Rocky Mountain National Park Engagement Session Guide
As a Colorado wedding photographer, Rocky Mountain National Park is one of my favorite places to shoot engagement sessions. With alpine meadows, crystal-clear lakes, and jaw-dropping mountain vistas, you couldn’t ask for a more beautiful location!
However, before you purchase your park pass and pick out your outfits, it’s best to familiarize yourself with the ins and outs of planning an engagement session in this vast and often unpredictable location. That’s why I’ve created this comprehensive guide! From the pros and cons of taking photos in each season to planning around park closures, let’s dive into everything you need to know before taking engagement photos in Rocky Mountain National Park.
Your Guide to Planning an Engagement Session in Rocky Mountain National Park
Locations
Below, I’ve listed a few of my favorite locations for an engagement session in the park. However, there’s no need to limit yourself to them! I’ve shot plenty of sessions when we drove around the park and pulled onto the side of the road at scenic spots that caught our eye.
Trail Ridge Road: Famous for its sweeping views of the Continental Divide, this spot will make you feel like you’re standing on top of the world. The road climbs to over 12,000 feet and is the highest continuous paved road in the country. However, it’s only open to the public in summer and early fall, before the winter snows force its closure. I was lucky enough to photograph Shayla and Dave’s Trail Ridge Road engagement session!
Bear Lake: Featuring an impossibly blue lake, rows upon rows of pine trees, and a backdrop of the Rocky Mountains, Bear Lake is one of the park’s most iconic sights. It’s also one of the most popular! It draws crowds throughout summer and fall, and visitors are required to purchase a timed-entry pass. This location has the benefit of being easily accessible, with a trailhead located steps from the main parking area. Emma and Aaron’s Bear Lake engagement session was a reminder of why this spot is so popular with visitors from near and far.
Dream Lake and Emerald Lake: Those who venture down a connecting trail from Bear Lake are treated to the stunning sights of Dream Lake and Emerald Lake. Rugged peaks surround these glassy alpine lakes, which are a magical sight at sunrise. The short hike to reach them deters some visitors, but expect crowds by mid-morning in summer and early fall.
Moraine Park: Lying in a massive open valley, Moraine Park showcases uninterrupted views of the Continental Divide and its surrounding peaks. Its expansive meadows treat visitors to the sight of colorful wildflowers in summer and elk in fall (listen for their bugling!). It’s easy to access, making it a great candidate for engagement and maternity sessions alike, and it looks stunning at golden hour. Emma and Aaron’s Moraine Park engagement session highlights the beauty of this location after the spring snowmelt.
Sprague Lake: Sprague Lake sits at just the right angle to perfectly reflect the Continental Divide in its calm water. The trail around it is flat, short, and accessible to wheelchairs and strollers. I love shooting at this location at sunrise, when the surrounding mountain peaks take on a rosy, golden hue.
Sheep Lake: Sheep Lake sits in Horseshoe Park, one of Rocky Mountain National Park’s most open valleys. Visitors have unobstructed views of the peaks in every direction, and in spring and summer, can see the bighorn sheep that gave the lake its name. This lesser-known location is perfect for couples who prefer fewer crowds during their session.
Seasons
Winter (December-March): In winter, the park transforms into a snowy wonderland! Think cozy sweaters, snow-dusted pines, and dramatic peaks. Freezing temperatures, unpredictable storms, and road closures are common this time of year, so it’s essential to have a backup plan in place. On the plus side, crowds are minimal. Don’t forget hand warmers and extra layers of clothing!
Spring (April–May): The higher elevations remain snowy in spring, but the lower meadows have begun to turn green again. It’s a great time to visit, when crowds are still thin. Spring is also known as “mud season” due to the snowmelt, so proper footwear is necessary.
Summer (June–August): This is “peak” season for a reason! The wildflowers are blooming, and Trail Ridge Road is open to visitors. However, popular spots are crowded. I recommend scheduling your session on a weekday or at sunrise to avoid them. Depending on the time of day we’re shooting, I also recommend bringing bug spray and sunscreen.
Fall (September–November): Fall brings elk rutting season and the return of Colorado’s iconic golden aspen trees. The air is crisp, and crowds are thinner. However, note that Trail Ridge Road often closes by mid-October due to snowfall. Kayla and Kyle’s fall engagement session in Rocky Mountain National Park showcases the beauty of this season in the park.
