Planning a Surprise Proposal in the Colorado Rockies
If you're dreaming of proposing during your Colorado vacation, hiring a professional proposal planner and photographer can make all the difference. That’s exactly what Cody did when he reached out for help planning a surprise marriage proposal to his girlfriend, Nicole, during their fall getaway to Breckenridge.
Cody and Nicole live in St. Louis and were in the middle of building a new home together. He wanted to start this next chapter of their life with a ring—and saw their Colorado trip as the perfect moment to pop the question.
Nicole's surprise as Cody goes down on one knee to ask her to marry him.
Choosing the Perfect Proposal Spot in Breckenridge
When planning a proposal in the Rocky Mountains, one of the most important decisions is location. Cody envisioned a natural setting with a mountain backdrop, ideally along a scenic hiking trail that didn’t require snowshoes or difficult winter gear.
After reviewing several proposal spots I had previously photographed—including Mohawk Lakes—we landed on a scenic overlook along Boreas Pass. It checked all the boxes: breathtaking views, easy trail access, and just enough privacy to make the moment feel intimate without being completely secluded.
Behind the Scenes: Coordinating the Surprise
Cody and Nicole were traveling with a group of friends, which made timing and discretion critical. Following my advice, Cody kept the proposal plan tightly under wraps—only telling one or two trusted friends who could help guide the moment without spoiling the surprise.
Their group was staying near Lake Dillon Reservoir, and the plan was simple but effective. Everyone would arrive at the trailhead around 9:30 AM for what Nicole thought was a casual group hike. The trail only took about 30 minutes, and I marked a secret break-off point along the way using pink marker tape so Cody would know exactly where to turn.
Capturing the Big Moment at Boreas Pass
On the morning of the proposal, I arrived early to get into position and find the perfect hiding spot. I placed a yellow Nalgene bottle as a visual marker and made sure my view of the overlook was unobstructed. One of Cody’s friends, Jeff, kept me updated by text as the group started hiking.
When they reached the overlook, Cody led Nicole into position—and dropped to one knee. The moment unfolded beautifully, with snow-dusted peaks in the background and raw emotion on full display. It was an unforgettable scene, and I had the honor of capturing it all as their surprise proposal photographer.
