Planning a proposal
near Denver.

Honest tips from Mily & Danny, from our home in the foothills west of Denver.

Start reading Proposals at Vista Amada

Step 1

Pick your season

Every season works. Each one just asks for a slightly different plan.

Fall

Warm days, cool evenings, and gold aspens higher in the mountains in late September and early October.

Mild and colorful

Winter

December is one of the most popular months to propose. The sun sets around 4:40 pm, so plan early.

Snow on the peaks

Spring

Green pines and longer days, with the occasional surprise snowstorm into May.

Keep a backup date

Summer

Sunset after 8 pm. Afternoon storms often clear out just in time for a big sky.

Long evenings

Step 2

Time it to the light

Light changes everything in photos. These are the two times most photographers ask for.

Mily at the deck railing taking a photo of a fiery pink and orange sunset over the mountains

Golden hour

The last hour or two before sunset. In the foothills the sun drops behind the peaks a little early, so ask a bit before the official sunset.

Warm and soft
The flagstone patio and lawn under glowing string lights at blue hour

Blue hour

The 20 to 30 minutes after sunset, when the sky goes deep blue. Perfect for string lights and celebrating.

Right after the yes

Check sunrise and sunset for any date on our photo sessions page.

A bouquet of white roses and blue delphinium in a mason jar on the stone wall, with pines behind

Step 3

Keep the surprise

  1. Have a reason to be thereA sunset drive, a dinner, or “family photos.” Pick one that explains dressing up.
  2. Hide the photographerThey arrive first and wait out of sight. Agree on a simple signal.
  3. Tell one helperOne person who knows the plan can handle the timing and the ring.
  4. Mind the ringA zipped inside pocket, not a bag your partner might carry.

Step 4

Public spot or private spot?

Public places

Free and easy to reach. On a nice evening they can be busy, and some parks ask for a permit for professional photos, so check before you go.

Free, but you may have company

Private places

They cost something, but you get the place to yourselves, easy parking, and more say over timing. Hiding a photographer or family is easier too.

More control over the moment

Step 5

Plan for mountain weather

  1. Bring a layerIt cools off fast after sunset at altitude, and it can get windy.
  2. Know the storm planIf there's lightning, head inside and wait 30 minutes after the last thunder. Our weather plan.
  3. Keep a backup eveningReal weather is a good reason to move a date.

Nearby

Make a day of it

A lot is close by in the foothills west of Denver. Here's how far these are from Vista Amada.

  • I-70, exit 253 (Chief Hosa)Under 3 min
  • Shops and restaurants at the Evergreen Parkway exitUnder 5 min
  • Mount Vernon Canyon Club (formerly Mount Vernon Country Club)9 min
  • Red Rocks Amphitheatre11 min
  • Downtown Evergreen16 min
  • Downtown Golden18 min
  • Downtown Denver and Union Stationabout 25 min
  • Denver International Airportabout 45 min

Typical drive times from Vista Amada, without traffic.

If you'd like to ask here

Vista Amada is our home in Genesee, facing the Indian Peaks. Only your group is here during your session. From $150 an hour, golden hour from $250, two-hour minimum.

How a proposal here works Check a date