Winter Engagement Photos: A Complete Guide

Advice for Stunning Winter Engagement Photos

Embrace the Season

Winter creates a magical setting with snow-covered landscapes, frost-covered trees, icy lakes, or fresh snowfall blanketing the ground. These stunning elements provide an enchanting backdrop, transforming a simple location into a picture-perfect scene. On days with overcast skies, the soft, diffused light gives photos a natural, romantic glow. Adding scarves or blankets to your session keeps you warm and brings in a touch of warmth, coziness, and romance.

Time it Right

Winter days run short on light, so plan an engagement session for the golden hours, either early morning or late afternoon. Morning sessions often provide crisp, untouched snow and fewer crowds, a bonus if you’re shy, introverted, or want more privacy. Late afternoon sessions create dreamy hues as the sun sets. Consult with your photographer to choose the perfect window for your preferred date and location.

Be Flexible

Winter weather often includes sudden snowstorms, icy conditions, or frigid temperatures that complicate photo sessions. While snow brings magic to photos, extreme cold or heavy snowfall can be uncomfortable or unsafe for everyone involved. Stay in communication with your photographer and keep an eye on the forecast leading up to the session. If the weather turns unfavorable, be prepared to reschedule. Always discuss a backup plan such as an indoor location or an alternate date to keep the session stress-free and enjoyable.

What to Wear

Layer Up Stylishly

Dressing for a winter engagement session means staying warm while looking stylish. Start your outfit with a fitted base layer to trap heat, without adding bulk. Then, build on this with cozy sweaters and turtlenecks topped with coats in a neutral or bold color, if you want pop. Use scarves, gloves, and hats as fashionable accessories to bring texture and personality to outfits. Opt for items that coordinate with your partner’s to create a cohesive look.

Choose Colors for Effect

Winter’s neutral tones–white snow, gray sky, and bare trees–create a perfect canvas for vibrant colors. Jewel tones in emerald, burgundy, navy, and mustard yellow look rich and stand out against snowy backdrops. Mixing in soft pastels, like blush or lavender, paints a romantic vibe. Keep patterns subtle to avoid clashing with the serenity of the scene. Consider balancing pops of color with neutral tones of cream, beige or charcoal to keep things visually balanced.

Wear Smart Footwear

Snowy or icy conditions call for practical choices in footwear. Look for insulated boots to keep you warm and stylish such as leather ankle boots or knee-high boots with faux fur trim. Keep the colors neutral in black, brown, or gray that compliment outfits. Waterproofed boots give the ultimate protection in keeping feet dry and comfortable. Depending on the location, if you prefer to wear more formal footwear for a few shots, bring them along and change into them once you’ve reached the final session location.

Accessorize for Comfort and Style

Stay cozy and add style with warm and comfortable accessories like wool berets or knit beanies and gloves in sleek leather or soft wool. Bring a plaid or neutral-toned blanket to wrap around you and your partner for a cozy, intimate vibe. Accessories make great props to include in photos and help create natural, candid moments. Staying warm overall helps minimize shivering, hunched over shoulders, and runny noses in your photos.

Best Denver Winter Engagement Photo Session Locations

Mount Falcon Park – West

With panoramic views, snowy evergreens, rolling meadows, and picturesque trails, Mount Falcon Park West gives a mountain session experience without a long commute from Denver or traffic. The open vistas are perfect for dramatic, wide-angle shots while the wooded areas provide a cozy, romantic atmosphere. A permit from Jefferson County is required for engagement and portrait photography.
>>Read more about Mount Falcon Park West Trailhead.

Red Rocks Park

When dusted with snow, the dramatic red rock formations make a striking contrast against the white ground and blue skies. This location offers a mix of wide-open space and intimate nooks, perfect for scenic and close-up shots. The amphitheater provides unique angles and a sense of scale for a bold and unforgettable backdrop. Consult with your photographer for the necessary permits and the Red Rocks event schedule to avoid busy concert times.

Evergreen Lake

The serene, snow-covered landscape and water views of Evergreen Lake give couples a winter storybook setting. During the winter, the lake often freezes, and the surrounding pine trees give an alpine feeling. Explore nearby trails and open areas for spaces to capture traditional and playful shots. Consult with your photographer for the necessary permits to photograph at this location.

City Park

Combining urban and natural scenery, City Park combines the best of city and nature. With the Denver skyline in the distance and snow-covered trees and paths all around, this location offers something for every couple. The park’s various settings are accessible from paths all around.

Union Station

For an indoor option, Union Station is the perfect warm and elegant setting for engagement photos. This historic Denver landmark features stunning architecture, cozy lounges, and twinkling lights during the holidays. The recently remodeled interior also offers many opportunities for intimate, romantic shots, while the station’s exterior adds a touch of urban flair to the session photos. Allow time to request the necessary permit to photograph at this location.

Cheesman Park

Known for its historic and striking pavilion and tree-lined paths, Cheesman Park looks gorgeous with a blanket of snow. Due to its popularity, select less busy times such as weekdays to reduce capturing other people in the photos.

Indoor vs Outdoor – Winter Engagement Photos

	Outdoor	Indoor
Pros	Stunning natural backdrops like snowy mountains, frosted forests, icy lakes.	Controlled environment with consistent lighting and temperature.
	Unexpected elements like falling show, sledding, or snowball fights for playful moments.	No weather concerns; ideal for extreme cold.
	Soft, diffused natural light enhances the dreamy, romantic feeling of photos.	Architectural or cozy settings add character, polish, and sophistication (historic venues, cafes, libraries)
	Wide open spaces with options for sweeping landscapes and up-close portraits	Convenient for wardrobe changes and staying comfortable during the session.
Cons	Cold, uncomfortable temperatures make for shorter sessions.	Some locations have limited options for variety in backgrounds/sets.
	Unpredictable weather may require rescheduling.	Sometimes lacks seasonal charm and an adventurous feel compared to an outdoor session.
	Snow-covered and icy terrain may require extra preparation and safety precautions.	May feel less spontaneous or personal depending on the setting.
	Short winter daylight hours limit the available shooting time.	Potential challenges with permits or availability in popular indoor locations.
Best For	Nature-loving couples looking for a romantic, whimsical, or adventurous vibe in their photos.	Couples who prefer comfort, elegance, history, or reliability for harsh winter weather locations.
Ideal Locations	Red Rocks Park, Mount Falcon West, Evergreen Lake, snowy trails, open fields.	Union Station, historic locations, art galleries, cafes, cozy home setups, or iconic Denver interiors.
Pro Tip	Bring hand warmers, layers, wear leg warmers under clothing, and a thermos of a favorite warm beverage for warmth.	Use natural light and a V-flat near large windows to create soft, flattering indoor photos.

For longer sessions, combine indoor and outdoor shots to balance the pros of both options while adding variety and versatility to your winter session.

Frequently Asked Questions – Winter Engagement Sessions