Photo locations · Family · Colorado Springs

Best places for family photos in Colorado Springs

Planning family photos in Colorado Springs? These are the spots worth shortlisting, chosen for the light, the backdrop, and how easily a session comes together.

family photos by a Snappr photographer
family photos by a Snappr photographer
family photos by a Snappr photographer
family photos by a Snappr photographer
family photos by a Snappr photographer
family photos by a Snappr photographer
family photos by a Snappr photographer
family photos by a Snappr photographer
family photos by a Snappr photographer
family photos by a Snappr photographer
family photos by a Snappr photographer
family photos by a Snappr photographer
family photos by a Snappr photographer
family photos by a Snappr photographer
family photos by a Snappr photographer
family photos by a Snappr photographer
Where to shoot

12 places to shoot family photos & videos in Colorado Springs

01

Garden of the Gods

Most iconic
1805 N 30th St, Colorado Springs, CO 80904 · Westside · Outdoor

Towering red sandstone formations rise against Pikes Peak and blue Colorado skies. The dramatic rocks and vistas make it the region's premier spot for engagement, family and portrait sessions.

For family photos: room for the whole group to spread out.

Best lightSunrise or sunset when the red rock glows warmest
PermitA permit may be required for professional shoots — check current rules with the venue or city.
AccessFree lots fill early; paved and dirt trails to formations
TerrainRocky trails and sandy paths; sturdy shoes recommended
02

The Broadmoor

Best light
1 Lake Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80906 · Broadmoor · Outdoor

A grand historic resort with Italian Renaissance architecture, a reflecting lake and manicured gardens beneath the mountains. Elegant grounds and water suit engagement and formal portraits.

For family photos: an easygoing setting that keeps kids engaged.

Best lightGolden hour reflecting off Cheyenne Lake
PermitA permit may be required for professional shoots — check current rules with the venue or city.
AccessResort parking; flat paved lakeside paths and gardens
Group sizeBest for couples and small groups
03

North Cheyenne Cañon Park

Local favorite
2120 S Cheyenne Canyon Rd, Colorado Springs, CO 80906 · Cheyenne Cañon · Outdoor

A lush mountain canyon with granite walls, pine forest, waterfalls and a rushing creek. Dramatic natural scenery suits engagement, family and maternity sessions.

For family photos: a backdrop that still feels like home year after year.

Best lightMidday soft light filtered in the shaded canyon
PermitA permit may be required for professional shoots — check current rules with the venue or city.
AccessFree lots along the canyon road; dirt trails to falls and creek
TerrainRocky forest trails; comfortable shoes needed
04

Red Rock Canyon Open Space

Hidden gem
3550 W High St, Colorado Springs, CO 80904 · Westside · Outdoor

A quieter alternative to Garden of the Gods with tilted red rock fins, meadows and open trails. Colorful formations without the crowds suit engagement, family and portrait sessions.

For family photos: room for the whole group to spread out.

Best lightGolden hour on the red rock fins
PermitA permit may be required for professional shoots — check current rules with the venue or city.
AccessFree parking lot; dirt trails with gentle grades
TerrainDirt trails and rocky sections; closed shoes
05

Palmer Park

3650 Maizeland Rd, Colorado Springs, CO 80909 · Central / Palmer Park · Outdoor

A mesa-top park with sandstone bluffs, yucca meadows and panoramic overlooks of the city and Front Range. Open vistas and rock outcrops suit engagement, senior and family sessions.

For family photos: an easygoing setting that keeps kids engaged.

Best lightSunset from the mesa overlooks
PermitA permit may be required for professional shoots — check current rules with the venue or city.
AccessFree lots at overlooks; dirt trails to viewpoints
TerrainRocky mesa trails; comfortable shoes
06

Old Colorado City

2510 W Colorado Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80904 · Old Colorado City · Outdoor

A historic district of red-brick storefronts, gas lamps and flower-lined sidewalks. The vintage main-street charm suits senior, couple and lifestyle sessions.

For family photos: a backdrop that still feels like home year after year.

Best lightGolden hour on the brick facades
PermitUsually fine for small personal shoots; larger or commercial setups may need a permit.
AccessStreet and lot parking; flat paved sidewalks
Group sizeBest for couples and small groups
Show all 12 places
07

Monument Valley Park

Local favorite
170 W Cache La Poudre St, Colorado Springs, CO 80903 · Downtown / Old North End · Outdoor

A long creekside park with gardens, a duck pond, footbridges and Pikes Peak views. Green lawns and water make it ideal for family, maternity and engagement portraits.

For family photos: room for the whole group to spread out.

Best lightGolden hour along the creek and gardens
PermitA permit may be required for professional shoots — check current rules with the venue or city.
AccessFree street and lot parking; flat paved paths
Group sizeAmple lawns for large family groups
08

Bear Creek Regional Park

245 Bear Creek Rd, Colorado Springs, CO 80906 · Southwest · Outdoor

A green foothill park with meadows, a creek, cottonwoods and Front Range backdrops. Open natural settings suit family, maternity and engagement sessions.

