Brainard Lake Engagement Session : Guide to a Perfect Photoshoot!

Brainard Lake Recreation Area is one of my favorite locations to host engagement sessions. I guarantee you that this location has everything you could want and more. With breathtaking mountain views, alpine lakes, and gorgeous pine forests – Brainard Lake in Colorado offers a picturesque setting that captures the essence of love, the great outdoors and adventure. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about planning your engagement photoshoot at this incredible location—plus, I’ll explain how I can help you through the entire planning process.

A man in jeans and a hat holds hands with a woman in a flowing black dress and hat standing on a rock by a lake, with mountains and trees in the background at sunset.

Why Choose Brainard Lake for Your Engagement Photoshoot?

Brainard Lake, located just an hour from Boulder, Colorado, is known for its serene beauty and versatility as a photoshoot location. This location is easy to get to which makes it such a great place to have your engagement session. The permitting process is fairly easy and you can even make a day of hiking, picnicking, or just relaxing by the lakeside before or after your shoot.

Some of the highlights of having your Brainard Lake engagement session include:

  • Unmatched Scenery: This location is nested in the Indian Peaks Wilderness, with stunning views of the Continental Divide. It has several alpine lakes throughout the recreation area as well as a ton of hiking trails. The lighting you get at this location is absolutely stunning and it just really lights up the environment so beautifully for photos.
  • Variety of Backdrops: There is so much diversity within Brainard Lake Recreation Area it’s crazy. One thing I always look for in a location is variety. It helps create a gorgeous gallery full of many different backdrops. This location has mountains, lakes, forest, rivers, etc.
  • Natural Lighting: The elevation and open spaces provide fantastic lighting, especially during golden hour—perfect for capturing those dreamy, romantic shots.
A man and woman embrace closely, touching foreheads and smiling with closed eyes, outdoors with trees and soft sunlight in the background.
Cute engaged couple sitting together on the shoreline of a lake during their Brainard Lake engagement session in Colorado
A smiling couple in western-style clothes walk hand in hand along a lakeshore, surrounded by pine trees and mountains, with sunlight shining through the trees.

Best Times for Your Engagement Session

Timing your Brainard Lake engagement session is key to achieving the best photos. The best time to visit the park is between late June and early October. Due to the park sitting at such a high elevation the snow lasts well into June and some parts of the park even into July.

Additionally, the cut off date for parking at the more convenient lots is early October. It’s important to work with a photographer who is familiar with the seasonality of this park. It is important to have an understanding of what all goes into getting to the park at certain times of the year.

The park is accessible in the winter but it usually requires snowshoeing to get to those more epic spots. I personally don’t recommend shooting at Brainard Lake in the winter because it requires many miles of hiking to get to a place with views.

A woman in a black dress and hat walks arm in arm with a man in jeans and a cowboy hat by a lake, with pine trees and mountains in the background.
Three people walk along a lakeshore surrounded by trees and mountains under a clear sky, with sunlight reflecting off the lake and a pine tree visible on the right.

What to Wear for Your Engagement Session

Choosing the right outfits can elevate your engagement photos. Here are a few tips to ensure you look amazing while staying comfortable during the shoot:

  • Layers: Temperatures at higher elevations can fluctuate, so dressing in layers helps you stay warm.
  • Complement, Don’t Match: Coordinate your outfits with your partner using complementary colors instead of identical ones. Earth tones (like forest green, navy, and cream) work beautifully in this natural setting.
  • Comfortable Shoes: If we’ll be moving between different areas, comfortable shoes or hiking boots are a must. You can always bring a pair of nicer shoes for specific shots.
  • Accessories: Hats, scarves, or a blanket can be both practical and stylish, especially during cooler months.

I’ll also guide you on wardrobe choices to ensure your outfits not only reflect your style but also suit the environment.

Engaged couple dancing on the shoreline at Brainard Lake Recreation Area during their engagement session
A couple stands facing each other by a calm lake, surrounded by pine trees and mountains, with the couple’s reflection visible in the water. The woman wears a dress and hat, and the man wears a cowboy hat and boots.

How to Prepare for Your Brainard Lake Engagement Session

Planning ahead will make your experience as smooth as possible. Here are some things to keep in mind:

  1. Permits and Fees: Brainard Lake does require an entry fee and timed entry reservation to visit the park. It’s important to acquire this in advance as tickets sell out fast. A photography permit is not required for groups fewer than 20 people.
  2. Pack Essentials: Sunscreen, water, snacks, and extra layers are essential items to bring—especially if we’ll be hiking to more remote spots.
  3. Have Fun! This session is all about celebrating your love. I’ll provide gentle direction to capture natural, candid moments that reflect your personalities.
A man in a cowboy hat kneels by a lakeshore, proposing to a woman in a black dress and hat. They are surrounded by trees and mountains in the background under a clear sky.
Boyfriend proposing to his girlfriend at Brainard Lake Recreation area in Colorado
A couple kisses while standing on a rocky lakeshore, surrounded by trees and distant hills. The woman wears a black dress and turquoise boots, while the man wears a cowboy hat, jeans, and a vest.
A couple sits on the grass by a lake and pine trees. The woman, wearing a black dress and turquoise boots, lies with her head in the mans lap, both smiling and gazing at each other in a relaxed, outdoor setting.
A man and woman in western attire stand by a lake, smiling at each other. The man wears a cowboy hat, vest, and jeans; the woman wears a hat, off-shoulder black dress, and turquoise boots. Mountains and trees are in the background.
A couple in hats kisses by a lake, with pine trees and mountains in the background at sunset.
A man lifts a smiling woman by a lake, with mountains and pine trees in the background. The woman wears a hat, a long dress, and turquoise boots. Both appear happy and outdoors in nature.
A couple dressed in western attire walks arm in arm by a lake with mountains and pine trees in the background, under a clear sky.

Booking Your Brainard Lake Engagement Session

If you’re ready to capture your love story in one of Colorado’s most breathtaking locations, let’s make it happen! I’d love to be a part of this special moment and help you create memories that will last a lifetime.

To book your Brainard Lake engagement session, reach out through my contact page – here. Whether you envision a summer shoot surrounded by wildflowers or a cozy fall session with the changing leaves, I’m here to help you every step of the way!

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