Breckenridge Engagement Photos | Pass Lake + Loveland Pass

Doan and Nate’s Breckenridge engagement photos captured their loving spirit and deep appreciation for nature. As Colorado locals, they’ve spent countless weekends hiking and exploring, taking in all that the Rockies have to offer. For their engagement session, they wanted to celebrate their connection to the wild landscapes they adore.

Breckenridge was the ideal location for their photos—its stunning mountain views and serene lakes matched their vision perfectly. Despite some uncertainty about the weather, we approached the day with confidence, and it turned out to be even dreamier than we had hoped.

In this blog I’ll share a glimpse into their journey, how to plan your own Breckenridge engagement session, and a dose of mountain engagement inspiration.

About the Colorado Couple

Doan and Nate’s bond is as blissful and adventurous as the Colorado landscapes they adore. Based in Denver, they seize every opportunity to explore the Rockies, making outdoor adventures a central part of their life together.

One memorable adventure was a 10-mile hike in the Rocky Mountains. A sudden storm turned what was meant to be a straightforward trek into a challenging experience. They found shelter and even spotted a nearby momma moose seeking refuge. While the situation was stressful at the time, they later found it amusing to reflect on how everything unfolded.

This blend of unexpected challenges and serene nature perfectly reflects their ability to find the positive in any situation, embrace the unplanned, and live life to the fullest. As they look ahead—whether it’s house hunting or adopting a precious Corgi—their love for Colorado, and quality time with each other, continues to shape their journey together.

Planning Their Breckenridge Engagement Session

Doan and Nate initially found me on Instagram while searching for the perfect location for their engagement photos. With a deep appreciation for the mountains and a desire for a lakeside setting, they envisioned a spot akin to Maroon Bells. They even planned a road trip around their engagement photos, making Breckenridge the starting point for their adventure.

They were aiming for a session between July and September, and when we connected over Zoom, they were thrilled about the idea of combining Pass Lake and Dillon Reservoir in their session. With a 2-hour photo package booked for July, we had the flexibility to capture both locations, giving them the chance to shoot in two settings with two different outfits. Pass Lake, with its mountain views and alpine lake, perfectly matched their vision for a whimsical, ethereal, and romantic shoot. Its proximity to Dillon Reservoir also made it easy to capture a variety of scenes, with just a 25-minute drive between locations.

However, the right timing was key. Pass Lake is typically only accessible from June to November due to heavy snow during the cooler months, so the location fit perfectly with their planned session date. Yet, when I visited Dillon Reservoir just two weeks before their shoot, I discovered that the water levels were extremely high, limiting our options for photo spots.

To make the most of our time, we decided to pivot. Loveland Pass, mere minutes up the road from Pass Lake, became the perfect alternative location to complete their session. This adjustment allowed us to maintain the romantic and ethereal vibe they desired while still exploring two separate locations.

Doan + Nate’s Breckenridge Engagement Locations

Colorado is home to an incredible variety of stunning scenery for engagement photos, especially in the Breckenridge area. Doan and Nate chose two standout locations—Pass Lake and Loveland Pass—that were perfect for their session. With so many amazing options across the state, you’re sure to find the ideal backdrop for your own engagement photos. If you’re looking for more stellar Colorado engagement locations, head to my blog using the link below!

Loveland Pass + Pass Lake

Loveland Pass is one of the highest mountain pass roads in the country and is home to the stunning Pass Lake, sometimes called Loveland Pass Lake. These two locations are just minutes from each other, making it easy to capture photos at both during your engagement session. With Pass Lake’s close proximity to Loveland Pass, you can enjoy a variety of breathtaking scenery without significant extra travel. Plus, other incredible spots like Dillon Reservoir and Sapphire Point, are less than 30 minutes away, making this area a dream for visiting multiple locations in a single session (if nature allows).

Now, let’s talk about the snow. As mentioned earlier, this area sees its fair share of it, and you might find it blanketed in soft powder for most of the year. To avoid the winter wonderland look, you’ll want to schedule your portraits for late summer. But if you’re craving a touch of snowfall for an extra sprinkle of Colorado magic, early summer or fall is the season to book.

The convenience doesn’t stop there—no permits are required to take your engagement photos at either location! And you’re just a short drive from charming mountain towns like Georgetown and Silver Plume, perfect for ending your day with a cozy meal after your adventure. Whether it’s your proposal, engagement photos, or portrait session, Loveland Pass + Pass Lake offer everything you need for an unforgettable experience. Doan and Nate certainly thought so!

Other Breckenridge Engagement Locations

If you’re looking for more location ideas for your Breckenridge engagement session, look no further! This area boasts no shortage of stunning scenery.

Sapphire Point Overlook

Sapphire Point Overlook, situated between Keystone and Breckenridge, is just under 1.5 hours from Denver. It’s a true gem and an amazing spot for portraits. This remarkable location treats you to grand views of the Gore and Tenmile mountains, with the serene Lake Dillon below. And, sitting at an elevation of 9,500 feet, it showcases its beauty in every season.

