When Leslie and Josh reached out about capturing their engagement photos at Colorado National Monument with their pup Ivan, I was immediately excited. I knew they were great folks since they had already booked their micro wedding with me for later this year, and it’s so nice (and kind of rare) to get to work with my couples for a bonus session too so that we’re breaking the ice before the big day! There’s something magical about winter on the Monument too, especially those rare times when a dusting of snow covers the red rocks, creating a landscape that feels like it exists nowhere else on earth.
Why Winter in Grand Junction is Perfect for Engagement Photos
If you’re planning engagement photos in Colorado but want to avoid the harsh mountain winters, Grand Junction offers the best of both worlds. Our high desert climate is far milder than what you’ll find in places like Denver, Aspen, or even Colorado Springs. In fact, our winters have more in common with Moab than the rest of Colorado—we get that beautiful winter light and verrrry occasional snow without the extreme cold or feet of accumulation.
The result? You can have stunning winter engagement photos featuring snow-dusted red rocks without freezing through your session or worrying about treacherous driving conditions. Leslie and Josh’s session is the perfect example—we had that gorgeous white contrast against the Monument’s iconic red sandstone, but comfortable enough conditions to truly enjoy the experience.
Bringing Your Dog to Colorado National Monument: What You Need to Know
One of the things I loved most about Leslie and Josh’s session was getting to photograph Ivan, their adorable pup. But here’s where working with a local photographer who knows the rules becomes absolutely crucial: dogs are not allowed on hiking trails within Colorado National Monument.
This is a rule many couples don’t know about until they arrive, and it can completely derail your plans if you’re not prepared. As someone who’s been photographing in this park for over a decade, I know exactly where we can and cannot go with four-legged family members to protect these spaces we love. For Leslie and Josh’s session, we were careful to find locations that would give us those iconic Monument views while staying within areas where Ivan was welcome.
This is just one example of why local knowledge matters. Between permit requirements, seasonal road closures, sunrise timing changes, and park-specific regulations, there are countless details that can make or break your shoot. When you work with a photographer who lives here and knows these locations intimately, you get to relax and enjoy your session instead of stressing about the logistics.
The Magic of Fresh Snow on Red Rocks
The timing of Leslie and Josh’s session couldn’t have been more perfect. We had just gotten a light dusting of snow overnight—not enough to create travel issues, but just enough to transform the landscape into something truly special. There’s an incredible contrast when white snow settles into the crevices and tops of the red rock formations. It softens the harsh desert edges while somehow making the colors even more vibrant.
These moments don’t last long in our high desert climate. The snow usually melts by mid-morning, which means you need to be ready to shoot early and work efficiently. But for couples willing to embrace an early start, the reward is engagement photos that feel rare and distinctive—not your typical Colorado mountain snow scene, but something uniquely Grand Junction.
Planning Your Colorado National Monument Engagement Session
Whether you’re local to the Grand Junction area or traveling from out of state, Colorado National Monument offers endless possibilities for engagement photos that feel adventurous and authentic to who you are as a couple. The key is working with someone who can help you navigate the practical details while creating images that tell your story.
And if you’re planning an elopement or intimate wedding in the area? This is just the beginning. The Western Slope and surrounding areas offer incredible ceremony locations, from the Monument itself to the alpine beauty of the San Juan Mountains to the desert landscapes around Moab.
Ready to start planning your own Colorado engagement session or elopement? Let’s talk about making it happen.
