Do you want to propose in Yosemite National Park?

The towering walls of Yosemite with waterfalls seemingly everywhere. Or the glistening high country near Mammoth Lakes with jagged peaks and mountain lakes. How about the “Domes as far as the eye can see” fairytale land that is Tuolumne Meadows. Or the otherworldly moonscape of the Alabama Hills? How about staying out under the stars?

These are what dreams are made of. And you already know this, which is why you want to come propose to your love here in the High Sierra. Whether you’ve already been or not, the Sierra has an undeniable allure. We sure know, it’s our home and we absolutely love it. And we’re here and excited to help you pull off a smooth proposal that we can document so you’ll be able to treasure those moments for ever.

If you’re going to travel to Yosemite, Mammoth Lakes, or the High Sierra to propose to your love and have an engagement photo shoot, here’s some things to consider.

– Do you want complete privacy or is it ok to have other people around?

Having complete privacy sounds great, and it really is special if you want this to be private. But if you also want it documented, it can be much harder for us to be completely hidden which might arise suspicion in your partner if they see us. On the flip side, it’s much easier for us to fit in if other people are around, especially at locations where photographers congregate for the beautiful views such as Tunnel View or Glacier Point.

Locations that have some people, but not so many to where you can’t get away to the side for a bit of privacy, are great. Taft Point or El Cap Meadow come to mind.

Another option is a location that is generally free of people but wouldn’t be unheard of to see other people there. Locations such as a spot along the river where a landscape photographer might be hanging out, or some boulders where climbers might hang, or a backcountry lake with some hikers around. These are great options for a semi private experience that might take some hiking to get to. We have a list of locations we love for each of the different circumstances that we can share with you if you want some help with ideas.

– Do you want to have this during the midday when most people are out hiking and such? Or do you want to be out for sunrise or sunset, for the most beautiful light?

We all know that beautiful light is great for photography, especially couples in love. But did you know that it also aids in enjoying the actual experience? It feels so good to be out in nature when the natural light is casting a soft warm glow across the landscapes, and your faces. That’s why we try to suggest scheduling the proposal a couple hours before sunset. This way the light is warm and soft and we can go right into an Engagement Session in the perfect light! Which really brings up the next question.

– Have you thought about having an engagement shoot in addition to having the proposal documented? And if so…

Have you thought about what your partner might want for the engagement session after your proposal?

This is key. Nobody knows your partner better than you, so what would they want to have to make sure they can look how they want for the engagement photos. Maybe some special clothes you know they love. Their makeup. Any accessories you know they love.

All this pre-thought goes a long way to having your brand new fiance feel excited to have an engagement shoot after the proposal. And it really is awesome if you’re coming to a place like Yosemite or Mammoth Lakes, or the broader Eastern Sierra, to have have an engagement shoot.

The Range of Light is one of the most beautiful locations to not only propose to your love, but also have an Engagement Session in some of the most beautiful mountains on earth. We’ll help you determine the perfect location and help you plan everything out so you can feel confident going in that everything will be documented and you can focus on being present with your love.

To see more photos from some of our favorite proposals, check out this surprise wedding proposal in Yosemite. Or this proposal at Glacier Point. And who doesn’t love to stay out under the stars for their engagement photos after the proposal? And if you’d love to see more of our personal art work, please check out Shawn’s outdoor photography and films and Brittany’s fine art photography.