How to Plan a Surprise Proposal at Alila Ventana Big Sur
If you’re dreaming of a romantic, unforgettable surprise proposal in Big Sur, Alila Ventana Big Sur is one of the most iconic places to do it. With sweeping coastal views, towering redwoods, and private proposal sites like Circle of Life and Sur Vista, Ventana offers curated engagement packages designed for couples who want something truly special.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through:
Ventana’s official proposal packages
What each package includes
The best locations on property for proposals
Tips for documenting your proposal with photography
Whether you’re planning something simple and intimate or a luxury experience with dinner and champagne, this post will help you decide which Ventana proposal package is right for you.
Why Choose Alila Ventana Big Sur for Your Proposal
Alila Ventana Big Sur is known for blending luxury with nature. Set among redwoods and cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean, it offers:
Secluded, scenic proposal locations
On-site coordination and vendor referrals
Dining experiences curated by Ventana’s culinary team
A peaceful, adults-only atmosphere
For couples who want a private, elevated Big Sur proposal experience, Ventana removes much of the stress from planning and provides built-in romance.
Ventana Big Sur Engagement Packages (Highest to Lowest)
Ventana currently offers three proposal packages for couples planning a surprise engagement on property. All packages require a minimum two-night stay in a guest room (not included in package pricing).
While Ventana provides preferred vendor referrals, photography is booked separately — allowing you to choose a proposal photographer who specializes in surprise engagements and understands how to discreetly capture the moment.
The Big Sur Engagement Package — $4,500 + Tax
(Includes Service Charge)
Includes:
Circle of Life or Sur Vista proposal site
Private dinner for two with Chef Curated Alila menus at the Glass House Gallery
Bottle of champagne
Alila Ventana keepsake
Preferred local vendor referrals (florals, officiant, photographer)
Additional Requirements:
Minimum of 1 guest room for 2 nights (not included in package price; must be contracted at booking)
$300 per person food & beverage minimum (not included in package price)
Best for:
Couples who want a full luxury proposal experience with a private scenic moment followed by a formal dinner celebration.
The Pacific Coast Engagement Package — $3,250 + Tax
(Includes Service Charge)
Includes:
Private dinner for two with Chef Curated Alila menus at the Glass House
Bottle of champagne
Preferred local vendor referrals (florals, officiant, photographer)
Additional Requirements:
Minimum of 1 guest room for 2 nights (not included in package price; must be contracted at booking)
$300 per person food & beverage minimum (not included in package price)
Best for:
Couples who want an elegant dining-focused proposal experience paired with Big Sur romance.
The Ventana Engagement Package — $2,500 + Tax
(Includes Service Charge)
Includes:
Circle of Life or Sur Vista proposal site
Bottle of champagne
Preferred local vendor referrals (florals, officiant, photographer)
Additional Requirements:
Minimum of 1 guest room for 2 nights (not included in package price; must be contracted at booking)
Best for:
Couples who want a scenic proposal moment without a formal dinner component.
Ventana’s official engagement packages
Planning a surprise proposal at Ventana Big Sur and want help capturing the moment?
I specialize in photographing surprise proposals and would love to help you plan and document yours.
Best Proposal Locations at Ventana Big Sur
Ventana Big Sur offers several beautiful on-property locations designed for intimate, meaningful proposals. Below are the most popular options couples choose when planning a surprise engagement at the resort.
Circle of Life
Circle of Life is a redwood forest ceremony-style clearing tucked into the property, surrounded by towering trees and soft filtered light.
This location is perfect for couples who want:
A peaceful, forest setting
Privacy away from crowds
A natural, earthy Big Sur feel
It’s an ideal choice for couples who envision a quiet, romantic proposal immersed in nature.
Sur Vista (with Custom Proposal Setup Options)
Sur Vista is one of Ventana’s most dramatic proposal locations, offering sweeping ocean views and a true “Big Sur cliffs” backdrop.
In addition to using this site for a simple, scenic proposal, couples also have the option to create a custom proposal setup at Sur Vista.
A custom setup can include thoughtful details such as:
Floral arrangements or a bouquet
Candles or lanterns
Champagne or a post-proposal toast
A styled area for celebrating after the “yes”
Custom setups allow you to personalize the moment and create a more intentional, elevated experience while still keeping the proposal intimate and private.
Because Sur Vista is a designated proposal site on Ventana property, all custom setups should be coordinated in advance with the resort. I also help guide layout, timing, and positioning so everything looks beautiful in photos while keeping the surprise intact.
Proposing at Your Ventana Glamping Yurt (A Hidden Gem Option)
In addition to Ventana’s designated proposal sites like Circle of Life and Sur Vista, some couples choose to propose at their private glamping yurt on property.
Ventana’s glamping accommodations are tucked into the redwood forest, offering a secluded and cozy setting that feels deeply immersed in nature. Proposing here can be an especially meaningful option for couples who want a quiet, personal moment without traveling to a separate proposal site.
A glamping yurt proposal is perfect for couples who want:
A redwood forest backdrop
Maximum privacy
A relaxed, intimate atmosphere
A proposal that feels spontaneous and personal
This option works beautifully for:
Proposals with soft forest light
Champagne toasts outside the yurt
Engagement photos directly around your accommodation
Because these spaces are private guest areas, proposal plans and photography should always be coordinated with Ventana in advance. I also help guide timing and positioning so the moment feels natural and beautifully lit while keeping the surprise intact.
Should You Hire a Photographer for Your Ventana Proposal?
Even though Ventana offers preferred vendor referrals, working with a proposal photographer who specializes in surprise engagements can make a meaningful difference in how your experience feels and how your moment is captured.
I specialize exclusively in planning and photographing surprise proposals in Big Sur. My role goes far beyond taking photos — I help you thoughtfully plan the moment so it feels natural, stress-free, and unforgettable.
When you work with a proposal specialist, you’re supported with:
Expert guidance on timing and light to ensure your proposal happens at the most flattering and private moment of day
Discreet positioning and approach planning so your partner remains completely unaware
Coordination with Ventana staff and any custom setup details
A calm, supportive presence during the proposal so you can stay fully present
Engagement portraits immediately after while emotions are still fresh
Your proposal only happens once. Having it planned and documented by someone who does this every week — and understands the flow, logistics, and emotional side of surprise proposals — helps ensure everything feels effortless and true to you.
If you’re planning a surprise proposal at Ventana Big Sur, working with a photographer who specializes in proposals means you’re not guessing or hoping it works — you’re trusting someone whose entire focus is helping moments like this unfold beautifully.
Planning a Surprise Proposal at Ventana Big Sur?
Reach out to start planning your proposal photography experience and receive guidance on timing, location, and how to keep the surprise perfect.
