How to Plan the Perfect Surprise Engagement in Colorado
By Kim Graves Photography
Planning your surprise engagement is exciting, emotional, a little nerve-wracking, and completely filled with anticipation.
This moment will become one of the most meaningful memories of your life.
It’s a story you’ll tell friends and family, laugh about years later, and one day share with your children. So yes… there’s a tiny bit of pressure on this beautiful milestone in your love story. 😉
And if you’re planning a surprise engagement in Colorado, you’re likely dreaming of a backdrop that’s both gorgeous and romantic, sweeping mountain views, winter lights in Vail Village, or a meaningful spot in Boulder or Denver.
So… where do you even start?
That’s where I come in.
My goal is to guide you through your proposal so that it feels effortless and you can be truly present. I want this to be a story you’ll be proud to tell to your family.
This guide will help you feel confident, prepared and supported.
We Start With Your Vision
When you reach out, we begin by talking about the feeling or vibe you want this moment to have.
What atmosphere are you dreaming up? What experience do you want your partner to step into?
Every proposal begins with an inquiry and a follow-up phone consultation.
This is how I get to know you, your expectations, your relationship, and your vision for the big moment. I’ll ask clarifying questions, offer ideas, and help shape your plan.
We’ll explore possibilities like:
A secluded trail or hidden overlook for something intimate and private
A playful setting like Downtown Boulder or an ice-skating rink in Beaver Creek
A romantic sunrise or sunset moment surrounded by mountain views
Your location should reflect your relationship and I’ll help narrow down the options that best match your style. I will also offer tips for how to draw out of your parnter their vision.
Choosing the Perfect Location
After photographing in Boulder, Denver, Estes Park, Vail, Winter Park, Granby, Colorado Springs (and so many more amazing locations), I know which spots look incredible during different seasons and times of day.
Once you book, you’ll receive access to a welcome site packed with:
My best location recommendations
Timing tips
Planning guide (Including tips like, a reminder for you to subtly encourage your partner to get their nails done. 😉)
Proposal-day advice
A detailed questionnaire so I can understand your exact vision
Together, we’ll consider:
Do you want privacy or are crowds okay?
Do you prefer mountains, water, or an urban setting?
Do you want the warm light of sunrise or the glow of sunset?
Whether you come to me with a dream location or no idea where to start, I’ll give you the best timing and specific logistics for that exact spot.
Timing Is Everything
Colorado light is unique.
The way the sun sets behind the Flatirons in Boulder is totally different from how it drops in Evergreen at the Evergreen Lake House, or Downtown Estes Park, or Vail. This is why working with a local photographer matters.
I’ll guide you to the best time for:
The most flattering light
Minimal foot traffic
Seasonal conditions
The mood you envision
And yes, I always build at least 30 minutes of wiggle room because:
Surprise engagements run late. Every. Single. Time.
Nerves + the unexpected + logistics = delays.
Absolutely no need to stress. I plan around it, always!
I also create a simple day-of schedule so you know exactly where to be, when to be there, and what comes next to help you.
Final Prep: We Get Our Details in Order
Once the vision, location, timing, and schedule are set, we become true planning buddies.
You’ll send me:
Your Pinterest inspiration board
Notes about your partner
Any helpful details to make the moment extra special
The Day of Your Proposal: We Become Text Besties
The entire day is kept simple because we’ve already done the hard work.
Here’s how it flows:
✔ You share your location + pins
✔ You send the “heading out now” text
✔ I track your movement toward the proposal spot
✔ I’m already in position, ready to capture everything
✔ You get to be fully present while I quietly document the emotion
Everything feels seamless because we’ve prepared for it.
Pivoting Instantly (If Needed)
Even the best plans can shift.
Sometimes the trail fills up, the lighting changes, or your partner chooses a different path than expected.
Because we’re in constant communication and because I already know the area, I can pivot instantly and adjust our plan without any stress on your end.
Most proposals go off without a hitch, but rest assured… I’m always ready.
Weather: The Most Common Question
“What if the weather is bad?”
Long story short:
It’s completely your call.
I’ve photographed proposals in:
Snowstorms
Tornado warnings
In a boat
Heavy wind
And yes… the occasional perfect sunny day
Honestly?
Some of my favorite galleries ever were in “bad” weather.
Colorado has a way of turning everything magical.
After the YES: Engagement Photos in the Most Beautiful Place on Earth
Take a breath. You did it.
Hug, cry, kiss, take a moment, soak it all in.
Then we transition into a joyful, natural engagement session.
This part is:
Fun
Romantic
Candid
Energetic
Full of your real connection
It’s the perfect way to celebrate the start of your next chapter.
When You Work With Me You Get…
✔ 10+ years of surprise proposal experience
✔ Deep Colorado mountain + town location expertise
✔ A clear, simple, stress-free plan
✔ Backup options for timing, weather, and logistics
✔ A calm, flexible approach that pivots seamlessly
✔ A gallery full of emotion, scenery, and joy
✔ Support from inquiry → planning → the moment → after the session
Your Love Story Deserves the Perfect Beginning
Your proposal is the start of a story you’ll tell for the rest of your lives — a moment filled with intention, emotion, and joy. With thoughtful planning and the right support, it can unfold naturally and beautifully, allowing you to stay fully present with the person you love.
If you’re planning a surprise engagement anywhere in Colorado — Boulder, Denver, Estes Park, Vail, RMNP, Winter Park, or beyond — I’d love to help you create and capture a proposal that reflects who you are.
👉 Start planning your Colorado engagement HERE
