Garden of the Gods Engagement Photography: Jesse & Marivel’s Joyful Session

When Jesse and Marivel traveled from Texas for their Garden of the Gods engagement photography session, they wanted their photos to feel both joyful and timeless. With sweeping views of Pikes Peak and the dramatic red rock formations all around, this Colorado Springs location delivered everything they had dreamed of.

From the very beginning, their connection was easy to capture. Every laugh, every smile, every glance between them was effortless — making the session feel less like a photoshoot and more like documenting a genuine love story.

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Why Garden of the Gods Is Ideal for Engagement Photos

One of the reasons I love photographing here is that Garden of the Gods offers something for every couple:

• Variety of landscapes: towering sandstone rocks, open meadows, and panoramic mountain views.

• Accessibility: free entry, multiple parking lots, and scenic overlooks just steps away.

• Golden hour glow: at sunset, the rocks light up with warm tones that make every image magical.

• Year-round beauty: whether you visit in summer or winter, it’s always breathtaking.

If you’re planning a session, I recommend checking the official Garden of the Gods website for current hours and trail updates.

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Adding a Personal Touch

What made Jesse and Marivel’s shoot unique was their shared love for fantasy and outer space. Jesse is a huge fan of dinosaurs and intergalactic adventures, so I created a playful, creative portrait inspired by his passions. It was a fun reminder that your engagement photos don’t need to look like anyone else’s — they should reflect you.

If you’re planning your own session, think about small ways to personalize it. Outfits, props, locations, or even your pets can help tell your story. For more ideas, take a look at my Colorado Proposal Guide, which is full of inspiration for creative and meaningful sessions.

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Tips for Engagement Photography at Garden of the Gods

After photographing dozens of couples here, here are my top tips to make the most of your session:

• Plan around the light — sunrise offers fewer crowds, while sunset gives you warm golden tones.

• Wear comfortable shoes — many of the best spots involve walking across uneven terrain.

• Layer your outfits — Colorado weather changes quickly; neutral colors and earth tones always photograph beautifully.

• Keep it stress-free — flexibility and fun always lead to the most authentic photos.

If you’d like to dive deeper, my Ultimate Colorado Elopement Guide includes practical tips on timing, weather, and outfits that also apply to engagement sessions.

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Final Thoughts

Jesse and Marivel’s Garden of the Gods engagement photography session was a reminder of why this park is such a special place. The combination of natural beauty, authentic connection, and a few personalized touches made it a day neither of us will forget.

If you’re planning your own engagement, proposal, or intimate wedding, I’d love to help you create images that feel timeless and true to your story. You can explore my Engagement & Proposal Photography Packages for more details, or take a look at another recent Garden of the Gods engagement session for inspiration.

📩 Inquire about your engagement session here.