Nestled in the heart of the Rocky Mountains is one of the cutest mountain towns! Breckenridge, Colorado – offers a picturesque backdrop for couples seeking an engagement session that’s as breathtaking as their love story. With its charming mountain town vibe, stunning natural scenery, and vibrant seasons Breckenridge sets the stage for unforgettable moments captured through the lens. In my Breckenridge engagement session guide, you’ll find everything you need to know to plan the perfect engagement session in this mountain paradise.

Choosing the Right Time of Year for Your Breckenridge Engagement Session

Winter

If you love snow-covered landscapes and cozy winter vibes a winter engagement session might just be the right choice for you. The snowy months of December-May can make for the most beautiful backdrops. Moreover, the snow is always falling up in the mountains, so if you want those snow flecked photos this is the best time for them! If you are snowboarding/skiing enthusiasts you may want to talk to your photographer about how you could incorporate that into your session! Most of us who live here participate in winter sports and would be happy to photograph you doing something you enjoy.

Spring

Spring is a really beautiful time for Breckenridge engagement sessions. The weather is temperate and the waterfalls and lakes are full from all the snow melt. Although, keep in mind Colorado’s spring starts a bit later. I would recommend planning on a “spring session” in the month of June. The 3rd and 4th week of June are my favorite weeks to shoot out of the entire year!

Summer

The summer months (July to August) in Breckenridge offer warm, sunny days and endless outdoor activities. From lush greenery to sparkling alpine lakes, summer provides a vibrant backdrop for your engagement session.

Autumn

Autumn (September to October) is a magical time in Breckenridge, as the aspen trees turn brilliant shades of gold and orange. The crisp mountain air and stunning fall foliage provide a warm and cozy atmosphere for your engagement session.

Best Time of Day for your Breckenridge Engagement Session

The best time of day for your Breckenridge engagement session largely depends on your personal preferences, the season, and the specific location you plan to visit. As a rule of thumb, golden hour is generally the best time of day to have your session.

Golden hour refers to the hour just after sunrise or just before sunset when the sunlight is soft, warm, and diffused, creating a beautiful, flattering glow. During golden hour, the light is less harsh, shadows are minimized, and colors appear richer, resulting in stunning, ethereal photos.

If you’re early birds or want to capture the tranquility of the morning light, consider scheduling your engagement session at sunrise. Breckenridge’s mountain landscapes are particularly magical at dawn, with soft pastels. There is often less foot traffic at popular outdoor locations during the early morning hours, allowing for a more intimate setting.

Sunset is another popular choice for engagement sessions, as the warm, golden light creates a romantic and dreamy atmosphere. The changing colors of the sky provides a stunning backdrop for your photos. The fading light casts a soft, flattering glow on you and your partner. Additionally, sunset sessions offer the opportunity to capture dramatic and ethereal photos during blue hour which immediately follows sunset.

Best Locations for your Breckenridge Engagement Session

Boreas Pass

For panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and expansive meadows, venture to Boreas Pass. Whether you’re surrounded by wildflowers in the summer or snowy landscapes in the winter, this location offers breathtaking backdrops for your engagement photos.

Hoosier Pass

Located just a short drive from Breckenridge, Colorado Hoosier Pass is an iconic mountain road that offers stunning vistas. This location sits at an elevation of over 11,000 feet and can be accessed year round. You can expect to find alpine meadows, mountain views, pine forests and lakes.

Breckenridge Ski Resort

If you’re visiting Breckenridge during the winter months, the ski resort provides a magical backdrop for your engagement session. Whether you’re snuggled up together on a chairlift, carving turns down the slopes, or enjoying après-ski cocktails by a cozy fireplace, the ski resort offers plenty of opportunities for romantic and adventurous photos.

McCullough Gulch

Located just south of Breckenridge, McCullough Gulch is renowned for its stunning alpine scenery, including a series of cascading waterfalls and a pristine mountain lake. The hike to the lake is relatively short but steep, offering plenty of opportunities for scenic photos against the backdrop of rugged peaks and lush meadows.

French Gulch

Just a short drive from downtown Breckenridge, French Gulch boasts scenic hiking trails, historic mining ruins, and panoramic views of the Ten mile Range. This picturesque area is especially stunning in the fall when the aspen trees turn vibrant shades of gold and orange, providing a colorful backdrop for your engagement photos.

What to Wear for your Breckenridge Engagement Session

Choosing the perfect attire for your Breckenridge engagement session is essential to ensure you look and feel your best during your session.

Dress in Layers: Breckenridge’s mountain weather can be unpredictable, so dressing in layers is key to staying comfortable throughout your engagement session.

Coordinate with your Partner: Coordinating your outfits with your partner is important to creating a cohesive look. Consider choosing a color palette that reflects the season and mood of your engagement session. Soft neutrals and earth tones are always an easy way to go.

Consider the Season: Tailor your wardrobe choices to the season in which you’re having your engagement session. For summer sessions, lightweight fabrics and breathable materials are ideal to keep you cool and comfortable. In the fall and winter, opt for cozy layers, textured knits, and warm outerwear to stay snug against the chill.

Dress for Movement: Since engagement sessions often involve walking, hiking, or exploring outdoor locations. Avoid overly restrictive clothing that may limit your mobility or cause discomfort.

Pick comfortable footwear: Hiking boots or sneakers are generally the best option for a mountain engagement session. You want to be able to comfortably walk for extended periods.

Add Personal Touches: Infuse your wardrobe with personal touches that reflect your individual style and personalities as a couple. Whether it’s a favorite accessory or sentimental jewelry incorporating these elements into your outfits can help make your engagement photos feel personalized.

Avoid Busy Patterns and Logos: While a subtle pattern or print can add visual interest to your outfits, avoid wearing clothing with busy patterns or large logos that may distract the viewer. Opt for timeless and classic styles.

Activities to Include in Your Breckenridge Engagement Session

Pop some Champagne!

Getting engaged and announcing to the world your commitment to each other is something that deserves to be celebrated! One of the things that I love couples to incorporate into their session is popping some bubbly. It’s a great way to get you involved and create natural laughter.

Picnicking

Pack a cozy picnic basket with your favorite snacks, sandwiches, and beverages, and head to a scenic spot for a romantic picnic with your partner. This is another great way to capture candid moments and genuine connections.

Skiing or Snowboarding

If you’re visiting Breckenridge during the winter months, consider incorporating skiing or snowboarding into your engagement session. Hit the slopes with your partner and your photographer to capture action shots, playful moments, and stunning mountain panoramas.

Brewery or Distillery Tour

Breckenridge is home to several craft breweries and a renowned distillery, making it the perfect destination for a brewery or distillery tour. Consider visiting one of these establishments with your partner and your photographer to capture behind-the-scenes moments, tasting flights, and candid interactions. Toasting with a glass of locally brewed beer or craft spirits can add a touch of celebration.

Horseback Riding

Embark on a scenic horseback ride through the mountains with your partner and your photographer. Whether you’re meandering along forested trails, crossing bubbling streams, or trotting through alpine meadows, horseback riding can provide a unique and memorable backdrop for your engagement photos. Plus, the majestic beauty of horses adds an extra layer of elegance and charm to your photos.

By incorporating activities into your engagement session in Breckenridge, you’ll not only create unique and memorable photos but also capture the essence of your relationship.

Ready to Get Started Planning your Breckenridge Engagement Session?

I would absolutely love to help you plan an incredible experience in one of Colorado’s cutest mountain towns. To get started reach out here and we can chat about your vision for your Breckenridge Engagement Session!