How to plan a surprise proposal: A step by step guide from a Colorado Elopement Photographer -

A surprise proposal isn’t just dropping to one knee, it’s the start of a story you’ll be telling for years. If you’re going to do it, why not make it a whole experience?! Some moments deserve more than just showing up and hoping it all works out. They deserve a little planning, a little intention, and the right setting to make them unforgettable.

You’re standing in front of snow-capped peaks, your partner has no clue what’s about to happen, the light’s turning golden, and I’m hiding a few steps away with my camera, waiting for the moment you make your move. As a Colorado elopement photographer who’s helped plan and photograph a lot of surprise proposals, I can tell you, they take more behind-the-scenes work than most people realize. So let’s talk about how to actually plan one, the best locations for a Colorado surprise proposal, and how to turn it into a weekend you’ll both remember.

A man kneels in the snow, holding out a ring box, as his partner reacts joyfully to the surprise proposal.

Close-up of hands clasped together, showcasing a sparkling engagement ring from a surprise proposal.

A man dips his partner for a kiss in the snow, the rugged mountain peaks towering behind them.

Why a Surprise Proposal Takes More Planning Than You Think

Most people imagine a surprise proposal as a quick “show up, get down on one knee, snap a photo” kind of thing. But when you want it done well, and beautifully, it’s usually a 2-3 hour experience. Here’s why:

Prep Time: I’ll send you GPS coordinates of exactly where you need to stand so I can be hidden but still have the most ideal angle. We’ll go over every step in advance so you know where to walk, how to position yourselves, and where the light will hit just right.
Arrival Strategy: I get there early, sometimes 45 minutes to an hour before, to scout the light, check for crowds, and make any last-minute tweaks to our plan. If the weather changes (because Colorado loves to keep us guessing), I’ll adjust so the moment still looks incredible.
The Actual Proposal: This is the moment, and it’s over in seconds. My job is to be in position, camera ready, with no guesswork on your end.

The Post-Proposal Glow: Once the “yes” happens, we roll right into an engagement session. This is when you’re still buzzing, laughing, maybe crying a little. We’ll explore the area, get gorgeous portraits, and make the most of that just-engaged energy.

A man and woman laugh together while holding snow gloves, with the mountains in the background during a surprise proposal.

A newly engaged couple poses with the woman showing her ring, as her fiancé kisses her cheek against a mountain backdrop.

How to Plan a Surprise Proposal in Colorado

If you’ve never planned something like this before, here’s how we make it happen together:

Choose Your Location: We’ll start with what kind of scenery feels most like you: alpine lakes, mountain passes, red rock cliffs, or golden aspen groves.
Pick the Time of Day: Sunrise proposals are peaceful and private. Sunset proposals give us that dreamy golden light.
Lock in the Logistics: I’ll send maps, coordinates, and step-by-step instructions so there’s zero chance of you wandering in the wrong direction.
Have a Backup Plan: Colorado weather can be unpredictable, so I’ll always have an alternate location or time ready to go just in case.
Bring the Details: Want champagne to pop right after? Flowers? A picnic spread? I can help you coordinate everything so it feels personal and elevated.

A couple holds hands, standing against a panoramic snowy mountain view under clear blue skies.

A man embraces his partner from behind, both smiling warmly with a snow-covered valley in the background during their surprise proposal.

Best Locations for a Surprise Colorado Proposal

Here are a few of my favorite spots for a Colorado proposal that photograph beautifully year-round:

Crested Butte: Erin and Matthew got engaged in Crested Butte, Colorado, a place officially known as the Wildflower Capital of Colorado. While their engagement session was captured in the quiet beauty of winter, summer here is an entirely different show. From late June through early August, the surrounding meadows explode with colorful blooms, making it one of the most breathtaking backdrops for proposals, elopements, or weddings.

