Union Station stands as a timeless icon of the Mile High City, rich in history and urban charm, and as my favorite location for engagement photos in Denver. Originally constructed in 1881, the station has undergone many transformations over the years, turning it into an elegant attraction with impressive columns and soaring arched windows. The modern interior is illuminated by the neon terminal sign – making the perfect backdrop for vintage, romantic engagement photos in Denver.
On top of being a vital hub for transportation, Union Station is a bustling center of activity that’s been transformed into a vibrant cultural and culinary destination in the heart of Denver. Following a multi-million dollar restoration project, Union Station was reborn as a modern transportation hub, complete with shops, restaurants, and a luxury hotel maintaining its eclectic vibes and historic charm.
Classy, Christmas Engagement Photos in Downtown Denver
As you wander through the terminal amidst the glorious architecture, you can’t help but feel a sense of awe and wander at the stories contained within its walls while reveling in the excitement of your engagement season as we tell your story. I had the honor of capturing Alexandria and Judah’s chic engagement session at Union Station during the 2023 Christmas season. The terminal was adorned with classic white and gold decor and filled with towering Christmas trees, adding an extra special touch of magic to their session. In this blog, I’ll be sharing all the details of their date night (aka their Union Station engagement session) from dancing in a private cocktail bar to running through the crosswalks under the famous, neon Union Station sign we all know and love!
Vintage Cocktail Bar Engagement Photos in Denver
Alexandria and Judah first met passing by in a stairwell at their job. She complimented his shoes and the rest was history. Since then, they’ve gone on many adventures together and decided to spend the rest of their lives together! To celebrate their engagement, they wanted to do something unique and personal to them that could double as their Christmas card photos. After chatting and contacting a few establishments, we decided to include their favorite cocktail bar in downtown Denver in their session – Union Lodge No. 1.
Much like Union Station, Union Lodge No. 1 stands as a tribute and testament to the rich history and thriving cocktail scene of Denver, Colorado. Being a speakeasy-style bar, physical space is limited so we coordinated with the manager ahead of time and were able to come in before opening for a completely private experience! The intimate setting and dimly lit interior with exposed brick walls and vintage furnishings quiets the hustle and bustle of the modern world, transforming you to a place full of old-world charm.
As with any establishment, please be sure to call ahead and ask for permission before showing up to take engagement photos, or any professional photos at a business! Not all businesses allow this and they can change their rules anytime. Thank you, Union Lodge No. 1 for being so welcoming and for celebrating Alexandria and Judah with us!
Fun, Santa Hat Christmas Card Couples Photos
When I first chatted with Alexandria and Judah, they already had a specific vision for their photos. They didn’t want typical, Colorado mountain engagement photos or “say cheese” holiday card photos. They wanted something chic and classy, elegant and vintage, but with a touch of Christmas… so they threw on their Santa hats for the most adorable and fun Christmas card photos I’ve ever seen!
Magical Union Station Engagement Session
After a dance party at Union Lodge No. 1, we headed to the charming Union Station to explore the terminal. When you step into Union Station, you’ll immediately appreciate the grandeur of its architecture, with its soaring ceilings, ornate chandeliers, and timeless elegance. The terminal is beautiful year-round, but the extravagant Christmas decor really elevated the scene! When you step into Union Station, it’s like time stand stills and you forget about the busy Denver streets right outside the doors and can just be present in the moment with one another.
Throughout the entire session, Alexandria and Judah’s love for each other was evident, filling the air with pure joy and excitement. At moments, they were having so much fun they genuinely forgot I was there! As I captured these moments through my lens, I was reminded it’s moments like these that encapsulate why I do what I do – to capture love in all its infinite beauty and splendor.
Union Station Photography Permit for Engagement Photos
If you are planning to take your engagement photos (or any professional photos) at Union Station, your photographer will need to apply for a permit. There are separate permits for photography in the terminal and outdoors on Wynkoop Plaza. Both permits are free, but must be submitted at least five business days before your shoot. You can send your permit inquiry and questions directly to info@unionstationindenver.com. Read about the Wynkoop Plaza permit here and the Indoor Terminal permit here. Please be sure to read through the rules of working at Union Station before your session as there are equipment and timing restrictions.
Colorado Photography Permit Guide
For more information on obtaining Colorado Photography Permits for the most popular session locations, check out my comprehensive guide here. In this guide I summarize when permits are required in numerous Colorado location, how to apply, when to apply, and direct links to the applications and more information on each location. I do my best to keep this up to date, but this guide is by no means legal advice and you should always double check for yourself.
If you are a photographer, please always be sure to do your own research before a session, elopement, or wedding to ensure you and your clients have the appropriate permits. If you’re a client planning your session or ceremony, I encourage you to do your own research too and ask your vendors about the required permits!
Urban Engagement Photos With Neon Lights at Union Station
And finally, we ended their Union Station engagement session running around Wynkoop Plaza next to the gigantic Christmas tree then sprinting through the crosswalks to capture the beloved neon Union Station sign in the background. In our experience, the sign was illuminated around 45 minutes prior to sunset and seem to operate off of light-based sensors and timers! We had a vision and were on a mission to capture the illuminated sign specifically and as fate would have it, it came to life just as they stepped foot in the crosswalk!
These two are everything a love story should be and truly could of had just as much fun doing anything together. In fact, they told me on our consult call they even have fun grocery shopping together and just wanted to have a fun, chic, and romantic engagement session that showcased their relationship. We absolutely did that! I am so excited to celebrate with them this summer at their rehearsal dinner at Bird’s Nest in Estes Park before their wedding at Della Terra!
Denver Wedding Photographer
Whether you’re getting married in Denver or just wanting to capture your engagement photos at Union Station, I know it’s because you’ve fallen in love with the modern charm and thriving culture of the Mile High City. There are a myriad of experiences waiting to be had at every corner you turn and you’re ready to hit the town. I know you value the beauty of a blank canvas and are ready to transform your urban venue into an enchanting atmosphere with your very own unique styles and lavish decor.
Hi, I’m Logan and I would love to be your Denver Wedding Photographer! I deeply value personal connection with my couples and share the same love of neon lights, artistic expression, and luxury experiences as you. When you hire me, you aren’t just getting someone who is going to take beautiful wedding 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.
I’m here to first and foremost get to know you, then to be an integral part of your wedding experience. I offer unlimited consultations for my couples, thorough questionnaires, to design your unique wedding photo timeline, provide vendor recommendations, and so much more. If you’re interested in working together, please inquire here and I’ll be in touch soon!
P.s. If you’re looking for a Denver wedding photographer to capture your Union Station engagement session, tell me all about your vision here!
