What’s more beautiful than a snowy winter engagement photoshoot? Especially here in Vancouver and in the Sea-to-Sky. I am obsessed and you’ll be too when you see the photos from Kenson and Dorothy’s engagement photos at Grouse Mountain’s Lightwalk. Get ready to be transported to a winter wonderland.

An engaged couple almost kisses under the twinkling lights of Grouse mountain's winter wonderland, also called the peak of Vancouver

When Kenson and Dorothy reached out to me, they really wanted a winter engagement photoshoot in the mountains. So I thought, where could I find magical snowy forests in the mountains somewhere? It was a no-brainer. We headed to Grouse Mountain just outside of Vancouver.

If you aren’t familiar with the area, there are three major ski mountains outside of Vancouver. Seymour Mountain on the east side, Cypress on the west, and Grouse right in between the two. All three are very popular outdoor sport destinations with absolutely beautiful views all year-round. But while Seymour and Cypress are, in my opinion, better for sports and hiking, Grouse is better for those cozy, winter wonderland vibes; perfect for photo sessions!

Unlike the others, Grouse Mountain has a light walk in the winter months, and is rather accessible for people of all adventure levels. The area also has a skating rink, a lodge, a restaurant with incredible views, and it requires a fun gondola ride up the mountain.

For Kenson and Dorothy’s winter engagement shoot, we were in the middle of a cold snap. Around -15 degrees celsius on the mountain left us pretty chilly, but there were blankets of fresh snow on the ground and on the treetops. Plus we got lucky and snow started to fly! You’re going to want to scroll through their gallery to see what I mean. The magical effect of the snow falling, the light walk at blue hour, and these sweet humans made for an unforgettable day. One of my favourite winter shoots to date!

And because I can’t leave you without a few tips and tricks, let’s talk about how to make an engagement shoot on Grouse Mountain look as beautiful as this one did! For other engagement photo ideas for the Sea-to-Sky, check out Rosy and Karin’s Sea-to-Sky Gondola engagement session!

Tips for your winter engagement photoshoot on Grouse Mountain:

If you go to Grouse Mountain, you HAVE to go on a weekday. There will be no point to go on a weekend. It can get extremely crowded, especially in the winter, and you’ll have a difficult time getting photos alone during the weekend.
Consider the timing of the shoot! With the light walk, it’s smart to take them at a different time of day than I’d normally recommend. I usually plan for an hour of daylight, with 45 minutes after dark. You’ll want to take some photos with the string lights at blue hour, just after the sun sets! Trust me on this one.
Check the weather! While Vancouver is pretty rainy in the wintertime, Grouse Mountain can be a great alternative for a safer plan. If it’s raining in Vancouver, that probably means that it's snowing on the mountain. Snowy means extra dreamy in my book! The sun can be pretty too, so it’s a win-win.
Pack the right clothes! Dress warm because it can definitely be cold. Heels are 100% a no-go, so opt for something full-coverage and with tread. Most importantly, be comfortable! Wear clothes that make you feel good, but also that you can move around in. If you want to wear a dress or something special, consider bringing hand warmers to keep you warm! Dorothy did this and it worked like a charm!
Personalize your day! Grouse Mountain is truly an outdoor oasis, but also a fun resort area with lots to do. You can go ice skating, have dinner together, stop for coffee, or even go skiing or snowshoeing. What do you and your partner love to do together? Plan an experience for your day. Unfortunately, your furry friends can’t come along as dogs are not permitted.
Choose a date! January and February are my top choices for a winter engagement shoot at Grouse Mountain. You’ll have a decent amount of snow on the ground, but will miss the Christmas craziness on the mountain. Sure, they’re also the coldest months to visit, but the snow will be so beautiful it will be worth it. The Light Walk opens with the winter season, which starts late November usually and lasts until March/April depending on weather conditions.
Do your research! Check out what is happening on the mountain. Additionally, you might need to book the gondola ride up before you arrive. Rules are always changing, especially in C*VID times, so just do a quick google before going!
Be respectful of others! This seems like it might be obvious, but I always like to remind you that you aren’t the only one enjoying the beautiful outdoors. Everyone else paid to enjoy the same spaces, so the least you can do is be kind and patient with others.