Timing
Sunrise: Sunrise sessions usually mean fewer crowds and magical light. There’s something indescribably peaceful about watching the sun appear from behind the mountains with hardly any other spectators around!
Sunset: In the mountains, the sun dips behind the peaks earlier than you’d expect. As a result, "golden hour" comes earlier, and the light changes quickly. So, sessions need to be timed earlier than normal to take advantage of the beautiful light.
Permits, Regulations, and Closures
A photography permit isn’t required for an engagement session in the park. However, you’ll need to pay a park entry fee (either $35 for a single entrance or $70 for an annual pass). You’ll also be required to adhere to timed entry requirements, especially at popular locations like Bear Lake.
From May 23rd through mid-October, visitors to the park required a timed entry reservation to enter all areas of the park (including outlying areas like Lily Lake, Longs Peak, Lumpy Ridge, and East Inlet Trail) during certain hours of the day. There are two types of reservations to choose from: timed entry WITH access to Bear Lake Road, and timed entry WITHOUT access.
Note that Rocky Mountain National Park closes certain areas of the park at different times of year for wildlife protection, habitat preservation, and visitor safety. The following is a list of closures that occur annually:
Elk Rut Season Closures (September 1st-October 31st): Off-trail foot traffic is prohibited in Horseshoe Park, Moraine Park, Upper Beaver Meadows, Harbison Meadow, and Holzwarth Meadow.
Raptor Closures (February 15th-July 31st): Affected zones include named rock formations, all climbing routes, cliffs, outcroppings, and approach/descent paths.
Bald Eagle Closures (November 15th-March 15th): Areas of the East Shore trail, a stretch of the Colorado River, and Columbine Bay are closed. The Colorado River and a 300-yard buffer on each bank are also off-limits.
Bighorn Sheep Closures (April 15th-August 31st): Horseshoe Park and the West Alluvial Fan are closed to off-trail foot traffic, parking, or stopping within the designated “Bighorn Crossing Zone,” unless directed by park staff.
I recommend visiting the park website for up-to-date information about closures.
Attire and Props
For the Ladies: A long, flowy dress or skirt looks incredible when running through the fields or hiking the park paths.
For the Guys: Tailored pants and a button-up shirt or sweater photograph SO much better than shorts or athleisure while still keeping you comfortable. But at the end of the day, my best advice is to choose something that feels like you (this goes for everyone!).
Layers: The weather in the mountains can change in a matter of minutes! Be prepared with warm layers in case of a surprise storm. I also recommend bringing an outfit change if we plan to shoot in more than one location—this will add variety to your gallery.
Sturdy Shoes: Hiking boots or stylish but practical footwear are best. If you prefer the look of dress shoes or pumps, I recommend carrying them in a backpack and putting them on once we reach the shooting location.
Props: Bring a blanket to sit on, champagne for a toast, or anything that holds meaning in your relationship, like a book or musical instrument. The bride and groom-to-be in this session were both photographers, so they brought their cameras!
Dogs
If you know me, you know there’s nothing I love more than when a couple brings their furry friend along for their engagement session. With that said, I don’t recommend bringing your pup to your Rocky Mountain National Park engagement session. Dogs are only permitted in campgrounds, parking lots, and picnic areas inside the park, whereas we’ll want to explore off the beaten path, or at one of the locations listed above.
Altitude
If you’re visiting from out of state, plan to arrive at least one day before your engagement session to allow your body time to adjust to the altitude! Additionally, be advised that hiking in the park or driving up Trail Ridge Road can cause shortness of breath. To minimize the effect altitude has on your body, be sure to take it slow, hydrate, and get plenty of sleep the night before.
Backup Plan
Remember when I said that the park and its weather systems can be unpredictable? You could plan your engagement session perfectly, down to the tiniest detail, and Mother Nature or an unexpected closure could still prevent us from shooting in the park. That’s just the way it goes in the high peaks! Fortunately, the areas surrounding the park are also beautiful. I’ll assist you with formulating a backup plan that won’t disappoint if shooting in the park doesn’t pan out!
Rocky Mountain National Park is full of gorgeous locations for an engagement session, and it’s a delight to visit in any season. From the abundant wildlife to the sweeping mountain ranges, there’s no better spot in the state for outdoorsy couples to take photos! If that’s you, I would love to be your engagement session photographer. As someone more comfortable in hiking boots than heels, I love setting off on adventures with my couples. Whether you want to take a canoe out on a lake or tromp through fields of wildflowers, let’s get out there and take the engagement photos of your dreams!