How To Plan A Surprise Proposal in Big Sur (Updated for 2024)
How To Plan A Surprise Proposal in Carmel and Big Sur (Updated for 2024)
It is time. You are ready to do the deed.
Ring? Check. Hotel? Check. Rental car? Check.
Now you just need to find the perfect spot and ask the question. Of course, you want it photographed as well. Not to worry. I will give you everything you need to know in order to plan and get your surprise proposal squared away. If you are a fiance to be and I have sent you this link for tips and tricks - go ahead and scroll to that section!
Carmel Proposal Photographer
Steps For Planning Your Surprise Proposal in Big Sur/Carmel-by-the-Sea
Location
You know you want Carmel or Big Sur. The beaches, the cliffs, the white sand. It all adds up. But, having it photographed is the question.
If you are looking for the beach, take a look at the map above. One awesome surprise proposal location is Carmel Beach, which the pin on the map is accurate. I mean, go as north as you can. Fewer People. Fewer Dogs. Same great white sand and sunset. Another one of my favorites is Carmel River State Beach. This is one next to Ocean View Ave. Great spots.
If you are looking for cliffs, let’s talk. I have the perfect spot in mind but in an effort to preserve the area I keep that spot secret. I will tell you it is in Big Sur, about 20 minutes south of Carmel.
Some of my favorite Big Sur and Carmel proposal Locations include:
Garrapata Beach
Soberanes Point
Calla Lily Valley
Rocky Point
China Cove
Carmel Beach
Carmel Meadows
Monastery Beach
Wedding Rock Beach
Time
The thing to know about sunsets in Big Sur or Monterey area is fog. We are famous for it. Fog much of the time. SO, when we plan your engagement session let’s consider that. I might ask you day of or day before the surprise proposal to push it up an hour or 2 depending on the level of fog and light. BUT, it is totally up to you. My goal is make sure you are in love with your photos and I will make sure you know what will help us do that.
Timing Your Big Sur Proposal: Golden Hour and Blue Hour Magic
Planning a surprise proposal in Big Sur? Timing is key, and two magical moments can turn your special day into a fairy tale: the Golden Hour and the Blue Hour.
Golden Hour: Warm, Ethereal Beauty
Picture the iconic Big Sur coastline, waves crashing against cliffs, and the sun gracefully dipping. Welcome to the "golden hour," just after sunrise or before sunset, bathing everything in warm, golden hues. This magical time softens shadows, making your proposal moment enchanting. But here's the catch: the timing isn't the same every day. Use apps to pinpoint the perfect moment for your Big Sur proposal, ideally one hour before sunset. This gives you a full hour of photos post-proposal, and if it's sunny, you might even catch extra magic during the Blue Hour!
Blue Hour: Nature's Instagram Filter
Now, imagine the "blue hour" – just before sunrise or after sunset when the sky transforms into a deep blue canvas. Soft, even lighting enhances the beauty of Big Sur, perfect for capturing that iconic coastline in your proposal photos. It's like adding a unique mood to your story. Photographers plan around this time, creating an unforgettable, almost cinematic experience for your Big Sur Proposal.
Early Morning Proposals: Sunrise Splendor
Thinking of an early morning proposal? Sunrise offers a reverse sunset beauty. Start before sunrise for the best light, proposing about 30 minutes before the sun crests Big Sur's mountains. This grants soft, warm, and glowy light. While you won't get a full hour of golden light, the changing angles and unique atmosphere make early mornings in Big Sur equally enchanting.
Remember, timing is everything, so plan ahead for the perfect Big Sur proposal photoshoot! Here are a few websites to help us: Sun Calc or this Sunrise Timer is pretty accurate.
Getting Her There
So now you have picked your location. Getting there is half the fun. Depending on where we go, plan a few minutes for traffic. Monterey and Carmel tend to see more traffic around rush hour but this typically only lasts an hour or so. Getting on and off the 1. People are fast, be aware. But more importantly. Download your playlists and google maps. Once you get into Big Sur it is hard to get lost but you never know. Lastly, Monterey and Carmel tend to get chilly towards the evening. It might be smart to throw an extra jacket or blanket in your car. And if it is raining bring an umbrella.
Big Sur Surprise Proposal Photographer
Champagne?
Yes, please. Its Carmel! Champagne always makes this moment heightened. Daniel James Photography is 100% dedicated to providing a top of this world experience. Something I have been loving lately and loving is using champagne for a prop / to elevate your moment! All you need to do is provide the champagne and I can bring the flutes! After she says “yes”, you both get an opportunity to pop it open and enjoy a second together. This makes for a great photo and helps make this moment even more memorable. Just let me know when we begin planning your proposal that you want me to bring some champagne flutes!
Relax
Once the champagne is flowing taking photos is pretty fun and easy. You guys get to be yourselves and there really isn't much to it. I might follow you both as you walk and talk or pop in to pose a tad but my goal is to make her remember the moment and not me, this photographer hanging around.
How To Plan A Surprise Proposal in Carmel and Big Sur
Ideas For After
You have decided to come to Carmel or BIg Sur for a reason. But, if you are interested in some amazing top of the world places to refresh and plan your lives together, here you go. All of these locations have amazing views and allow you to talk, plus they have amazing food!
