Looking for an unforgettable couples session in the heart of Colorado? Amanda and Draesen’s adventurous shoot in Telluride is everything you’d want from a wild, romantic escape. From epic views and golden-hour hikes to cozy campfire cuddles and dreamy film photos—this Telluride couples photography experience is the perfect inspiration for free-spirited love stories.
Why Telluride is a Dream Location for Adventure Photography
Tucked in Colorado’s San Juan Mountains, Telluride offers an unbeatable mix of alpine peaks, flower-filled meadows, and cinematic lighting. Whether you’re planning an engagement session, anniversary shoot, or just want to document your love in the great outdoors, Telluride sets the stage for magical, story-driven imagery.
For Amanda and Draesen, this session was all about leaning into nature, exploring freely, and letting their love guide the day.
First-Time Magic: Discovering Hidden Gems in the Rockies
As a photographer, there’s something thrilling about shooting in a place for the first time. With the help of a local friend, I explored Telluride’s backroads, scenic lookouts, and wildflower fields by Jeep. The energy was spontaneous, unscripted, and full of raw emotion—just like Amanda and Draesen.
From surprise rainstorms to glowing afternoon light, every frame was captured in the moment, adding authenticity to the final gallery.
Capturing Timeless Memories on Film
A highlight of this shoot? The chance to bring out my film camera. Film photography brings a nostalgic, tactile quality that digital can’t quite replicate. The soft grain, warm tones, and genuine imperfections make each shot feel like a memory.
More and more couples are adding film to their sessions, and it’s easy to see why—it transforms your love story into something timeless.
Frolicking Through Fields of Wildflowers
Telluride in late summer is an absolute dream. Wildflower meadows in full bloom, rolling green hills, and crisp mountain air set the tone for Amanda and Draesen’s playful energy. We wandered trails, danced through open fields, and embraced the spirit of adventure.
They weren’t posing—they were simply being themselves, wrapped up in laughter, kisses, and quiet moments that spoke louder than words.
Note: All wildflower images followed strict Leave No Trace practices.
Ending the Day by the Fire: Cozy & Candid Moments
After the sun dipped behind the peaks, Amanda and Draesen set up a simple tent near a campfire, sipped their favorite whiskey, and snuggled under blankets. The mood was peaceful and intimate. They even popped into their sleeping bags for a few sweet, silly shots—honestly, some of my favorites from the day.
These are the kinds of moments you can’t plan—they just happen when you’re present and in love.
Plan Your Own Telluride Couples Photography Session
If your dream day involves mountain views, genuine connection, and a sense of freedom, Telluride might be calling your name. Whether you’re planning an engagement, elopement, or just want to celebrate your love in a breathtaking setting, this is your sign to go for it.
📸 Ready to tell your story with adventure + heart?
Let’s capture your wild love, your way.
Telluride Engagement Couples Photography Session
One of my most unforgettable shoots this summer was Mel and Austin’s laughter-filled Telluride engagement photography session. Originally planned for the spring, their trip was postponed a few months—thanks to the unpredictability of 2020—but the timing turned out to be absolutely perfect. The wildflowers were still in bloom, the air was fresh, and the weather gave us an incredible backdrop for their love story.
The San Juan Mountains never disappoint, and we had the Sneffels Range in one direction and the La Sal Mountains to the west, creating stunning panoramic views. We wandered through groves of aspens, hiked up rocky hills, and ended up at the San Sophia Overlook—a Telluride classic that never loses its magic. As the sun moved across the sky, we chased the shifting light, each change bringing a new mood to their photos.
What stood out most was Mel and Austin’s natural connection. I always strive to make engagement sessions feel relaxed and authentic, but these two didn’t need much direction at all. Their easygoing energy, constant laughter, and genuine love for each other made my job effortless.
Their Proposal Story
I asked Mel to share a bit about how Austin proposed, and here’s what she told me:
“I had a hunch it was coming! We took a trip to Taos right before Christmas, and it felt like the perfect moment for a proposal. We had planned to go snowshoeing, but a heavy snowfall made it impossible. Instead, we hiked lower on the mountain—only to find the trail completely covered in black ice. After slipping and laughing our way through for about half an hour, we took a break on a log, enjoyed some croissants we’d packed, and that’s when Austin got down on one knee. It was perfect—mountains, our dog, pastries, privacy, and so much laughter. We even carved our initials into a tree and saved the location so we can revisit when the trail is less treacherous.”
The Ring
Mel also shared how her ring came to be:
“We always thought it was so romantic for one partner to completely surprise the other with the ring. Austin has amazing taste, so I trusted him completely. As it turns out, his grandmother, Patsy, had saved a necklace from her late husband, Louis, just for this moment. Austin loved the idea and had it set into a ring for me. It means the world knowing it holds family history and love within it. We even hope to do something similar with our wedding bands so that we can pass down a little piece of family legacy.”
From the colorful blooms to the sweeping mountain views and the endless laughter these two shared, Mel and Austin’s Telluride engagement session was a perfect mix of romance, adventure, and personal meaning.
Romantic Last Dollar Road Engagement Session in Telluride, Colorado
Last Dollar Road is one of the most iconic and scenic spots in the San Juan Mountains of Western Colorado. This historic dirt road winds north from Dallas Divide, climbing over mountain passes before descending into the breathtaking Telluride valley. With its sweeping views, rustic charm, and endless backdrops, it’s no wonder it’s one of my all-time favorite photography locations in Telluride.
For this engagement session on Last Dollar Road, the couple wanted a location that captured the rugged beauty of Colorado and allowed them to bring their Tacoma into the mountains. The combination of mountain peaks, golden meadows, and winding dirt trails created the perfect adventurous setting.
We couldn’t have asked for better conditions—soft evening light, crisp mountain air, and endless panoramic views. As the sun dipped lower, the peaks glowed with a warm alpenglow, adding even more magic to their Telluride engagement photos. It was the perfect blend of romance and adventure, and the kind of session that makes me fall in love with photographing in Colorado all over again.