Growing up in the Midwest, I hated summers because of the absolute relentless humidity and sweltering heat. Now that I live in Denver, I look forward to the sunny, dry, and comfortable summers. It’s perfect for outdoor adventures AND perfect for that summertime wedding proposal. If you and your partner love being in nature, why not pop the question at one of these stunning locations, all located less than two hours from Denver, Colorado? Here are some of the best summertime hiking spots for proposals in Colorado - at least in my opinion, which includes Blue Lakes, Sapphire Point, Snake River Inlet, and Brainard Lake.

Discover the beauty of Summit County, Colorado, from Silverthorne to Frisco. Perfect for winter proposals, enjoy stunning lake and mountain views, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and hiking. Learn more about this dog-friendly, low-traffic spot and its rich cultural history on Ute land. Ideal for engagement photos and elopements, just 90 minutes from Denver.

Colorado is beautiful in every season, but wildflower season in Colorado is something extra special. The vibrant colors in Colorado’s already breathtaking landscapes will only add to your special day. The wildflower season begins in spring and goes through the middle of summer, but below I’ll give you my suggestions on the best time to go to each of these locations - check them out!

Venue Overview: This historic wedding venue is perfect if you’re considering a more intimate event. The house has two main areas for your wedding - the Main House and the Garden. The Main House can seat 30-40 guests for sit-down receptions (or 75 for open-house style), while the Garden can accommodate up to 100 guests.

Location: The Historic Callahan House is located about an hour north of Denver in Longmont, Colorado

Pricing: Pricing depends on month and day of the week, but ranges from $300/hr to $450/hr (with 8 hours minimum require)

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)

Venue Overview: Spruce Mountain Ranch is a picture-perfect mountain venue that combines rustic charm and timeless elegance. Their two properties (the Upper Ranch and Lower Ranch) have multiple venues for you to choose from.

Location from Denver: Spruce Mountain Ranch is great because you don’t have to deal with 1-70 traffic and it’s only 30 minutes south of Denver! It’s an especially good winter location if you want mountain views but also want to know you’ll be able to get to the venue sans ski traffic.

Venue Overview: The Surf Hotel exudes a charming European flair with cozy mountain town vibes. This wedding venue offers endless possibilities for your special day with several space options, like their stunning outdoor courtyard or a versatile ballroom. All this in a boutique style hotel in the middle of the mountains!

Location: Located in Buena Vista, CO (about 2.5 hours from Denver, almost 2 hours from Colorado Springs)