For family photos: an easygoing setting that keeps kids engaged.

Best lightGolden hour across the meadows
PermitA permit may be required for professional shoots — check current rules with the venue or city.
AccessFree lots; flat dirt and paved trails
SeasonGreen meadows late spring; foliage in fall
09

Manitou Springs

354 Manitou Ave, Manitou Springs, CO 80829 · Manitou Springs · Outdoor

A quaint historic mountain town of Victorian storefronts, mineral springs and creekside charm below Pikes Peak. The eclectic vintage character suits couple, senior and lifestyle sessions.

For family photos: a backdrop that still feels like home year after year.

Best lightLate afternoon light on the storefronts
PermitUsually fine for small personal shoots; larger or commercial setups may need a permit.
AccessPublic lots and street parking; flat paved sidewalks
Group sizeBest for couples and small groups
10

Rock Ledge Ranch Historic Site

3105 Gateway Rd, Colorado Springs, CO 80904 · Westside (near Garden of the Gods) · Outdoor

A living-history homestead of rustic barns, farmhouses and open fields against the red rocks. Its country-vintage setting suits family, maternity and engagement portraits.

For family photos: room for the whole group to spread out.

Best lightGolden hour on the fields and buildings
PermitA permit may be required for professional shoots — check current rules with the venue or city.
AccessFree parking; flat dirt roads and grass paths
SeasonGreen fields summer; golden grasses in fall
11

Colorado College

Campus
819 N Tejon St, Colorado Springs, CO 80903 · Near North End / Downtown · Outdoor

A leafy liberal-arts campus of stone halls, ivy-draped facades and tree-lined quads just north of downtown. The classic collegiate architecture and shaded lawns give graduation and senior photos a timeless, storybook feel, with warm dappled light under the old canopy trees. Fall color and open greens make it easy for families to spread out too.

For family photos: an easygoing setting that keeps kids engaged.

Best lightLate afternoon when the low sun filters through the campus canopy
PermitA permit may be required for professional shoots. Check current rules with the venue or city.
AccessStreet parking around Tejon and Cascade; campus paths are flat and walkable
Good to knowQuieter on weekends and academic breaks; be mindful of classes in session
12

America the Beautiful Park

Fountain
126 Cimino Dr, Colorado Springs, CO 80903 · Downtown · Outdoor

A modern downtown park anchored by the sculptural Julie Penrose Fountain, a giant spinning ring set against open lawns and mountain views. The bold fountain, wide plazas and Pikes Peak backdrop suit celebratory graduation and engagement photos, and kids love the splash area on warm days. Sunset throws golden light across the water and the peak beyond.

For family photos: a backdrop that still feels like home year after year.

Best lightGolden hour, when the peak glows and the fountain catches warm light
PermitA permit may be required for professional shoots. Check current rules with the venue or city.
AccessFree lot off Cimino Drive; flat paved paths throughout
Good to knowThe fountain runs seasonally, so confirm the water feature is on before you plan around it

Book a Snappr photographer in minutes. Vetted, local, and ready to shoot these spots.

From the Snappr network

Snappr family photos shot in Colorado Springs

Real sessions our photographers have delivered around Colorado Springs, so you know the standard before you book.

family photos shot in Colorado Springs by a Snappr photographer
family photos shot in Colorado Springs by a Snappr photographer
family photos shot in Colorado Springs by a Snappr photographer
family photos shot in Colorado Springs by a Snappr photographer
family photos shot in Colorado Springs by a Snappr photographer
family photos shot in Colorado Springs by a Snappr photographer
family photos shot in Colorado Springs by a Snappr photographer
family photos shot in Colorado Springs by a Snappr photographer
A sample of family photos from the Snappr network

Still need a photographer?

Snappr photographers are available in Colorado Springs to shoot at the venue you choose. All vetted, insured, and booked through the same platform.

Pick a date and Snappr matches you with a vetted local photographer, every shoot backed by our quality guarantee.

Frequently asked questions

Shooting family photos in Colorado Springs

It depends on the spot. Public streets and sidewalks usually don't, while many parks, gardens, and landmarks require a permit for professional sessions. Each location above notes what we found on permits — confirm the current rules and any fee with the venue or city before you book.

Golden hour — the hour after sunrise or before sunset — flatters almost every location, and each spot above lists the light that works best there. Early morning also means thinner crowds at the popular ones.

Snappr pricing is flat and set before you book, with no travel or editing surprises. Most sessions run one to two hours; you can see current rates and what each tier includes on the pricing page.

Pick your date and shoot type and we match you with a vetted local photographer who shoots in Colorado Springs. Booking takes a couple of minutes, and you can reschedule for free if plans change.

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