We’re always thrilled when we have the opportunity to visit the breathtaking Denver Botanic Gardens. During Emily and James’ engagement shoot, we found ourselves falling in love all over again with the romantic location and phenomenal colors everywhere we looked!
The beginning of our session started with lots of thunderstorms and rain. As locals know all too well, the weather in Colorado is truly unpredictable! We could have clear blue skies all day long, then a random summer storm seems to pop up almost every afternoon.
So we weren’t surprised to see the clouds rolling in just as we started our shoot. But luckily there were plenty of tall trees and gazebos where we could take shelter! And like clockwork, the sun emerged from behind the clouds during the last half our of time together.
We’ve learned to embrace Colorado’s crazy weather, and thankfully Emily and James were super easygoing and just rolled with it. It made our time with them so enjoyable! We had so much fun, laughing and embracing the experience.
The botanic gardens are a popular choice not just for engagement photos, but for locals to enjoy a gorgeous setting on a nice day. However, we recommend visiting in the middle of the week. This way, you avoid the weekend crowds and it’s a much more relaxed environment so you can focus on enjoying the moment.
Denver Botanic Gardens engagement pictures have limitless possibilities with each season bringing new growth. The sprawling grounds feature a wide variety of flowers, trees, and garden areas. It’s just another reason it makes such a great location for a photo shoot! There are endless opportunities for capturing breathtaking images.
When Are the Best Flowers in Bloom at Denver Botanic Gardens?
One of the reasons we love engagement sessions at the Denver Botanic Gardens is that no two seasons ever look quite the same. Whether you’re dreaming of delicate cherry blossoms, vibrant tulips, lush summer roses, or rich autumn colors, the Gardens offer a completely different backdrop throughout the year. Timing your engagement session around your favorite blooms can make a huge difference in the overall look and feel of your photos. While Colorado weather can shift bloom dates slightly from year to year, here’s a helpful guide to what you can typically expect.
| Season | Typical Timing | What You’ll See |
|---|---|---|
| Early Spring | Late March – Mid April | Cherry blossoms, magnolias, flowering quince, early daffodils, crabapple blossoms, fresh green growth (navigate.botanicgardens.org) |
| Tulip Season | Mid April – Early May | Thousands of tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, flowering trees, vibrant spring colors throughout the gardens (Denver Botanic Gardens) |
| Late Spring | Mid May – Early June | Peonies, lilacs, irises, lush greenery, romantic garden pathways (Denver Botanic Gardens) |
| Summer Gardens | June – August | Roses, daylilies, water lilies, colorful annuals, lush foliage, tropical-feeling garden spaces (Denver Botanic Gardens) |
| Late Summer | August – September | Dahlias, ornamental grasses, rich textures, vibrant color throughout the gardens (Denver Botanic Gardens) |
| Fall Color | Late September – Mid October | Golden leaves, ornamental grasses, warm autumn tones, softer light and fewer crowds (Denver Botanic Gardens) |
| Winter | November – February | Evergreen textures, architectural gardens, occasional snow, and the magic of Blossoms of Light during the holidays (Denver Botanic Gardens) |
Our Favorite Seasons for Engagement Photos
If you’re hoping for a soft, romantic look with flowering trees and pastel colors, we typically recommend scheduling your engagement session between late March and early May. Cherry blossoms, crabapple trees, magnolias, and tulips create some of the most sought-after backdrops of the year.
For couples who love lush greenery and colorful flowers, June through August offers beautiful gardens filled with roses, daylilies, and vibrant summer blooms. The Gardens feel full and alive during this time of year, making it one of the most versatile seasons for photos.
And if you’re anything like us and can’t resist Colorado’s fall colors, late September through mid-October is hard to beat. The golden foliage, ornamental grasses, and warm evening light create a timeless look that never goes out of style.
If you’re considering Denver Botanic Gardens engagement pictures, choosing the right season can completely transform the look of your session. The gardens feature stunning blooms and seasonal color throughout the year, from cherry blossoms and tulips in the spring to lush roses in the summer and breathtaking fall foliage in autumn. With so many beautiful backdrops in one location, it’s easy to see why Denver Botanic Gardens engagement pictures remain one of the most popular choices for couples planning their engagement session in Colorado.
Want to see another stunning engagement session at the Denver Botanic Gardens? Check out this beautiful spring photo shoot with Lauren + Matt.
Are you newly engaged? Did you know our engagement sessions are complimentary with ALL our Wedding Collection Bookings? Reach out and let us know how we can serve you. You deserve to be celebrated!!!
