I’m Stephanie, a wedding + lifestyle photographer based in Colorado Springs, Colorado and Warrenton, Virginia. Whether I’m by the mountains of Colorado or Virginia, my soul feels at home, surrounded by rural living and the raw beauty of nature. I genuinely love what I do, and feel so passionate to share the enthusiasm and joy of these celebrations with you!

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February 1, 2023

Top 10 Colorado Springs Engagement Portrait Locations

Top 10 Colorado Springs Engagement Portrait Locations | Garden of the Gods

Colorado Springs has some of the most beautiful and romantic locations to capture your engagement portraits! From the mountain views, rock formations, spectacular sunsets, quaint parks, and downtown settings, there are plenty of amazing places in Colorado Springs that are perfect for engagement portraits. As a wedding and engagement photographer, I know the importance of identifying the perfect backdrop that aligns with the couple’s personality. Whether you’re a local looking for an iconic backdrop or something that is in tune with your personality; I’ve gathered this list of the top 10 engagement portrait locations in Colorado Springs! I would love to help you find the ideal setting to commemorate your love. 🙂

**Before moving forward with a location, it’s best to see if there is a permit/fee required to photograph there.**

1. Garden of the Gods

Whether you are looking for a romantic setting or adventurous, Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs is an iconic natural landmark. Tourists come from all over the country to view the breathtaking red rock formations with backs up to views of Pikes Peak. The Garden of the Gods is a top destination for all types of portraits and has a very picturesque landscape. The dramatic cliffs and canyons are beautiful from all angles!

Top 10 Colorado Springs Engagement Portrait Locations
Top 10 Colorado Springs Engagement Portrait Locations | Garden of the Gods

2. Bear Creek Regional Park

Bear Creek Regional Park, in northern Colorado Springs, is a beautiful location for engagement portraits. The park offers a variety of spots — lush meadows, towering pines, and mountain streams. It’s a great spot for those who want to set up a picnic and enjoy the views all year. Bear Creek Regional Park also offers several trails for those who want to explore around!

3. The Broadmoor

The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs is a luxurious resort and offers plenty of spots for beautiful, upscale engagement portraits. With Cheyenne Mountain backing up to the resort; it’s a showstopper. The grounds also feature rolling green hills and lush gardens. The best spots around the property include the lakeside areas too! The Broadmoor is home to a world-class golf course, an award-winning spa, and a vast selection of restaurants.

Top 10 Colorado Springs Engagement Portrait Locations

4. Palmer Park

Palmer Park is in the heart of Colorado Springs, with breathtaking views of Pikes Peak, making it one of the best locations for engagement portraits. The park offers a variety of great photo spots that include: red sandstone formations, lush green foliage, meadows, hiking trails, and mountain views. Palmer Park is great for couples who enjoy hiking and beautiful views. There are various trails to wander and cliffs/rock formations to create epic portraits!

Top 10 Colorado Springs Engagement Portrait Locations

5. Paint Mines Interpretive Park

Paint Mines Interpretive Park just east of Colorado Springs is a unique location, mistaken for National Parks in Utah! The natural colors of the sandstone formations make this terrain stand out in photos. The terrain shows colors of white, red, yellow, and purple are very different from the red rock formations like Garden of the Gods. The majestic spires and buttes around Paint Mines Interpretive Park create beautiful compositions in engagement portraits. Not to mention, a super fun/unique place to explore!!

6. Red Rock Canyon Open Space

Red Rock Canyon Open Space is a picturesque backdrop for engagement portraits if you’re looking for something close to downtown Colorado Springs. It’s known for clear views of the Front Range, red-rock formations, rolling hills, and a reservoir. There are a wide range of landscapes and so much to explore around the park. Red Rock Canyon Open Space is a great engagement session backdrop for those who want an adventure session since there is some hiking to do around the canyon!

Top 10 Colorado Springs Engagement Portrait Locations | Red Rock Canyon Open Space

7. Old Colorado City + Manitou Springs

If you love the urban/historic/artsy feel, Old Colorado City and Manitou Springs in Colorado Springs is the perfect backdrop. There is a great sense of culture, art, and history walking around these streets. The unique architecture offers a variety of backdrops to roam around use as a backdrop. Manitou Springs also provides stunning mountain views and cute cafes/Penny Arcade! 

Top 10 Colorado Springs Engagement Portrait Locations

8. Ute Valley Park

Ute Valley Park in Colorado Springs is surrounded by stunning natural landscapes, which are perfect for engagement portraits. Plenty of natural trails, evergreen trees, wildflowers, and jagged sandstone formations provide an array of landscape options! And, of course, the mountain range is clear in every photo at Ute Valley Park! It’s a peaceful backdrop and not too busy which is great for those who don’t want to be surrounded by a lot of tourists.

9. Cheyenne Cañon Park

Cheyenne Cañon Park is a stunning destination for engagement portraits — And also a fun spot to hike!!! It’s the perfect location for adventurous couples who love to be outdoors in the mountains. So many breathtaking views with so many photo opportunities — Lush meadows, wildflowers, towering pines, dramatic rock formations, and even waterfalls! But beware that snow can linger around much longer in Cheyenne Cañon Park due to the higher elevation and shade. But no matter the season, engagement portraits here are going to be gorgeous and an adventure!

10. The Air Force Academy

I had to include the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs — After scouting locations in/around the city, I fell in love with the landscapes the Academy has to offer. Not only is the Air Force Academy an iconic symbol of the United States Armed Forces, but the grounds make it a popular place for engagement photos in Colorado Springs. Views of the mountains are clear and majestic, areas of tall grass, ponds, aspen trees, and gorgeous/regal architecture (like the chapel) make this one of my favorite locations!

Top 10 Colorado Springs Engagement Portrait Locations

Stephanie Messick Photography, LLC is a Wedding, Elopement, and Engagement Photographer based in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Learn more HERE or contact her HERE!!

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