Are you planning your Colorado Engagement Photos? There is no shortage of beautiful photography locations in the Boulder, Co area. As a Boulder engagement and wedding photographer, I’m often asked about the best locations for photography sessions.
But before choosing your location it’s good to consider the following questions:
How many locations do you want to include? What kind of scenery are you wanting your Colorado engagement photos to showcase?
Are you interested in a formal portrait session or an adventurous one? Perhaps a mix of the two?
How many outfit changes will give you the photos you’re dreaming about? In other words, how many sides of yourself and your relationship do you want your engagement photos to showcase?
If you’re unsure I’d love to chat with you about planning a session tailored to your vision!
Here are 8 of my favorite locations in Boulder County, which is one one of the most stunning areas in Colorado for engagement photos!
Chautauqua Park
Boulder’s most iconic view of the Flatirons at Chautauqua Park is a great backdrop for your engagement session. This is justifiably the most photographed location in Boulder, and is enjoyed year round by locals and visitors. With the beauty just a few steps from the parking lot, Chautauqua photo sessions are super popular. On any given day I see dozens of photographers with their clients, and for good reason. The views are stunning and there’s no mistaking the skyline for another location.
Although crowded, the stunning light at Chautauqua Park happens just before the sun dips behind the foothills in the evening. I’d suggest a weekday session if that works with your schedule, but working around folks in the background is part of my job as a photographer. If the Flatirons have your heart then let’s plan your session here.
We can make it work beautifully.
I promise.
South Mesa Trail
South Mesa Trail is one of my favorite locations for photos, in fact it’s where I planned my maternity session last year!
This beautiful spot is perfect if you want to include Boulder’s iconic Flatirons, but don’t want the classic view. It’s also usually less crowded than the well known Chautauqua Park. South Mesa Trail boasts several amazing photo spots, offering opportunities for a variety of looks at one location. With South Boulder Creek winding under the trail, wooden fences, Foothills views and an old stone building South Mesa really does give you bang for your buck in terms of variety.
Located about 15 minutes South of Boulder’s Pearl Street Mall; South Mesa trail is a perfect sunset engagement session location.
(This also happens to be the location I chose for my own maternity photos, and they’re some of my favorite photos of all time! I can’t think of a better location, or recommendation!)
Lost Gulch Overlook
This stunning overlook features epic views of longs peek and Indian Peeks wilderness area, Lost Gulch Overlook, perched about 10 minutes up Flagstaff road, is just a few steps away from the parking area.
If you have your heart set on this location, be sure to plan on a sunrise/early morning session as Lost Gulch Overlook tends attract big crowds in the evening.
Betasso Preserve
Perched in the foothills above Boulder, Betasso Preserve is another amazing option for your engagement photos. The location boasts fields, forests, mountain views, and a stunning overlook into the city of Boulder. It’s a beautiful spot for a laid back session, and is much less crowded than any of the locations listed thus far. That said, if you want to wear formal attire this wouldn’t be my first choice for you.
It’s a beautiful spot in the morning or the evening, but it is a little farther from Boulder proper, about 25 minutes up Boulder Canyon from the downtown area.
Walden Ponds Wildlife Habitat
This trail system in East Boulder is a stunning wooded area meandering beside Boulder Creek. Its thick wooded area is the perfect spot for a forested session that isn’t your typical evergreen trees.
It’s a beautifully quiet location, and especially suited to a sunset session when some of the parks near the foothills are overly crowded.
Coot Lake
Just north of Boulder, Coot lake provides stunning views of the mountains, trails, trees, and of course, the lake itself. Engagement photos beside still clear water are ALWAYS a good idea!
Waneka Lake
Located just East of Boulder in Lafayette, Waneka Lake is another stunning location on the water. With large cottonwood trees surrounding one side of the lake, this locations offers a combination of wild woods, lakeside beaches, and offers a broad view of the mountains.
Brainard Lake Recreation Area
Although it’s a bit of a drive from Boulder, Brainard Lake Recreation Area is one of the most stunning locations in Colorado for engagement photos. And with a recent change, no permit is required for your engagement session, although a day use permit needs to be obtained in advance of your session. If I were planning my Colorado engagement photos today I’d probably choose Brainard Lake as my favorite option.
Be sure to let me know if you’d like to check out any of these amazing Boulder, Colorado engagement photo locations!
And don’t hesitate to reach out for help planning your engagement session! This list is just the beginning of the beautiful location possibilities in Boulder, and I’m always eager to scout out and photograph new locations!
