The Ultimate Guide to Doing Engagement Photos at Sapphire Point Overlook

So, you’re interested in doing an engagement photoshoot at Sapphire Point Overlook. I don’t blame you!

Sapphire Point Overlook is a FABULOUS location to do engagement photos for so many reasons.

Why is Sapphire Point Overlook such a fantastic place for engagement photos, you ask?

1. VIEWS FOR DAYS

You have 360 degree views overlooking Breckenridge, Keystone, and Dillon Reservoir.

2. EASY TO ACCESS

You only walk a quarter mile from the parking lot to gain access to unbelivable vistas.

3. IT’S QUINTESSENTIAL COLORADO

This view is just about as Colorado as it gets.

4. BATHROOM AT THE TRAILHEAD.

It’s right by the parking lot so you can easily change into another outfit.

5. NO PERMIT NEEDED.

Which makes everyone’s life easier :)

Could a location for epic photos be any more perfect? I don’t think so! Because of this, Sapphire Point Overlook is popular, and since it can get busy, a bit of preparation is key to making your engagement shoot successful.

How to Prepare for Your Sapphire Point Overlook Engagement Shoot

Plan for it to be crowded.

You won’t be the only person there who is vying for a spot to take photos. It’s a popular place for people to visit and take in the views, and it’s equally popular with other photographers. Plus, did you know that it also serves as a wedding ceremony site? On any day at any hour, especially in the summer and fall, you will more than likely find that a wedding happening there. This means the parking lot will be full, so plan to get there early to snag a spot, or plan to carpool with your photographer. Parking is not allowed on the shoulder of the road, so if there’s no parking in the lot, you will either need to wait or come back later.

If there is a wedding happening, respect their space and avoid the ceremony site (which is an obvious space designated for weddings, check it out here!). Don’t worry though, you can definitely still take photos! There are plenty of great spots beyond the ceremony site with stunning views. Once you’ve parked, if you walk down the paved path that is immediately left of the parking lot, you’ll find exquisite views and you’ll avoid the ceremony site altogether. Or, veer to the trail immediately to the right of the parking lot and follow it until you hit some picnic tables where you’ll also find fabulous views while still steering clear of the wedding ceremony site.

Make time for photos at nearby locations.

If your way back down Swan Mountain Road towards Keystone from Sapphire Point Overlook, there are some excellent places along the shoreline of Dillon Reservoir with equally gorgeous views. This helps so you don’t have to spend as much time in the crowded areas around the actual overlook, plus it allows for some variety in the backdrops of your photos. See the photo below? It’s just a few minutes drive from Sapphire Point and is equally gorgeous!

Bring good shoes.

The Sapphire Point Overlook trail is relatively easy to wander and all of your photos can be taken super close to the parking lot. That said, bring a pair of shoes that you can easily walk around in and that you don’t mind getting dirty. I’ve been to Sapphire Point a number of times when the dirt becomes mud (after some rain or snow). At higher elevations, it can take longer to dry out after rain, so bring an extra pair of shoes even if you think the weather looks good. You don’t have to wear these shoes for your photos, but it’s nice to have them to walk around between shots.

Don’t let a little rain bother you.

Summertime means afternoon showers. If you find yourself worried as you make your way to your photo session because it’s super grey or is already raining, don’t worry about it a second more. More likely than not, the rain will be short-lived. Plus, the added bonus is that it clears the smog or haze or whatever is lingering in the air and makes your photos even MORE beautiful. I also recommend bringing an umbrella just in case the weather doesn’t stop. Rainy photos can end up being super romantic because you’ll feel even more inclined to get snuggly with your partner.

Bring layers (Even in summer!).

It’s the mountains! Weather can go in any direction at any time, even if the weather forecast didn’t tell you it would. Prepare to be warm, even in the summer. You can take your jacket off during photos, but it’s nice to have to pop back on between shots. And in the winter, definitely dress accordingly. It can get very chilly!

Bring sunscreen.

I say this for all of my mountain shoots. In fact, I say this for ALL of my shoots. We do live in Colorado, afterall. This means the sun is powerful, and even if it’s cloudy, the higher elevation means you’re closer to the sun and more likely to burn. It’s alwayas better to play it safe.

Be weary of bugs.

I know, bug spray is SO annoying, not to mention smelly. But do you know what’s even more annoying? Itchy, ugly bug bites. Summer can mean some serious mosquitoes so it’s best to bring some spray just in case. On that note, check yourself for ticks when you get home! Some seasons are more rampant than others, so do yourself a favor and take five minutes to do a thorough search everywhere when you get home.

MOST IMPORTANT TIP OF ALL - Go on a weekday.

If you can spin it, I would highly, highly recommend doing your session at Sapphire Point Overlook during the week when it isn’t as crowded. The difference is night and day. Not only is it easier to find spots for photos without people in the background, but it will also help you feel more comfortable in front of the camera. If the area isn’t teeming with people, you won’t be taken out of the moment and can enjoy your photoshoot even more. If you are particularly camera shy, I would go as far as saying that visiting on a weekday is necessary.

That should do it for you! If you still have lingering questions about how to plan for your engagement photo session at Sapphire Point Overlook, feel free to shoot me a note at savannah@thisfearlesslove.com. It’s a magical place for engagement photos, which I would highly recommend! You can also let me know if you’d like to set up a shoot there by filling out my inquiry form, here.

Cheers my dears!

XOXO,

SAVANNAH

PS - Want more like this? Check out my YouTube channel for some exciting videos. Find Cass and Andrew’s Sapphire Point Engagement Session in more detail there, too!