If you’re dreaming up ideas for a Rocky Mountain National Park engagement session, this one’s going to spark all the inspo. Katelyn and Ben’s moody, wildflower-filled shoot at Moraine Park was the perfect way to document their time in Colorado—complete with mountain views, soft golden light, and even a surprise elk herd.

They had already done a session back on the east coast, so this time, they wanted something that felt totally different. This blog is packed with planning tips, outfit ideas, and location info to help you bring your own RMNP engagement session to life.

About The Couple | Katelyn & Ben

Katelyn and Ben are the kind of couple that just get each other—laid-back, easy to laugh with, and so clearly in love it’s almost unfair. They met a few years back and have been inseparable since. When Ben had to come out to Colorado for work, Katelyn flew out to visit him, and they figured it was the perfect excuse to document their time together in one of the most beautiful places on earth—Rocky Mountain National Park.

These two share a love for travel and making the most of every little adventure together, so this engagement session was a way to celebrate not just their love but this exact moment in their story. They wanted the session to feel natural, calm, and real. Nothing overly posed—just them, surrounded by wildflowers, mountain views, and a whole lotta love.

We instantly clicked when we realized we’re all originally from the Cleveland area and had each moved to new states. It felt like such a full-circle moment to connect in the Rockies, with shared roots and a mutual appreciation for chasing what feels good. It had been raining all day, and the skies cleared literally 10 minutes before we started. Katelyn’s dreamy, fairytale outfit paired with the wildflower-filled meadow, moody skies, and mountain views turned their engagement session into something straight out of a damn movie.

Why Moraine Park Was Perfect For This Rocky Mountain National Park Engagement Session

When Katelyn and Ben told me they wanted mountain views, wildflowers, easy access, and maybe a river in the background—I knew exactly where to go. Moraine Park checked every single box. It’s one of my all-time favorite spots in Rocky Mountain National Park for engagement sessions because it gives you that iconic RMNP look without needing to hike for miles. Just a short walk from the car, and boom—open fields, a winding river, and mountains in every direction.

We didn’t bounce around to different locations for this session because honestly, we didn’t need to. Moraine Park brought the drama and the calm. The wildflowers were in full bloom, the river was flowing gently in the background, and we had the space almost entirely to ourselves thanks to a moody, rainy day that cleared just in time for sunset. Pure magic.

Another bonus? The wildlife here is unreal. Elk frequent this area often—especially September through October. And sure enough, just as we were wrapping up our session, a whole herd wandered into the field: adults, babies, the whole crew. We stood quietly at a safe distance, watching them graze and move through the meadow like they owned the place (because, let’s be real, they totally do). It was the perfect, peaceful end to an already unforgettable evening.

Quick tips for your own Rocky Mountain National Park engagement session here:

• No photography permit needed anymore, but you do need to pay the park entry fee.
• Timed entry reservations are required from late May through mid-October (specifically 5 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily).
• Sunset is incredible here—the light dips behind the peaks for this soft, glowy magic. Sunrise is stunning too, with alpenglow hitting the mountains.
• Cell service is spotty at best, so be sure to download directions or maps ahead of time.
• Bathrooms are nearby at the Moraine Park Discovery Center and the Beaver Meadows Visitor Center.
• It can get crowded during the day, but early morning or golden hour are your best bets for quieter moments.

And no—this isn’t a pet-friendly area, so leave the pups at home for this one.

Whether you’re coming from out of state like Katelyn and Ben or you’re a local looking for a location that feels like a fairytale backdrop, Moraine Park is always a solid choice. Summer and fall are especially dreamy.

How Katelyn & Ben Nailed Their RMNP Engagement Session Outfits

Katelyn and Ben seriously crushed it with their outfit choices for this Rocky Mountain National Park engagement session. Katelyn wore the dreamiest lavender dress with subtle floral detailing—flowy, romantic, and full of that effortless movement that looks unreal in photos. The texture and pattern added just the right amount of visual interest without taking away from the scenery, and the color? Perfect. It actually matched the wildflowers blooming in the field. Total fairytale energy.

