Morrison, CO

experience

Red Rocks Amphitheatre

Well if you haven't heard of Red Rocks it's because you haven't been to a concert there, or you live under a rock, both of which need to be remedied ASAP! Red Rocks has a ton of really great areas for engagement photos, family photos, couples sessions, you name it. There are spots where you can just pull of the street and hop out for a quick photo op, or you can hike one of the many trails they have through out the park for a more off the beaten path experience!

Colorado Springs, CO

destination • experience

Garden of the Gods

If you are located in Colorado Springs, then this gem is in your neck of the woods. It's not a terrible drive from Denver, and if you're like me you could kill two birds with one stone and check out the outlets in Castle Rock on your way there or on the way back!

Boulder, CO

destination • experience

Lost Gulch Overlook

This is another Boulder gem and so worth the views! The perks to this spot are endless - great vistas of both the city and the mountains, 35 minutes away from Denver, and you can seriously pull right up to this spot - there's very minimal hiking involved. In fact, it's more like...light rock scrambling. The cons? During the summer, forget about having an engagement session here in the late afternoon - it's crawling with people

Morrison, CO

outdoors

Corwina Park

I'm cheating a little here, as the photo above is actually an elopement and not an engagement session, but you get the idea. This hike was one of my FAVORITES to do while I was pregnant with my daughter, Luna. It's an out and back hike to Panorama Point, and although it's short (a little over 2 miles), it's steep, especially when getting close to the top. It can also be a bit confusing, for a couple of reasons. The first is because there are two entrances to this park - a lot of folks will hit up the first Corwina entrance off highway 74, but it's actually the second if you want a shorter, more direct route.

Ballina, County Mayo

bar • experience • lodging • restaurants

Mount Falcon Estate

Mount Falcon is one of my favorite spots for engagement photos, and one that I frequent a lot. It's popular among couples, given that it's about 35 minutes from Denver, and all things considered, it's a pretty mellow hike. One thing to remember is that there are two trailheads to Mount Falcon - the east side, which starts out steep right off the bat, or the west trailhead, which is my personal favorite because you skip all the hard stuff and start right at the top.

Denver, CO

destination

River North Art District

If you don't feel like leaving Denver at all, period, and are hoping for more of a city feel, then Rino is a great choice for you. The original mural no longer exists, but it was replaced by an even funkier one, which is kind of the beauty of this area - it's constantly changing and surprising me! I recommend parking somewhere Larimer and 27th and just walking around - definitely make sure to dip into all the alleys!

CO, United States

destination

Mount Sanitas Trail

This was a more recent discovery of mine, thanks to a client, and I'm so glad I shot here! If you are looking for wildflowers for your engagement session, but don't want to drive all the way into the mountains, this is the spot. I shot here last July and the flowers were in full bloom. What's nice about this hike is that if you want to stay near the trailhead, you definitely can and still get some phenomenal shots.

Evergreen, CO

outdoors

Alderfer/Three Sisters Park East Trailhead

I love this park so much I had my own wedding photos taken here. There are 15 miles of trails, all ranging in different levels of difficulty, with beautiful rolling hills and rock outcroppings everywhere you turn. I recommend starting in the second parking lot, or the west trailhead, as it provides a more direct route to some beautiful meadows and epic views!

CO, United States

outdoors

Kenosha Pass

So Kenosha is a little further from Denver than the other locations in this post, but it's so worth it - especially in the fall! The leaves here start changing early to mid September and it's so incredibly gorgeous and worth the drive.