Luxury Beach Picnics in Carmel-by-the-Sea
Coastal-chic setups and professional photography for proposals, date nights, and unforgettable sunsets.
Luxury Beach Picnics with Photography in Carmel-by-the-Sea
Welcome to The Carmel Picnic Co. — a boutique picnic experience in Carmel-by-the-Sea. We plan, style, and photograph romantic beach picnics so you can simply show up and enjoy. From tide-checked locations and golden-hour timing to a fully styled setup and pro images, we handle every detail for proposals, date nights, babymoons, and celebrations—cleanup included.
Why Choose The Carmel Picnic Co.
We specialize in luxury proposal experiences that go beyond the photo. From selecting the perfect coastal overlook to coordinating florals, champagne, and capturing the exact moment, we guide you through every step — so you can focus on the “yes
✔️ Designed by a local photographer for flawless, photo-ready details
✔️ Romantic, coastal-neutral styling that complements the scenery
✔️ Seamless planning (light, tides, access, privacy)
✔️ Proposal expertise and dog-friendly options
✔️ No Travel Fees
What’s Included in Every Picnic
Styled scene: low picnic table, layered rugs over pink/white staked tarp, blush runner, velvet pillows, LED lanterns, elegant tableware for two
Location guidance with tide/wind and golden-hour planning
Exact meeting spot + simple timeline
Full setup & teardown so you can just show up and enjoy
Edited photo gallery delivered in 2-3 weeks (photo packages)
Meet Erin — Your Carmel Picnic Host & Photographer
I’m a local photographer based in Carmel-by-the-Sea who specializes in proposals, elopements, and romantic sessions along the coast. I created The Carmel Picnic Co. to blend thoughtful styling with professional photography—so you can arrive to a beautiful beach setup, relax into the moment, and leave with images you’ll love.
With years spent shooting at Carmel Beach, Pacific Grove, and Big Sur, I plan around tides, light, and access to keep everything effortless and on time. From discrete proposal cues to dog-friendly details, my goal is a stress-free experience from setup to cleanup.
What I bring to your picnic:
Local expertise: Tide checks, golden-hour timing, easy-to-reach spots, and guidance on permits when needed.
Photographer’s eye: Styling and composition that look natural in person and gorgeous on camera.
Seamless planning: I handle setup, teardown, and logistics—you just show up and enjoy.
Proposal support: Clear plan, exact positioning, and hidden-photographer coverage for the “yes.”
Dog-friendly options: Comfortable space and small touches for your pup at Carmel Beach.
Trusted vendors: Optional sealed grazing boxes and florals from licensed local partners.
Fully insured: Professional coverage and client-first policies.
Why it matters: You get a polished, coastal-chic picnic experience and a gallery that feels like you—romantic, relaxed, and timeless.
Have a date in mind? Tell me what you’re celebrating and I’ll take care of the rest.
Based in Carmel by the Sea, CA
Serving Carmel, Big Sur, Pebble Beach, and beyond
Carmel Picnic Packages for Two
The Signature Picnic
Our full-service, photo-ready experience for proposals and special occasions.
Includes everything in Mini Escape, plus:
60-minute photo session (30+ edited images)
Fresh seasonal table florals
Champagne or sparkling cider on ice (where allowed)
Sweet or savory grazing box (licensed vendor)
Handwritten card/menu + curated playlist
Extended 90-minute picnic time window
$1,250
The Mini Escape
A romantic, styled beach picnic with keepsake photos.
Includes:
1-hour styled picnic for two (setup → enjoy → teardown)
30-minute professional photo session (15+ edited images)
Styled scene: low table, layered rugs + pink/white tarp with stakes, blush runner, velvet pillows, LED lanterns, simple tableware
Location + tide + golden-hour planning, exact map pin
Sparkling water / non-alcoholic bubbly
BYO snacks welcome (or add a licensed grazing box)
$875
The Proposal Picnic
A styled setup with hidden-photographer coverage of the “yes!”
Includes:
Proposal planning, timeline & discreet cue/positioning
60-minute photo coverage (30+ images) + detail styling (ring box, chilled bottle)
Champagne or sparkling cider on ice (where allowed)
Custom table florals
48-hour sneak peeks (10–15 images)
$1,400
Setup-Only Weekdays only
Prefer a simple styled picnic without photos? Available weekdays only.
Includes:
60-minute picnic use window, full setup & teardown
BYO food/drinks or add licensed grazing box
Add a 30-minute mini photo session anytime for +$225
Notes: $150 refundable damage deposit; +$100 per extra 30 minutes; not offered on peak weekend sunsets.
$650
Add-Ons (A La Carte)
Licensed charcuterie/grazing box — + $85
Sweet box (macarons/cookies) — + $60
Champagne or sparkling cider on ice — + $45 (follow local rules)
Fresh bouquet to keep — + $125
Dog-Friendly Add-On — + $75
Designed for Carmel Beach.
Includes: neutral dog blanket, collapsible water bowl, treat jar, small towel + bonus 3–5 pup images in your gallery.Polaroid camera rental (10 shots) — + $35 (extra pack +$20)
Extra time — + $100 / 30 minutes
Additional guests (up to 4 total) — + $50 / person
Same-day sneak peeks (10 images by 10pm) — + $125
Priority rush booking (<72 hours) — + $95
BTS vertical recap video (30–45s) — + $350
How to it works.
01. Inquire →
Inquire with your date & package
02. Confirm →
Confirm time/location based on tides + sunset
03. We style + shoot →
We style + shoot: arrive to a ready-made setup, enjoy your session
04. Relax: →
Relax: savor the picnic while we step back
05. We return to clean up: →
We return to clean up; gallery delivered within 1–2 weeksc while we step back
Testimonials
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Food, Drinks & Policies
Food: BYO or sealed boxes from licensed local vendors. We do not prep food.
Alcohol: Must follow local beach rules (sparkling non-alcoholic always available).
Weather: We plan around tides/wind; unsafe conditions → reschedule to nearest slot.
Care of Items: Client responsible during use; damage/missing fees may apply.
Deposit: Some bookings may require a refundable damage deposit.
Ready to Plan Your Carmel Picnic?
Tell us your date, vision, and whether it’s a proposal, babymoon, or sunset date night. We’ll take care of the rest.
Carmel by the Sea Picnics FAQs
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Yes. Every package includes a professional photo session timed for golden hour so you get candid moments and styled details captured beautifully.
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Absolutely. We handle timeline, positioning, and cues so the “yes!” is perfectly photographed.
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Our dog-friendly option is designed for Carmel Beach and includes a blanket, water bowl, and treats — plus bonus pup photos.
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We can add sealed grazing boxes from licensed vendors and sparkling options. BYO is welcome. Alcohol policies must follow local rules
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We recommend locations in Carmel and nearby Pacific Grove based on tides, light, and access. Final spots are shared after booking.
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We plan around tides and wind, secure umbrellas/tarps with stakes, and offer reschedule options when needed.
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2–4 weeks is ideal, though we can sometimes accommodate last-minute weekdays.
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Mini Escape includes ~15+, Signature includes ~30+. Additional images and upgrades available.