So you’re ready to pop the question in San Diego… first of all, congratulations! Planning your San Diego proposal can feel both exciting and overwhelming, but you don’t have to figure it out alone. I’m here to help you plan and document this very big moment!

As a San Diego proposal photographer, I’ve helped many couples pull off beautiful, meaningful, low-stress proposals. And yes, they kept it a surprise the whole time! This guide is a resource with ideas, advice, and answers to common proposal questions, so you can feel totally prepared for your big moment.

Best Places to Propose in San Diego

One of the most common questions I get is: “Where should I propose in San Diego?” Which is very fair – San Diego has SO many beautiful spots, so it can be hard to pick. But as you might guess, this is unique to every proposal. The best location is one that feels meaningful to you and your partner, whether that’s scenic, private, or tied to your story. Some ideas to get you thinking: your first date spot, somewhere in the city you go to connect, a regular destination that’s part of your lives – you get the gist.  

If you don’t have a place in mind, here are some favorites:

Windansea Beach (La Jolla):

A stunning rocky coastline with beautiful sunsets, tidepools, and soft sand – if the tide is low. It’s a quieter alternative to the more crowded La Jolla Cove and offers dreamy backdrops. It’s also dog friendly certain times of the year!

Balboa Park (central San Diego):

Iconic, romantic, and full of hidden gardens and beautiful architecture. You can go classic near the reflecting pool or find tucked-away corners in Palm Canyon or the Alcazar Garden.

Sunset Cliffs (Point Loma):

One of the most iconic San Diego proposal spots – and for good reason; it is a stunning place. The sunsets are unreal, and the cliffs create an epic backdrop. Because it is well-loved, it is also crowded (especially on weekends). I am happy to suggest spots just outside of Sunset Cliffs that offer a similar atmosphere with more privacy!

Your Favorite Spot Together: Some of the most special proposals I’ve photographed happened in places that weren’t as common – like the couple’s favorite dog park, neighborhood trail, or spot where they had their first date. If you are torn on which one to choose, I am always here to talk them through with you! 

Should I Hire a Photographer for My San Diego Proposal?

Of course I’m biased – but yes! A proposal is one of those once-in-a-lifetime moments, and having it photographed allows you to relive it again and again. Plus, it takes some of the stress off you. I’ll help you figure out logistics, talk through any questions, how to avoid crowds, and how to not look suspicious. We will always come up with a plan well before the day of to help calm nerves and make sure you’re prepared! 

I also offer post-proposal mini sessions right after the “yes!” so you can get a few joyful photos that capture that amazing “omg, just engaged” energy. 

Here are a few common questions I get when helping couples plan their San Diego proposal…

How Do I Keep the Proposal a Surprise?

This is a very common question, and it’s where I come in to help. I’ve helped people pull off all kinds of surprise proposals – from casual walks that turn into prorposal to coordinated “photoshoot” setups.

Here are a few of my approaches: 

The “Let’s Take Cute Photos” Trick: Say you booked a couples session (maybe for your anniversary or just because), and we build the proposal into the shoot. From there, you and I come up with a plan of how to communicate just before the big moment. 

The “Helpful Photographer Tourist” Trick: If you want me to be closer to you for the photos but also don’t want to plan a photoshoot, there are a few ways I’ve worked with couples to offer taking their photos – you know, just as a nice tourist, definitely not as a proposal photographer… 

Use a Code Gesture: If you don’t want to go the photoshoot route, we can come up with a plan of what gesture you’ll use to indicate the question is about to happen. This way, I am ready to photograph! Until that moment, I look like an unsuspecting tourist just taking landscape photos.

Can I include our dog in the proposal? 

Yes please! I love when pets are part of proposals – or really part of anything. We’ll make a plan for your pup to be involved in the big moment and the photos following the question. 

Do you photograph celebrations following the proposal?

Absolutely! As a wedding photographer, capturing special events – especially while celebrating love – is my jam. Many couples I work with have another event following the proposal planned, like a celebration with friends and family or private dinner. My photography packages are flexible to make sure you get the coverage you want without feeling rushed. 

Final Thoughts: Your Proposal, Your Way – with my help! 

There’s no one right way to propose. Whether it’s planned to the minute or spontaneous and messy, the most meaningful proposals are the ones that reflect you two. Plus, they typically don’t go 100% according to plan anyway, but that’s life and it’s beautiful regardless. 

When you work with me, I’ll help with:

• Location scouting
• Timing and lighting advice
• Surprise planning and coordination
• Fully guided photo coverage (yes, I’ll hide if needed!)
• Bringing the floral, bubbly, or whatever else you want to celebrate

Ready to Start Planning your San Diego proposal?

If you’re feeling nervous or unsure where to start, that’s totally normal – and I’ve got you. Let’s plan something beautiful, stress-free, and authentic to you and your person! 

📍 San Diego proposal photographer

📸 LGBTQ+ owned | All love celebrated | Dogs welcome

Reach out here to start planning your proposal