Rocky Mountain National Park Proposal Photographer

A Surprise Proposal in Rocky Mountain National Park

Sarah and Kenji came all the way from Texas for a vacation in Estes Park, dreaming of the wild beauty only Rocky Mountain National Park can offer, and maybe just a few romantic photos to remember it by. What unfolded instead was a surprise proposal at Sprague Lake that none of us will ever forget. As a Colorado photographer who knows these trails like old friends, I helped guide them through a last-minute location pivot and witnessed one of the most heartfelt moments I’ve ever photographed. ✨

Sarah booked a session with me for their trip to Estes Park, dreamy Rocky Mountain vibes, romantic forest paths, snow-kissed peaks. Originally, we were aiming for Brainard Lake, one of my favorite tucked-away spots, but June in Colorado can still hold surprises of its own. When I scouted the area the day before, the gate was still locked. So we pivoted. Lucky for all of us, I’d been photographing a wedding the day before in Rocky Mountain National Park and had just spent time at Sprague Lake. I sent them some photos of the spot… and it was an immediate yes. So on June 11, we met at Sprague, not knowing just how special this evening would become.

Planning Around Nature’s Curveballs

Mountain sessions always come with a little “choose your own adventure” energy. But one of the biggest gifts I bring to the table is that I know these spots, where to go when Plan A is iced over, how to adjust when the weather turns or the gates don’t open. I’m always scouting, always watching light, always tuning in.

For Sarah and Kenji, that flexibility turned into a blessing. Sprague Lake gave us peaceful trails, reflections on still water, views that stretched and shimmered. And it gave Kenji a quiet pocket to pull me aside, whispering that he had a ring burning a hole in his pocket and he was ready to propose.

Vacationing in Estes Park? Let’s Make It Magical

Sarah had no idea. Like, no idea. She even packed an outfit change and thought nothing of it. I’d only spoken with Kenji briefly during our video consult (yes, all my couples get one so we can vibe and prep!) but hadn’t had a moment alone with him until he grabbed me in the parking lot, heart pounding. While she was adjusting, we quickly made a game plan. I helped him pick the perfect spot, tucked just far enough into the trees with that iconic lake view behind them.

When it happened… whew. The surprise on her face. The tears. The laughter. The YES. It was raw and real and filled with all that big love energy that makes my job the best in the world.

Why Sprague Lake is Perfect for a Proposal

Want to know why this spot worked so beautifully? Here's what you need to know:

• No wedding permit required for photo sessions

• Easy trail loop = accessibility without sacrificing views

• Dreamy sunset light with water reflections + epic mountain views

• Close to Estes Park, so perfect for vacationers

• Bonus: it’s quiet, romantic, and feels tucked away

If you're planning a surprise proposal or engagement session in Colorado and don't know where to start, I’ve got you. This isn't just point-and-shoot photography. This is location scouting, timeline planning, emotional support, and storytelling.

Helping You Plan a Mountain Engagement Story

Here’s the thing about Rocky Mountain proposals: they’re intimate, personal, and yes, a little unpredictable. But when you’ve got someone by your side who knows the land, the light, and how to navigate the chaos with calm, the experience becomes unforgettable in the best way.

I help you choose the perfect spot. I guide you through the process. I capture the look on their face when they realize what’s happening. And I hold space for whatever unfolds after. Whether you’re dreaming of a surprise like Kenji’s or planning a mountaintop elopement with all the logistics dialed in, I’ve got your back.

Ready to Pop the Question in Colorado?

You don’t need to know every detail. You just need to know you love them, and you want the moment to feel like you. I’ll take care of the rest, from the permits (or lack thereof), to the Plan Bs, to the slow breath you take right before you drop to one knee.

Let’s create something wildly beautiful together.

Perfect Photo Locations in Rocky Mountain National Park

The trip to Rocky Mountain National Park was fueled by a family session referral from another local photographer. I got to meet up with Sarah and her family in the mountains because the super sweet Katie Mitzelfelt of Katie Mitz Photo (go check her out because she is amazing!) recommended me. Thanks, friend!

This was a last-minute addition to my schedule and I had only been to Rocky Mountain a handful of times before but knew the area I wanted to shoot in fairly well. With COVID and all the capacity limitations that came along with it in the summer of 2021, I was lucky that sunset was later in the evening so I could get to where I needed to be without a permit, which was pretty damn awesome.

My daughter, Emma, and I left early so I could scout out the perfect spot for their extended family that would be doable for everyone and still looks amazing. Emma and I stopped at a few locations along our way but they weren’t it. When I find a location that is “it” I get super giddy and excited. I will literally jump up and down and run around thinking of all the things that I can do within the space. Serious. Ask her.

When we arrived at this spot, I walked down to the water and that was it. Perfect light, perfect banks, perfect spaces to hide from the sun, and what I could have guessed was going to be beautiful light as the sun faded behind the mountains. I mean, was I wrong?

Looking to adventure with a family photographer? Don’t know exactly where you want to go? No worries, I got you! I offer a robust location catalog for my clients and personal assistance with location scouting and all the things. I would love to find the perfect spot for you and your crew. You know, one I jump up and down in when I find it because I am so excited, and then, adventure in it! Let’s connect and explore. 

Romantic Elopement in the Rocky Mountains

These high school sweethearts (and their pup, Penny) adventured with me near Rocky Mountain National Park for their private elopement ceremony. Sav and Casey wanted their raw, emotional, and tearful moments to be something they could look back on in the future. They knew that these moments, the ones where they express their lifelong devotion to each other could not be something that they could document on their own. Enter me. It’s been a hot minute since I’ve shared what I have been creating over here at Wild Prairie Photography and this elopement really ticked all my “dream session” boxes so I figured what better way to break back into the habit than with this.

The light, the wardrobe, the hair, the smiles, and the insanely bright love that came through during our time together was nothing short of magical. Sav had been doing some searching for the perfect elopement location for her and Casey. During the planning process, Sav and I talked about quite a few options and landed on this spot. I had never been to this particular location before so I was eager to check out a new spot and look at all the pretty mountainy things along the way.

The adventure was worth the 3-hour drive, friends. Breathtaking scenery along the way that included creeks, mountains, basins, cliffs, plains, pretty much allll the things. Sometimes, it’s not all about the destination, ya know? Then sometimes, you have a killer journey AND the destination is insane. Which just so happens to be this spot. I am lucky. Lucky that Sav wanted something, not on my location catalog. They wanted to step outside the boundaries and truly adventure, freezing alpine lake water and all.

Are you planning an elopement or want to hang out with me just because? I would love to talk locations and work together to find the perfect spot for you and your babe. Perfect like this one. Perfect for you. Let’s hang?