Best photo locations in the Denver Area, by Denver Photographer Molly Margaret

As a wedding and engagement photographer in Denver, I get asked all the time “where are the best photo locations in the area?” and honestly, there are tons of fantastic options! Depending if you’d like mountain view photo locations in the Denver are or urban photo locations in the Denver area, here’s is an excellent resource guide! (PS all of these locations are included in my service area and have no travel fee!)

PS - Are you a Colorado photographer too? Thanks for checking this out! I’ve included permit details and fees below each location details!

Mountain View Denver Photo Locations

Locations that have mountain views either up close and personal or further away providing an awesome accent to the session.

Mt Falcon Park

With a multitude of great views and locations, this is an incredible popular photo location spot near Denver. During the busier months (Fall) you can run into several photographers at this large park but don’t worry there is plenty of space for everyone! Another convenient thing about this park is there is a trailhead camera which helps gauge the weather prior to departing. Check out some Mt Falcon sessions here.

Permit Needed: Yes, through Jefferson County Open Space Parks department.

Echo Lake

With a large lake and views of Mt Evans just outside of Denver, this mountain park is a great spot for adventurous engagement sessions and outdoor loving couples. GPS to the Lake where there is a large parking area right off the main road. Please note this location stays snowy later in the season and is just before Mt Evans rd which is closed a large portion of the year. This is a great mountain view, wooded area photo location in Colorado.

Check out an Echo Lake Engagement Session here!

Permit Needed: Not with groups less than 5 people (including the photographer) - if more than 5 people, reach out to Denver Parks at least 5 business days in advance

Red Rocks - Trading Post Trail

Beautiful year round, Red Rocks is an amazing backdrop for Engagement sessions, Family sessions or headshots in the Denver area. Trading Post trail is just past the entrance with parking and an easy hike. Note: Red Rocks allows pups but they must remain on leash, also you cannot hike or walk outside of the trails marked due to the protected environment.

Check out this Red Rocks Engagement Session here, or this Red Rocks Family Photo session here!

Permit Needed: Not with groups less than 5 people (including the photographer) - if more than 5 people, reach out to Denver Parks at least 5 business days in advance

Forsberg Park

This Lakewood park overlooks the Morrison/Red Rock foothills area. With ample parking it’s a great Denver area photo spot for extended family sessions or lifestyle headshots! Check out this Forsberg headshot session!

Permit/Fee: No

Lookout Mountain and Windy Saddle Open Space

A great spot for amazing mountain views close to Denver, this park is located right by Boettcher Mansion and the Lookout Mountain Nature Center. It’s perfect for couples and families. Dogs must remain leashed at this park, also during the winter months the lookout spot is icy - please plan accordingly.

See a Windy Saddle Lookout Mountain Engagement Session here, or check out a family session in the same area!

Permit Needed: Yes, through Jefferson County Open Space Parks department.

South Mesa Trail - Boulder

South Mesa Trail is a very popular photo location in Boulder and when you arrive you will immediately see why, it’s located at the base of the foothills/flat irons and has a great view with easy access and parking available. It’s best to avoid this location on weekends or during the fall in general as it is swarmed with other photographers and families/couples taking photos.

Permit Needed: Yes, through OSMP City of Boulder

Lake Brainard

Lake Brainard is located an hour outside of Boulder and offers nearly 360 degrees of Mountain Views. It’s an easy to access lake with picnic tables and ample parking. You can elope on the shore of the mountains, picnic in a field or walk a trail surrounded by trees - it has it all!

Permit Needed: No photo permit required, a timed entry pass is needed though (you purchase it online with a 2 hour anticipated entrance window)

Rocky Mountain National Park Photo Locations

Located about an hour and a half from Denver, Rocky Mountain National Park offers a huge variety in regards to mountain tops, mountain views and even wildlife.

Moraine Park - Rocky Mountain National Park

Looking to do photos in Estes Park or Rocky Mountain National Park? Moraine Park is a wonderful location to start at in Rocky Mountain National Park!

See an Engagement session at Moraine Park here!

Permit/Fees: Yes, $50 per session for permitting through Rocky Mountain National Park

Sprague Lake - Rocky Mountain National Park

An easy walk, Sprague Lake is one of the approved ceremony locations in RMNP and you can get married here!

See an Engagement session at Moraine Park here!

Permit/Fees: Yes, $50 per session for permitting through Rocky Mountain National Park

Trail Ridge Road - Rocky Mountain National Park

Another amazing location in Rocky Mountain National Park/Estes Park but a few important notes about Trail Ridge Road:

• Closed during the winter/spring months due to high levels of snow

• Most of the trail is protected tundra and you must be VERY careful where you walk and be sure to leave no trace behind/not impact the fragile tundra.

See an Engagement session at Moraine Park + Trail Ridge Road here!

Permit/Fees: Yes, $50 per session for permitting through Rocky Mountain National Park

Urban Denver Photo Locations

Locations that feature the skyline and unique architecture of Downtown Denver, Colorado.

RiNo - Downtown Art District

Perfect for that alternative, urban vibe any couple is looking for! RiNo pays artists to paint murals on the building walls and it creates a truly eclectic engagement session look.

Permit Needed: Not with groups less than 5 people (including the photographer) - if more than 5 people, reach out to Denver Parks at least 5 business days in advance

LODO - Downtown Denver District

A great area for Urban, downtown photos. Easy parking and walking leads to awesome downtown Denver shots. Please note most parking areas nearby charge for parking.

Permit Needed: Not with groups less than 5 people (including the photographer) - if more than 5 people, reach out to Denver Parks at least 5 business days in advance

Union Station Downtown Denver

This Mid-Century Modern Classic and iconic downtown Denver train station makes for a phenomenal backdrop to engagement and wedding photography. They just recently updated their rules to no photo permits required but previously needed them, so this may change. Always check their website first.

Permit Needed: Not needed, size limits based on current COVID and Union Station listed rules which can be found on their website.

Downtown Historic Golden

Stroll through the streets of eclectic small town Golden which is always a beautiful backdrop for engagement, headshot or family photos. Check out this winter engagement session of Alicia and Kyle in downtown Golden!

Permit needed: No

Parks in the Denver area

Parks close to different Denver neighborhoods that you can photograph at for easier travel locations for easier walks.

Standley Lake

Featuring open fields, easy to walk trails and a small lake, this Westminster Park is great for photos! Check out a maternity session at Stadley Lake!

Permit/Fee: No

East Lake Park

Located in Thornton, this beautiful backdrop features water, fields and a small play park for kiddos to blow off steam! Check out a Lake Village Park/East Lake session here!

Permit/Fee: No