Estes Park Colorado is one of my favorite places to photograph engagement sessions. When couples mention that they would like to get their photos done in Estes Park, the Stanley Hotel is one of the first locations I recommend. 

The Stanley Hotel is one of the most versatile places within Estes to have your session. Due to the Stanley’s proximity to Rocky Mountain National Park you can even choose to take photos within the park.

About The Stanley Hotel

The Stanley Hotel is a gorgeous old historic building that sits on a hill overlooking Estes Park. As you crest the hill upon entering Estes Park it’s one of the first things you will see. It’s hard to miss with its stark white outer walls and red roof. The Stanley Hotel offers views of Rocky Mountain National Park – and is a great place to stay if you need to relax after a full day of exploring.

The Stanley Hotel has some wonderful dining options and activities. They even occasionally host events such as comedians, music, and paranormal theater shows. They do allow weddings and private events to be held at the hotel too. 

The Stanley Hotel opened in 1909, and offered a respite for the weary urban dwellers of Denver. Their visitors were astonished with its modern amenities even though it was located in the mountains. 

Unfortunately, the Stanley Hotel was in bad shape around the 1970s due to the lack of care. However, in 1974 the famous novelist Stephen King visited the Stanley. And after just one night he was inspired to write his third major work “The Shining.” 

After the popularity the Stanley Hotel gained upon the novel’s release it was renovated and restored to its natural beauty. 

Juliet and Adam’s Session at the Stanley

Juliet and Adam reached out to me about their wedding in Thousand Oaks, California. When we first began chatting they told me that they were from Colorado and would be flying in to California for their wedding.

During our conversation about scheduling their engagement session, I quickly realized that I would be able to actually do their session in Colorado. Our schedules just so happened to align perfectly! 

I had photographed a couple at the Stanley Hotel in Estes Park Colorado before and Juliet and Adam had seen their gallery. They brought up this location during our meeting and I knew it would be a great place for them to do their engagement session.

On the day of their session we started off with some portraits in front of the Stanley. Showcasing it’s brilliant architecture and pristine grounds. We were able to get some really cute shots of them walking and snuggled up together.

We then explored the grounds and found some other quaint spots around the hotel for Juliet and Adam’s session. I absolutely love that they decided to bring their dog as well. It made for some really fun shots and showcased their little family perfectly. 

Why Have Your Engagement Session at the Stanley Hotel in Estes Park Colorado

Whether you are a fan of The Shining, old architecture, mountains or have a love for Victorian interior design the Stanley has it all. 

Due to the variety of locations you can find within and surrounding the hotel it makes for a really fun and interesting engagement session location. I absolutely love the exterior, it makes for a dramatic backdrop. 

As mentioned above, another reason to have your session at the Stanley if how close it is to Rocky Mountain National Park. Having the ability to take photos in the park in addition to the hotel makes for a great variety of images.

Additionally, the Stanley Hotel sits in a prime spot to access downtown Estes. This would certainly make for some quaint mountain town photos. 

Overall, the Stanley Hotel has a lot to offer couples who are looking to take engagement photos there or nearby. I highly recommend even taking a mini-vacation and making a weekend out of it. Exploring all this location has to offer is a must.

Final Thoughts

Estes Park Colorado is home to one of the most popular historic buildings in America. The Stanley Hotel offers so much more than the average hotel stay. 

It has a unique story and provides a variety of experiences for everyone that walks through its doors. If you are looking to have your engagement session done in Estes Park I can’t recommend doing it at the Stanley Hotel enough. 

Looking to have your engagement session in Estes Park Colorado? 

I would love to help you and your partner explore your options. To get started contact me here.