BIG SUR AND CARMEL PROPOSALS
Get Your Big Sur Proposal Photos the night of!
big sur Proposals
- Candid proposal photos
- Announcement/Engagement posed photos
- My personal list of secluded locations
- Tips and tricks to make this moment perfect
- Online Gallery
- Online Slide show
- High-resolution photographs – ready for print
- Low-resolution photographs – ready for Social Media
- Online Print Store
✨ Cost can be subtracted from a wedding package
Contact Daniel
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let me help you plan your big sur proposal
One of the biggest privileges of being a wedding and proposal photographer in Monterey County is witnessing beautiful surprise proposals in Carmel and Big Sur. There’s nothing quite as satisfying as capturing the look of shock that runs across a fiancé’s face, just before it’s surpassed by a look of elation as they catch the significance of the moment.
If you’re planning a surprise proposal, you may have several questions about the locations, best strategies for proposal, and advice on charming, hidden nooks to pop the question. I’m privileged enough to have witnessed dozens of surprise proposals as a photographer, so I can accompany you throughout the planning process, from the strategizing to the eventual photography.
My Surprise Proposal Photography Services
I have an exhaustive understanding of the best locations to pop the question, and I can help you avoid unwanted hiccups that may tarnish the moment. If you’re an eager fiancé-to-be, I look forward to learning more about you and your better half and helping you craft a surprise proposal you’ll both remember for a lifetime.
Please continue scrolling to learn more about my surprise proposal photography services in Monterey County, Carmel, and Big Sur.
1. Planning & Strategizing
Having photographed close to 100 successful surprise proposals, I can help you strategize and find the best locations. I’d love to talk to you, learn more about you and your fiancé, and brainstorm an experience that will tug at your fiancé-to-be’s heartstrings. Everyone is unique — I help you create an experience that speaks to your better half’s unique personality.
2. Location Selection
If you’re planning your surprise proposal in Carmel or Big Sur, you know what you want — beautiful white sand beaches and cliffs. Monterey County is full of picturesque locations that can take your partner’s breath away, but most beaches in the area are full of people. I can help you select the ideal locations for your surprise proposal in Big Sur/ Carmel-by-the-Sea.
Most people want to propose in quiet, solitary beaches and cliffside locations. But some also want to pop the question with spectators to witness the moment. Both styles of surprise proposals are great, provided it’s something your partner will appreciate. Whether you want a quiet or public surprise proposal, I have the ideal locations for you.
3. Picturesque & Hidden Spots
Carmel Beach and Carmel River State Beach are two of the best spots for surprise proposals — they have beautiful white sand beaches, cliffs in the background, and gorgeous sunsets in amber. But their natural beauty also draws a lot of spectators, and it can be hard to find a solitary spot to pop the question or have a quiet, peaceful moment.
Over the past years, I have explored every inch of the best (hidden) spots in Carmel, Big Sur, and other picturesque locations in Monterey County. I keep the spots a secret to preserve their beauty, but I can disclose the locations in person. I can offer directions to the most picturesque spots, or we can drive down to select the perfect spot for your surprise proposal.
4. Time Selection
Early morning is the best time for surprise proposals. Hands down. Just before and during sunrise, the world is awash in a gorgeous soft light that even the most sophisticated digital tools can’t imitate. If you want the best time for your surprise proposal, get your fiancé-to-be out to Big Sur/ Carmel-by-the-Beach early in the morning — I’ll be waiting with my camera to capture the perfect moment.
If you’re not an early morning person, the second-best time for a proposal is just before or after sunset. However, the Monterey area is known for its fogginess, so we may have to adjust the time according to the day’s level of fog and light predictions. The final call is yours, but I’m here to help you select the most picturesque locations and times for your proposal.
5. Tips & Advice
If you want a smooth proposal without unexpected delays or hiccups, you need to understand the local geography, traffic conditions, and climate. I have an intimate understanding and awareness of every aspect of Monterey and Carmel, including how to beat the rush hour, when it might get chilly or start raining, and the best time for photographs.
For example, Monterey and Carmel see more traffic for an hour or two during rush hour, and people are pretty fast while getting on and off the 1 — be careful! You should also come with an extra jacket, blanket, and an umbrella because it can get chilly in the evening, with a slight possibility of rain. I help you plan for all possibilities to ensure a smooth proposal.
6. Surprise Proposal Photography
Finally, after all the planning is done, I capture every beautiful detail of your proposal. My goal is to be one with the background and scenery. I may silently follow you and your partner from a respectful distance as you walk down the beach, ensuring every beautiful smile and loving embrace is immortalized on camera, but my presence will be non-intrusive.
Carmel Proposal Photographer
Best Locations for Surprise Proposal in Carmel
In my experience, Carmel Beach is one of the most picturesque locations for a surprise proposal in Carmel-by-the-Sea. You should walk as far north as possible — the number of people gradually reduces the further north you walk. Another great spot is the Carmel River State Beach, just next to Ocean View Avenue. Please contact me to learn about the most charming hidden spots in Carmel.
Big Sur Proposal Photographer
Best Locations for Surprise Proposal in Big Sur
Some of the best locations for a surprise proposal in Big Sur are the Point Lobos State Park, Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, Garrapata Beach, Ventana Big Sur, and the Bixby Bridge. Each of these locations has its unique advantages. From gorgeous beachside parks to redwoods and private dinners at a glass gallery, I can help you select the ideal location for your surprise proposal in Big Sur.