Yosemite Proposal Photographer & Planning Guide

If you’re planning to propose to your partner in one of the most breathtaking places on Earth, Yosemite and the High Sierra offer the perfect setting for a moment you’ll never forget. Towering granite cliffs, glowing sunsets, waterfalls, and starlit skies—it’s everything a dream proposal is made of.

As a photography team based in the Sierra, we specialize in capturing real moments in epic landscapes. We offer a 2-hour Yosemite proposal package that includes coverage of the proposal itself and a full engagement session afterward. Whether you’re envisioning something spontaneous or carefully crafted, we’ll help you plan, prep, and pull it off seamlessly.

What’s Included in Our Yosemite Proposal Photography Experience

2 hours of coverage (proposal + post-engagement session)
Location scouting and planning support
Local knowledge to help you execute the surprise
Posing and guidance for natural, joy-filled portraits afterward
Optional add-on: Flying Dress Experience engagement session

We’re here to help you create an unforgettable experience—not just for your partner, but for you too.

Planning the Perfect Proposal in Yosemite

We’ve helped dozens of clients plan their dream proposal, and we know the little details matter. Here are a few key things to think about as you start planning:

1. Choosing the Right Location

Do you want total privacy or a beautiful viewpoint with a few people around? That choice will shape everything.

Private + Scenic: An overlooked vista, a roadside dome in Tuolumne, or an alpine lake near Mammoth Lakes.
Iconic + Easy to Blend In: Tunnel View, Glacier Point, or Taft Point—places where a photographer won’t look suspicious.

We’ll help you choose a location based on your preferences, crowd tolerance, and comfort level with hiking or early wake-ups. We’ll even help with backup plans in case of weather or closures.

2. Sunrise, Sunset, or Midday?

Sunrise and sunset offer the best light (and fewer people). We generally recommend proposing 1–2 hours before sunset, so you get that golden glow and can flow naturally into an engagement session afterward. If you’re morning people, sunrise is also amazing, and much quieter if we’re going to a popular location.

Midday is possible too, especially if it’s part of a bigger adventure, but expect harsher light and more crowds.

3. Getting Your Partner to the Location (Without Giving It Away)

We’ll help you craft a believable story to get your partner to the right spot—without raising suspicion. Some ideas:

“Wanna catch sunset at Taft Point and then have dinner at The Ahwahnee?”
“Let’s wake up early for sunrise at Tunnel View. It’s supposed to be beautiful.”
“We’re meeting a local guide to explore a cool hike or secret view.”

We’ll coordinate with you in advance and guide you every step of the way.

4. Preparing for the Engagement Shoot

Once they say YES, we’ll roll right into your engagement photos! To help your partner feel confident and excited, consider bringing:

A change of clothes they love
Makeup or hair products for a quick touch-up
Their favorite accessories or shoes

We’ll guide you in planning what to pack and where to stash it so everything stays a surprise.

Add-On: The Flying Dress Experience

Want to take things to the next level? Add on a session from The Flying Dress Experience to your engagement session and give your partner the gift of feeling like a goddess in nature.

We provide a selection of stunning flowing gowns that photograph beautifully in Yosemite’s landscapes. You can surprise your partner with it after the proposal or let us coordinate it as part of the plan.

Available in a range of colors and fits
Looks incredible at Glacier Point, on a Tuolumne dome, at Tenaya Lake, or Yosemite Valley
Can be styled with accessories or worn barefoot in nature

It’s the perfect way to add magic and empowerment to your engagement shoot.

Favorite Locations for Yosemite Proposals

We’ll tailor your session based on season, lighting, and crowd levels, but here are a few favorite spots:

Taft Point (epic cliffs, sunset golden hour magic)
Glacier Point (stunning sunrises with iconic Half Dome view)
Artist Overlook (an overlooked pullout has an amazing perspective on the Valley without the crowds)
El Cap Meadow (open space, great light, easy access)
Tuolumne Meadows (dreamy domes and alpine light)
Mammoth Lakes area (crystal lakes + mountain backdrops)

Ready to Plan Your Dream Proposal?

We’re here to help you make it all happen. From helpful advice to timeline planning and gentle posing tips, we’re in your corner.

Yosemite Proposal + Mini Engagement Sessions start at $1500.