Victor and Sarah's Carmel Proposal
A Romantic Proposal at Monastery Beach | Carmel by the Sea Proposal Photographer
Victor reached out to me a few months before his trip, excited to plan a surprise proposal for his girlfriend, Sarah, during their visit to the California coast. As a Carmel by the Sea proposal photographer, I often help couples scout the perfect location—and after exploring a few options, including Big Sur, Victor ultimately chose Monastery Beach. It was the perfect spot: scenic, quiet, and conveniently located right along Highway 1 as they made their way from their stay at The Hyatt Carmel Highlands into town for dinner.
Sarah thought they were just heading to dinner in Carmel-by-the-Sea. Little did she know, Victor had something far more exciting planned. Dressed nicely for their dinner reservation, they ended up perfectly styled for photos they’ll cherish 10 years from now. I always recommend that couples create a thoughtful backstory like this—it makes the surprise believable and ensures you’re both looking your best for such an unforgettable moment.
Monastery Beach sits right at the edge of Carmel by the Sea and is the last beach before you head into Big Sur. With Point Lobos towering in the background and rugged cliffs catching the golden hour light, it’s truly a breathtaking location. The sand is a bit coarser than other beaches, and the waves are notoriously dangerous—so we stayed safely away from the shoreline. Still, the scenery is second to none.
On the day of the proposal, I was sitting on the beach pretending to be a tourist. Victor and Sarah walked past me, and he stopped at a small rise in the sand that gave just the right amount of elevation. It created the perfect vantage point for me to capture the cliffs, waves, and emotion all in one frame.
After she said yes and they enjoyed a private moment together, we began shooting some engagement-style portraits. One note for future couples: be ready for a bit of walking on a dirt path—bringing a change of shoes or being willing to go barefoot helps. Sarah was totally up for it, and the photos turned out beautifully.
If you’re planning a proposal in Carmel, Monastery Beach is a fantastic option. And if you’re looking for a Carmel by the Sea proposal photographer who knows the area like a local, I’d love to help you bring your vision to life.
