A surprise proposal is such a romantic and meaningful way to show your love and care for your partner, and this is a moment that you will both remember forever. When it comes to planning a surprise proposal, there are a few things you can do in advance to prepare for this moment so that it really is a surprise for your partner.
As a Bay Area photographer, I wanted to share with you my best tips on how you can plan your own surprise San Francisco proposal and some locations you can choose for this big moment.
Let’s dive into what you need to know!
How to Plan a Surprise Proposal
Here is a simple and short guide for you to follow so you can plan the perfect surprise proposal:
Choose your location
When it comes to planning a surprise proposal, one of the first things you have to do is choose your location. This can be anywhere you want it to be, but I would encourage you to pick a spot that is significant to your relationship.
This may be the place you had your first date, where you and your partner like to spend time together on the weekends, or a place that maybe you’ve only visited once together and have both always wanted to go back to. It can also be a location that you’ve both always talked about going to but never have.
You both will remember where you got engaged, so you’ll want to choose a location that you will look fondly back on for years to come and that is special to both of you. If you’re in San Francisco, I’ve also shared some potential beautiful locations for you to consider for your proposal in this blog.
Choose your date and time of day
As you’re thinking about where you want to propose you should also be thinking about when and what time of day to have your proposal. Of course, sunset is considered one of the most romantic times of day to propose in San Francisco, but the time of day you choose should be contingent upon the location that you’ve chosen.
For example, if you want to propose at the Conservatory of Flowers in San Francisco, I recommend proposing here during the daytime since it has specific open hours. Or, if you want to propose at the Wood Line, I suggest planning your proposal in the early morning, as it’s quieter and less busy.
Hire a photographer
Find a photographer in San Francisco, like myself, who has experience with surprise proposals. The truth is that surprise proposals can be a bit tricky and more stressful than just doing an engagement session.
Your photographer needs to know how to be in the right spot without giving away the surprise, capture the moment as it unfolds, and then do creative portraits afterward.
I have come up with my own signature surprise proposal process, so if we work together, you can have confidence that your proposal will be a success.
Plan ahead
There are a couple of things you need to do before your surprise proposal, such as practicing your proposal speech – I wouldn’t recommend coming up with what you want to say on the spot.
The moment of your proposal you’re going to be feeling nervous and emotional. Practicing what you want to say in advance will make this moment easier – after all, you’re only human.
Another thing I would recommend you do before your proposal is a walkthrough with your photographer so you can scout the best spot to pop the question in your chosen location. It’s best to do a walkthrough a couple of days to a week before the big moment, but even arriving 15-20 minutes early to do a practice run-through (if your partner is coming separately) can work well!
Dressing up for the proposal
To get your partner to dress up, you can suggest you both dress up for a date—but remember, don’t be too pushy about it because this could give away the surprise or make them suspicious.
Stay connected with your photographer
On the day of your proposal, make sure to touch base with your photographer. Things happen, and if any issues arise or your plans need to change, make sure your photographer is aware.
For example, maybe you and your partner are planning to arrive a little earlier or later than expected at your location or maybe the weather changes and you have to switch up your location. No matter what, make sure you and your photographer are communicating the day of the proposal.
Locations for Your Surprise Proposal in San Francisco
Here are some potential locations where you could have your surprise proposal to spark some ideas:
- Baker Beach
- Golden Gate View Point
- Fort Funston
- Stow Lake
- The Conservatory of Flowers at Golden Gate Park
- Wood Line
- Ina Coolbrith Park
- Pier 7
- Batteries to Bluffs Trail
- Kirby Cove
- Crissy Field
Surprise Proposal Inspiration
Eddy already had proposed to Lauren, but Lauren reached out to me and shared that they wanted to propose back to Eddy so that they could have a special moment, too.
Lauren planned the surprise proposal in a local bookstore called Green Apple Books. We had planned beforehand that I would be waiting with Lauren at the proposal spot, and then Eddy would be brought to the bookstore by their family.
The intention was for Eddy to be completely surprised when they saw Lauren at the bookstore, ready to propose.
Lauren’s surprise proposal was a success. When Eddy arrived, they got down on one knee next to the bookshelves in the store and popped the question. After that, we took some pictures inside and outside of the bookstore to celebrate this special moment in Eddy and Lauren’s lives.
While the surprise proposal turned out perfectly, we did have to change the plans just a bit due to the weather. Initially, we had planned on having it at Golden Gate Park, but because of some rain, we decided to change it to the bookstore.
Having this backup plan early and staying in contact throughout the process meant that even a change in plans didn’t derail this incredible proposal!
Ready to Plan Your Surprise San Francisco Proposal?
San Francisco is full of unique places to plan your surprise proposal, and I hope that you found this guide helpful for planning your own. This is such an exciting moment for you and your partner!
And…if you’re in the Bay Area, looking for love, surprise proposals, and engagement photos, and want to work with a photographer who will fully support your nontraditional ideas and celebrate you wholeheartedly, feel free to reach out here. I can’t wait to learn more about your vision and all the ideas you have in mind.
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