Ultimate Proposal Guide from a Proposal Photographer in Colorado

A woman covers her happy face while being proposed to in a field of wildflowers overlooking a valley
A proposal is one of the most important and memorable moments in your love story; that’s why it’s so important to think it through and plan out as many details as possible. If you’re lucky enough to be proposing in Colorado (whether you’re a resident or just visiting), there are so many unique ways to propose while taking advantage of everything the state has to offer. Here is our Ultimate Guide for Planning a Surprise Proposal in Colorado from your Colorado proposal photographer!

The Ultimate Guide for Planning a Surprise Proposal in Colorado From Your Colorado Proposal Photographer

A couple hold out champagne glasses while kissing in the snow

Where Should You Propose?

Where you propose sets the tone for this momentous occasion in your love story. While it can be overwhelming to hone in on where to pop the question, there are a few ways to make your decision easier.
  1. Choose a spot that has sentimental meaning to you. Maybe it’s where you had your first date or even your first kiss. Maybe it’s the place where you said “I love you” or had another significant conversation or exchange. Asking your partner to spend the rest of their life with you can mean that much more if it’s somewhere that means something to your unique love story. Just make sure your Colorado proposal photographer knows all the special details to capture in the space.
  2. Choose a spot you’ve been wanting to visit. We all have our bucket lists of places to visit, whether locally or out of town. A proposal can be just the excuse you need to pull the trigger and book your trip! Even if it’s just the local zoo, aquarium, or a weekend retreat out of state, proposing is a fabulous excuse to experience somewhere new together for the first time.
  3. Let us help you find an epic spot! We are happy to help you find the perfect place to propose! We highly suggest gorgeous, scenic spots like Crested Butte, Gunnison, Lake City, and Pitkin. The views in Aspen, Carbondale, and Telluride are spectacular and make a dramatic backdrop for this incredible moment. Still not sure? Look into Marble, Redstone, Ouray, Buena Vista, Salida, Silverton, or Durango! We are also happy to keep brainstorming with you in case none of those fit your proposal vision.
Details of an engagement ring resting on a white flower

What Time of Year Should You Consider for Your Proposal?

As a proposal photographer, I love how stunning Colorado is in every time of year. But there are definitely a few things to consider when picking the ideal season to propose.
A woman in a green dress touches the face of her kneeling boyfriend in a remote mountain trail
A man on one knee proposes to his girlfriend in a remote mountain field with wildflowers Colorado Proposal Photographer
Spring is filled with beautiful flowers bursting into life and lush green gardens, reflecting the promise of love and beginning your life together as one. In the summer, you can take advantage of beautiful weather, beachside views, and gorgeous sunsets. Fall brings cooler weather with changing leaves, cozy bonfires, and pick-your-own pumpkins and apples. And, of course, winter in Colorado brings plenty of holiday magic, beautiful snow, and even romantic sleigh rides.
A man in a black suit gets on one knee to propose to his girlfriend in the snowy mountains
A man in a ski suit proposes to his girlfriend on a mountain top Colorado Proposal Photographer
When you’re considering when to propose, take the seasons into account to take advantage of everything they have to offer. Similarly to picking the right location, picking the right season can greatly impact your surprise proposal, so choose wisely!
A couple kisses while standing in a field of wildflowers on a mountainside

Ideas for Making Your Proposal Extra Romantic

Your proposal should be totally unique to you and your partner, not just a repeat of something you saw once in a movie or on social media. Here are some ways to help make your Colorado proposal something truly special to your love story. Your photographer will thank you!
A woman in a purple dress sits on the handlebars of a bicycle and kisses her boyfriend sitting in the bike seat built for two on a dirt path

