Luxury Beach Picnics in Carmel-by-the-Sea

Coastal-chic setups and professional photography for proposals, date nights, and unforgettable sunsets.

BOOK YOUR CARMEL BEACH PICNIC

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.

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Why Choose The Carmel Picnic Co.

✔️ 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

Beach picnic setup with a low wooden table decorated with flower arrangements, lanterns, and tableware, surrounded by cushions on a woven rug on sandy beach near rocky cliffs and the ocean.

What’s Included in Every Picnic

  • Styled scene: low picnic table, layered rugs, table runner, velvet pillows, LED lanterns, simple yet 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)

LET'S PLAN YOUR PICNIC

Meet Erin — Your Carmel Picnic Host & Photographer

the carmel proposal co photographer erin venable sitting in studio

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

A bohemian-style beach picnic setup on the sand with a low wooden table, pink cushions, candles, lanterns, flowers, and snacks, overlooking the ocean at sunset.
Beach picnic table with pink tablecloth, floral centerpiece, glassware, and a menu on a sandy beach at sunset.
Beachside dining setup with a low wooden table on a carpet, pink pillows, floral arrangements, and lanterns, overlooking the ocean at sunset.

Carmel Picnic Packages for Two

The Proposal Picnic

Full-service proposal picnic with film, photos, and concierge planning.

Includes:

  • 90 minutes total (up to 60 min photo + 30 min private picnic)

  • 45 edited images + 48-hour sneak peeks (10–15)

  • Professionally proposal video clip

  • Lush bouquet for the proposee + seasonal table florals

  • Styled scene: low table, layered rugs + pillows, runner, LED candles/lanterns

  • Stealth/decoy plan + coordination for the surprise

  • Tide/light plan, permit guidance, exact map pin, and simple timeline

  • Full setup, delivery, and teardown

$2,900 - (Most Booked)

The Signature Picnic

For anniversaries, birthdays, and date nights (not for surprise proposals).

  • 90-minute picnic window

  • 60-minute photo session with 30 edited images

  • Seasonal table florals, chilled sparkling beverage, licensed grazing box

  • Golden-hour scheduling support

$1,400

The Mini Escape

A romantic, styled picnic with a petite photo session.

  • 60-minute picnic window

  • 30-minute photo session with 15 edited images

  • Styled scene, sparkling water or non-alcoholic bubbly

  • Golden-hour guidance + exact map pin

  • BYO snacks or add a licensed grazing box

$875

Setup-Only Weekdays only

Keep it simple: a styled beach picnic without photography.

  • 60-minute picnic window, full setup & teardown

  • BYO food/drinks or add a licensed grazing box

  • Add 30-minute mini photo session +$250 (includes 12 edited images)

  • Optional 90-minute window +$150

Notes: Weekdays only. $150 refundable damage deposit may apply.

$650

Add-Ons (A La Carte)

  • Proposal video clip (for Classic) + $200

  • Polaroid camera rental (10 shots) — + $35 (extra pack +$20)

  • Extra time — + $100 / 30 minutes

  • BTS vertical recap video (30–45s) — + $350

  • Premium bouquet upgrade +$125 · Luxe bouquet +$225

  • Expanded florals / lantern cluster +$175

  • Charcuterie/grazing box — + $85Extra time: photo + $125 / 30 min · picnic + $100 / 30 min

  • Dog-friendly kit +$75 Includes: neutral dog blanket, collapsible water bowl, treat jar, small towel + bonus 3–5 pup images in your gallery.

INQUIRE NOW

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

Book your picnic

Testimonials

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Testimonials •

Testimonials

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Testimonials •

  • Carmel Beach Picnic with Photography — The Perfect Proposal

    Erin made our Carmel proposal effortless. The styled picnic was waiting at golden hour, she guided the timing, and the photos are unreal. We got sneak peeks the next day and our full gallery is priceless. — Connor

  • Dog-Friendly Carmel Beach Picnic — Sunset Photos We’ll Treasure

    We brought our pup and Erin thought of everything—dog blanket, water bowl, treats, and a few extra portraits with him. The setup was gorgeous and the sunset photos look like a magazine. — Maya

  • Babymoon Beach Picnic in Carmel — Golden Hour, Zero Stress

    This was the most relaxing part of our babymoon. Erin handled tides, timing, and a beautiful, comfortable setup. The maternity photos at the picnic are dreamy and so flattering. — Alyssa

  • Date Night Picnic in Carmel-by-the-Sea — Styled Setup + Pro Images

    We wanted something romantic and unique. The low table, lanterns, and blush tones were perfect—and Erin’s photography captured us naturally. Start to finish, totally seamless. — Ethan

  • Carmel Proposal Picnic with 48-Hour Sneak Peeks

    Erin coordinated the surprise cues and hid in plain sight. The “yes” moment, the details, the ring—she captured it all. Sneak peeks in under 48 hours had our families crying. — Logan

  • Anniversary Picnic on Carmel Beach — Champagne, Florals, Memories

    The Signature Picnic was worth every penny: fresh florals, chilled bubbly, and a soft color palette that photographed beautifully. We felt taken care of the entire time. — Priya

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.

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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

  • Yes. Every package includes a professional photo session timed for golden hour so you get candid moments and styled details captured beautifully.

  • Absolutely. We handle timeline, positioning, and cues so the “yes!” is perfectly photographed.

  • Our dog-friendly option is designed for Carmel Beach and includes a blanket, water bowl, and treats — plus bonus pup photos.

  • We can add sealed grazing boxes from licensed vendors and sparkling options. BYO is welcome. Alcohol policies must follow local rules

  • We recommend locations in Carmel and nearby Pacific Grove based on tides, light, and access. Final spots are shared after booking.

  • We plan around tides and wind, secure umbrellas/tarps with stakes, and offer reschedule options when needed.

  • 2–4 weeks is ideal, though we can sometimes accommodate last-minute weekdays.

  • Mini Escape includes ~15+, Signature includes ~30+. Additional images and upgrades available.

 
 

The Carmel Picnic Co. Location

7th and Lincoln

Carmel by the Sea, California 93921

Hours
Monday–Friday
10am–6pm

Phone
(501) 519-2912