Carmel California Proposal Photographer

Thoughtfully planned. Naturally captured. Emotionally unforgettable.

Let’s Plan Your Perfect Carmel Proposal

Whether you're planning a sunset proposal on Carmel Beach, a quiet moment in a hidden courtyard, or a scenic surprise among the cliffs near Big Sur, I’ll help you plan and capture the moment they say yes.

As a Carmel-based proposal photographer, I specialize in making the process stress-free, intimate, and full of magic. You'll get a gallery that reflects the emotions as they happened — raw, joyful, and completely unforgettable.

 

Planning a surprise proposal comes with a lot of moving parts—but you don’t have to figure it out alone.

I’m here to guide you through every detail with care, creativity, and calm.

What is included in every Carmel-by-the-Sea proposal package.

Planning call to choose the perfect spot, lighting, and timing

Location scouting + custom maps for exact positioning

Hidden photographer coverage — I’ll stay discreet until the moment is right

Sneak peeks within 48 hours so you can share the news

Meet Your Carmel Proposal Photographer

Erin Venable, a Monterey-based proposal photographer, smiling in her Carmel-by-the-Sea photography studio

I’m Erin, an experienced Carmel proposal photographer who specializes in documenting proposals that feel personal, joyful, and deeply romantic.

Capturing proposals is one of my absolute favorite parts of this job. There’s something electric about those few seconds before the question is asked — the nerves, the emotion, the quiet little breath before everything changes. I’ve photographed proposals in crashing coastal winds, golden light, and hidden gardens — and each one still gives me goosebumps.

My style is warm, editorial, and intentional. I’ll guide you through every step of the planning process and make sure your partner is completely surprised (and completely in love with the moment we create together).

Whether you’re planning a proposal in Carmel-by-the-Sea, on a Big Sur cliffside, or along the Monterey coast, I’d be honored to help you capture one of the most meaningful chapters of your story. Let’s create something unforgettable.

  • Serving Carmel, Big Sur, Monterey & beyond

Every Carmel by the Sea Proposal Packages includes

fun laid back photography session

Fun, laid back experience

Permit & logistics guidance

photography session planning consultation

Planning Consultation

personalized photo session curation
Hidden proposal photographer

Exact map + meeting spot

Hidden photographer coverage

big sur elopement photography timeline

Custom Curated Timeline

Travel within Big Sur Included

  • I had no idea it was coming

    “And Erin captured every second so perfectly! The Carmel Beach sunset, the emotion, the surprise—it’s all there in the photos. She stayed hidden until the moment he dropped to one knee and made everything feel effortless and magical.” Madison & Ryan

  • A Safe, Celebrated Proposal Experience in Carmel

    “As a queer couple, we were looking for a Carmel proposal photographer who made us feel safe and celebrated. Erin was kind, thoughtful, and totally affirming. Our garden proposal was quiet, emotional, and completely us—and she captured it all beautifully.” Sam & Dylan

  • Photos We’ll Treasure Forever

    “We’ll treasure these images forever. Erin captured every tear, smile, and quiet in-between moment. She’s a magician with the camera and an absolute pro behind the scenes.” Jeena + James

  • She Helped Me Plan the Perfect Carmel Proposal

    “I had no idea how to plan a proposal in Carmel, but Erin helped me with everything — the timing, the location, even what to say when the nerves kicked in. And the photos? Beyond stunning.” Sydney + Levi

  • Last-Minute Carmel Proposal? Erin Made It Happen

    “I reached out to Erin last-minute for a Carmel-by-the-Sea proposal, and she made it happen like a pro. She helped me pick a private spot by the cliffs, created a custom timeline, and the photos brought us to tears. We are so grateful!” Luis & Bri

  • Warm, Professional, and So Incredibly Talented

    “The proposal was everything I dreamed of, and Erin made sure we had beautiful portraits afterward too. She’s warm, professional, and so talented. Our Carmel proposal gallery looks like a movie—we can’t stop staring at it.” Caroline & Derek

  • A Proposal on the Carmel Cliffs We’ll Never Forget

    "Erin helped me pull off the perfect cliffside proposal. She was completely hidden and somehow still got every angle. My partner was shocked in the best way. The portraits after were like something out of a movie." — Cameron + Zoe

