Jenn & Riley were the best to spend a morning with in Boulder! I loved that they were down for anything, and were just happy to be outdoors and exploring the mountains. When thinking about locations, their first choice was Lost Gulch Lookout, which I love! But because it’s a super popular location, that meant we had to be strategic on our timing to avoid the crowds.

We originally planned on a sunrise session, but with the chance of it being overcast and a storm arriving later in the day, we decided on mid-morning and it turned out perfect! We were able to have most of the spot to ourselves, not feel like there was an audience, and just enjoy a more calm and peaceful session.

I love when my couples bring dogs to their sessions and Henry, their two-year old lab, was definitely the star of the show! Instantly we became the best of friends, and he just loved exploring and being in front of the camera with Jenn & Riley. He added so much joy to our session!

These two just have such a sweet love for each other and this definitely reflects in their photos. And I can’t wait for their wedding at Spruce Mountain Ranch next year!

Choosing Boulder for your Colorado Engagement Photos

Boulder is such a perfect spot for engagement photos and these are just a few of the reasons why!

It’s a short drive from Denver, about 40 minutes, to make it an easily accessible location out of the city.
It’s absolutely stunning! It has such a wide range of landscapes to choose from for your photos, with them having mountains, meadows, lakes, wildflowers, and more. You just have so many options to get those stunning secluded views.
It’s super dog-friendly, which was perfect for Jenn & Riley and anyone else wanting to bring their fur baby along!
The weather is much more mild compared to other areas of Colorado, which means you’re much more likely to have some sun for your session. Even in the winter, the temps are typically pretty mild!

Boulder is popular for a reason! It is absolutely beautiful and also has a lot to do, with tons of restaurants and hiking trails. It’s a perfect place for engagement photos!

Boulder Colorado Engagement Photo Locations

The great thing about Boulder is it has many different scenic spots that can make a beautiful backdrop! Here’s a few different ones to choose from.

Lost Gulch Lookout

This session was done at Lost Gulch Overlook and the views here are so incredible! Since this spot faces west, the best time to shoot here is at sunset. But because of this, it can get super crowded, especially on the weekends. So doing a sunrise session is also a great option to avoid the crowds.

The drive up to Lost Gulch isn’t an easy one, with a lot of sharp curves and low speed limits. It’s definitely important to drive carefully since you’ll see a lot of cyclists and small hiking trails and people will be walking along the road.

Also keep in mind that your photographer will need a permit for this location, which you can find more info on here.

Chautauqua Park

This is another super popular spot for photos here in Boulder, and it’s a convenient drive from downtown Denver. The Flatirons make a super unique backdrop and has the tall grass that looks so beautiful in pictures.

This is such a large area that even when it’s busy, you typically won’t have an issue with people being in your photos. But if you do want to avoid crowds, try for a weekday!

Walker Ranch Trail

This is a 7.8 mile loop in Boulder that can give you some really beautiful views! You don’t even need to hike the entire trail to get some of the stunning backdrops. If you’re looking for a more secluded and gorgeous spot, this trail is a great option.

South Mesa Trail

This stunning trailhead is just south of Boulder and if you catch it during the fall season, it has the most beautiful fall colors! You also the the views out to the Flatirons, and there’s a bridge crossing a river that’s fun for photos. You’ll get the grassy fields here, and some water views with the river, and it’s especially gorgeous at golden hour.

Boulder Reservoir

Boulder Resorvoir is another dog-friendly spot that gives you those amazing mountain views, plus waterfront scenery as well. There’s trails that you can take, and if you want to play in the water for photos, this is the spot!

Flatiron Vista Trail

This trail gives you open fields, and more seclusion so you don’t have to worry about working around other people. If you’re okay with a bit more of a hike, you can get some really beautiful views and most likely have the spot to yourself!

Colorado Engagement Photographer

Hi, I’m Lo, a Colorado engagement photographer! I am always ready to create a custom experience for my couples and leave you with photos as timeless as your love. So if you’re looking for someone to help you plan your Colorado wedding + tell your love story, I’d love to chat!