Denver Union Station Engagement Session: Ashlyn & Dallin’s Downtown Love Story

Denver Union Station engagement session evenings are the kind of sessions that remind me why I adore photographing people in love! When I met Ashlyn and Dallin at Union Station on this gorgeous November evening, I instantly knew it was going to be incredible. The trees were still clinging to their late fall colors, a dreamy mix of yellow and soft green. Golden sunshine poured over downtown, and the weather was that perfect mix of light jacket warmth and no-wind calm. It was one of those Colorado days where the light held on just long enough to really let their story unfold.

Before I even picked up my camera, Ashlyn and Dallin greeted me with the biggest smiles and even bigger hugs. They were ready to run around the city, try anything I suggested, and most importantly, just be in the moment with one another. That’s when I knew their photo session was going to make for an unforgettable Denver Union Station engagement session.

Why a Denver Union Station Engagement Session is Always an Iconic Choice

There is something incredibly special about shooting an engagement session in downtown Denver, and especially at Union Station. The mix of architecture, city energy, and warm-toned historic design instantly sets a romantic stage. A Denver Union Station engagement session combines classic elegance with that gritty urban charm. You get those incredible lit-up signs, the grand facade, and then mere steps away are modern stairways, textured brick buildings, bustling streets, and pockets of stillness among the rush.

Ashlyn and Dallin leaned into all of it. They didn’t stiffly pose or wait for me to give them every cue. Instead, they laughed, ran hand-in-hand past passing pedestrians, and found quiet moments next to the iconic Union Station doors. The city seemed to move around them while they stayed totally wrapped up in their own little world. It’s the kind of connection you can’t fabricate. And downtown Denver, with all its layers and movement, just made that energy even more obvious.

A Perfect November Evening in the City for a Denver Union Station Engagement Session

Fall rarely shows off quite this boldly in November, but Denver pulled through with a final encore. The air felt fresh. Leaves drifted down from the trees near the station, catching little streaks of sunlight. The temperatures were just crisp enough to encourage cuddling without making anyone miserable. Ashlyn joked early on that Dallin would have her running around just to keep warm, and she was absolutely right.

We started right outside Union Station, capturing them with the glowing signage in the background while they teased each other playfully. Once Ashlyn tucked a strand of hair behind her ear and leaned in, I clicked the shutter and told them, “Yep, we’re going to be here awhile because that was perfect.” Their laughter echoed off the building, and we moved into their Denver Union Station engagement session fully committed to fun.

Urban Sessions Bring Out the Playful Side

Urban engagement sessions have this unique spark. The textures. The pace. The way light reflects dramatically off metal and concrete. Ashlyn and Dallin thrived in that environment. We wandered down the streets, stopping at old brick walls with peeling paint and heading to a nearby metal stairway for some portraits that felt straight out of a movie scene. That contrast of soft connection against industrial lines is what I love most about city portraits.

One moment, Ashlyn was leaning back against the stairs, laughing as Dallin whispered something ridiculous, and the next, they were full sprinting down a quiet side street as if no one else existed in downtown Denver. They danced on the sidewalk, dipped, tripped a little, and kept going without care. That spontaneity completely elevated their Denver Union Station engagement session.

If you want to see more engagement and couples photos, check out my gallery!

Inside Union Station: Drinks, Laughter, And So Much Love

After exploring the surrounding streets, we headed inside Union Station. If you’ve been there, you know how stunning it is. Soft lighting. High ceilings. Elegant chandeliers. A humming mix of travelers and locals sitting with coffee or cocktails. It’s intimate and lively all at once.

Ashlyn and Dallin walked right up to the bar, ordered drinks, and cozied up together on the leather chairs. They laughed as they clinked glasses, and I stepped back to let them fall into their rhythm. At one point, Dallin leaned in to kiss Ashlyn’s cheek, and instead of blushing, she looked straight at me and said “I told you he can’t help himself.” Those easy, joyful moments are the reason I love photographing couples. Inside Union Station felt almost like their private lounge that night.

Why Your Denver Union Station Engagement Session Might Just Be the Best Idea Ever

If you’re considering locations for your own engagement photos, trust me when I say that a Denver Union Station engagement session is worth the hype. Here’s why it works so well:

• You get both iconic architecture and cozy pockets of connection in one place
• Fall and winter light look especially stunning in the city with reflective surfaces
• You can easily walk between modern and historic backdrops
• There’s something electric about the energy of downtown that brings out authentic emotion
• You can grab drinks mid-session for a mindful little reset (and let’s be honest, cocktail photos are adorable)

Whether you’re someone who loves editorial, modern vibes or something more classic and timeless, you can create it at Union Station.

