Double Winter Surprise Proposal at Saint Mary’s Glacier in Idaho Springs, Colorado | Nick &Anna

In early January 2024, I photographed Nick and Anna’s double surprise proposal at Saint Mary’s Glacier in Idaho Springs, Colorado. And yes, you heard that right… DOUBLE surprise proposal! After Nick got down on one knee on the frozen alpine lake in front of the glacier and proposed to Anna, a few seconds later Anna got down on one knee and proposed to Nick with a ring. Originally Nick had just reached out to me so I was just planning on him to propose (which he was too) so I was very pleasantly surprised when this happened. Anna told me after the fact she had a hunch that Nick would be proposing that day so she brought the ring just incase with her. on a personal note I had a girlfriend who did a double proposal with her partner awhile ago tell me that she didn’t want their fiance to miss out on the fun / romance of getting a special moment and ring too so they both got proposed to. After capturing many surprise proposals over the years, this was my first of what I hope of many more double surprise proposals I will witness / capture over the years.

Let me back up a little bit and tell you all a little more about the day and set the scene for Nick and Anna’s double surprise proposal… First of all, it was a freezing and very windy day! It was 3 degrees but with the wind felt like -15 degrees. This was the most extreme and cold weather conditions I have ever shot in as a photographer. I did a test hike the week before and it was in the low 30s so I was in for a big shift in temperature the following week. At proposal spot / the alpine lake and glacier, there was a white out because of the wind (which honestly looked super cool). Nick and Anna were real champs for enduring the wind and freezing temperatures! And they will have an amazing story to tell and pictures to share when reflecting on this day.

A little more about Saint Mary’s Glacier for those who are interested in doing photos there… It is about 24 minutes from downtown Idaho Springs. There are 2 parking lots (a large one and a small one) that cost $20 per day to park. The hike to the glacier is pretty short (about 1.6 miles out and back and takes about 30-40 mins to reach the top) but there is a pretty big elevation gain. If you are not from Colorado and acclimated to the altitude, I recommend taking it easy while ascending to the top, bring plenty of water and even an oxygen canister just incase. In the winter since there is snow on the ground, if you have hiking spikes bring them because they make the footing on the hike in the snow and ice very easy. Photography wise, this spot has a TON of great spots for photos including the alpine lake and glacier at the top as well as the wooded trail itself. And I also love this spot because you don’t need to purchase a photography permit or need special permission to do photos here.

I had SO much fun working with Nick and Anna! I am really hoping to shoot more surprise proposals at Saint Mary’s and highly recommend it as a very scenic surprise proposal spot!

Looking for a Denver surprise proposal photographer? Check out Brooke Silverman Photography’s surprise proposal photography service page so you can learn more about working together. Want to see more of our work? Head to our surprise proposal portfolio page. Once you are ready to book, fill out our surprise proposal contact form.