Carmel California Proposal Photographer

Thoughtfully planned. Naturally captured. Emotionally unforgettable.

Let’s Plan Your Perfect Carmel Proposal

Planning a surprise proposal in Carmel 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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Planning From Out of Town? You’re in the Right Place.

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:

carmel california proposal location guide

Curated Carmel Proposal Locations

You’ll receive a thoughtfully curated list of stunning proposal spots chosen for light, scenery, privacy, and overall experience — locations most people would never find without a local expert.

carmel california proposal planning

I handle all timing considerations — sunset, lighting, tides, and conditions — so your proposal and photos feel warm, cinematic, and effortless.

Timing, Light & Tide Guidance

carmel california proposal plan

I create a clear, step-by-step plan that covers parking, walking paths, where to stand, where to kneel, which direction to face, and how to keep everything feeling natural and unsuspecting.

A Simple, Stress-Free Proposal Plan

carmel california proposal planning call

A Planning Call to Finalize Details

We’ll walk through the full plan together, confirm logistics, and make sure you feel calm, confident, and fully prepared.

carmel california proposal timeline

A Customized Experience-Focused Timeline

An easy-to-follow timeline that maps out how the proposal and photos unfold naturally, without anything feeling rushed or staged.

carmel california proposal custom setup

Personalized Proposal Setups (Optional)

From subtle romantic touches to more customized concepts, I can help bring your vision to life in a way that feels elevated but never overdone.

carmel california proposal how to

Expert Execution Guidance

I guide you through exactly how to approach the moment — from keeping the ring hidden to walking into the spot naturally — so everything flows seamlessly.

carmel california proposal photographer

A Relaxed, Guided Photography Experience

I balance gentle direction with candid prompts so your photos feel natural, emotional, and never stiff or awkward.

carmel california proposal planning from out of town

Local Support for Out-of-Town Planners

Most of my clients aren’t local. I provide the clarity, insight, and local expertise needed to plan a beautiful proposal from anywhere — without stress.

Meet Your Carmel by the Sea Proposal Photographer & Planner.

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

Carmel Proposal Photographer sitting in Carmel California Photography Studio

I guide you through choosing the right location, planning the timing, and knowing exactly what to do when the moment arrives, so you can walk in feeling calm and confident.

As a local photographer based in Carmel-by-the-Sea, I know the hidden beaches, quiet cliff overlooks, and golden-light spots that make proposals here feel effortless and unforgettable. I’ll handle the details behind the scenes and capture every emotion as it unfolds.

Whether you’re planning from out of town or just down the coast, I’ll help you create a proposal that feels elevated, meaningful, and completely stress-free.

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

  • 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

carmel beach proposal setup

The Custom Proposal Experience

A fully designed proposal setup paired with intentional, discreet coverage of the moment itself.

This experience is for those who want the proposal to feel thoughtful, elevated and visually unforgettable — not something pulled together last-minute or copied from a template.

Each proposal is custom-designed from the ground up based on your vision, location and setting, whether that’s a Carmel or Big Sur Beach, private residence, Airbnb or rented venue.

What this experience includes:

Custom Proposal Design & Setup
Thoughtfully curated designs tailored to your vision — from elegant picnic-style setups to floral installations and statement details — with all design, sourcing, setup, and breakdown handled for you.

Proposal Moment Coverage
Discreet, intentional photography focused on capturing the proposal moment and the emotion that follows, without interruption or distraction.

Curated Edited Gallery
A professionally edited collection of high-resolution images, delivered with care — including sneak peeks within 48 hours.

LET'S DESIGN YOUR PROPOSAL
man proposing to his girlfriend cliffside at Garrapata State Park in Carmel California

The Full Story

Proposal day + next-day portraits


This experience is designed for those who don’t want to rush one of the most meaningful moments of their lives — allowing proposal day to feel intentional and present, and the following day to feel celebratory and relaxed.

This proposal experience includes:

  • Proposal coverage

  • A relaxed couples portrait session the following day

  • Location guidance and recommendations

  • Proposal planning & concierge support

  • Proposal video clip

  • 48-hour sneak peeks

$2,200

→ Inquire below to receive my full proposal pricing guide and begin planning your proposal.

A couple at Pfeiffer beach, with the man lifting the woman in the air as they smile at each other, large rocky formation at the Keyhole Arch and ocean in the background during sunset.

The Classic Proposal

A cinematic proposal experience designed to make everything feel easy.

This experience offers the perfect balance of guidance, coverage, and beautiful imagery — capturing the proposal itself, your partner’s reaction, and relaxed portraits right after, all with a clear plan in place so nothing feels rushed or overwhelming.

This surprise proposal experience includes:

  • 1 hour proposal + portraits coverage

  • One to two nearby locations selected for light and flow

  • Recommendations for my favorite locations

  • Full proposal planning & concierge support

  • Proposal video clip

  • 48-hour sneak peeks

$1,200

man proposing to his girlfriend at painters point in Carmel California

Short & Sweet Surprise Proposal

A simple, meaningful proposal — beautifully captured.

This experience is perfect for couples who want a genuine, intimate proposal without overthinking every detail. It focuses on the moment itself, a few romantic portraits after, and just enough guidance to make everything flow smoothly.

This surprise proposal experience includes:

  • 30 minutes of proposal + portraits coverage

  • One thoughtfully selected location

  • Location recommendations based on your vision

  • Streamlined planning support for timing, light, and meeting details

  • 48-hour sneak peeks

$850

A man proposing to a woman on a Carmel California beach with rocks and ocean in the background.

Just the Moment — Carmel Beach Exclusive

A beautifully captured proposal moment — simple, intentional, and effortless.

This experience includes:

  • 15 minutes of proposal coverage capturing the “yes” and immediate reaction

  • Carmel Beach only

  • A thoughtfully curated gallery of highlights

  • A simple plan for where to meet, where to walk, and where to propose

  • 48-hour sneak peeks

$650

Carmel and Big Sur Proposal Package Add - Ons

A person holding a bouquet of pink and white flowers with greenery, wrapped in brown paper with a pink ribbon.

Bouquet

A thoughtfully selected floral bouquet to elevate the moment and add a romantic, intentional touch to your proposal.

Starting at $150

carmel and big sur proposal setup long stem flowers in sand

Long Stem Flowers in sand

A curated arrangement of long-stem florals placed in the sand to softly frame your proposal and elevate the moment without feeling over-styled.

luxury beach picnic set up on Carmel Beach

Custom Beach Setup

A styled beach proposal designed to feel elevated, intentional, and visually unforgettable.

Starting at $450

Starting at $500

Schedule a call to discuss your custom proposal setup

Cinematic Proposal Video Clip
Starting at $250


Included in select proposal packages


A short cinematic video capturing the proposal moment — the emotion, the reaction, and the “yes.”

Perfect for reliving the moment and sharing with loved ones who couldn’t be there. Filmed discreetly alongside your photography coverage.

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!

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