Backpacking Engagements in
Rocky Mountain National Park
An engagement session doesn’t just have to be a photoshoot in a pretty place – it can be an incredible adventure that just happens to result in some cool pictures!
That was the approach we took to Christen and Michael’s backpacking engagement photos in Rocky Mountain National Park. I had the best time getting to know this couple before their elopement as we set off a fun two-day adventure in one of my favorite places.
A Little Bit of Fate
When Christen and Michael hired me to photograph their elopement, they initially weren’t planning to do an engagement session. But a month or two before their elopement day, they decided they’d regret it if they didn’t take the opportunity to get some pictures together while they were still engaged.
And that’s where fate stepped in, because the couple already had backpacking permits for a spot in Rocky Mountain National Park that they loved – the same spot my partner and I had gotten backpacking permits for a few weeks prior, but had to cancel at the last minute because we were both sick.
I was so bummed to have missed out on backpacking to that spot, because the permits are difficult to get and impossible to reschedule. Christen and Michael reached out to me about their engagement session, unsure if I’d be up for a last-minute adventure, and I jumped on the opportunity!
Check out my comprehensive guide on eloping in Rocky Mountain National Park, which includes all the info about permits, camping, and backpacking in the park on your elopement day.
Rocky Mountain National Park Elopement Guide
The hike up
A backpacking engagement session was the perfect way for me to get to know Christen and Michael before their elopement day.
We met at the trailhead, split some gear between our packs, and started hiking. We took our time making our way up the trail, chatting along the way and stopping to take some photos here and there.
The relaxed vibe of the whole day – from hiking to dinner to our overnight stay – gave us plenty of time to connect over our shared loved of the outdoors, which made the couple’s elopement a month later even more fun!
When we made it to the end of the trail, we set up our tents and gear, and Christen got ready for the engagement session.
I loved the way she made use of the natural environment, setting up her “makeup station” on a downed tree and hanging her dress from a trekking pole to let it air out.
Adventurous Engagements
Christen and Michael explored the area around our camp while I followed behind, capturing both some stunning wide shots of the scenery around us, as well as sweet close-ups of the couple.
The spot we backpacked to has a main lake that’s the most popular site, but we also found several secret ponds and a cool waterfall nearby.
One of my favorite ways to plan an engagement session is to just let the couple be themselves in a beautiful area, and amazing photos will come naturally!
A Rainy Ending
Christen and Michael had originally planned on camping a second night after I hiked out the next morning. But it was raining when we woke up, so we all ended up hiking (or more like making a mad dash) back down the trail together.
We were all laughing hysterically as it poured rain and even hailed on our hike – proving that you can always have fun, even in the worst situations, when you’re with the right people.
Ready to plan your own Adventure Engagement Session?
Reach out to me and let’s start chatting about the perfect engagement photos for you and your partner—with the views of your dreams and the adventure of a lifetime. No matter what you’re picturing for your wedding day, I’m here to help you execute every last detail.
Hey there, the name’s Sam! I cannot wait to chat with you.
This is gonna be epic.
