Planning a Vail Engagement Session
Planning this Vail engagement session with Steph and Max was so fun, especially getting to incorporate the beauty of the mountains. Vail, Colorado, is one of my favorite locations to shoot at due to it’s less than 2-hour drive from the Denver/Boulder area. This makes it a popular location for both weddings and engagement photography. Whether you’re drawn to its snow-capped peaks in the winter or the lush greenery of the summer, a Vail engagement session provides endless opportunities for capturing candid and timeless photos.
Piney River Ranch, just outside of Vail, is one of my favorite Vail portrait locations, offering picturesque scenery with its pristine lake and towering mountain views. If you’re looking for a location that combines adventure and elegance, a Vail engagement session at Piney River Ranch is right up your alley.
Engagement Photos at Piney River Ranch
About 45 minutes into the mountains from Vail, Piney River Ranch is the ideal location for a Vail engagement session. This secluded spot offers couples a stunning variety of backdrops, from the serene Piney Lake to the towering Gore Range mountains, and even the canoe dock. Because it requires four wheel drive to get to, it’s much less crowded than more easily accessible spots like Vail Mountain. Piney River Ranch allows us to take photos without a lot of visitors around, which is a huge bonus when the goal is to capture honest connection between the two of you. For couples seeking an adventurous yet intimate atmosphere, Piney River Ranch offers the best of both worlds, making it a favorite for Vail engagement photography.
Best Time of Day
The best time to take engagement photos at Piney River Ranch is around sunset. Because of the mountains blocking the sun early, you’ll want to start shooting about an hour before actual sunset. This will help you avoid direct sunlight in your couple’s faces, but still get the beautiful alpenglow on the mountains.
Styling Your Vail Engagement Photos
When planning your Vail engagement session, consider embracing the modern Western style that’s iconic to the area. Many couples love incorporating elements like boots, denim, and the classic Kemo Sabe cowboy hat, a staple in Vail’s luxury fashion scene. This timeless, laid-back style pairs perfectly with the mountain scenery and can add an editorial touch to your engagement photos. Earthy tones, layers, and western patterns also work well with the natural surroundings at Piney River Ranch. The key is to stay true to your personality while complementing the stunning backdrop of the Colorado Rockies. Steph and Max are a great example of this!
Candid & Editorial Colorado Wedding Photography
As a wedding photographer based in Colorado, I’m lucky to call Vail one of my favorite places to shoot, and Piney River Ranch is just one of the many stunning locations I recommend for a Vail engagement session. You can frequently find me staying in Beaver Creek throughout the year, only 15 minutes away from Vail. As a local, I love capturing both engagement sessions and weddings throughout the Vail Valley. If you’re looking for a photographer that truly cares about you getting to experience your wedding day, and happens to take candid & editorial imagery, I would absolutely love to chat with you.
