How to Plan a Downtown Manitou Springs Engagement Session | Matt & Mallory’s Story

Tucked at the base of Pikes Peak, Downtown Manitou Springs is one of Colorado’s most romantic and photogenic small towns — a place where art, mountains, and history meet. For Matt and Mallory, this charming downtown was the perfect backdrop to celebrate their love and laughter.

As their photographer, I had the joy of documenting their connection in a place that feels both adventurous and intimate. Their Downtown Manitou Springs engagement session was full of small, meaningful moments — laughter echoing down quiet alleys, cozy embraces under the string lights, and that effortless chemistry that makes love so easy to photograph.

If you’re planning your own engagement session here, here are a few ways to make it unforgettable.

Pick the Perfect Time of Day

The best light in Manitou Springs is during golden hour, about an hour before sunset. The soft glow adds warmth to the cobblestone streets and highlights the mountain ridges in the distance. Morning sessions also work beautifully if you want to avoid crowds and capture that crisp mountain air — perfect for more private, romantic moments.

Mix Street Charm with Nature

One of the things I love most about a Downtown Manitou Springs engagement session is how seamlessly you can blend urban character with natural scenery. Start near Canon Avenue or Soda Springs Park, explore the colorful storefronts and murals, and then wrap up with sweeping mountain views above the historic town.

Every corner of Manitou tells its own story — rustic, colorful, and full of personality — making it one of the most versatile engagement locations in the Pikes Peak region.

If you’re searching for even more outdoor beauty, check out my Garden of the Gods Elopement Guide for inspiration on combining mountain landscapes with intimate storytelling.

What to Wear for Your Manitou Springs Engagement

For a place as cozy and creative as Manitou Springs, earthy neutrals, flowy fabrics, and layers photograph beautifully. Plan for textures that complement the scenery — think soft sweaters, linen shirts, and tones that echo the red rocks and forest greens nearby.

If you’re moving between downtown and nearby trails, bring comfortable shoes or a second outfit to change the vibe mid-session.

Need more help planning your look? Here’s my full What to Wear for Your Colorado Engagement Guide.

A Photographer’s Perspective

Having photographed hundreds of couples across Colorado, I can confidently say Manitou Springs is one of the most unique spots for engagement photography. It has everything — mountain silhouettes, vibrant murals, cozy cafes, and that undeniable spark of creativity that runs through the town.

Matt and Mallory’s session was full of genuine laughter and connection. Their ability to simply be themselves in the middle of this lively, colorful setting reminded me why I love photographing love stories that blend adventure and authenticity.

Before the “Yes” — Mallory’s Garden of the Gods Pet Photography Session

Before their engagement, I had the joy of photographing Mallory with her two pups at Garden of the Gods — a session full of warmth, energy, and the same spirit that shines through her story with Matt today.

It’s always a special honor when clients return for another chapter in their journey. You can take a look at her adorable dog session here:

👉 Mallory & Her Two Pups | Garden of the Gods Pet Photography

Final Thoughts

If you’re dreaming of a Downtown Manitou Springs engagement session, plan for golden-hour light, explore both the town and nearby trails, and choose outfits that reflect your connection. This charming location blends small-town romance with Rocky Mountain magic — and every photo tells a story worth remembering.

📩 Inquire about your engagement session here.