Monastery Beach Proposal

Carmel-by-the-Sea Proposal

Victor reached out to me a few months ago with a mission—to plan an unforgettable proposal for his girlfriend, Sarah. Traveling all the way from Houston, Texas, they were headed to Carmel-by-the-Sea to pop the question somewhere stunning, secluded, and quintessentially California.

After chatting through a few ideas, we landed on the perfect spot: Monastery Beach. Tucked just off Highway 1, this beach is a hidden gem on the northern edge of Big Sur, just minutes from Carmel Highlands where Victor and Sarah were staying. It’s easy to access, usually less crowded, and offers the kind of raw coastal beauty that makes for both an intimate moment and epic photos.

Victor and Sarah walked just a couple minutes down to the sand, and there—overlooking the Pacific—Victor dropped to one knee. I photographed the moment as it unfolded, capturing Sarah’s surprise and emotion as the golden light reflected off the water. After a few quiet minutes to let the moment sink in, I stepped aside to switch lenses and give them space. Then we started capturing some relaxed, engagement-style portraits around the beach.

One thing to know about Monastery Beach: the waves are big. Really big. So it’s best to stay a safe distance from the water. But with the right spot on the sand, you get sweeping views, dramatic rocks, and that classic Central Coast glow. As the evening light softened, we headed toward the rockier areas for the final set of photos, and the whole scene felt magical.

Victor and Sarah were a dream to photograph. Sarah’s genuine excitement and joy made every frame sing—you just can’t fake that kind of emotion. She was equally enthusiastic about being in front of the camera, which makes my job that much easier. As a photographer, I try to balance the realness of the moment with making sure you leave with photos that feel as beautiful as the memory itself. These two nailed it.

If you’re thinking about proposing in Carmel or Big Sur, Monastery Beach is absolutely worth considering. It’s easy to get to, naturally stunning, and feels tucked away just enough to make your proposal feel truly personal.