Are you planning to propose to your significant other but need proposal tips?! I am here to help you! As a couples and wedding photographer, I am constantly asked these questions!

I can only imagine how stressful and exhilarating planning the proposal to your significant other can be! Below are my 5 biggest types for my clients who hire me to photograph their proposal, and hopefully it will give others some peace of mind too!

Here are my 5 proposal tips!

1.  Decide which type of proposal you’d like to have

I like to split proposal into 2 categories: solo proposals and group proposals. I define solo proposals as to when the couple are alone and the photographer and friends/family are in hiding until after the proposal. Group proposals are staged photo shoots typically where photos are being taken and only the proposal part is a planned secret( think family photos that turns into a proposal or a staged free photo shoot giveaway where we make sure your partner wins 🙂 ). 

2. Plan out your exact proposal spot and practice!

I always suggest picking out a location that is already meaningful to you, or choosing a location that is gorgeous and will become special to you all! After agreeing on an exact spot with clients, when possible I recommend visiting the spot prior to the proposal to ease your nerves and practice where you’ll stand when you drop down on one knee. I usually also visit the location prior to send you recommended spots to pop the question with photo visuals. 
Some spots that are local to the Orange County or Bay Area that are also great proposal locations are
Sunset Cliffs
LA Arboretum
Salt Creek Beach

3. Share your location with your photographer/friends

 When possible, it makes it so much easier if you share your location with your photographer and friends/family so they can track your ETA to the chosen location. 
This also helps you not having to be texting people and giving directions during such an intimate moment.

4. Hug your S/O right before proposing

The best tip to help your photographer out giving us a visual que and also give yourself a minute to collect yourself is to hug your significant other right before dropping down on one knee! Also a big hug is the easiest and most discreet way to re position the person for photos if needed. 

5. Make post-proposal plans

Having plans for dinner or a surprise party is so sweet and thoughtful. Right after the proposal, I’ll give you all time to enjoy the moment and then eventually introduce myself before taking some poses portraits. I do my best to keep the posed portrait time short and sweet to prevent overwhelming you two so you can still have all the time to soak in this special moment together.

I hope you found these proposal tips helpful, and I am so excited for you!!

If you are engaged and looking to have an engagement session in the SoCal Area — here are some of the sessions I have loved doing!

Crystal Cove State Park Engagement Session
My Top Favorite Orange County Photography Spots
Lake Arrow Head Engagement Session

Alaina Elizabeth Photography is a couples, wedding and elopement photographer based in Southern California, but serving couples world wide!
Hudson Valley , New York Engagement Session
Hanalei Bay, Hawaii Anniversary Session