man picking up fiance after proposing at the keyhole arch at Pfeiffer Beach in Big Sur

A Magical Pfeiffer Beach Proposal in Big Sur

Some proposals feel special… and then there are the ones that feel truly meant to be. Alan’s proposal to Emma at Pfeiffer Beach in Big Sur was one of those moments where everything aligned perfectly.

Alan reached out wanting to plan a Pfeiffer Beach proposal timed with the famous light phenomenon when the sun shines through the Keyhole Arch at sunset. If you’ve ever been to Pfeiffer Beach, you know this moment is incredibly popular — and incredibly unpredictable. Crowds gather, waves crash through the arch, and the golden light lasts only minutes.

Even knowing how busy it would be, Alan was completely open to adjusting plans if needed. His only goal? Make the moment meaningful and unforgettable for Emma.

And somehow… it all worked out exactly as hoped.

Planning a Big Sur Proposal at Pfeiffer Beach

Pfeiffer Beach is one of the most iconic proposal locations in Big Sur — but it also requires thoughtful planning:

Timing the Keyhole Arch light window
Choosing the best spot for privacy
Working around tides and surf
Navigating heavy foot traffic

We created a flexible plan that allowed Alan to pivot if the crowd was too dense around the arch. He was prepared to propose nearby instead — but as sunset approached, space opened up at the perfect moment.

Just as the golden light began pouring through the Keyhole Arch, Alan took Emma’s hands and proposed.

There were tears. There was laughter. And the ocean roared behind them as the light wrapped around their pink outfits like something straight out of a movie.

It was truly magical.

Sunset Proposal Photos at Pfeiffer Beach

After the proposal, we stayed on the beach for sunset portraits — capturing:

Romantic shoreline photos
Playful moments running through the surf
Intimate close‑ups with the glowing horizon behind them

Emma’s flowing pink dress and Alan’s soft pink shirt complemented the warm sunset tones beautifully, giving their gallery a timeless, romantic feel.

These are the moments I love most after a proposal — when the nerves melt away and couples can simply be together in the place where their engagement story began.

Redwood Proposal Photos at Ventana Big Sur

Alan and Emma were staying at Ventana Big Sur, so after sunset we headed into the redwoods to continue their story.

The towering trees created a completely different mood — quiet, peaceful, and intimate — perfect for:

Engagement portraits
Celebrating just‑engaged joy
Creating variety in their gallery

Combining a Pfeiffer Beach proposal with redwood photos at Ventana Big Sur gave them a full Big Sur engagement experience: ocean cliffs, glowing sunset light, and forest serenity — all in one evening.

Why Pfeiffer Beach Is One of the Best Big Sur Proposal Locations

Pfeiffer Beach is famous for its:

Purple‑tinted sand
Dramatic rock formations
Keyhole Arch light phenomenon
Wild Big Sur coastline

It’s an incredible place to propose — but it’s not a "show up and hope for the best" location. The best experiences happen with:

A carefully planned timeline
Backup proposal spots
Tide and crowd awareness
Local guidance

That’s how Alan was able to get his dream moment right in front of the Keyhole Arch — even on a busy evening.

Planning Your Own Pfeiffer Beach Proposal in Big Sur

If you’re dreaming of a Pfeiffer Beach proposal or Big Sur proposal, I help plan and photograph the entire experience — from choosing the exact location to guiding timing, lighting, and logistics.

You don’t have to stress about where to stand, when to go, or how to make it all flow.

I’ll help you:

Pick the best proposal spot
Plan the ideal sunset timing
Create a believable cover story
Navigate crowds and tides
Capture the moment beautifully

Ready to Plan Your Big Sur Proposal?

Whether you’re envisioning a proposal at Pfeiffer Beach, in the Big Sur redwoods, or along the rugged coastline, I’d love to help you create a moment that feels effortless and unforgettable.