Read about tips, ideas, and experiences from real couples to help you plan your surprise proposal in Colorado
Colorado is one of the most romantic and scenic places to propose — from mountain overlooks to cozy alpine trails. As a photographer, I’ve been lucky to capture dozens of surprise proposals here in Colorado. They’re always such a joy to be part of — full of emotion, excitement, and just a little bit of sneakiness.
In this post, I’m sharing some of my favorite Colorado proposal ideas, tips from experience, and real stories from couples I’ve worked with to help you plan a moment that’s beautiful, stress-free, and truly unforgettable.
Planning & Proposal Preparation
A Little Preparation Goes a Long Way
If you’re bringing a photographer (like me!) along, setting up details ahead of time makes a huge difference. Even if you’re keeping things simple and private (not having a photographer), a little planning will help everything go much smoother.
Picking Your Location
Keep It Simple and Meaningful
There are endless ways to propose, but simple often wins. You’re already going to be nervous (in the best way!), so focus on what’s meaningful to you both. Don’t overcomplicate it.
Choose a spot with significance — maybe your favorite hike, the town where you had your first date, or a view you both love.
If you’re meeting a photographer, choose a spot that’s close to the trailhead so you can easily find one another.
Find a Quiet Spot for your surprise proposal
A little privacy makes a big difference. Coloradans love their trails, so total seclusion can be tricky — but you can almost always find a quiet corner.
When Aaron proposed to Teassa on top of Aspen Mountain, instead of popping the question near the crowded lodge, they walked just a few minutes down the trail. Suddenly it was peaceful. When they arrived it was just myself and about 4 other people enjoying the view.
One of my favorite sayings is:
“If you try 10% harder, you’ll lose 90% of the crowds.”
At least that’s what my husband and I say to each other. We find it’s often true — you don’t need to go much further to find your own intimate space.
A few other questions to consider when choosing your proposal location:
- What will the weather be like?
- Is the location accessible year-round?
- Will you need to hike far to get there — and is that okay for both of you?
Final Proposal Preparation
How to Get There (and What to Say So They Don’t Suspect a Thing)
Think about how you’ll get your partner to the location without giving it away — and whether you’d like them to dress up for photos.
Here are a few ideas that can help get them dressed up and outside in a beautiful setting:
Going out for brunch or dinner: Suggest stopping by a beautiful viewpoint before your reservation. It’s an easy reason to get dressed up and go to a trail without suspicion.
Taking selfies for holiday cards: A great reason to visit a scenic spot in some nice attire — especially if you’re traveling from out of town.
The “photo shoot” excuse: Tell them you’ve booked a portrait session (or that it was gifted by a friend or family member). Perfect for anniversaries or vacations.
Visiting an iconic Colorado location: Popular places like Garden of the Gods make natural backdrops. Just find a quieter corner nearby for the big moment.
When Cory proposed to Samantha, he decided he wanted to ask her at Red Rocks Park and Amphitheater. They had taken a trip together there when they first started dating which really solidified their relationship. So for them, it was the perfect spot to revisit. We found a less traveled trail in the park for the big moment and Samantha was really surprised and delighted.
Pro tip: If you think asking her to dress up would be a give away, you can always stash a change of clothes for your partner — either in your vehicle or with someone that is coming to meet you like your photographer or a friend.
Reviewing the Plan
Once we’ve chosen a location, I like to hop on a quick call with my clients to go over things like:
- Where to park and how to find the exact spot
- Which direction to walk along the trail
- A subtle signal for when the proposal is about to happen
During the moment, I usually blend in as just another hiker — camera tucked under a jacket or in my backpack, pretending to scroll on my phone or enjoy a snack.
Pro tip: Don’t rely on cell service. Many Colorado mountain spots have weak or no signal. Here are things you can do to help with the lack of cell service:
- Download maps from Google Maps ahead of time so you can use them offline
- Scout the area beforehand if possible
- Share a photo of you and your significant other with your photographer so it’s easy to spot you when you arrive
This moment happens fast — having a clear plan ensures everyone’s ready when the big moment happens!
Plan Time for Engagement Photos
Once the question’s been asked (and answered with a big “yes!”), take a few minutes to soak it all in — and capture it!
For my proposal sessions, I usually plan 1 to 1.5 hours to:
- Capture the proposal itself
- Explore the trail for a variety of portraits
- Create a mix of candid and posed photos celebrating your engagement
Even if you don’t have a photographer, grab a few selfies or ask a nearby hiker to snap a shot — you’ll be so glad you did.
Add a Second Surprise (Optional but Fun!)
If you love surprises, consider adding one more. One of my favorite moments was when Tynan planned a secret celebration after the proposal moment. The family showed up towards the middle of the portrait session to surprise her. He also rented an Airbnb nearby where they all were able to stay and share in the excitement for a couple days together. It was simple, meaningful, and such a joyful way to celebrate.
More Fun Ways to Keep It a Surprise
- Give a hint — but not too much. Go window shopping for rings together or casually ask about styles.
- Create a diversion. Plan a “fake” proposal setup, then surprise them in a completely different place or time.
Final Tip: Savor It
Whether it’s a grand mountain overlook or a quiet forest trail, this is one of those moments you’ll remember forever. Take a deep breath, stay present, and enjoy it — you’re about to start an incredible new chapter together.
Beautiful Places to Propose in Colorado
Maroon Bells
Aspen Mountain
Rocky Mountain National Park
Near Boulder Colorado
Colorado Springs
See more amazing places around the Springs to propose. Check out this article from Visit Colorado Springs about the Top Places to Pop the Question
