Phillip S. Miller Park in Castle Rock is a dream for engagement photos, especially when you want two completely different looks in one session. This couple had just gotten engaged, and it was such a joy to spend the evening celebrating with them. We started down in the meadow with the rail fence and tall grass, then changed outfits and headed up to the rocky overlook for the views, a little picnic and a champagne toast.
The best time to shoot at Phillip S. Miller Park
The park is wide open, with very little shade, so timing matters more here than almost anywhere. Early morning or evening golden hour is prime. The low sun is soft and warm, the grass glows, and on the right evening you get pink clouds over the meadow like the ones in these photos. Midday light up here is harsh and flat, so I always plan around sunrise or sunset.
Two looks in one session
One of my favorite things about this park is how easy an outfit change is. There are bathrooms right at the park, so you can start in something casual and switch into something dressier without leaving. Here we did denim and white tees in the meadow, then a sundress and a button-up for the overlook. That gives you two galleries worth of variety in one session.
My favorite spots in the park
The meadow with the wooden rail fence is perfect for relaxed, sitting-together shots and big open skies. A short walk up takes you to rocky ledges that look out over Castle Rock, which is where the picnic blanket, flowers and champagne came out. If you're celebrating an engagement, bringing a few props like that makes the photos feel like your own little party.
Good to know before you go
Wear shoes you can walk in to get up to the overlook, and bring your second outfit on a hanger so it stays wrinkle-free. The park is popular with runners and families on nice evenings, so we'll plan spots around the busier trails.
