Carmel California Proposal Photographer

Thoughtfully planned. Naturally captured. Emotionally unforgettable.

Let’s Plan Your Perfect Carmel Proposal

Planning a surprise proposal in Carmel or Big Sur can feel overwhelming — especially if you’re not local. That’s where I come in. I’m not just here to take beautiful photos (although you'll get plenty of those!) I’m here to help you plan the perfect moment from start to “yes.”


From scouting the most breathtaking, tucked-away spots to mapping out exactly where to walk, where to stand, and what time the light is just right, I’ve got you covered. My goal is to make this experience effortless, unforgettable, and fully centered on your love story.

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Most of my couples are visiting from out of town — sometimes even across the country or overseas. I’ve designed my proposal experience to make everything as easy and stress-free as possible, even if you’ve never been here before.

Here’s how I help:

Planning From Out of Town? You’re in the Right Place.

✔️ Personalized location suggestions based on your vibe and time of year

✔️ Google Maps pins + walking directions to the proposal spot

✔️ Tips on timing for the best light (trust me, it’s worth it!)

✔️ Add-ons like a highlight video reel or champagne toast

✔️ Optional phone call to walk through the moment and logistics

You just focus on asking the question — I’ll make sure everything else is in place.

Meet Your Carmel by the Sea Proposal Photographer & Planner.

I’m Erin, and I’m here to help you pull off the perfect “yes.”

Carmel Proposal Photographer sitting in Carmel California Photography Studio

Proposals are some of the most meaningful moments I get to document — and they happen fast. That’s why I do so much more than just show up with a camera. I help you find the perfect location, create a detailed plan, and make sure you feel completely prepared when the big moment comes.

As a local photographer based in Carmel by the Sea, I know all the best hidden beaches, quiet cliff overlooks, and soft golden light pockets that make Carmel and Big Sur feel so magical. I’m here to guide you, calm your nerves, and document every emotion — from the lead-up to the tears to the overwhelming joy afterward.

My style is warm, romantic, and timeless — with a focus on natural emotion, cinematic light, and capturing the details that make your story yours.

Whether you’re planning from across the country or just down the coast, I’ll be your partner in creating a proposal experience that feels effortless, elevated, and unforgettable.

Let’s make it official ✨

Based in Carmel by the Sea, CA
Serving Carmel, Big Sur, Pebble Beach, and beyond

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Coastal landscape with rocky shoreline, green hills in the background, and a woman with a child sitting on rocks near the ocean under a cloudy sky at Garrapata State Park.

Why Choose Me to capture your Carmel proposal?

More than just a photographer — I’m your guide, planner, and biggest fan.

✔️ Local expertise you can trust: I’ve hiked the cliffs, walked the beaches, and know which locations are magical and proposal-friendly. No guessing, no stressing — I’ll guide you to the perfect spot.


✔️ Every detail, handled: From Google Maps pins to a step-by-step plan for the big moment, you’ll know exactly where to go and what to expect.


✔️ Unposed, emotive photography: I’ll gently guide you when needed, but most of all, I capture the real, raw emotions — the joy, the tears, the moment you say “yes.”


✔️ Quick sneak peeks: You'll receive a preview of your photos within 24 hours (or even the same day, depending on your package), so you can share the news in style.


✔️ Warm, responsive communication: You won’t be left hanging. I’m here for your questions, ideas, and nerves — every step of the way.

  • 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 California Proposal Photography Packages

Every proposal package is designed to take the stress out of planning so that you can be fully present in the moment you ask one of the most meaningful questions of your life.

carmel california proposal luxury beach picnic setup

The Signature Experience — Starting at $3,800+

White-glove, fully customized proposal design + capture
For the person who wants this to feel like a once-in-a-lifetime story — not just a quick “pop the question.”

Perfect for: elevated concepts, vendor coordination, styled details, and a truly custom experience.

Optional Luxury Add-Ons

  • Sailboat Sunset Proposal (private sail along Monterey Bay / Carmel coastline)

  • Styled Picnic Setup (design + setup)

  • Vintage Car or Jeep Adventure

  • Private Chef Experience (at your Airbnb or private setting)

  • Glamping Proposal Experience (Ventana-style vibe)

  • Helicopter Tour Proposal (Big Sur / Pebble Beach views)

  • And more custom ideas — tell me your vision and I’ll help design it

BOOK A CALL ⇨

guy lifting his new fiance in the air in front of keyhole arch at pfeiffer beach after just proposing

The Full Story — $2,200

Proposal day + next-day portraits

Hour - 20 Minutes | 60 Edited Images

✔️ Proposal coverage (up to 20 minutes)

✔️ Next-day portrait session (1 hour)

✔️ 60 edited images

✔️ Proposal video clip included

✔️ Full planning concierge (timeline, location help, cover story + execution plan)

✔️48-hour sneak peeks

BOOK A CALL ⇨

A man kneeling on one knee proposing to a woman on a beach near large rocks and cliffs, with hills in the background and ocean waves.

Cinematic Proposal — $1,400

Video | 60 Minutes | 30 Edited Images

✔️ Up to 60 minutes photo coverage

✔️ 30 edited images

✔️ Up to 2 Locations

✔️ Proposal video clip

✔️ Planning concierge: vision call, custom timeline, tide/light plan, permit guidance, exact meeting pin

BOOK A CALL ⇨

Kneeling on Garrapata’s coastal cliffs with Painter’s Point and teal water below

Short & Sweet Proposal — $950

MONDAY - THURSDAY ONLY

30 Minutes | 15 Edited Images | 1 Location

✔️ Up to 30 minutes photo coverage

✔️ 20 edited images

✔️ 1 location

✔️ Proposal moment + romantic portraits

✔️ Planning concierge: vision call, custom timeline, tide/light plan, permit guidance, exact meeting pin

BOOK A CALL ⇨

Just the Moment— Carmel Beach Proposal Exclusive — $700

SELECT DAYS AND TIMES ONLY

15 Minutes | Carmel Beach

✔️ Up to 15 minutes photo coverage

✔️ 5 - 7 edited images

✔️ At Carmel Beach, CA Only

✔️ Proposal moment coverage

✔️ Planning concierge: vision call, custom timeline, tide/light plan, exact meeting pin

BOOK A CALL ⇨

Carmel California Proposal Package Add - Ons

Bouquet

luxury beach picnic set up on Carmel Beach

Custom Beach Setup

Proposal Video Clip


A short cinematic clip capturing the proposal moment — perfect for sharing and reliving the “yes.”

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.

 
 

7th and Lincoln

Carmel by the Sea, California 93921

Hours
Monday–Friday
10am–6pm

Phone
(501) 519-2912