For the moment your partner gets down on one knee and the two of you begin the next chapter of your love story, here are my top five proposal venues! Whether it’s a surprise or not, proposals are full of bright faces and smiling eyes. It goes without saying then, that every proposal photographer’s camera eats these things up and really captures the moment. I hope you find my top five proposal venues useful in the plans to pop the question!

Carmel Beach Proposals

Now I’m not just saying that as a Carmel By The Sea proposal photographer but Carmel Beach is THE BEACH for a picturesque proposal. Carmel Beach offers every couple a wide array of options. There’s of course, the water AND cypress tree forests. Even landscaped gardens to Carmel Point just above the beach itself! It’s famous for its white sandy shores and is located in one of the top beach towns in the world, Carmel By The Sea!

You can even bring your dog(s) with you! After all, life’s a beach! Any special occasion can be taken up a notch with your fur babies by your side. I adore photographing my couples and their pets- can you tell? You can capture your proposal at the foot of Ocean Avenue right here in Carmel Beach and have moral support from me and your fur baby!

Pebble Beach & Stillwater Cove Proposals

If you’re staying at Pebble Beach, Stillwater Cove is nearby a protected inlet between Pescadero Rocks and Arrowhead Point. It’s also heart-shaped, which makes it perfect for a proposal, don’t you think? I love how glassy the waters look as a Pebble Beach proposal photographer because it adds such a romantic touch to things! Not to mention the sailboats that go passing by at Stillwater Cove Yacht Harbor, it’s a great little intimate place for popping the question.

Particularly for my avid golf couples, having the waves bouncing off the seawall during your proposal along the 18th hole at Pebble Beach Golf Links are a truly gorgeous sight! As a Pebble Beach proposal photographer, I think Stillwater Cove is the whole package as far as setting up a plan for a surprise proposal. You can go kayaking and or paddle boarding at first, then spring the ring afterwards! The serene Stillwater Cove is a special place to spend your day together as you marvel in the new chapter of your history as a couple.

Fanshell Beach Proposals

Fanshell Beach is one of the beaches along the famous 17 Mile Drive within Pebble Beach. Note that a fee is charged to take this drive or access any of the beaches. It’s actually one of the highlighted scenic spots on the map they give you when you enter Pebble Beach, something I definitely agree with as a Pebble Beach proposal photographer! One of the highlights of Fanshell are the gorgeous rocky shoreline with its small pockets of white sand. There are several pull-out parking areas too! As my couples’ Pebble Beach proposal photographer, these make for great little spaces to do different photos and or outfit changes!

Along the shoulder of 17 Mile Drive, right behind the beach, there’s also stunning backdrops and even a beach house! Fanshell Beach is also popular with harbor seals. In fact, it’s closed to humans all of April and May. During that time though, you can still and take photos from the overlook or the road. I think the standout feature here as a Pebble Beach proposal photographer is the Lone Cypress tree. It would make a beautiful background element in portraits and during the moment of the proposal itself!

Spanish Bay Proposals

Spanish Bay is easily one of my favorite venues as a Pebble Beach proposal photographer, especially if you find yourself already staying or planning a stay at The Inn At Spanish Bay. Once again, for my avid golfer couples, the scenic courses make for just as stunning portrait spots! The nine-hole Del Monte Golf Course is a gorgeous gem, perfect for popping the question! Although I’m not much of a golfer, this Pebble Beach proposals photographer LOVES everything it has to offer my couples!

One of my favorite things about Spanish Bay for my couples as a Pebble Beach elopement photographer is its stunning sunsets when the sky is clear. If you’re looking for a sunset surprise proposal, THIS is the spot! There’s Asilomar State Beach, a nearby one-mile strip of sandy beach and rocky coves that’s perfect for intimate propsals. The rocky coastlines here are great for my adventurous couples who want that texture in the background of their portraits.

Del Monte Forest Proposals

My favorite spot within the Del Monte Forest for proposals is Lynn “Rip” VanWinkle. It’s an open space between Sunset Drive and Forest Lodge Road along Congress Avenue with these beautiful woodlands and trails! The Monterey cypress and pine, and coast live oak both make for rich greens, browns, and reds in the palette of your proposal. There’s even a creekside hiking trail starts at Congress Road! This is perfect for getting a water element in photos witout being at the beach. As a Pebble Beach proposal photographer, I love the lighting that filters through the trees. It has this sort of Southern vibe to it that’s so sweet and warm!

I hope you found my top five proposal venues useful in the plans to pop the question! Did any of these venues catch your eye? I live for capturing the joy of my couples. Proposals are their entrance into this new stage of being engaged! Contact me here, let’s make your proposal a perfect day!