Looking for advice or ideas on how to plan the perfect proposal in San Diego? I gotchu!

I’m Bree — a San Diego wedding, engagement, and couples photographer. I have a TON of experience photographing (and planning!) successful proposals in SoCal and Las Vegas. Here’s everything you need to know to pull off a stress-free, gorgeous, and surprise proposal!

 

First things first:

I would encourage you first to reflect on your relationship with your significant other. What sparks joy for them? Do you have any favorite memories you may want to recreate? What vibes fit their personality? Going from there is the best way you can make something unique to you and your partner. Remember, we’re going for significance to YOU! Don’t be afraid to do something out of the box if it represents your relationship the best. Consider speaking with your partner’s friends/family to see what they think or if they have ideas or parameters too.

Step 1: Choose the Right Location and Vibe

San Diego is full of beautiful proposal spots, so picking the perfect one depends on your style as a couple. Here are some of my favorite places to pop the question:

 

My Top 15 San Diego Proposal Locations:

1. Japanese Friendship Garden (Balboa Park)
   • Peaceful, romantic, and stunning. (Permit for photography: $50, Entrance: $15 per adult, both available on-site.) More info here.
2. The Beach
   • Sunset proposals are a San Diego staple! La Jolla Shores, Windansea Beach, or Coronado Beach are great choices. It’s easy to ask your partner to go for some tacos by the beach at sunset and go for a walk where you pop the question!
3. Botanical Building (Balboa Park)
   • Recently reopened, this lush backdrop is a great choice! It’s busy enough too that having a photographer (me!) there wouldn’t be out of the ordinary.
4. Carlsbad Flower Fields – Seasonal (March-May), vibrant, and perfect for a colorful engagement. Just be aware of the flowers – don’t step in them or go past the tape barriers, and it can be quite crowded there. It’s great there at sunset! Tickets here.
5. Mount Soledad – Breathtaking views of the city, ideal for sunset, early morning, or after-dark skyline photos. There are a lot of places there for you to find your own secluded area. It’s one of my personal favorites in San Diego!
6. San Diego Zoo – For animal lovers, this playful and unique setting is a fun option.
7. Torrey Pines Hike – Propose at the top with panoramic ocean views! Especially if you’re outdoorsy. Just make sure your partner would be ok getting proposed to in hiking clothes 😉
8. Coronado Centennial or Bayview Park (Downtown View) – A gorgeous park with the skyline as your backdrop. This is one of my favorite spots!
9. Rooftop Cinema Club – A fun and unexpected way to pop the question! Find tickets here.
10. Sunset Cliffs – One of San Diego’s most famous proposal spots. Crowded, but absolutely worth it! It’s easy for a photographer to blend in here.
11. Cabrillo National Monument – Stunning at sunset, with ocean and city views.
12. Gondola Ride in Coronado – Surprise your partner with a romantic gondola cruise through the Coronado Cays, complete with champagne and a private serenade.
13. The Secret Swings in La Jolla – A hidden spot with hand-painted swings overlooking the ocean. It’s playful, romantic, and feels like a private escape.
14. Old Town San Diego State Historic Park – Propose in front of the beautiful old adobe buildings, with the lively atmosphere adding a fun and unique touch to your moment. You can have a meal there after or before too! I bet you could hire a mariachi band too!
15. Your Favorite Date Spot – Recreate a special moment from your relationship for a personal touch.

 

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Step 2: Plan the Details for a Stress-Free Proposal

A little planning goes a long way in making sure your proposal goes smoothly. Here are some key things to consider:

 

1. Hire and Coordinate with Your Photographer

If you are looking for a San Diego photographer and local expert, I’m your girl 🥳. I’ve successfully helped dozens of couples plan their proposals, and I’ve captured hundreds of engagement photos and weddings in the area. I gotchu and I’m here to make your vision come to life!

• Share your location ahead of time so your photographer (me!) can track you and be ready at the right moment.
• Ask your photographer to bring champagne for afterwards—I do this for my couples for free upon request!

 

2. Bulky Ring Box? Here’s How to Hide the Ring

The biggest hurdle I hear from people wanting to propose is the bulky ring box in the pocket! It’s wayyyy too obvious. Here’s a foolproof way to hide it:

• Wear long, loose-fitting pants and tall socks.
• Slide the ring box inside your sock against your leg.
• When you kneel, discreetly reach down and grab the ring—your partner will never suspect a thing!

Another thing you can do is get yourself a ring pouch instead of the bulky one your jeweler gives you. This one and these are much more discreet.

 

3. How to Make Sure They’re Dressed Up

I always recommend telling your partner that you’re going on a dinner date after walking on the beach or visiting a pretty landmark (aka the location of your choice). This ensures they are dressed up and looking good for the proposal!

In terms of making sure your outfit looks good paired with theirs, I recommend wearing something neutral, like white, beige, brown, grey, black, navy, or dark green. That way, you’ll complement whatever outfit they end up picking in your photos.

 

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Step 3: Decide on the Proposal Style with your Photographer

Here are three ways I’ve personally done (and had success with) to have a photographer capture the moment:

 

Option 1. The Secret/Hidden Photographer

The classic “hiding in a bush” style, where I stay hidden and capture the emotional reaction from afar.

Option 2. The Photo Shoot Cover-Up

• Plan a couples’ photoshoot under the guise of a fun date.
• Your partner will be dressed up, and you’ll have the perfect lighting and setup for the proposal.
• Midway through the session, drop to one knee and let the magic happen!

Option 3. The Good Samaritan Approach

• Your photographer (me) pretends to be a friendly stranger.
• You take a selfie with your partner at the proposal spot—this signals the photographer.
• The “stranger” offers to take a better photo so you don’t have to rely on selfies, and when they take the “photo,” you surprise your partner with the proposal!
• Works especially well in touristy locations like Sunset Cliffs or Balboa Park.

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Final Tips for a Perfect Proposal:

• Plan a “Decoy” Event – Set up a “decoy” event to throw off any suspicion. For example, tell your partner you’re going on a casual date night or taking a scenic walk, but secretly plan the proposal along the way. They won’t expect it, and it’ll be a lovely surprise!
• Incorporate a Personal Element – Add a personal touch to the proposal by bringing something meaningful to your relationship. It could be a small object that represents your first date, a favorite shared memory, or a song that means a lot to both of you. These touches make the moment even more sentimental.
• Hire a Musician or Perform a Special Song – If you’re musically inclined or know someone who is, consider having a musician play a favorite song at the location, setting a romantic atmosphere. Or, if you play an instrument yourself, serenading your partner adds a personal and emotional element to the proposal!
• Write a Letter – Writing a heartfelt letter or speech to read before the proposal adds an extra layer of emotion. You can express your love and talk about the journey you’ve shared. It’s a beautiful way to personalize the moment, especially when captured in photos.
• Check the weather – San Diego is usually sunny (especially July-Nov), but a quick weather check ensures you’re prepared. We have May Gray and June Gloom by the beach!
• Choose a time with good lighting – Golden hour (1-2 hours before sunset) is ideal for dreamy photos.
• Plan a post-proposal celebration – Dinner reservations, a sunset picnic, or meeting up with family and friends make the moment even more special.
• Relax and enjoy! This is a once-in-a-lifetime moment. No matter what, it’ll be perfect because it’s your love story.

 

 

Planning a San Diego proposal? I’d love to capture this unforgettable moment for you! Let’s chat and make your dream proposal a reality. 💍✨