Chautauqua Park in Boulder is one of my favorite places for engagement photos. It is minutes away from downtown Boulder and about 30-45 minutes from downtown Denver. The Flatirons are a super unique backdrop and I love the tall grass that this location has.
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How to take photos at Chautauqua Park
In order to take engagement photos at Chautauqua Park, you’ll need a permit (as with most locations in Colorado). The permit is $50 for a year and is required for any sort of paid photography or portfolio building. As a Colorado wedding photographer, I will take care of securing all permits for your engagement session. I already have an annual Boulder OSMP photography permit, so you don’t have to worry about a thing!
When to schedule your engagement session at Chautauqua Park
Chautauqua Park is so large that despite it being an incredibly popular photo location, often people won’t be in your shots. (There were 3 other people taking photos right to my left and right and this was on a Sunday). If you’re really worried about people, aim for a weekday. Keep in mind that parking can be hard to find on a weekend! My favorite time to photograph at Chautauqua Park is two hours before sunset, any later and the sun dips behind the Flatirons or sunrise.
To schedule your Chautauqua Park engagement session, send me a message here!
Chautauqua Park at Sunrise
I love sunrise at Chautauqua because there are very few people (usually just a couple mountain climbers or early hikers). The light is completely different than sunset, it is more direct light (see how the Flatirons are lit up?) the only downside is 1. You have to wake up early and 2. The light can get harsh quite fast, typically 45 minutes after sunrise and it’s too bright.
Chautauqua Park at Sunset
Sunset is beautiful but much more crowded, especially with people taking photos which is harder to work around than just hikers. The light does dip behind the Flatirons early, so keep that in mind when scheduling. (I’ll be able to tell you the exact time to schedule based on your date!).
Spring at the Flatirons
Spring at Chautauqua park is beautiful because the fields are filled with gorgeous wildflowers! Wildflowers typically begin in March and peak around April and May!
Summer at Chautauqua
Depending on the amount of rain, summer at Chautauqua can be beautiful, lush and green with wildflowers or quite brown. These photos of Lauren and Will were taken at the end of June and it was beautiful!
View more of Lauren and Will’s summer engagement session at Chautauqua park here!
Fall at the Flatirons
If you’re wanting more tall, yellow-ish fields, fall might be the perfect time for your Chautauqua engagement session! The grass is usually brown by this time, but because it’s so tall it looks like you’re walking through a wheat field! This location is truly beautiful all year round.
Ashlyn and Brandon’s engagement session was in the end of September. View more here!
And Kathryne and Nick’s engagement session was in early October. View more here!
Meet Leah- Boulder engagement photographer
Hey there! I hope you enjoyed this post all about Chautauqua Park engagement photos! Engagement sessions are some of my favorite things to photograph. I am all about bringing your personality to your engagement session and having fun! If you love colorful, energetic and authentic photos, send me a message! I’d love to chat with you about your engagement session!
If you liked this post about Chautauqua Park engagement photos, why don’t you check out some of these other posts and resources?
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