Are you dreaming of popping the question to the love of your life but wondering how to make it happen? Planning a surprise proposal can be just as exciting as the proposal itself, especially as you craft an extraordinary experience with your love story in mind. Whether you’re picturing going on a hike or having a dinner surprise at a lavish restaurant, I’m here to help guide you through creating the perfect moment.
So, let’s dive into how to plan a surprise proposal!
How to Plan a Surprise Proposal
When it comes to planning a surprise proposal, you need to know your partner’s preferences. For example, some people don’t like grand gestures and would prefer something simple, intimate and quiet and vice versa. You can make the moment even more special if you take into consideration your partner’s favorite places, time of year, and activities, and build your proposal around that.
Once you’ve brainstormed what your partner would LOVE, here are my best tips to help you pull off a surprise proposal!
Choose a Date & Location
The first step in planning a surprise proposal is selecting the perfect date and location. Consider places that hold significance for both of you or locations that have a breathtaking backdrop (Colorado has plenty of those!). Whether it’s a scenic park with a mountain view, a cozy cafe, or a rooftop with a view of the city, you’ll know which setting suits your moment the best!
Book Your Photographer
You should definitely hire a photographer to document the proposal, so you both can have photos to look back on and share with others. But not only that, your photographer could be the right-hand person you need to help you make it all happen. That’s something I’m happy to help my clients with – from planning the surprise proposal to capturing those candid moments of pure joy – know that I’m there every step of the way! We’ll brainstorm the timeline, the best locations, activity ideas, to make sure everything goes as planned!
Include Your Friends and Family
Consider involving your closest friends or family members in the surprise proposal. They can help with logistics, keep the secret, or even be part of the special moment. Just make sure they are good at keeping secrets! People can get really excited and blurt things out from time to time!
If your partner is into getting manicures, you might want to make sure their friend invites them on a mani-pedi date to make those ring shots even more glam!
Plan Activities
To make your proposal even more special, consider incorporating an activity that you both enjoy. Whether it’s a romantic picnic, a scenic hike, or a hot air balloon ride, adding a personal touch to the proposal will make it even more memorable. Think about what your partner loves and tailor the activity to create a magical experience they will never forget.
This is the part where it can get a bit tricky. The way you go about planning it and inviting your partner on the ‘date’, you want to try and treat it like another Tuesday. If the date invite feels like it’s coming out of nowhere, they might get suspicious!
Propose!
With all the pieces in place, it’s time to propose. Make sure you’re on the same page with your photographer about the meeting place, so they are there to capture the big moment as it happens!
10 Best Places to Propose in Colorado
Here are some of the most beautiful and romantic locations for a surprise proposal in Colorado:
- Sapphire Point Overlook
- Rocky Mountain National Park
- Garden of the Gods
- Lost Gulch Overlook
- Chautauqua Park
- Horsetooth Reservoir
- Maroon Bells
- Denver Botanic Gardens
- Great Sand Dunes National Park
- Mt. Falcon Park West
Sapphire Point Overlook
Sapphire Point Overlook is a stunning location that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and Lake Dillon. It’s located just off Swan Mountain Road, less than 10 miles north of Breckenridge. The overlook trail is easily accessible and provides a rather easy hike and a beautiful backdrop for your proposal.
Rocky Mountain National Park
Rocky Mountain National Park is a large and beautiful wilderness that offers so many opportunities for an extraordinary surprise proposal. I know the park is HUGE, so here are some of my favorite spots within the park you could consider:
Dream Lake: Known for its crystal-clear waters and the reflection of Hallett Peak, Dream Lake is a short hike from Bear Lake trailhead. The hike is not too long, and it’s quite an easy one, especially if you’re experienced hikers.
Lily Lake: Surrounded by gentle trails and wildflowers, Lily Lake offers a serene setting. The flat, easy path around the lake ensures a peaceful walk before you find the perfect spot to propose.
Sprague Lake: This location offers a stunning backdrop with a view of the Continental Divide. It’s also wheelchair accessible, making it perfect for everyone.
3M Curve: With a sweeping view of the park’s meadows, moraines, and mountain peaks, 3M Curve spot is ideal for those who want a scenic backdrop for their proposal.
Trail Ridge Road: Known as the highest continuous paved road in North America, Trail Ridge Road provides numerous pull-off areas perfect for breathtaking views above the tree line. It’s also one of the best ways to see the Continental Divide!
If you’d like to learn more about capturing your proposal or engagement photos in RNMP, I’ve got just the guide for you here!
Garden of the Gods
With its towering sandstone rock formations against a backdrop of snow-capped Pikes Peak, Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs offers a naturally sculpted setting that is both dramatic and intimate. The park’s various (accessible!) trails lead to stunning natural rock formations and other breathtaking sights, providing multiple picturesque spots for a proposal.
Lost Gulch Overlook
Perched on the top of Flagstaff Mountain, Lost Gulch Overlook offers panoramic views of Boulder and the surrounding mountains. It’s particularly popular at sunset when the sky lights up with colors, and you can see as far as the Denver skyline on clear days. The rocks provide unique spots for a private moment.
Fun fact: I took my own engagement photos here in 2021 and highly recommend it as one of the best proposal or engagement session locations in Colorado!
Chautauqua Park
Chautauqua Park, with its well-known Flatirons backdrop, is one of Boulder’s most beloved outdoor destinations and best engagement session locations. This historic park features meandering trails, lush greenery, and breathtaking views, making it an idyllic spot for your surprise proposal and engagement photos to follow!.
Horsetooth Reservoir
Just west of Fort Collins, Horsetooth Reservoir is surrounded by mountains and offers a variety of secluded spots along its shores. The area is perfect for a day of kayaking or hiking, finishing the day with a sunset proposal.
Maroon Bells
Located near Aspen, Maroon Bells are two peaks in the Elk Mountains that are known for their unique bell shapes. The reflective lake at their base offers one of the most iconic views in Colorado, particularly enchanting in the fall when the aspen trees turn golden. There are 3 different level hikes available there, so the route to the proposal can be as adventurous as you’d like it to be!
Denver Botanic Gardens
Nestled in the Cheesman Park neighborhood, Denver Botanic Gardens offers a lush natural landscape in the heart of the city. Each garden within is meticulously maintained and offers a distinct, lavish feel, from tropical conservatories to a Japanese garden, providing a variety of atmospheres for a proposal.
Great Sand Dunes National Park
Great Sand Dunes National Park features the tallest dunes in North America, creating a surreal desert landscape against the backdrop of the rugged Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Here you’ll find trails leading to forests, wetlands, as well as alpine lakes – so many beautiful spots for you to pop the question!
Mt. Falcon Park West
In the foothills west of Denver, Mt Falcon Park offers sweeping views of the Rocky Mountains and Denver skyline. The trails range from wooded seclusions to open ridges and old castle ruins, providing diverse settings for a proposal.
Colorado Engagement Photographer
Hi, I’m Logan, and I would love to capture your Colorado surprise proposal (and the wedding to follow!) I deeply value personal connection with my couples and share the same love of travel, adventure, and luxury experiences as you. When you hire me, you aren’t just getting someone who is going to take beautiful photos. Though I’ll do that, you should know that you’re gaining your new, right-hand woman who will do everything in her power to help you have a seamless experience.
Want to learn more about my proposal and engagement session packages? You can check them out here, and when you’re ready, inquire with me here!
