Big Sur | Carmel By The Sea
The Carmel Proposal Co.
Proposal Photographer & Planner
Your proposal, thoughtfully planned from start to “yes.”
Your proposal, thoughtfully planned from start to “yes.”
That already tells me everything I need to know about you.
A PERSONAL WELCOME
You are carrying a very exciting secret.
If you are here, you are probably imagining the reaction, the setting and the exact moment you finally ask the question.
You may also be trying to plan it from miles away without knowing which beach will be quietest, where to park, how long the walk will take or how to get your partner into position without giving anything away.
You do not have to figure all of that out alone.
I will help you turn the idea in your head into a clear, thoughtful plan—then discreetly photograph the emotion and tiny in-between moments that make the story yours.
MEET ERIN
Proposal Photographer & Carmel/Big Sur Planning Expert.
I’m the photographer and proposal planner behind The Carmel Proposal Co. For more than seven years, I have photographed meaningful, once-in-a-lifetime moments, and today I specialize in surprise proposals along the Carmel and Big Sur coast.
Nearly every client I work with is planning from out of town. I give you the local knowledge, clear plan, honest guidance and calm support you need to confidently coordinate everything from miles away.
From the first email through the final photographs, you will always know what to expect and what comes next.
Every couple is welcome here, and every proposal is planned with the same care, discretion and respect.
There are three things I protect throughout the experience.
WHAT MAKES THIS DIFFERENT
01
THE SURPRISE
A believable cover story, discreet coordination and a natural approach help keep your partner from sensing what is about to happen.
02
THE EXPERIENCE
Thoughtful timing, exact directions and a clear plan allow you to arrive feeling prepared instead of flustered, rushed or uncertain.
03
THE STORY
Cinematic, emotive photography and natural direction preserve both the proposal and the connection that follows.
THE COMPLETE EXPERIENCE
Everything is handled so you can stay present.
A VISION-LED PLAN
We begin with how you want the moment to feel—intimate, dramatic, romantic, playful or beautifully understated.
01
LOCATION STRATEGY
We select the setting based on scenery, expected foot traffic, accessibility, light, tides and the way you want the proposal to unfold.
02
AN EXACT EXECUTION PLAN
You receive the timing, map pin, parking and walking directions, reference photographs and a clear sequence of events.
03
DISCREET COORDINATION
I arrive early, remain discreet and photograph the approach, the question and the reaction without interrupting the surprise.
04
NATURAL PORTRAIT DIRECTION
After the proposal, I guide you through movement and prompts that feel relaxed, natural and connected.
05
48-HOUR SNEAK PEEKS
Relive the moment and share the news while the excitement is still fresh.
06
CLIENT EXPERIENCE
“Erin is an absolute pleasure to work with! She is so kind, detail-oriented, and professional. The time working with her to plan the event was smooth and stress-free. Her communication leading up was flawless and comforting! Then her execution & personable vibe made the event so perfect. My Carmel proposal was everything I could've imagined and more, thanks to her!”
Matt
Big Sur Proposal Client
PROPOSAL EXPERIENCES + PRICING
Choose how you want the story to unfold.
Every experience includes Erin’s planning guidance, discreet proposal coverage and signature editing.
The difference is how fully you would like the proposal experience designed and documented.
THE FULLY STYLED EXPERIENCE
Luxury Picnic Proposal
$3,200
For a complete celebration in which the proposal, photographs and private time together feel like one beautifully designed experience.
Includes:
— 90-minute total experience
— 40 edited photographs
— Proposal video
— Bouquet and seasonal floral styling
— Full picnic delivery, setup and teardown
— Personalized location and execution plan
— Location, tide, light and permit guidance
— 48-hour sneak peeks
THE TWO-DAY EXPERIENCE
The Full Story
$2,900 | Monday–Thursday
$3,250 | Friday–Sunday
Keep the proposal itself intimate, then return for a relaxed portrait experience together the following day.
