Surprise Proposal Photography

There are very few moments in life that only happen once and the moment to propose to the love of your live is one of them.

The excitement, the nerves, the look on your partner’s face when they realize what’s happening… it all unfolds in a matter of seconds, yet becomes a memory you’ll both revisit for the rest of your lives! That’s why I absolutely love photographing proposals.

Over the years I’ve photographed surprise proposals all across Minneapolis, St. Paul, and even beyond in Chicago, Costa Rica and London! Whether you’re envisioning something simple and intimate or an elaborate surprise with family hiding nearby, I’m here to help make the experience feel effortless from beginning to end.

While weddings are the heart of what I do as a Minnesota wedding photographer, proposal photography holds a special place in my heart because it’s where every love story takes its next chapter and where I first meet many of my sweet couples!

How to plan the perfect surprise proposal

Planning a proposal can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re trying to keep it a complete surprise. The good news? You don’t have to figure it out alone.

My Signature Proposal Experience includes planning assistance, location recommendations, timeline guidance, and of course, photography that captures every emotion as it unfolds.

Here’s what we usually plan together:

• The perfect location
• The best time of day for beautiful light
• Where I’ll be hiding
• How you’ll guide your partner to the exact spot
• A backup plan for weather
• What happens after they say yes

By the time proposal day arrives, you’ll know exactly what to expect and no nerves!

The best places to propose in Minneapolis and Minnesota

Every couple is different! Some dream of a dramatic skyline and decorations to make the moment more memorable!  Others want complete privacy. Some want a beautiful garden, while others can’t imagine proposing anywhere but their favorite hiking spot.

Here are a few of my favorite proposal locations.

4. Split Rock Lighthouse in The Northshore

For adventurous couples, it’s hard to beat the North Shore. The cliffs, Lake Superior, and lighthouse create an incredible setting for a proposal that feels straight out of a movie.

5. Como Zoo Conservatory

Looking for somewhere beautiful during winter?  The conservatory stays lush and green year-round and offers one of the best indoor proposal locations in Minnesota.

6. Rice Park in December

Here is my favorite park to catch in December: Rice Park with all the twinkle lights. Is incredibly magical to be there!

7. At the Lake

Sometimes the best location isn’t famous at all.

Whether it’s your cabin, your favorite hiking trail, or the lake where you spend every summer together, meaningful locations often create the most emotional photographs.

Let’s get to brainstorming! I will help you find your perfect location!

Proposal ideas to make it even more memorable

The proposal itself is already unforgettable, but a few thoughtful touches can make it even more personal.

Some of my favorite ideas include:

• Hiring a string quartet or violinist
• Planning a surprise celebration afterward with family and friends
• Decorating a private picnic
• Renting a greenhouse or private venue
• Recreating your first date
• Bringing champagne to celebrate afterward
• Including your dog (they’re always welcome!)

Turnblad Mansion Proposal

Why hire a professional photographer for a marriage proposal?

We would love to tell the story of this amazing moment! You can count on our experience and creative eye to document the moment beautifully and organically, capturing all of the joy, the tears, the laughs and the kisses of your surprise proposal.

Many of the couples I photograph proposing eventually invite me back to document their wedding. Seeing a story begin with a proposal and continue through the wedding day is one of my favorite parts of being a Minnesota wedding photographer.

You’ll actually get to stay in the moment

The last thing you should be worrying about while proposing is whether someone remembered to hit record on their phone.

Instead, you get to focus entirely on the person standing in front of you.

I’ll help with Logistics

A proposal isn’t just about photography, it’s logistics. I’ll help you choose the right location, figure out exactly where to stand, tell you when to arrive, where I’ll be hiding, and even help you come up with a believable excuse for why you’re going there in the first place.

We  will have pro equipment that is fast and can endure the weather elements. We can also anticipate for the best angle and coach you on this as well! ( We will also anticipate any photobombs)

Memories to keep and moments to share

Whether you’re announcing your engagement, texting family, posting on Instagram, or creating Save the Dates later on, you’ll already have beautiful photographs ready to celebrate your news.

What’s the difference between Engagement Photography and a Proposal Photography?

People often ask if proposal photography is the same as an engagement session.  They are very different! Proposal photography is all about documenting the actual surprise. After the proposal, we usually spend a few minutes taking relaxed portraits while you’re both still riding that incredible excitement.

An engagement session is a separate portrait session planned for another day, where we have more time to explore different locations and create a larger gallery together.

Frequently asked Questions:

Should we bring family members to my proposal?

Absolutely! We can hide them in a bush – I have done many proposals where family is in town visiting for the proposal and it adds such a wonderful element to the celebration of an already wonderful moment!

Will you help me find a location?

Yes, my signature package includes help with location and itinerary, as well as many proposal tips to make sure your proposal is amazing!!

Can my friends help setup decorations?

Absolutely, lots of my couples bring friends or family to help and then just have me show up to be your proposal photographer!

Will you help me setup decorations ?

I recommend to work with a planner and decorator if you would like to setup something stunning and unique!

Real proposal stories

One of my favorite parts of proposal photography is that no two stories are ever alike.

If you’re looking for inspiration, here are a few real proposals I’ve photographed around Minnesota.

Minneapolis Rooftop Proposal

Rice Park Proposal