There’s something magical about Colorado wildflowers in full bloom that makes them the perfect backdrop for celebrating love. Paige and Austin chose Chautauqua Park in Boulder for their summer engagement session and they couldn’t have picked a more stunning location for their Colorado wildflower engagement photos – even with a little afternoon rain shower! We also spent some time at their home with their three adorable dogs and sweet cat as part of their session.
They’re getting married this fall at Wild Basin Lodge, and after this amazing session, I seriously cannot wait to capture their Colorado wedding day!
Planning Your Colorado Wildflower Engagement Photo Locations
Paige and Austin wanted to include their fur family in their engagement photos, but knew it wasn’t practical to bring three dogs and a cat to the trails at Chautauqua Park. So we actually started their session in their cozy home!
We kicked off the day capturing some sweet, intimate moments with them and all their pets. Their three dogs and cat were absolute stars, and you could just feel how important these fur babies are to Paige and Austin! I always love in-home sessions because they showcase such authentic, relaxed moments that tell a deeper story about a couple’s everyday life together.
After wrapping up the in-home portion, we headed to Chautauqua Park, which is hands down one of my favorite Colorado wildflower engagement session locations. The vibrant pink wildflowers were in full bloom, creating the most magical backdrop against the iconic Flatirons.
Colorado Wildflower Engagement Photos Inspiration
About halfway through our time at Chautauqua, the Colorado weather decided to show us who’s boss (typical, right?). Dark clouds rolled in, and we all had to make a dash for our cars as the rain came pouring down. We waited it out, chatting and laughing in the parking lot.
Then something amazing happened – the clouds parted just enough for this gorgeous beam of sunshine to break through. Paige and Austin immediately jumped at the opportunity, and we raced back out to the wildflower fields. Rather than the rain ruining their day, they fully embraced it and it felt like a scene out of The Sound of Music! The raindrops on those pink blooms created this incredible sparkly effect that you just can’t plan for! The variety in these gorgeous mountain photos and their cozy in-home session earlier in the day was everything I strive to create for my couples – a gallery that tells your full story!
Embracing The Weather in the Colorado Mountains
What made this Colorado wildflower engagement session so incredibly special was how Paige and Austin embraced the unexpected. When many couples might have been disappointed by the rain, these two just rolled with it and trusted me completely. The moment that little glimpse of sun broke through the clouds, they made THE MOST of it – running hand-in-hand through the wildflower fields, laughing together as the raindrops sparkled around them.
It reminded me exactly why I love photographing couples in Colorado’s unpredictable but beautiful landscapes. There’s something so authentic about capturing that joy and spontaneity when things don’t go perfectly according to plan. The genuine laughter and romance between these two as they danced in that magical post-rain light among the wildflowers – that’s what engagement photography is all about.
For couples looking for the perfect Colorado wildflower engagement session location, I always recommend being flexible and embracing whatever Mother Nature throws your way. Sometimes those unplanned moments create the most spectacular and meaningful images! And pairing these epic outdoor photos with intimate in-home portraits gives my couples a complete engagement gallery that truly showcases all aspects of their relationship.
Colorado Engagement Photographer
Paige and Austin, thank you so much for trusting me to capture your engagement session! From waiting out the rain at Chautauqua to including your adorable pets in your home photos, every moment was an absolute joy to photograph. Your love for adventure, each other, and your fur babies shines through in every image.
I’m incredibly honored that you’ve chosen me to document this special time in your lives, and I cannot wait to capture your wedding day at Wild Basin Lodge this fall!
Book Your Colorado Wildflower Engagement Photos
Looking to capture your own Colorado wildflower engagement photos? Chautauqua Park in Boulder offers some of the most stunning wildflower fields from late June through mid-July! Check out my engagement session packages to see how we can create a custom experience that captures both the natural beauty of Colorado and your unique love story.
Ready to chat about your vision? Contact me to schedule a consultation – I can’t wait to hear what you’re dreaming up for your Boulder engagement photos!
Other Engagement Session Locations in Boulder, Colorado
While Chautauqua Park is a top choice for wildflower engagement photos, Boulder offers so many amazing locations for your session! From the stunning views of Lost Gulch Overlook to the magical forests of Betasso Preserve and the wide-open spaces of Bald Mountain, each location brings its own unique backdrop to your love story. Check out my detailed guide to The Best Boulder Engagement Photo Locations to discover the perfect spot that speaks to your style as a couple!
Boulder OSMP Photography Permit
When planning your Colorado wildflower engagement session in Boulder, it’s important to know that professional photography at locations like Chautauqua Park requires an official permit through Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks (OSMP). Don’t worry – I’ve got you covered on all the details!
All the beautiful engagement session locations in Boulder – Chautauqua Park with its stunning wildflowers, Lost Gulch Overlook with those dramatic rocky views, South Mesa Trailhead, Flagstaff Mountain, and many others – all fall under Boulder OSMP’s management. As your photographer, I handle this permit process for you so everything is officially official.
Different Types: For engagement sessions with just still photos (like Paige and Austin’s), I use the Commercial Use Permit. If you want to add video to your session, that would require a separate Film Permit.
Application Process: I secure these permits through OSMP’s convenient online portal. The process includes submitting my business details and proof of insurance, followed by payment.
Investment: Boulder OSMP offers two permit options that I maintain:
- An annual unlimited permit ($300 per calendar year) for photographers who very frequently shoot at these locations
- A limited permit ($50 annually) that covers up to 50 visitors throughout the year (each session typically counts as 3 visitors – you two plus me)
The best part? You don’t need to worry about any of this paperwork – I’ve got all the necessary permits in place so we can focus on creating gorgeous engagement photos in Boulder’s most breathtaking wildflower and mountain locations!