Carmel Proposal Photography Packages

Package One

The Cinematic Proposal Experience — Video + Photography

  • 1-hour session

  • 4k Video of proposal

  • Your partner’s reaction, the big moment and dreamy portraits after the proposal

  • 30 professionally edited high-resolution images

  • Sneak peeks within 48 hours

  • Online gallery with digital downloads

  • Planning consultation + location guidance

$950.00

Package Two

For couples who want a mix of candid moments & engagement portraits

  • 1-hour session

  • Proposal coverage + engagement portraits after

  • 30 professionally edited high-resolution images

  • Online gallery with digital downloads

  • Sneak peek within 48 hours

  • Planning consultation + location guidance

$750.00

Package Three

Perfect for a simple, beautifully captured proposal

  • 30-minute session

  • One stunning Carmel or Big Sur location

  • 15 professionally edited high-resolution images

  • Online gallery with digital downloads

  • Printing Rights

  • Planning consultation + location guidance

$550.00

Add a Carmel By The Sea proposal video - $150

 

ordained officiant big sur photographer

A few more unique things about working with me.

ULC Monastery Ordained officiant

lgbtqi+ big sur photographer

All are welcome here.

leave no trace big sur photographer

Proudly practicing leave no trace.

woman owned monterey photographer

Woman owned.

Let’s Make Your Carmel California Proposal Unforgettable.

You only get one shot at this moment — let’s make it seamless, meaningful, and beautifully documented. Reach out to get started, and don’t forget to download your FREE Carmel Proposal Planning Guide for inspiration, location ideas, and proposal tips!

man knelling on ground after planning the perfect-carmel-by-the-sea-proposal
Surprise proposal at sunset on a Carmel California cliff, captured by photographer Erin Venable
Garrapata State Park Engagement Session
how to plan the perfect carmel california proposal free download

Download the FREE Carmel California Proposal Guide.

FAQs: Carmel Proposal Photography

  • Yes! I help with planning, location scouting, timing, permits (if needed), and the overall flow to keep the surprise authentic and smooth.

  • Absolutely! As long as the location is pup friendly. Whether it’s your pup or a hidden group of family and friends, I’ll help coordinate positioning and timing.

  • Golden hour—about 60 minutes before sunset—is ideal for soft, romantic light. I’ll help you plan for the perfect timing based on the season and location.

  • Yes — I serve the entire Central Coast! Big Sur cliffs, Monterey gardens, or Carmel beaches — I’ll help you find the perfect spot. Big Sur Proposals

  • Click “Let’s Plan Your Carmel Proposal” to fill out my booking form. I’ll be in touch within 24–48 hours to start the planning process.

  • Yes! I offer a cinematic 4K video add-on that captures your proposal as it unfolds—perfect for reliving the moment and sharing with family and friends.

  • You’ll receive a few sneak peek photos within 48 hours so you can share the news, and your full gallery within 2–3 weeks.

See my latest work here.

Want to make your proposal unforgettable? ✨ If you’re dreaming of something more than just “Will you marry me?”—this one’s for you. I’ve put together 10 creative and romantic ideas to help you make your surprise p
She said yes 💍✨ Tuesdays proposal was a dream✨ Overlooking the rugged coastline of Carmel, this surprise proposal couldn’t have been more picture-perfect. Ocean views, golden light, and a love story unfolding right on the cliffs—truly a
💍 Planning a surprise proposal? Feeling overwhelmed, nervous or just want it to be perfect? Swipe through for my top tips to plan a proposal your partner will never forget, from choosing the right location to pulling off the surprise. Planning to
Still dreaming about this magical evening in Big Sur with these two and their sweet pup, Koko. 🐾 We started our session down on the beach, where the golden light danced on the waves and Koko ran through the sand like it was her job. Then we made ou
Yesterday I turned another year older—but I was too busy soaking up sunshine, salty air and a soul-refreshing afternoon at Pfeiffer Beach followed by the dreamiest sunset dinner at Ventana to make a post. This past year, like the few before it