The Photographer
Looking for someone to photograph this event? Look no further. Having photographed proposals in the Big Sur, Carmel, and Monterey Bay area since 2017 I can confirm that proposals are some of my favorite sessions to plan and photograph. Interested in booking your Carmel photographer click the book now button below for a no-stress planning session.
Once I receive your inquiry I will give you a call and we can set the date! Sessions are typically 45-60 minutes but we can plan for more time if you think she is up for that! This includes the moment of asking, time spent together and a few posed shots after in a casual manor. Again, I want you both to remember the moment, not time spent with me!
Tips and Tricks For During The Session
Have fun
It is important to remember to be yourselves. Sometimes, right after you propose there is a sense to just jump in to photos. Don’t worry about me. My main objective is to make you and fiancé comfortable and that might include waiting a few for the posed photos to start! Plan on spending some time alone and being in the moment. Feel like including some music? This is also a fun way to get you both moving and comfortable, you can send me your Spotify playlist, and I can bring the Boom for after!
Be a tad late
Fashionably late to your surprise proposal is totally socially acceptable. Below I will talk about what I will be doing more but what I will say here is you’re in Carmel, take it slower. Enjoy every moment. As long as the sun is out I will be there. Before your session I will arrive early. So where ever we decide on where to meet I will be there. I will send you something like this to indicated where we will meet. It is important to be inside the red circle as that lends to the highest quality image.
What Your Photographer Will Be Doing
Like I said, I will be there early, so no need to worry. I will let you know the day of what I am wearing, you can do the same, and I will then keep an eye out for you. As you pop the question I usually start making my way towards you guys. I'll try to stay as far back as possible but chances are she will know there is a photographer there in the middle of you asking. I've never had a problem with this and it always leads to better pictures. You guys might even see me on your walk towards the circle but no need to say hi or anything like that. After she says “yes” I will let you choose my self and the rest is history.
How To pop the question
What you want to say and how you want to do it it's totally up to you. What matters for photos Is the following. On a sunny day it's important to remember to have her back to the sun. On an overcast day it doesn't matter so much and so you would want her back probably to the water or some kind of scenery. And you both can be parallel to that. The objective is to capture her reaction and so I will focus on her reaction during your Big Sur proposal session.
Props
I can totally set up mini picnic-style set ups like yo see below! These types of set ups can happen on select beaches in Carmel and Big Sur and each location has different rules regarding this type of set up. For example, any state park will require a permit.
Cell Phone
Remember to put your phone in the car or somewhere safe before asking. Reason is you don’t want it in your pocket or showing the proposal photos.
After You Ask
After you ask her to marry you I might give you guys a few minutes to just relax and soak in the moment. We might start with a bottle of champagne and this is where you would serve her after exploding the bottle, because it's fun! And then we can start taking a few photos if she's up to it and these are typically non-posed pretty casual but we can get as posey as we want.
Big Sur and carmel Surprise engagement Photographer
TL;DR
Steps For Planning Your Surprise Proposal in Big Sur/Carmel-by-the-Sea
Location
Time
Photographer
Getting Her There
Champagne?
Relax
Ideas For After
Tips and Tricks For During The Session
Have fun
Getting There
Be a tad late
What Your Photographer Will Be Doing
How To Ask
Props?
After You Ask
The photos don’t stop here either! You need a wedding photographer now. I would love to photograph your wedding. The hardest part of being comfortable in front of the camera is done, this will make your wedding day so much easier! Not to mention, the price of your proposal session can be subtracted from your wedding package! “Is my passport up to date”, you ask? Well yes, it is, and I love traveling to you for your wedding!
Best places to dine in Big Sur
Casual Spots
For a riverside burger and beer check out Big Sur River Inn
More burgers but not your average Roadhouse check out Big Sur Roadhouse
For the best breakfast in Big Sur and a cozy vibe go to Deetjans
Looking for bomb pastries and coffee, COAST Big Sur
top of the world
Nepenthe, for a literal top of the world evening
Want the craziest view of the Pacific Ocean and amazing food, Sierra Mar
For a total Big Sur experience, Ventana’s The Sur House
Places to Stay in Big Sur and Carmel
Carmel Highlands Hyatt
Here you are about 5-15 minutes from most of the Big Sur and Carmel Proposal locations.The hotel is great and accommodations are great! Best is there are fire pits all over you can use and threre is an epic overlook of the ocean than can even serve as a propsal locaiton.
Ventana
Ventana Big Sur is an incredible luxury resort tucked away along the mesmerizing coastline of Big Sur, California. With accommodations ranging from cozy rooms to private villas, it offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. The Sur House, the resort's signature restaurant, promises a delightful dining experience with locally sourced ingredients and breathtaking ocean panoramas. You can unwind at the spa, explore outdoor activities like hiking, or simply relax in hot tubs with Pacific vistas. Ventana is more than a resort; it's an escape into nature's embrace, making it an ideal spot for weddings or a tranquil getaway.
L'Auberge Carmel
L'Auberge Carmel is a luxury boutique hotel nestled in the heart of Carmel-by-the-Sea, California. This intimate retreat exudes elegance, offering stylish accommodations with a focus on personalized service. Whether you're drawn to the gourmet dining experiences highlighting local flavors, the proximity to Carmel's artistic treasures and boutiques, or the romantic ambiance perfect for couples, L'Auberge Carmel promises an unforgettable stay. Immerse yourself in the charm of this coastal gem, where attention to detail and a warm atmosphere make it an ideal choice for a romantic getaway or special celebration.