Carmel, California is where I call home! Not to be confused with Carmel, Indiana! Carmel is about 15 minutes from Monterey CA and is a quieter, smaller town. Better for a surprise proposal! My dog, Tiger, and I have walked every block 800 times and as a Carmel wedding photographer, I have scouted out the best way to propose in Carmel.

The Best Way to Propose in Carmel –  You Need the Perfect Partner for You! 

Let me take you back in time! Adam and Maansi met during their first year of college at the University of Chicago. They were in the same dorm along with 2 other classmates. They all enjoyed spending time together. However, much of that time was Adam and Maansi getting to know each other. They often worked in the library, watched TV, or just stayed up late chatting — sounds just like a Lifetime romance movie plot! Eventually, Adam moved to Houston, yet the two lovebirds kept talking. The rest is history, and every moment led up to their beach proposal in Carmel. No matter what your love story looks like, it is yours and I am so excited to capture this milestone for you!

Choosing the Ring

What is the proper way to propose marriage? With a carefully selected ring of course!

Matt proposed to Rachel with a round ring that belonged to her late grandmother, Helen. It made the proposal that much more special. It has a gold band and is around 2.5 carats. 

Joseph selected a stunning ring from Rare Carat. It is a Kennedy Pave Engagement Ring with yellow gold. Such a beautiful diamond and Scarlett sure was happy!

Davis proposed to Alex with an oval with a hidden halo of diamonds that wraps around the center diamond on a petite diamond band. It was so delicate and beautiful.

One of my favorites is the style of Melanie’s engagement ring from Cody. It is an oval-cut diamond with a rose gold band- so romantic!

These examples are to show there is no perfect ring, just a perfect ring for YOUR person! Ask questions about their style, pay attention to jewelry they wear, and you’re sure to find a ring that stands out to you as the one. 

The Best Way to Propose in Carmel is to choose your “Ask” Spot

Villa Mara Carmel

The hotel is two blocks from the beach and it’s as wonderful as it is beautiful. The staff prides themselves on knowing all the local spots, the best restaurants, views, beaches, hikes, and hidden secrets. Their mission is to provide guests with a curated experience on and off the property. When Alex shared with the staff that she was planning to propose to Kendall, they welcomed the couple to photograph on the grounds!

After a beach proposal, the couple returned to Villa Mara Carmel and the staff greeted us with champagne! I captured family photos of the couple and their pup having the greatest time. We strolled the property, finding pockets of beauty with flowers and a firepit. Having these “everyday” style shots is something couples can look back on as not just a moment in time, but a capturing of their life at that time. Whether you are looking for a place to stay when you propose or you want to propose on site, Villa Mara Carmel should be on your list. 

Quail Lodge 

The grand golf club area at Quail Lodge has spectacular mountain views. They have lovely rooms to stay in (quail not included) and private patios that overlook the pond. Their bridges cross over rivers too which is one of my favorite things for wedding photography!  What first stood out to me when I was featuring Carmel Valley’s Quail Lodge and Golf Club is their stellar staff. They were so friendly, approachable, kind, and open to all couples! Moreover, when I met with the General Manager and some of the staff, it was nothing but a delight! From a photographer’s perspective- and especially as a local Carmel wedding photographer- there are various locations to the property for a proposal. You have your choice of meadows, a ballroom, the barn, and, of course, the golf course! Come to propose, stay for an incredible weekend experience.

Bernardus Lodge & Spa

Bernardus Lodge is a luxurious wine country experience nestled in Carmel Valley. It has trickling fountains and unique lounge areas throughout the grounds. They boast of being a “relaxing escape from the bustle of life,” and it’s evident everywhere you go while on the property. Something about this place makes you release your tension immediately, and it is a beautiful place for a proposal. Adrian and Antoinette’s proposal took place in the rose garden and the flowers really gave aromantic touch. Another area perfect for a proposal is the trellises in the walkway of the Bernardus rose garden where Cody & Melanie got engaged!

