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!

Denver and the surrounding metro area have some beautiful proposal spots, but if you want nature or flowers in your photos, the Denver Botanic Gardens just can't be beat. Honestly, the biggest issue I have is choosing between all the amazing spots! While it's obviously stunning in spring and summer when the flowers are in full bloom, it's also breathtaking in the colder months, like in these photos at the Garden's Woodland Mosaic solarium.

If you're wanting to propose at the Denver Botanic Gardens, here are my pros and cons:

Pros:

Convenient city location, close to lots of attractions

Easy parking

Tons of beautiful proposal spots to choose from

Stunning year-round scenery

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)

As we gather with our favorite people this holiday season, here are some tips to know when and how to take some quality snapshots.

Perfect Timing For Sunlit Shots:

As the winter sun sets early, around 4:30 p.m. in Denver in December, planning your family outing or photo session for 3:00 or earlier ensures optimal natural lighting.