The Denver Botanic Gardens are absolutely beautiful and a perfect place for an engagement photography session. It is also a wonderful place to host a wedding. Here you will find a complete guide for engaged couples in Colorado for Denver Botanic Gardens engagement photography.
As a Colorado wedding photographer who has been running her business for over fifteen years, I have some great tips for planning your perfect photo session. Also, I am a member of the gardens and go many times throughout the year. It is always beautiful! Every time I go something different is in bloom and I change my mind about my favorite area to enjoy.
If you are recently engaged and searching for the perfect setting for your photos, Denver Botanic Gardens engagement photography offers one of the most beautiful and versatile backdrops in the state. Located in the heart of Denver, the gardens are ideal for couples who want lush blooms, romantic architecture, and elegant scenery without leaving the city.
In this guide, I am sharing the best photo locations, seasonal bloom highlights, and everything you need to know about permits and planning your engagement session at Denver Botanic Gardens.
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About the Denver Botanic Gardens
The large public botanical garden has lived in the heart of Denver, on York Street, since 1951. It is designed to connect people with plants from Colorado’s Rocky Mountain region and around the world. It’s known for its beautiful plant collections, themed gardens, art installations, and educational programs. From the iconic dome of the Boettcher Memorial Tropical Conservatory to the painterly waterlilies of the Monet Pool, Denver Botanic Gardens is a true Denver landmark. Its extraordinary sights include tropical plants, exotic blooms, rare and native species, and water displays across a 24-acre campus.
One of the most unique aspects of the gardens is how quickly the atmosphere changes as you move through the space. Within minutes, you can feel transported to Japan, Italy, Costa Rica, South Africa, or Victorian era Britain. For couples who want variety in their gallery without traveling to multiple locations, this is a major advantage.
There truly is no other location in Denver that offers this many floral backdrops in one setting.
Favorite Photo Spots in the Denver Botanic Gardens
1. O’Fallon Perennial Walk
I like to begin each visit by walking through the O’Fallon Perennial Walk. The welcoming, continuous border of colorful perennial plants is a great way to start a visit. (Number 39 on the map.)
Favorite Areas in the Gardens
2. Fragrance Garden and Romantic Gardens
The fragrance garden and romantic gardens feel like stepping into Italy. The Botanic Gardens website features a video inside the Romanic Gardens that is helpful to see the spaces you can walk through.
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3. Waring House and Ellipse Garden
I then continue towards the Waring House, which gets covered by ivy and blooms from spring through fall. The Ellipse in honor of Nancy Schotters is right in front of the house (number 31 on the map) and is one of my favorite spots to enjoy the striking glass sculpture by Chihuly.
4. Woodland Mosaic
Next I head to one of my very favorite spots, the Woodland Mosaic (number 49 on the map). It features a charming solarium, a Victorian-style glass house nestled in a shady, tree-filled landscape. It serves as a unique and romantic backdrop for a photo session. It is also an intimate venue for small weddings or parties and can hold 40 seated guests.
5. Annuals Garden and Pavilion, Lilac Garden and the Sensory Garden
Nearby are a few different options for great photos, the Annuals Garden and Pavilion (number 30 on the map), the Lilac Garden (number 38) and the Sensory Garden (number 45). The Annuals Garden Pavilion is a popular wedding ceremony and reception space and the best place to see the tulips in the spring.
6. June’s PlantAsia
A pathway through June’s PlantAsia (number 24 on the map) includes another favorite spot of mine, a wooden archway, called a moongate, perfect for a photo. This intimate, East Asian-inspired garden features peonies, bamboo, and diverse plants. Designed with Chinese-style structures and a pavilion offering shady seating, providing a peaceful, serene atmosphere.
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7. Monet Pool
From there I like to go to the Monet Pool (number 51 on the map) with beautiful lilypads, water reflections and benches for some seated photos.