Plan a Fun Activity That You Both Will Love

Why not plan an activity that you and your partner will both love? After all, experiences are meaningful and memorable, and while your proposal will be something your partner will never forget, an experience will make it even better. Not sure what to do? Consider one of the activities below!
  • Hiking
  • Camping
  • Mountain biking
  • Fishing
  • Whitewater rafting
  • Stand-Up Paddle Boarding
  • Rock climbing
  • Jeep Tour with JJ’s Jeeps
  • Off-roading
  • Dog-sled excursion
  • Horse-drawn sleigh ride
  • Snowmobiling
  • Snowshoeing
  • Nordic/Cross-Country skiing
  • Alpine skiing & snowboarding
  • Wine-tasting
  • Apple-picking
A woman jump for joy in a mountain field while being proposed to Colorado Proposal Photographer

Have a Theme or Special Decor

Another way to make your proposal feel extra special is to incorporate a theme, decor, and other special touches. Your thoughtfulness and attention to detail will make a big difference, and your partner will appreciate every element of the gesture. Here are some ideas on how to make your proposal feel even more special.
A couple kiss in a field of wildflowers in the mountains Colorado Proposal Photographer

Flowers: There are few things more romantic in this world than flowers. Once you’ve picked the spot where you’re going to propose, you can assess the different ways you can incorporate your beautiful blooms. Think about decadent wreaths, romantic bouquets, and flower petals (but only indoors since you want to follow the Leave No Trace guidelines for an eco-friendly proposal.) Plus, flowers add an extra special touch to any proposal photos your Colorado photographer captures! Dried arrangements are a lovely way to add color and beauty that will last long after your partner proudly exclaims, “Yes!” 

Champagne: Nothing says “special occasion” quite like a chilled bottle of Champagne or sparkling wine. Have a bottle on standby to celebrate the moment, and maybe splurge on flutes that will forever commemorate this special moment. 

Details of A Newly Engaged Couple toasting champagne glasses with a flower ring on her finger Colorado Proposal Photographer

Decor: Incorporating custom signage, romantic candlelight, and magical fairy lights can be another great way to set the scene for a picture-perfect proposal. You can also use a customized blanket or another special item to always remind you of this epic highlight in your relationship. 

Music: Don’t underestimate the power of music! Having the right song(s) playing in the background, as you propose, can set the mood and add to the emotion of the moment. Just make sure to create a playlist ahead of time – the wrong song can break the mood just as easily! 

Details of a proposal and ring in a mountain field of wildflowers Colorado Proposal Photographer

Get Dressed Up!

Feeling like your best self is ideal during a proposal, especially when you have the whole thing photographed. After all, these pictures and memories will last you the rest of your life! Don’t want to arouse suspicion while trying to get your partner to dress up? Tell them you are taking them out to a nice dinner or you are hoping to take a few pictures wherever it is you’re going. They’ll likely appreciate an excuse to dress up.

Plan an Engagement Party for Directly After

However you propose, don’t forget to celebrate in the moments after! The elation, love, and jubilation you’ll be feeling is unlike anything else you’ll ever experience, and you’re going to want to share it so it lasts as long as possible. If you want to keep your celebration intimate, consider a special dinner reservation or one of the activities listed above. If you have a hunch you’ll want to celebrate with others, then there’s nothing wrong with planning a surprise party at a nearby park or restaurant with friends and family. Just take your partner’s wants and needs into consideration while you’re planning!
A couple kisses on a snowy mountaintop Colorado Proposal Photographer

Hire a Proposal Photographer in Colorado

Wherever, however, and whenever you decide to propose, we’re sure it will be wonderful. We may be biased, but I promise you that you won’t regret the decision to hire a photographer to capture every beautiful detail of this incredible moment. We have plenty of experience capturing proposals and delivering incredible photos that you’ll be able to treasure for the rest of your lives. Check out some of our work to see for yourself, but we’re sure you’ll love what you’ll see.

Proposal Photographer Colorado

Your proposal is a once-in-a-lifetime moment that you’ll want to remember for the rest of your lives. However you decide to propose, it would be my honor as a Colorado proposal photographer to help you capture it. We’re happy to provide recommendations and insight – whatever you need for a phenomenal proposal. Let’s talk!

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