Rocky Mountain National Park Engagement Session

Playful Engagement Photos at Rocky Mountain

When Jaylynn and Nate first reached out, I felt ecstatic to hear they wanted their engagement session at Rocky Mountain National Park. They are both small-town Midwesterners who relocated to beautiful Colorado, just like me! They’re planning a wedding back home, but wanted engagement photos to show their love of the mountains and the Colorado lifestyle.

In this late July engagement session, we had an absolute blast. It was dreamy, romantic, and loads of fun. Rocky Mountain National Park offers countless epic spots to choose from. We began our session at the Alluvial fan and then found an open space to get these dramatic mountain views!

If you are thinking of taking your engagement photos in Rocky Mountain National park, you should do it and here is what you need to know!

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ↓

Summer Rocky Mountain Engagement Photos Meg Slattery Photography

When is the best time of year for engagement photos in Rocky Mountain National Park?

Plan your engagement photos in the park for May, June, August, or September. My couple chose July, and it worked out well! However, July tends to be a rainy month within the park, so it’s something to keep in mind.

May: This is a great time of the year to go while the park is starting to warm up and is less busy. In addition, the mountains will still be covered in snow, making for epic photos!

June: The weather is phenomenal, and the park is incredibly colorful! Keep in mind, this is a busy time for vacationers, so schedule your session midweek and during quieter times of the day.

August: If you’re after wildflowers, this is the perfect time! The park is bursting with life, and it’s one of my favorite times to visit.

September: Experience all the fall colors during this time. In my opinion, it’s the most beautiful time to be in the park!

What permits and passes are required for Rocky Mountain?

You only need to acquire a timed-entry pass if you entering the park between 9 am and 2 pm. If you are planning to access Bear Lake Corridor a timed entry pass is required for 5 am to 6 pm. Timed-entry passes are released on a rolling basis. For more information, visit their page here. As of January 1, 2024, photographers no longer need to acquire a permit to take photos within the park.

Are dogs allowed in Rocky Mountain?

YES! However, the park only allows them by the road, parking areas, and picnic areas, not on the trails. For more information on their pet policy, click here.

When is the best day and time of day to take your photos?

I highly recommend doing your engagement session at Rocky Mountain National Park at sunrise or sunset on a weekday. I recommend this because those will be the least busy times of the day in the park and will allow for more privacy to relax into your session without prying eyes! It’s also the most beautiful lighting to photograph!

Other things to keep in mind.

When planning your engagement session at Rocky Mountain National Park, there are a few things to keep in mind. When choosing a location for photos, keep in mind how much you will be hiking. There are plenty of trails that won’t require much at all like, Sprague lake, Alluvial Fan (where this session mainly took place), Lily Lake, 3M Curve, and so many others! Also , I previously mentioned that choosing the right time of year is important, but it’s also important to note that inclement, unexpected weather is normal for Rocky Mountain National Park. Last of all, make sure to pack an extra pair of hiking or tennis shoes! There may be parts that require a good amount of hiking.

Are you sold?

Hellllll yess, and I think we should chat! Shoot me an inquiry, and we can begin planning your dream engagement session at Rocky Mountain National Park!

Let’s chat!