Romantic Winter Proposal at Breckenridge's Sapphire Point Overlook

Looking for a picturesque spot between Breckenridge and Dillon/Frisco for your surprise marriage proposal? Check out Sapphire Point - a beautiful location year-round with easy access and lots of views. 

Hiking level (1-10) - 3. Short and easy but can be treacherous in winter. Not great for family members in the winter or heels because trail is NOT paved.

Busy level - The most popular point at Sapphire Point can be reserved on recreation.gov (soon, you can reserve two of the most popular stopping points along this hike). While proposing at these coveted locations isn’t necessary, if you have your heart set on the views you’re seeing online, make sure to check recreation.gov first to see if Sapphire Point is already reserved for your day.

Keep in mind, especially during the week, winter, or spring, Sapphire Point can feel like a hidden gem, while other times, especially weekends, fall, and summer, it feels like a bustling spot for outdoor enthusiasts.

Again, if you really have your heart set on this location, you can reserve a three-hour time block here. Note that depending on hiking trail maintenance and time of year, you might not see any options for spot reservations online.

Time of year? - Sapphire Point is beautiful all year long. In the winter, I'll pave the way with snowshoes, but tread carefully as it can be challenging. Winter here in Colorado starts as early as October all continues until May. Note that snow-covered landscapes means the lake might just looks like a sheet of snow...but if conditions are right, we might be able to walk on the frozen lake during your session! In Spring (April to early June), expect some mud.

Good for guests? This is a great location if you want to bring a bigger group or family to come celebrate. 

Are there a bunch of views, or just one viewpoint? There are around 3-4 locations to stop and propose.

is parking a breeze or tricky? Parking is a breeze! 

Location (the city/town): Sapphire Point is located between Breckenridge and the Dillon/Frisco area. It's close to other picturesque spots, perfect for additional photo ops, and close to town if you want to nom on some yummy food or toast at a bar. Lots of my couples will use a nice dinner in the city as a decoy and then say they want to stop at Sapphire Point quickly before dinner - this is a great decoy option in the summer and early fall. In the winter and spring, the paths might be too muddy or snowy for just a “quick photo op.” Consider celebrating at a nearby cabin with a private chef and friends in tow - you can even hire me to capture those special moments, especially if you love documentary photography and want lots of candid moments of your proposal day captured rather than just the proposal itself and the portrait session afterward!

Native Land This Outlook Is On: Núu-agha-tʉvʉ-pʉ̱ (Ute)

About this featured couple - Rory and Jordan traveled from the Midwest for a memorable proposal in Breckenridge, followed by an engagement session in the city - an experience I highly recommend. Opting for two sessions not only saves money but also allows you to make the most of Colorado's breathtaking views and cityscape - especially since session #1 was a surprise!

My favorite part, as cliche as it sounds, is the proposal itself. Both Rory's and Jordan’s emotions had my own eyes filling with tears. I also loved the soft snowfall surrounding their session, it made for a very private and Narnia-esc photoshoot.

After an emotional and tearful proposal, Rory and Jordan filled their session with warmth and cuddles. Their peace and contentment radiated as we adventured through the snow for their photo session.

In true Colorado fashion, we had beautiful fluffy snowflakes one moment and chill evening winds without a snowflake in sight the next.  Regardless of the weather - snow, clouds, or wind - your session will proceed unless there is a severe warning. Even though the views weren’t as clear as other days, Jordan and Rory danced across the gorgeous Colorado landscape of Breckenridge at Sapphire Point.

Thanks, Rory and Jordan, for sharing such a special moment. I felt honored to witness such an intimate moment, and I will never forget your proposal and engagement session.

With over a decade of experience and hundreds of photoshoots completed, Catherine Norwood has cultivated a distinct and timeless style tailored to her clients’ stories. With her vibrant, encouraging, and inclusive presence, Catherine can’t wait to help you feel confident and at ease in front of the camera.

Catherine Norwood Photo is proudly LGBTQIA+ owned and inclusive of all stories