Don’t get me wrong, the Rocky Mountains offer some truly amazing engagement photo locations. But odds are, you’ve likely seen a photo shoot or two in the same handful of spots over the years—especially if you’re a native. Maybe you even took your senior portraits or photos with your family at all the spots coming through in your Google search! And while those locations are well-known for good reason, there are plenty of hidden gems right here in the city that give you a uniquely Colorado backdrop without a drive—and without matching your wedding venue.

Before you get too overwhelmed with wedding day details, get all dressed up and celebrate your union at one of these engagement photo locations (that aren’t Garden of the Gods).

Colorado College

Even if you’re not a student or alum, this downtown campus has tons of gorgeous engagement photo locations to choose from. Use the old Victorian-style buildings or the perfect view of Pike’s Peak! There’s flowers and perfectly green grass in the spring/summer, and stunning foliage in the fall. And since it’s a state institution, the grounds are always beautifully kept!

Manitou Springs/Old Colorado City

If you’re planning an outdoor wedding ceremony, Manitou Springs and Old Colorado City offer charming spots that show a different side of Colorado Springs. Spend your session playing at the Penny Arcade, or simply highlight the historic buildings and brick alleyways. Choose one town, or hit both! They’re not that far apart. 

The Broadmoor

If you’re looking for elegance and glamor, there’s really no place quite like The Broadmoor. With a lake angainst the stunning hotel itself, this entire property is a hotbed of engagement photo locations. If you’re considering a winter or holiday shoot, definitely move this one to the top of your list! The property’s trees are always dazzlingly lit, and the lobby areas are decorated to the nines.

The Air Force Academy

Military or not, the Air Force Academy is an amazing spot to consider for Colorado Springs engagement photos. Snap some shots by the pond, or against the regal architecture of the chapel. Then head to the aspen trees, or any of the grounds’ grassy fields. Did I mention the mountain range backdrop?

Glen Eyrie Castle/Event Center

What better place to celebrate your happily ever after than at a real life castle? Tucked away right here in the city, Glen Eyrie can help you paint a fairy tale love story. Pose near the castle, river (with cobblestone bridge), and carriage house outdoors, or the Great Hall, music/tea room and Queen’s Parlor inside. Who doesn’t love a good princess story, right?

Need some more reasons to schedule a shoot? Check out my journal all about engagement photos here! 

Making sure you’ve chosen the right photographer for any job can be a difficult feat, let alone choosing one to capture a split-second, once-in-a-lifetime moment! With all of the choices out there, the question “how do I choose a proposal photographer?” can be an overwhelming one.

Believe me, no one knows the struggle of this question better than Sarah Arnold Photography. I’ve photographed dozens of engagements/proposal sessions in Colorado and beyond, timing shots just right to capture candid engagements (with just a bit of direction). 

If you’re trying to choose a proposal photographer and need a little guidance, I’ve come up with five simple questions to steer you in the right direction… 

1. Does the photographer do proposal photography?

You probably wouldn’t hire a brand photographer for a family portrait, right? So why hire someone who specializes in something else for your proposal? You definitely don’t want to risk this moment, or choose someone who will miss the magic as you drop to one knee. Make sure you go with a proposal professional with experience snapping precise pics before the moment is over (proposals go by so quickly!). So when you’re planning your big moment, look specifically for a wedding & engagement photographer, or for someone who advertises themselves as a proposal photographer on their website and social media accounts. 

Still not sure? Search Instagram for hashtags like #Coloradoweddingphotographer #Coloradoengagementphotographer and so forth. 

2. What’s the quality of their work?

After you post these joyous photos to Instagram, you’ll probably want to print them out for your save the date cards or engagement announcements. So, in addition to being top of the line, professional quality images, they also must be high-resolution files.

Your proposal photographer should provide all of your images to you in high resolution, since the whole reason you have the moment captured is to share it! (This is also a great reason to hire a proposal photographer instead of relying on a friend and their phone!)

3. How many images will you get?

Your proposal photographer is there to capture your story, but you should be the one to decide which images you want to use to tell it. That’s why you should have a large and diverse gallery of photos to choose from! Your proposal photographer should provide at least 100 images from your session, capturing all of the moments before, during and after you pop the question, as well as a portrait session with the remainder of your scheduled time.

That way you have photos to remember the entire day, and beautiful couples’ photography as an added bonus! Plus, you get to choose which photos are your favorites. Who knows you better than you, right?

4. How discreet will your proposal photographer be?

Surprise proposal photography is all about the element of – you guessed it – surprise! The last thing you want while you’re trying to propose is a photographer standing two feet away firing off a flash. That ruins both the surprise and the romance. 

Have your moment and your photos by opting for a proposal photographer who is both professional and discreet in his or her approach. Your partner should have no idea that a photographer is there… A genuine reaction makes for the best engagement pictures! Someone who understands how to hide behind a bush, but be close enough that they can jump into some closer shots after the proposal, is key. Be sure to ask their general approach for proposal sessions. This will give you an idea as to whether or not it’s a good fit for what you’re planning!

5. How quick is the turnaround?

Besides wanting your photos before the wedding day, let’s face it, she’s going to want to share this moment with the world ASAP! Your proposal photographer should be able to do basic color correction and other edits within a reasonable time frame. I offer sneak peeks within 24 hours so you can announce your proposal to all your friends, family and on social media with the best and most high-resolution photos possible. The rest of the gallery is normally delivered with 3 weeks!