This option allows the proposal to unfold naturally without rushing, while giving you a separate experience dedicated to creating a complete portrait story together.
Includes:
— Proposal-day coverage
— Separate next-day couples portrait experience
— 40+ edited photographs
— Proposal video
— Personalized location and execution plan
— Natural portrait direction
— 48-hour sneak peeks
SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE
The Classic Proposal
$1,750 | Monday–Thursday
$1,950 | Friday–Sunday
The proposal, the reaction and a complete portrait story captured in one seamless experience.
Includes:
— Up to 60 minutes of coverage
— One primary location with nearby portrait backdrops
— 30 edited photographs
— Proposal video
— Personalized planning guidance
— Location and execution plan
— 48-hour sneak peeks
WEEKDAY EXPERIENCE
Short & Sweet
$1,450 | Monday–Thursday
A beautifully planned proposal and a concise collection of portraits at one thoughtfully selected location.
Includes:
— 30 minutes of coverage
— One location
— 15 edited photographs
— Personalized planning guidance
— Location and execution plan
— 48-hour sneak peeks
Carmel, CA only
LIMITED CARMEL BEACH OPTION
Just the Moment
15 minutes • 5-7 images • select weekday mornings only.
$850
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT
Ready to turn the idea into a plan?
Reply to my email with the experience that feels most aligned with what you are planning.
If you are unsure which option is right for your proposal, you may also schedule a quick 15-minute consultation, and I will help you choose.
CHOOSE YOUR EXPERIENCE
Tell me which option feels closest to your vision.
01
REVIEW + RESERVE
I will send your contract and invoice for 50% retainer.
02
PLAN THE DETAILS
Once booked, we will finalize the location, timing, cover story and complete execution plan.
03
YOUR PROPOSAL BEGINS HERE
Let’s create a moment you can be completely present for.
Reply with your preferred experience or schedule a quick consultation. I cannot wait to hear what you are imagining.
Proposal Package Add-Ons
Lush Bouquet
$320
Classic Bouquet
$225
Petite Bouquet
$150
*Please note: flower varieties are seasonal and specific blooms are not guaranteed.
Custom Set up Add-Ons
Simple Beach Picnic Setup
$500
A minimal, styled picnic setup designed as a romantic add-on to your proposal photography experience.
Includes:
-Neutral picnic blanket
-Coordinated pillows
-Small floral accent
-2 acrylic flutes
-Sparkling non-alcoholic beverage
-Simple styling
-Setup + pack out
This setup is designed as part of the photography experience and is intended for use during the session. All items are packed out once photos at the setup are complete.
Long Stem Rose Installation
$650
Fresh long stem roses styled in the sand for a romantic proposal moment.
Includes:
• fresh long stem roses
• setup before arrival
• roses yours to keep
Cinematic Proposal Video Clip Add-On -$300
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.
Included with:
The Luxury Picnic Experience
The Classic Proposal
The Full Story
Everything I Support You With — From Start to Finish
Planning a proposal — especially from out of town — can feel overwhelming. My role is to make the entire experience feel simple, guided, and genuinely enjoyable, so you can be fully present in the moment.
Curated Carmel & Big Sur 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.
I handle all timing considerations — sunset, lighting, tides, and conditions — so your proposal and photos feel warm, cinematic, and effortless.
Timing, Light & Tide Guidance
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
A Relaxed, Guided Photography Experience
I balance gentle direction with candid prompts so your photos feel natural, emotional, and never stiff or awkward.
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.
As seen on
Ideas to Create an Unforgettable Proposal
These are just a few ideas — every proposal is thoughtfully customized based on your vision, comfort level, and what feels most meaningful to your partner.
Sailboat Sunset Proposal
Romantic Bike Ride
Horseback Riding
Vintage Car or Jeep Experience
Styled Picnic Setup (design + setup)
Glamping Proposal Experience
Private Chef Experience
Custom Proposal Setups
not sure which package fits your needs best?
Don’t stress, let’s figure it out together on a call.
Learn more about Surprise Proposals