Ben kept things classic and neutral with a simple white shirt and khaki pants. His outfit balanced Katelyn’s look without competing for attention, which is exactly how to do it when one person wears something more statement or patterned. Together, their looks coordinated beautifully—nothing too matchy, just a natural, elevated pairing.

They also made a smart move avoiding greens, which would’ve blended too much with the grassy landscape. Instead, their colors popped just enough against the soft, moody backdrop, especially with the overcast skies and layered textures in the scenery.

If you’re planning your own engagement session in Rocky Mountain National Park, this is your sign to go for bold-yet-natural tones, bring some texture or pattern into the mix, and always consider how your outfit will show up against the landscape. Katelyn and Ben are a perfect example of how to do it right.

The Vision: A Mountain Engagement Session in Rocky Mountain National Park

Katelyn and Ben knew they didn’t want just another engagement session—they wanted something that felt totally different from what they’d already done back home. They had already taken photos on the east coast, so this time around, their goal was to capture the spirit of their time in Colorado. Wide open spaces, fresh mountain air, and that wild, peaceful beauty that hits different out here.

Their vision was rooted in simplicity and intention: just the two of them, surrounded by mountains and wildflowers, soaking in a place that already meant something just by being part of their story. It was about marking a season of life—being together in a new place, exploring, and holding onto that feeling.

Rocky Mountain National Park was the obvious choice. Moraine Park, especially, brought the vibe to life with its expansive views, a river weaving through the field, and mountains towering in every direction. The misty skies and moody light breaking through at the end of the day added to that dreamy, almost surreal atmosphere.

Fun Ideas for a Rocky Mountain National Park Engagement Session

If you’re dreaming up your own Rocky Mountain National Park engagement session, here are a few ideas to level it up and make the whole experience even more memorable—from cozy hangs to epic adventures:

Make it a full day (or weekend) experience:

After your session, grab a bite or a drink in nearby Estes Park. A few favorites:

• The Rock Inn – perfect for a post-session dinner, especially if you love a cozy mountain vibe and live music.
  
• Avant Garde Aleworks – small-batch beer with a chill patio, great for a laid-back stop.
  
• Coffee on the Rocks – a sweet little coffee shop with a pond and river out back, perfect for a slow morning or an afternoon session wind-down. I actually photographed this engagement session that ended here—and it was pure magic.

Explore nearby trails:

If you’re into hiking or biking, there are some incredible trails just a short drive away from Moraine Park. A few easy-to-moderate ones:

• Bear Lake Trail – super popular for a reason
  
• Cub Lake Trail – great for spotting wildlife
  
• Lily Lake – a more relaxed, flat trail with peaceful views

If you’re a thrill-seeking duo, you could totally turn this into an adventure weekend:

• Ziplining in nearby Allenspark or Estes
  
• Horseback rides through the mountains (several outfitters offer sessions near the park)
  
• Off-road Jeep tours with killer views if hiking isn’t your thing

Cozy stays to turn it into a getaway:

Whether you’re flying in or just want to make it a little extra, Estes Park has tons of cozy cabins and Airbnbs. A few fun options:

• The Estes Park Resort – right on the lake, stunning mountain views
  
• Romantic Airbnbs with fireplaces and hot tubs? Absolutely.
  
• YMCA of the Rockies – great cabin rentals and mountain charm

Whether you want a quiet evening watching the sun dip behind the peaks or a full-blown weekend of wild Colorado adventures, Rocky Mountain National Park has something for every kind of couple.

Ready to Plan Your Own Rocky Mountain National Park Engagement Session?

If you’ve been dreaming of a laid-back, beautiful session surrounded by mountains, wildflowers, and your favorite person—let’s freaking do it. Whether you’re visiting Colorado for the first time or you’re lucky enough to call it home, Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the most stunning places to celebrate this season of your life.

I’ll help you find the best location for your vibe, offer outfit advice, keep things relaxed, and document your story in a way that feels like you—nostalgic, earthy, and real.

Book your Rocky Mountain National Park engagement session with me right here →