Ashlyn & Dallin’s Connection during their Denver Union Station Engagement Session

Throughout the session, I kept noticing how intuitive Ashlyn and Dallin were with one another. Ashlyn would know exactly when to tuck into Dallin’s arms just as he reached out. Dallin would whisper something quick, and Ashlyn’s whole face would change. They explored like kids and held one another like old souls. It was playful and tender all at once.

We ended the evening back outside Union Station as the lights began to glow. Their silhouettes stood out against the setting sun and the iconic building behind them. Right then, it felt like downtown Denver was cheering them on quietly. It was the perfect close to their Denver Union Station engagement session.

Tips for Your Own Denver Engagement Session

If this blog sparks inspiration and you’re dreaming of the same kind of evening, here are a few suggestions to make your Denver Union Station engagement session go smoothly:

1. Time your session around sunset

The golden light bounces beautifully off the buildings and makes everything glow.

2. Wear outfits that move with you

Urban sessions mean walking, cuddling, dancing, and maybe even chasing each other down the street. Comfort matters.

3. Bring a layer for later

Once the sun goes down, it cools off quickly. A stylish jacket or wrap looks amazing in photos and keeps you comfortable.

4. Consider ending with drinks

Nothing relaxes the vibe quite like sipping something delicious at the Union Station bar while you snuggle up and chat.

5. Be ready to move

Exploring is part of the fun. The more willing you are to wander, the more variety you’ll get in your gallery.

Why Urban Sessions Are So Much Fun

Urban sessions are perfect for couples who want something a little different from the traditional open field or mountain view. Downtown Denver gives you edge, elegance, and endless options. You can dress it up or keep it casual. You can lean romantic or completely editorial. And you can always count on little crowds cheering you on as you share sweet moments.

Sessions like this make it easy to see who a couple is in real life. Not just when the camera is around, but when they’re walking beside each other from location to location, joking between takes, clinking glasses, brushing hair from each other’s faces. That’s what I love preserving in my galleries. The real part.

How to Get a Photo Permit for Your Denver Union Station Engagement Session

Planning your own Denver Union Station engagement session and wondering how to get permission to shoot there? Good news. It’s totally doable and surprisingly simple as long as you plan ahead.

Union Station is privately owned, which means photography, especially with professional equipment, typically requires a permit. Here’s how to make it happen:

1. Contact the Venue Management Team

Head to the Denver Union Station official website and look for their events or leasing contact page. There’s usually a form or email dedicated to photography and commercial inquiries. If not, you can call the station’s main guest services and request contact information for the permitting team.

2. Submit Your Details

They’ll likely ask for:

• Your photographer’s name and business info
• The date and timeframe of your session
• How many people will be included
• Any equipment being used (like lighting or stands)

Most engagement sessions are pretty low-key, so this usually falls under a standard photography request.

3. Expect a Fee

Typical permit fees for Union Station are around $150–$300, depending on the time of day and scope of your session. Pricing can vary, so it’s best to reach out directly at least 2–4 weeks in advance.

4. Stick To Public Areas

Once approved, you’ll be able to shoot in designated public areas, like the main hall and outside the entrance. Private office spaces, restaurants, or lounges may require additional permission.

5. Keep It Subtle During the Session

Union Station is still an active transportation hub, so be mindful of traffic and guests. This means working without tripods or large gear unless previously approved. Luckily, most engagement sessions stay light and mobile, which works beautifully with the natural movement and vibe of the location.

Pro tip: If you book your engagement session with me, I’ll walk you through the entire permit process and help take the stress off your plate. I’ve photographed there before and can guide you on timing, best light, and how to get approved quickly.

Your Denver Union Station engagement session should feel exciting and easy. A little planning makes sure you get all the magic without any hiccups.

The Perfect Ending to a Downtown Denver Evening

There couldn’t have been a better way to wrap up their time in the city. Ashlyn and Dallin brought so much laughter, light, and easy love into their Denver Union Station engagement session. They embraced the location, leaned into the spontaneity, and most of all, they leaned into each other. From the way Ashlyn rested her head on Dallin’s shoulder inside the station to the way he reached for her hand during a quiet moment outside, I couldn’t help but smile behind the camera.

The city was alive and glowing, but somehow they made it feel like it belonged entirely to them. If their wedding day is anything like this evening downtown, I already know it’s going to be filled with joy, movement, and a love that plays more than it poses.

Ashlyn and Dallin, thank you for trusting me, for running through the streets with absolutely zero hesitation, and for letting joy lead the way. Your night in downtown Denver is one I won’t soon forget.

If you’re dreaming of an engagement session that feels cinematic, bold, romantic, and a little bit romantic, consider having your own Denver Union Station engagement session. Reach out to me here and let’s explore the city together!