Moraine Park, Dream Lake and Emerald Lake Hiking Engagement Session in Rocky Mountain National Park, Russell and Jade
Colorado Engagement Photographer
Russell and Jade met one summer while serving as hiking guides for Wilderness Ranch, part of Young Life in the San Juan Mountains in Colorado. They parted ways at the end of the summer, dating long distance. Russell attended Indiana University and Jade went to the University of Texas. Fast forward to a few weeks before graduation, and Russell proposed to Jade at the Sekrit Theater in Austin, Texas, one of the most unique places in the city! You can see the magic of The Sekrit Theater in this blog post!
Since Russell and Jade both met while hiking, it was only fitting that we spend the day adventuring outdoors. Jade had never been to Rocky Mountain National Park, so it was particularly fun seeing her reaction to the locations we visited. It rained right at the beginning of their engagement session but cleared up quickly for the rest of our time outdoors.
About the Locations – Moraine Park, Dream Lake and Emerald Lake in RMNP
Moraine Park is easily one of my favorite views and locations in Rocky Mountain National Park. This spot works well when heading to Dream Lake or Emerald Lake. It’s a simple pull off that’s accessible for most of the year. The only exception is elk rut season, which generally lasts from mid-September to mid-October. The area closes during this time, and Park Rangers give out tickets to those that trespass. Elk become very territorial and can be dangerous during rut season. During the rest of the year, the sweeping fields and meadows are unmatched in their beauty.
Emerald Lake is another favorite engagement photo location. However, it takes a bit more effort to access with the trail being a little over three miles out and back and an elevation gain of 708 feet. The end is well worth the effort, as the big mountain walls surround the lake and give you the feeling of being in Patagonia or another far off destination. As you make your way to Emerald Lake, you pass Nymph Lake, Dream Lake and countless breathtaking areas for photos. I love the variety this trail has to offer!
Why Plan an Adventure Engagement Session?
Many couples now choose destination weddings, intimate weddings and engagements over large traditional weddings. I love helping them find and sort through wedding ceremony ideas and elopement locations. However, some of the most special photo sessions I experience are adventure engagement sessions.
Unlike the planning and stress of the wedding day, the engagement session has less pressure. It is truly a time to celebrate your love and capture the essence of your relationship with beautiful images while you embark on a fun outdoor adventure.
Engagement photos give couples a chance to express who you are as a couple. In addition, an engagement adventure offers couples a chance to have fun with a special getaway before the busy wedding day.
Schedule Your National Park Engagement Session
As an adventure wedding photographer and guide, I work to know the regulations, park details and best locations for creative and beautiful engagement photos at many of the national parks. Our national parks create a unique and adventurous settings with a variety of terrains. They make one of the greatest locations for engagement photos.
I started Map + Compass Photography to offer couples a customized approach to photography, whether that be for weddings, anniversaries engagement, vow renewal, couple’s sessions and more! My goal is to capture each couple’s personality in the best setting to express your unique relationship story. Contact me to schedule an adventure engagement session.