Hyatt Carmel Highlands

This beautiful venue on the Carmel Coast is breathtaking with such an elegant and classic flair. The views of the Pacific Ocean do not get better than at the Hyatt Carmel Highlands. We captured a Black-tie Coastal Carmel Wedding here and kept having ideas of how this would make a gorgeous proposal spot! If you are interested in a big public proposal, their restaurant Pacific’s Edge would be magical. It is nestled on the craggy bluffs of Carmel Highlands and offers spectacular views of the California coastline. It also has exceptional cocktails, wine lists and seasonal dishes. We know the restaurant team would make it so special! Of course, you can always propose on the open-air redwood deck! It is surrounded by glass, which overlooks the Pacific Ocean, this would be such a gorgeous, private moment.

Pebble Beach

Now if you’ve chosen Carmel, you probably believe the best way to propose in Carmel is at the beach! Pebble Beach is where you’ll want to go for a proposal at the water. I have captured many proposals here so I know where to go on the beach to avoid the crowds, when to go to capture the golden hour, and how I can hide to make sure the surprise stays a surprise! 

I love the greenery area around Pebble Beach. If you love the look of the ocean but aren’t sold on a sandy proposal, this is a great option. Matt & Rachel got engaged in this area and the photos of the waves crashing behind them are gorgeous. There are also great rock clusters for seated photos in the area.

Seal Rock Creek

Five miles up the coast from Downtown Carmel is Seal Rock Creek. This small sandy beach is along the 17 Mile Drive in Pebble Beach. What is so special about this area is you can have both a beach proposal and then take engagement portraits in the forest. I was the Carmel photographer for Joseph & Scarlett when they had their beach proposal and it was so stunning after to have the green surrounding them as they ran through the trees.

Consider Including Close Friends and Family

A proposal is a joyous milestone to be celebrated! We have had many proposals where loved ones were waiting nearby or ready to have a group dinner post proposal. During a Surprise Proposal At Beautiful Bernardus Lodge, Ryan invited their families out to stay at Bernardus, too! This meant that Ryan and Melissa were able to celebrate with their families right away. I thought this was such a thoughtful gesture of Ryan. What’s a better way to celebrate two people uniting than bringing the families too?

The Best Way to Propose in Carmel? Keep the Secret!

When Adam reached out to me wanting to surprise Maansi, I assured him that I am a seasoned and stealthy surprise proposal photographer! Especially for a beach proposal when there is a lot of open area, you need a Pebble Beach photographer that knows how to go undetected.

We have heard so many funny stories about how partners were able to keep a proposal secret! For instance, Ryan’s perfect plan started to unravel when he began to bring up an upcoming “work trip.” They head to the Bernardus Lodge & Spa and Ryan tells Melissa that there is a wine tasting in the garden (where he hoped to propose). Initially she didn’t want to go! Melissa looked up the wine tasting online and didn’t see any information on a wine tasting in the garden. After Ryan convinces her to go anyway, they walk towards the garden and he drops to one knee!

Sometimes keeping the secret can be hard but stick to the plan and it’ll always figure itself out. I like the work trip idea because it gives the perfect amount of time to be away. If you are wondering how many days you need in Carmel, 2-3 days is perfect!

Consider a Planner When you Propose in Carmel

If you want to focus on the moment itself and not stress about the details, I recommend a planner. I have teamed up with Kaitlin many times; she is the superstar behind Pocketful of Plans! Kaitlin and I made sure the picnic she planned for their Adrian and Antoinette’s Bernardus Lodge & Spa surprise proposal was one without rain. I love how it turned out with all the pretty details from Forage Vintage Rental and the floral arrangements from Fionna Floral! It was all set up with charcuterie boards and champagne underneath the trellis in the rose garden. We even had a lovely sunbeam peeking through the clouds that day to accompany us! I cannot stress what a difference a good planner can make on your day. Antoinette’s face absolutely lit up when Adrian got down on one knee right then and there! 

Is Carmel-by-the-Sea worth it for a surprise proposal? Absolutely!! There are so many different places to propose in Carmel, whether you want to be on the beach, on the rocks, in the greenery, or even high above with incredible views! 

Are you planning a surprise proposal? Let me help you plan and photograph it! Contact me here!