the mix. And a couple blocks south of that near Bluebird Theater you’ll find some retro bars and restaurants as well. At sunset, you can catch some great views of the colorful sky fading into the Rockies.
2. Grassy Meadows + Valleys
Many parks, like Rocky Mountain National Park in northern Colorado, have beautiful meadows to explore, too. Take advantage of the natural beauty of the flowing streams, wildflowers, and tall grasses for your engagement session. However, even though we may not be hiking very far, the valley areas can still get a bit rough or muddy, so be sure to bring a pair of boots or tennis shoes with you to your session. Ute Valley Park in Colorado Springs is one of my favorite parks because it has just about every feature—grassy valleys and wildflowers, rocky terrain (including towering red rocks), trails, and wooded areas.
3. Ethereal Red Rocks of Colorado Springs
Garden of the Gods and Ute Valley Park both showcase incredible sandstone rock formations that look like scenes from a movie. If you love to climb, hike, and explore, this is this perfect location to catch the two of you in your element. The red hues of the rock look amazing against blue skies and tall pines for some memorable and wall-worthy portraits.
4. Seasonal Landscapes
Amber-leafed aspens, snowcapped mountains, and green valleys dotted with wildflowers—the Colorado landscape is ever-changing. From cozy winter-themed sessions to bright and colorful springtime shoots, keep in mind what look you’re going for in your photos. If you want classic photos you can display all year round, consider a summertime session with neutral-colored outfits. But cozying up under a plaid blanket makes for festive save the dates or holiday cards.
5. Rushing Rivers & Water Features
Be mindful of the seasons here. The streams flowing down from the mountains tend to dry up during the late summer and fall months after all the melted snow has run off. But if you can find a year-round river or larger stream, water features and colorful fall leaves lend themselves to romantic engagement photos. Or, simply plan your session for the spring when the mountain streams are full. Some parks, like Rocky Mountain National Park have several alpine lakes and cascading waterfalls that don’t require intense hikes.
6. Mountainside & Hiking Trail Photos
If you’re adventurers at heart and love the thrill of taking in cliffside views, we can grab our hiking boots and find an overlook for your epic engagement or elopement photos. Personally, I really enjoy these, and I think many couples do, too, because it’s just as much an experience as a photoshoot. Later, these photos will remind you of that incredible adventure together. Those memories are what make those photos extra special.
Let Me Know What You Have in Mind! Love the Scenery in Colorado? Book Your Session with John Moler Photography, Denver wedding Photographer.
I am a Colorado Wedding Photographer who specializes in authentic, emotive images. I strive to tell your story through my lens so you can relive it for years to come. View recent weddings in my PORTFOLIO, get more INFORMATION, and BOOK YOUR WEDDING directly at johnmoler.com.
