Paddle Boarding (SUP) Engagement Session in Colorado | Elise and Eric

man and woman sit on paddle boards in Colorado

Did an engagement session with a paddle board enthusiast really happen if you didn’t go paddle boarding? I think not. I met up with Elise and Eric for their stand-up paddle boarding (SUP) engagement session at Chatfield State Park in Littleton, Colorado. This beautiful park features an expansive reservoir fed by the South Platte River, with stunning views of rolling hills and plenty of wildlife. While the scenery is breathtaking, my focus this evening was capturing Elise and Eric in their natural element—on the water.

man and woman paddle board in Colorado
a couple paddleboards during their Chatfield State Park engagement session
man and woman paddle board in Colorado

A Love Story on the Water: Paddle Board Engagement Inspiration

Elise has been paddle boarding for the past five years, and she’s even completed several SUP 5K races (yes, those are real!). When Eric came into the picture, Elise introduced him to her favorite sport, and the rest is history for these two paddle board lovers.

They even coordinated their outfits to match their paddle boards! Elise wore an off-white swimsuit while Eric rocked matching swim trunks, and I captured their first moments paddling across Chatfield Reservoir from the shoreline. I’ve only been on a paddle board once myself, so it was a blast watching them stay in sync with the current and completely at ease in their element.

After a quick outfit change, still perfectly coordinated! I joined Elise and Eric on the water to capture a few more intimate paddle board engagement photos. They even cozied up on a single board just in time for a dreamy golden hour moment.

Was it my plan to end up fully submerged in the reservoir? Definitely not. (Pro tip: bring a towel next time!) But it was 100% worth it. Elise steered while they shared a celebratory drink on the water as the sun dipped below the horizon. A perfect way to end such a unique and personal session.

up close of ring shot
man and woman paddle board in Colorado
a couple on SUP have their engagement session at Chatfield State Park
man and woman share a champagne drink in Colorado
detail shot of couple on paddle board by Colorado Wedding Photographer Jennifer Lourie

Why Choose a Paddle Board Engagement Session?

If you and your partner love adventure, a paddle board engagement session is such a fun and meaningful way to celebrate your story. Whether you’re experienced like Elise or just starting out, being on the water adds a level of joy and authenticity to your session that’s hard to replicate. Plus, Chatfield State Park offers one of the most picturesque backdrops for outdoor engagement photos in Colorado.

man and woman cuddle on paddle board by Colorado Wedding Photographer Jennifer Lourie
man and woman share a paddle board at sunset
man and woman sit at sunset on paddle board in Colorado
man and woman paddle board in Colorado
silhouette of man and woman in Colorado

Looking Ahead to Their Colorado Campground Wedding

What these pictures don’t show (besides me swimming with a camera above my head) is just how incredible Elise and Eric are as people. I’m so excited to photograph their campground wedding in Bond, Colorado later this year. And huge thanks again for the towel- they saved me and my car that evening!

silhouette of man and woman paddle boarding in Colorado

This entire session was an absolute blast, and I loved getting to spend time with Elise and Eric on their unique Colorado paddle board session at Chatfield State Park! Check out a few other Colorado sessions below and definitely reach out if you want to hang out for your own adventure engagement session in Colorado!

xx,

Jennifer Lourie