8 Romantic and Scenic Locations for Boulder Engagement Photos

Colorado is easily one of the prettiest states in the entire country, thanks to its sweeping mountain views, stretching prairies and quaint Western towns that invite you to relax. Whether you live in the state or are visiting, we highly recommend scheduling a Boulder engagement photos session to capture this beauty and showcase your love.

From the towering, majestic Flatirons to the college town's famous and forever-buzzing downtown area, couples have a wide variety of Boulder engagement photo locations to choose from. Oh, and if you're still seeking a local wedding or engagement photographer, check out The Knot Vendor Marketplace for some top-tier options.

1. Chautauqua Park

Photo: Nelson Sirlin | Shutterstock

Chautauqua Park provides a strikingly gorgeous backdrop for your Boulder engagement photos. "This location offers a classic and timeless look with its open fields," says Colorado-based photographer Esmeralda Valdez, who tells us this is one of her all-time favorite places to photograph couples. "The Flatirons always look like a masterpiece here whether it is a warm spring day, a sunny evening in June, a crisp fall day in October or a winter wonderland in December."

2. South Mesa

South Mesa is a quintessential mountain town that effortlessly captures the beauty of Boulder. "It has big open fields with the massive Flatiron mountains as an amazing backdrop," says local photographer Christa Paustenbaugh. She adds, "The bonus to this location is that it requires very little walking or hiking from the parking lot to get those mouth-dropping views." That's definitely a plus if your engagement photo outfit involves a dress or anything difficult to hike in.

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3. Downtown Boulder

While the area is home to so many outdoor landscapes, it's got some urban appeal, too. Pearl Street's historic brick buildings, charming alleyways and twinkling string lights create a vibrant yet romantic backdrop for engagement photos in Boulder, CO. Couples can pose in front of colorful murals, cozy up at an outdoor café or stroll hand-in-hand past the street performers and boutiques.

4. Lost Gulch Overlook

Valdez says that Lost Gulch Overlook is another one of her favorite photo locations in Boulder—especially if you're going for a super romantic scene. "It is at the top of Flagstaff Mountain and allows you to enjoy a beautiful skyline view of the Rocky Mountains," she says. "This location also offers a stunning meadow of pine trees, which is so dreamy. The overlook here is truly spectacular and will wow you."

5. NCAR

The National Center for Atmospheric Research—referred to as NCAR by locals—is an off-the-beaten-path place for Boulder engagement photos for couples who want a quiet and low-key setting. "The location is a great, less crowded area just on the outskirts of Boulder proper," Paustenbaugh says. "I love it for its large boulders and trees for texture and layering, and the view of the mountains can't be beat here."

6. Carousel of Happiness

The Carousel of Happiness in Nederland is pure magic and a great way to plan a quirky, playful and completely unique engagement session. "Hand-carved animals, twinkle lights and just the right amount of nostalgic charm make it such a fun spot for couples who don't take themselves too seriously," says Colorado photographer Jill Slagter. "Every time I walk in, I think about how amazing an engagement session would be—the movement, the colors and the pure joy would make for the most unique, personality-filled photos." She adds that Nederland's rustic, mountain-town vibe is a perfect bonus for photos afterward.

7. Red Rocks Park and Amphitheater

Photo: Federico Curcio | Shutterstock

The famous Red Rocks Park and Amphitheater is located about 35 minutes from Boulder (and around 20 from Denver), but this quick drive is completely worth your while. "Red Rocks Park is an iconic Colorado concert venue, and people travel from all over the country to see shows here," says Denver photographer Amanda Zuccaro. "But imagine hiking it and [posing] near the stage in the amphitheater or on one of the surrounding stages. Or maybe even during a show or a movie night that they host there!" The area also has wilderness trails if you want to forego the amphitheater and capture that gorgeous red rocks scenery.

8. Flagstaff Mountain Trails

For couples who love the outdoors but want to skip the crowds, this spot is a hidden gem. "If I were getting engaged again, I'd go way off the beaten path—and that's exactly what the trails at the top of Flagstaff Mountain offer," Slagter says. "Pines, meadows and amazing views make it a dreamy setting, with all the beauty of Lost Gulch but way more breathing room." And if you and your partner love hiking, it's the perfect place to turn a hike into an engagement session.