One of the reasons this is such a popular portrait session or engagement photo location is because it combines breathtaking mountain views with accessibility; it’s even ADA accessible. Since it’s a very popular spot, you can’t guarantee having the space all to yourself. However, even though you don’t need a permit here, you can reserve the overlook for greater privacy during your portrait session. This can be particularly helpful if you are planning a proposal!

Boreas Pass

Boreas Pass is a stunning dirt road that runs from Breckenridge to Como, just a two-hour drive from Denver. This picturesque location reaches an elevation of approximately 12,500 feet and provides breathtaking views of the Colorado Rockies.

Boreas Pass is splendid from June to October, but it truly shines in the fall. During this season, the aspens that line the road create a breathtaking golden glow that pairs perfectly with the magnificent mountain vistas. The combination of golden aspens and stunning mountain views makes this place a showstopper for your portrait session.

Here’s the great part: you won’t need a permit to have your engagement photos or portrait session here, making it even more appealing for capturing your love story against this incredible backdrop. 

Mayflower Gulch

Nestled close to Copper Mountain and Breckenridge, Mayflower Gulch offers a breathtaking escape only about 1.5 hours from Denver. Access is a breeze with easy parking, and the trail welcomes you with a gentle elevation gain over a comfortable three-mile round-trip hike. But what sets Mayflower Gulch apart isn’t just its accessibility; it’s the fact that you get phenomenal views and a quaint mining ghost town, along with a stunning tree-lined hike.

As you hike along the Mayflower Gulch Trail, the landscape unfolds, revealing a shockingly gorgeous basin. The expansive gulch offers panoramic views along the ridge line—a perfect backdrop for your engagement photos or portrait session.

Dillon Reservoir

Dillon Reservoir, aka Lake Dillon, is conveniently located between Dillon and Frisco, with Silverthorne just below the dam. It’s a short drive from Breckenridge and approximately 1.25 hours from Denver, making it a versatile choice for your portrait session.

Dillon Reservoir boasts 26 miles of shoreline surrounded by breathtaking mountain vistas. It offers a picturesque and easily accessible backdrop for your engagement photos or portraits. If you’re keen on capturing the golden aspens during fall, you’ll find breathtaking fall foliage alongside the alpine lake and mountain views.

The best weather for your visit here is during summer and fall. The good news is that you won’t need a permit to photograph your engagement photos or portrait session at Dillon Reservoir. 

A Romantic Breckenridge Engagement 

The weather for Doan and Nate’s engagement session was as mischievous as Colorado weather can be. Forecasts predicted a storm, but we decided to stick with our plan, ready to embrace whatever the day had in store. With clear umbrellas on hand—something I always bring for such occasions—we were set to go.

When I arrived, the skies were cloudy and drizzly, but it didn’t take long for the clouds to part and the sun to shine down on Pass Lake. By the time we made our way to Loveland Pass, the clouds began to gather again, giving us a dramatic, moody sky as sunset approached.

The weather spared us its worst, and we managed to capture some truly fantastic moments. At Pass Lake, the wildflowers were in full bloom, and the vibrant greenery created a lush and vibrant backdrop. It was hard to believe, but even in July, there were still patches of snow, which added a unique Rocky Mountain flair to the scene. The reflections on the water were breathtaking, and the soft, moody skies added to the ethereal nature of the day.

Doan and Nate’s outfits were spot on! For their first look, they chose earth tones, with Doan in a green sweater and floral dress. For their second look, they opted for a more casual, neutral color scheme. They followed my style guide to the letter, coordinating perfectly, and I was thoroughly impressed with their selections. For more tips and examples of what to wear for your engagement photos, check out my blog linked below.

Doan and Nate were fun, sweet, and deeply in love, making the most of every moment together. I loved how they turned their engagement photos into a Colorado road trip, adding this session to their collection of cherished memories. Whether it’s a quiet walk, a post-photo date night, or something as grand as a road trip, turning your engagement photos into a special experience can be incredibly meaningful.

For more ideas on how to make your engagement or post-proposal moments special, head over to my blog for inspiration on activities to share with your partner.

Plan Your Breckenridge Engagement Photo Shoot

When planning your Colorado engagement photos, it’s all about embracing the beauty of the landscapes and the possibility of unpredictable weather. Doan and Nate’s session illustrates how meaningful it can be when you lean into the moment. From the vibrant wildflowers at Pass Lake to the moody skies at Loveland Pass, each location offered something unique. Despite the changing scenery, their connection and joy made every shot feel romantic, authentic, and personal.

If you’re looking to create your own memorable experience in the Rockies, Breckenridge might be the perfect location for your engagement photos. When you’re ready to start planning your Colorado engagement session, I’d love to help you make your dream a reality. Reach out and start planning today!