LGBTQ+ surprise proposals are always magical, especially with Santa Cruz as your backdrop!
As a queer Bay Area photographer, I wanted to share my best tips for planning your own Santa Cruz surprise proposal, along with some beautiful locations you can choose for this big moment.
Read on to learn more about planning your proposal, and take a look at some LGBTQ+ proposal photo sessions I’ve photographed in Santa Cruz for inspiration!
Your Ultimate Guide for How to Pull Off an LGBTQ+ Surprise Proposal in Santa Cruz
Here are my top tips on how to plan and execute a successful surprise proposal:
Decide if you want your photographer to be hidden or if you want to do your surprise proposal as part of a “regular” photo session
The choice is completely up to you! I’ve photographed successful surprise proposals both ways. My advice is that if you want your photographer completely hidden for the big moment, it’s best to scout the location where you want to get down on one knee beforehand with your photographer and decide exactly where they (and you) will be for the big moment!).
Determine if you want something chill or totally full out
I’ve photographed both types of proposals, and ultimately, the decision comes down to your personalities and what feels most authentic to you and your relationship. Creating a moment that is special and exactly what your partner wants is the most important thing!
I’ve captured everything from a heartfelt proposal in a bookstore, one with a handmade watercolor painting of the couple at a cafe in Paris, to a ukulele serenade, a boho picnic, and one on a rooftop with an all-female a cappella group.
The bottom line is, do whatever feels right for you!
Coordinate an exact meetup spot with your photographer
This is a big one—and is often overlooked! To make this easier, I recommend a walkthrough with your photographer to scout the best spot to pop the question at your chosen location. Also, it’s helpful because it lets your photographer know where to wait.
I have found it’s best to do a walkthrough a couple of days to a week before the big moment, at the time of day you’ll be doing it, so you can see the exact lighting you’ll get, but even arriving 20-30 minutes early for a practice run-through (if your partner is coming separately) can work too!
This way, we can also figure out what position you should face when you pop the question (for instance, if there’s something specific in the background, like at Natural Bridges or the arched branch at Henry Cowell).
I have developed my own signature surprise proposal process, so if we work together, you can have confidence that your surprise proposal will be a success, whether or not we are able to do an in-person walkthrough beforehand.
Choose your outfits
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.
Hire an affirming photographer
The photographer you choose for your proposal should make you feel safe, supported, and celebrated.
One of the easiest ways to choose an affirming photographer is to work with someone who is already part of your community, especially for LGBTQ+ couples who may be worried about safety or about having to educate their photographer.
You’ll be working with someone who wants you to feel comfortable, fully express yourself, and who will remove any external pressure or expectations of what your relationship “should” look like because they’ve been through it, too. They’ll see you the way you see yourself!
Additional pro tips for your surprise proposal
Here are a few more tips for your surprise proposal:
Say something in addition to “will you marry me?”
This way, your photographer has time to get a bunch of great photos of you down on one knee (and your partner’s reaction!). You’d be surprised at how fast the moment actually goes, and we want to make sure we have plenty of time to photograph all of it!
What you can do if you don’t want to get down on one knee
I get it – getting down on one knee might just not be the vibe for you. If that’s how you feel, a hug from behind with the ring box is a great option to still create that intimate moment!
Don’t forget to get a great close-up photo of the ring!
You probably spent A LOT of time picking out the perfect ring, so we definitely want to make sure that is highlighted. If you have a special ring box, that would be the perfect place to get a close-up. Alternatively, you can find somewhere special at your engagement location to show off the ring.
When in doubt, though, right on your partner’s finger is always a great spot to get a close-up!
Best Spots for Surprise Proposals & Surprise Proposal Photos in Santa Cruz County
Here’s a round-up of some of my favorite spots for proposals throughout Santa Cruz County:
Capitola Beach
Capitola Beach has colorful rainbow houses, a wharf, palm trees, and a panoramic beach scene. It’s a great spot for a dreamy sunset beach proposal!
Henry Cowell
Henry Cowell State Park is a beautiful park/redwoods preserve in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Inside the park, you’ll find babbling brooks, ferns, and giant redwoods with the scent of pine and moss lingering in the air.
Natural Bridges State Beach
Natural Bridges State Park is a 65-acre park, famous for its wave-carved sea arch and stunning natural bridge.
It’s right off West Cliff Drive in North Santa Cruz, and a top spot if you’re after dramatic rocky cliffs, tide pools, and a peaceful beach backdrop.
West Cliff Drive
Along West Cliff Drive—a scenic 3-mile path along the Pacific Ocean in Santa Cruz—you’ll stumble upon plenty of hidden little beaches. The seaside views and dramatic cliffs create an epic backdrop!
Ready to Plan Your Surprise Proposal in Santa Cruz?
I hope you found all this info on planning an LGBTQ+ surprise proposal in Santa Cruz + surprise proposal inspo photos helpful. This is such a thrilling moment for you and your partner!
And…if you’re in the Bay Area, looking for a photographer who specializes in photos of love, surprise proposals, and engagements, feel free to reach out here. I’ll fully support your nontraditional ideas and celebrate you wholeheartedly! I can’t wait to learn more about your vision and all the ideas you have in mind.
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