8. Shofu-En Japanese Garden
The Shofu-En Japanese Garden is next (number 27 on the map). This slightly hidden area uniquely blends traditional Japanese aesthetics with Colorado’s high-altitude environment. It features over 130 native Ponderosa pines sculpted to resemble drifting clouds, alongside an authentic teahouse, a central strolling pond with koi fish, and a collection of bonsai.
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9. Roads Water-Smart Garden
The Roads Water-Smart Garden (number 17 on the map) is also a great spot for photos with the Greenhouse in the background. This garden emphasizes drought tolerant plants and is very colorful in the warmer months.
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10. Boettcher Memorial Tropical Conservatory
Last but not least, is the stunning Boettcher Memorial Tropical Conservatory where natural light floods the space and exotic plants and tropical flowers stay lush year round. The collection has strong representation from Central America and South America.
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Check out more photos from an August engagement session and a late May session here.
Best Time of Year for Engagement Photos at Denver Botanic Gardens
One of the most common questions I receive about Denver Botanic Gardens engagement photography is when to schedule your session.
Spring
Mid April through May is famous for tulips, flowering trees, magnolias, and crabapples. The gardens are bursting with fresh color, making this one of the most popular seasons for newly engaged couples in Colorado.
Late Spring and Early Summer
Late May through June is peak rose season. Hybrid teas, floribundas, and shrub roses fill the Romantic Gardens and Ellipse Garden with soft color and fragrance.
Summer
June and July showcase coneflowers, salvias, hydrangeas, ornamental grasses, and other long blooming perennials. The gardens feel full and vibrant, and evening golden hour light is especially beautiful this time of year.
Fall
Autumn brings warm foliage tones from maples, aspens, and oaks. While there are fewer bold blooms, the rich reds, oranges, and yellows create a cozy and romantic atmosphere.
Winter
Winter sessions shine inside the Boettcher Memorial Tropical Conservatory, where tropical plants provide warmth and color despite snow outside. Garden structures, bridges, and evergreen trees also offer elegant backdrops during the colder months.
Please note that photography is not permitted during the annual Blossoms of Light festival.
Do I Need a Permit for Photography at the Denver Botanic Gardens?
Yes, a permit is required. The permit ensures availability and that the grounds will be respected and rules will be followed.
From the Denver Botanic Gardens website, “A permit request must be made online at least one week in advance. Permits cannot be booked more than a month in advance. Please allow 3 business days for processing requests. Review the list of early closure dates prior to requesting your permit.”
For small sessions of one to six people, the permit fee is 100 dollars. The gardens also have blackout dates for special events and concerts, so planning ahead is essential.
As your Denver, Colorado engagement and wedding photographer, I always help guide couples through this process to ensure everything runs smoothly.
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Planning Tips for Newly Engaged Couples in Colorado
Some couples plan their session as soon as they get engaged and some wait for their favorite time of year. There are no rules–it is up to you!
First, consider a weekday session. The gardens are significantly less crowded Monday through Thursday.
Second, schedule your session during golden hour, the hour before sunset, when the light is soft, warm, and flattering.
Third, think about seasonality, outfit options and what will be in bloom.
Finally, choose a photographer who understands both the lighting and the layout of the gardens. Experience makes a significant difference in navigating crowds, bloom timing, and the best hidden corners for portraits.
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FAQ
What is the most important step in planning an engagement session at Denver Botanic Gardens?
Obtaining a photo permit is essential. Without one, you will be asked to leave the gardens.
Are photography permits common in Colorado?
Yes, many parks and private venues require permits for professional photography. Fees and timelines vary, but most are straightforward when planned in advance.
Can you host your wedding at Denver Botanic Gardens
Yes, the gardens offer a range of options for intimate gatherings and large celebrations. Wedding planning information is available directly through the Denver Botanic Gardens website.
Ready to Plan Your Denver Botanic Gardens Engagement Photography Session
If you are searching for a Denver, Colorado engagement and wedding photographer and dreaming of timeless, floral filled images, Denver Botanic Gardens is one of the most stunning locations you can choose.
I would love to help you plan a session that reflects your relationship and makes the most of this incredible setting. Reach out today to begin planning your engagement photography experience in Denver.
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