A Guide to Engagement Photos in Rocky Mountain National Park

Thinking about taking your engagement photos in Rocky Mountain National Park? You’re in for something magical. As a local photographer who lives ten minutes outside of the park entrance, I’ve spent countless days exploring this place in every season. I can tell you with full confidence, there’s nothing quite like capturing love among these mountain peaks.

Let’s dive in.

Best Times of Year for Engagement Photos in RMNP

The best part about Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP) is that it’s absolutely gorgeous year-round. The vibe between winter and summer is drastically different, so it just depends on what you’re looking for!

One thing to keep in mind: the “seasons” here don’t always match traditional calendars.

Weather in the Rockies can shift quickly, and the climate can vary dramatically between the higher elevations and the base of the mountains.

So instead of thinking in strict seasons, it’s more helpful to think in terms of months. Here’s what each part of the year typically looks like in RMNP when it comes to planning engagement photos:

June-August

This is when the park is most open and accessible. Trails are (mostly) clear, wildflowers are blooming, and alpine lakes are finally thawed out. You’ll get vibrant greens, mountain views, and warm temps! During this time of year, the afternoon thunderstorms are pretty common, especially in July and August.

If you’re up for a sunrise session, this is the perfect time of year for one! The early light is gorgeous, and we can avoid the crowds that come with summer tourism. Plus, mornings typically offer the clearest weather.

September-October

Fall in the mountains is quite magical, but also very fleeting! Typically, the aspen trees start to turn golden sometime between Typically, the aspen trees start to turn golden sometime between mid-September and early October, though this can shift a bit each year depending on the weather. though this can shift a bit each year depending on the weather.

It’s a short but stunning sweet spot for fall colors. Even after the aspen leaves start to fall, you’ll still find plenty of golden hues in the grasses and ground cover. Combine that with the crisp air and soft light, and it’s easy to see why this is one of the most popular times for engagement photos in RMNP.

November-December

By late fall, the bright leaves are long gone, but a new kind of beauty starts to emerge. Light snow begins to settle on the peaks and trees, especially at higher elevations. While the aspens have shed their leaves, most of the trees in RMNP are pines, which means the park still feels green and full of life even in winter.

You might get a soft dusting of snow or even a dramatic snowstorm. It all depends on the day! Either way, this season offers quieter trails and a peaceful, early winter feel… and you can usually bet on wind. 🙂

January-April

This is when the park truly turns into a snow globe. RMNP sees its highest snowfall in March and April, but it’s not uncommon for it to melt off quickly (especially in town and at a lower elevations).

If you’re dreaming of a snowy engagement session with cozy layers, blankets, and a quiet, serene backdrop, this is the time.

Some areas of the park are only accessible by snowshoe this time of year, but that just adds to the adventure. If you’re up for it, the reward is fresh powder, dramatic backdrops, and barely another person in sight.

May

May is best described as snowshoeing in a t-shirt. The high mountains still have a lot of snow, but down in the valleys it’s really beginning to warm up.

Don’t get me wrong, there can still be snow storms in the mountains (even through early June!), but the chances of a sunny day are higher.

Understanding RMNP Timed Entry & Entrance Fees

From late May through mid-October, RMNP requires timed entry permits. This means that to enter the National Park at any entrance between 9am-2pm a timed entry permit is required. If you plan to go into the Bear Lake corridor, you’ll need a timed entry between the hours of 5am-6pm.

Timed entry permits are released the month before, on the first. And they sell out quick!

For example, if you want to enter the park on August 15th, you’ll get your timed entry permit on July 1st at 8:00am MT.

But don’t stress too much!

If you aren’t able to get a timed entry permit when they’re first released, you’re able to log in to recreation.gov and get one the evening before at 7:00pm MT.

You’ll also need to pay an entrance fee to get into the national park.

• $30 per vehicle (day pass)
• $35 for a 7-day pass
• Or free with an annual National Parks Pass (recommended!)

I’ll always help you navigate the current permit and entry system when planning your session.

Popular Engagement Photo Locations in RMNP

These are some of the most iconic and commonly photographed spots in Rocky Mountain National Park, and for good reason. They’re stunning, easily accessible, and offer postcard-worthy backdrops.

That said, they are popular, which means they tend to draw a crowd, especially during peak seasons. But with a little planning, we can absolutely find pockets of quiet and stillness even in the busiest places.

The time of day, season, and even the day of the week can make a big difference. Early morning sessions, weekdays, and shoulder-season months are all great ways to avoid the busiest times.

I’ll help guide you through all of these decisions so you can enjoy the beauty of these spots without the stress.

Less Busy Engagement Photo Locations in RMNP

Looking for somewhere a little more off-the-beaten-path?

I’ve got you covered.

While the iconic views in Rocky Mountain National Park are popular for good reason, there are plenty of quieter, equally beautiful spots tucked just out of sight. Some of my favorite lesser-trafficked locations include:

• Hidden valleys near Wild Basin
• Quiet forests and hidden aspen groves off of the main trails
• Unique rock formations and valley views over at Lumpy Ridge Trailhead
• Lake shorelines that require a hike, but are well worth it

Depending on the vibe you’re going for (and how far off the grid you’d like to get), I’d love to match you with the perfect spot.

And don’t worry—if hiking isn’t your thing, there are still special corners of the park that offer privacy, beauty, and easy access. You don’t have to summit a peak to have a magical, meaningful session.

Hidden Gem Locations (Exclusively for My Booked Couples)

Over the years, I’ve scouted and explored countless quiet corners of RMNP. These locations are a little more tucked away, a little less obvious, and a lot more personal.

I keep these hidden gem spots reserved exclusively for my booked couples.

Why? Because preserving their solitude is part of the magic, and part of what makes your session feel truly one of a kind. Once you’re officially booked, I’ll send over a curated list of location options tailored to your vision, time of year, and preferred level of adventure.

What to Wear for Your Engagement Photos in RMNP

Here’s what I always recommend to my couples:

• Dress in layers: Mountain weather changes fast, even in summer.
• Choose colors that complement nature: Earth tones, muted jewel tones, rust, sage, navy, cream, etc.
• Coordinate, but don’t match exactly.
• Flowy fabrics photograph beautifully, especially if there’s wind or movement.
• Comfortable shoes: Even if we’re not hiking, we’ll likely be walking on uneven terrain.

How to Prepare for Your Session

• Hydrate and eat beforehand! Taking care of yourself and staying nourished in the mountains is key.
• Bring extra layers, snacks, and water.
• Leave time for traffic! Not just park entrance lines, parking, but also wildlife hold-ups too.
• Trust the adventure! Weather can shift and surprise us, but that’s part of the adventure

And if you’re feeling nervous to be in front of the camera? Remember, you’re not alone! It’s not the most natural thing for most of us, and that’s why it’s important to hire a photographer you trust and jive with.

A lot of our job is making you feel comfortable in front of the camera. And on that note…

Meet Your Rocky Mountain National Park Engagement Photographer