Maroon Bells (Aspen): Iconic mountain views, especially stunning at sunrise.
Garden of the Gods (Colorado Springs): Dramatic red rock formations with Pikes Peak in the background.
Loveland Pass: High alpine views without a long hike.
Brainard Lake: A mix of water, peaks, and evergreens.
Sapphire Point Overlook (near Breckenridge): Accessible, scenic, and ideal for winter proposals.
Telluride Gondola: The only free gondola in Colorado, with sweeping views in every direction.
Rocky Mountain National Park: Endless options, from hidden meadows to alpine overlooks.

I’ll help you choose based on season, accessibility, and the vibe you’re going for.

Playful piggyback ride in the snow, both smiling under the bright winter sun.

Blurry couple sitting close in the snow, gazing at a scenic mountain village below.

Sparkling engagement ring nestled in fresh white snow, surprise proposal ring close-up.

Turning Your Surprise Proposal Into a Full Weekend

If you want your proposal to feel like more than just a moment, make it a weekend getaway! Colorado is full of cozy Airbnbs, luxury lodges, and mountain towns that are just right for celebrating.

Aspen: Ski in the morning, pop the question at Maroon Bells, and celebrate with dinner in town!
Telluride: Ride the gondola, explore downtown, and book a mountain-view suite.
Breckenridge: Cute coffee shops, alpine hikes, and hot tubs under the stars.

I can even help you plan a “decoy” activity so your partner doesn’t suspect a thing, like telling them we’re doing a casual couples shoot, only for you to surprise them mid-session!

Out-of-focus couple sharing a kiss on a wintery street with a mountain backdrop.

Couple embracing in the snow with mountains behind them, both smiling at the camera.

Couple standing apart on a snowy mountain slope with bare trees and a clear blue sky in the background.

The Luxury Experience

When you work with me, you’re not just getting someone to snap photos. You’re getting someone who’s in on the plan with you, coordinating every detail so the surprise actually stays a surprise.

I’ll scout the location in advance.
Send you exact arrival instructions.
Help you choose the best time and lighting.
Stay hidden until the moment is just right.
Transition seamlessly into your engagement session afterward.

I’ve been the Colorado elopement photographer for enough proposals to know, this isn’t just about the photo of you on one knee. It’s about creating a memory you’ll want to relive over and over.

Couple holding hands and walking on a snow-lined street, smiling warmly at each other — surprise proposal happiness.

Black-and-white close-up of hands clasped together, showing an engagement ring — surprise proposal detail.

Panoramic winter view of Crested Butte, Colorado, with snow-blanketed mountains, scattered cabins, and clear blue skies.

A Few Things to Keep in Mind

Season matters: Snow can block mountain passes until late June, and summer afternoons can bring thunderstorms.
Crowds: The more popular the spot, the earlier we’ll need to plan (or we pick a weekday).
Comfort: Dress for the weather, especially if you’re at higher altitudes. Layers are key.
Timing: Give yourself time to enjoy the moment, don’t book dinner reservations 20 minutes after the proposal.

A man lifts his partner playfully in the snow, both smiling against a backdrop of towering winter mountains during a surprise proposal.

A couple walks hand in hand across a snowy hill, bundled in winter gear, with Crested Butte’s snow-covered peaks and a mountain village in the background during a surprise proposal.

Ready to Plan Your Surprise Colorado Proposal?

If you’re dreaming of a surprise Colorado proposal that’s private, beautiful, and completely unforgettable, I’d love to help you make it happen! Whether we’re standing on a mountaintop, beside an alpine lake, or under the glow of golden aspens, my goal is to make the experience stress-free, meaningful, and completely you.

From sending you exact coordinates to being your built-in guide and Colorado elopement photographer, I’ll make sure every detail is handled so you can focus on the moment.

Let’s plan your surprise Colorado proposal together! Reach out here to get started.

Want to save this inspo? Follow along on Pinterest! If you’re planning a Colorado elopement, check out my blogs, The Best Time to Elope in Colorado: A Seasonal Guide for Adventurous Couples, The 6 Best Colorado Elopement Locations, 5 Reasons to Elope with a Travel Elopement Photographer, and Elopement Outfits for Adventurous Couples.