If you’re excited about proposing but not sure where to begin, that’s completely normal. Planning a proposal in Big Sur comes with a lot of moving pieces — location, timing, privacy, and keeping it a surprise — and it’s easy to feel stuck before you even start. But you don't need to have it all figured out!
not Sure where to start when it comes to planning?
how I help you plan your big sur proposal
You don’t have to plan this alone or have every detail figured out before reaching out. I help you choose the right location, talk through timing and lighting, and create a plan that feels natural and low-pressure — not staged or stressful. My goal is to make the entire experience feel simple, intentional, and focused on the moment you’re actually there for.
Working with me feels less like hiring a vendor and more like having someone in your corner who knows Big Sur really well. I’ll help you think through the details you might not even realize matter yet, while keeping things calm, flexible, and easy. You get to focus on showing up, being present, and enjoying the moment — I’ll handle the rest.
Your Big Sur engagement proposal isn’t just about getting photos — it’s about honoring a real, once-in-a-lifetime moment. My approach is simple: document it in a way that feels natural, relaxed, and true to who you are, without turning it into a production.
Timeless editing: No trendy filters here. Just natural colors, true-to-life skin tones, and edits that will still look beautiful years from now.
Gentle direction: When it’s time for portraits, I’ll guide you just enough so you feel comfortable and confident, never posed or awkward.
Real moments first: I focus on candid, in-between moments — the nervous laughs, the deep breaths, the emotion right after they say yes.
Easygoing energy: From planning to the proposal itself, I keep things calm and fun so it never feels stressful or stiff.
My approach to Photography
She was amazing from the start. She helped me feel comfortable and the pictures turned out beautifully
"SHE hELPED ME FEEL COMFORTABLE"
She was amazing from the start. She helped me feel comfortable and the pictures turned out beautifully
- TONI zABALA
Big Sur Proposal
what's included
what's included
Starting at $2,000
Average Investment $3,500
photography packages
- 2-hour, half day, or full day packages
- Personalized Location Guide.
- Couples Styling Guide.
- Online Planning Consultation
- Cinematic & Art Filled Photography.
- Digital gallery to view, download, print, and share your images.
- 20+ Next-Day Sneak Peek Images.
- Photographer travel included.
“she provided us with prompts and made us so comfortable”
"Salisha was a dream to work with! She helped my (now) fiancé with a surprise proposal and it was perfect!! She also helped with a special surprise for us per the request of a family member who reached out. After the proposal we spent about an hour taking photos. We’ve never taken professional pictures but she provided us with prompts and made us so comfortable. Her knowledge of the area and the lighting is evident and so appreciated. We had so much fun and it’s such a special memory. We had our preview photos within 48 hours and way more photos than expected in our full gallery. We love our photos so much and are so grateful for Salisha and her incredible work! We look forward to meeting with her again. We’ll be treasuring these pictures forever. Thank you Salisha!!"
"Salisha was a dream to work with! She helped my (now) fiancé with a surprise proposal and it was perfect!! She also helped with a special surprise for us per the request of a family member who reached out. After the proposal we spent about an hour taking photos. We’ve never taken professional pictures but she provided us with prompts and made us so comfortable. Her knowledge of the area and the lighting is evident and so appreciated. We had so much fun and it’s such a special memory. We had our preview photos within 48 hours and way more photos than expected in our full gallery. We love our photos so much and are so grateful for Salisha and her incredible work! We look forward to meeting with her again. We’ll be treasuring these pictures forever. Thank you Salisha!!"
- madison olson
3. the Details Matter
3. the Details Matter
Figuring out these logistics early means no last-minute headaches. Knowing the parking situation, when tides roll in, and how busy a spot gets on certain days also helps keep your moment private and calm.
2. Work With an Expert Who Knows the Area
2. Work With an Expert Who Knows the Area
This isn’t just about someone snapping photos — choosing a Big Sur photographer who has lived in this area means you get someone who knows where the beautiful spots are, when they’re best photographed, and how to time the moment perfectly. A pro can also help you scout locations that fit your vision, avoid crowds, and keep the whole proposal feeling authentic and stress-free.
Big Sur Proposal Planning Tips
1. Think About Season, Weather & Lighting
1. Think About Season, Weather & Lighting
Even though Big Sur is a perfect place to propose during any season, the vibes can change depending on the time of year — fog, wind, sunshine, and even June Gloom can show up unexpectedly, so plan for layers and flexibility. Golden hour (about an hour before sunset) gives the most flattering light and fewer crowds, but sunrise can be just as magical — and even quieter. Since weather here can be unpredictable, always check the forecast as your date gets closer and have a simple backup plan ready.
"She captured our engagement in the most magical way"
Salisha is an incredible photographer and we were so grateful to work with her! She captured our engagement in the most magical way and made us feel so comfortable behind the camera. We really appreciated her deep knowledge of the best spots to capture the most breathtaking scenery. But, don't just take it from us--once we posted online, all of our friends and family also said that they were "the most beautiful engagement photos they'd ever seen." Salisha is truly the best, I highly recommend booking a shoot with her for your special occasions!
- emily and ryan
Help Keep Big Sur, Big Sur
- Park only in marked lots and turnouts — never on the shoulder.
- Don't double-park or stop in the road, even briefly.
- Avoid peak weekday commute hours when you can — locals rely on this road for work.
- Have a backup location in mind in case your first spot is crowded.
- Stick to marked paths and pack out what you bring in, please don't litter!
- Build in extra time for construction delays.
photo courtesy of Kodiak Greenwood/Special to SFGATE
Plan Responsibly
"sALISHA HELPED ME PLAN THE SURPRISE ENGAGEMENT PERFECTLY"
"Salisha was amazing to work with! I planned a surprise engagement and Salisha helped plan it perfectly, from being prompt in communicating, to suggesting good shooting locations ahead of time. During the shoot, she helped us feel comfortable and set up a lot of great poses. The pictures turned out incredible and we couldn’t happier!"
"Salisha was amazing to work with! I planned a surprise engagement and Salisha helped plan it perfectly, from being prompt in communicating, to suggesting good shooting locations ahead of time. During the shoot, she helped us feel comfortable and set up a lot of great poses. The pictures turned out incredible and we couldn’t happier!"
- JORY RICE
FAQs
Big Sur Proposal & Engagement FAQs
ANSWEr
Golden hour (the hour before sunset) is popular for a reason — the light is soft and romantic — but sunrise can be just as beautiful and way more private. We’ll choose a time based on lighting, crowds, and the overall vibe you’re going for.
ANSWEr
Fog is actually very common in Big Sur and can be incredibly beautiful in photos. Rain can be common in the winter, but can add so much drama and romance to the photos. I’ll help you plan with the weather in mind and talk through backup options so you’re not stressed if conditions change.
ANSWEr
Absolutely. From helping you plan a believable cover story to positioning myself discreetly, keeping the proposal a surprise is a huge part of what I do. I've got a few tricks up my sleeve, so don't be worried about the surprise, I got you!
ANSWEr
I’ll help you choose outfits that photograph well, work with the weather, and feel like you. I can also help you subtly guide her outfit choices so everything looks cohesive without raising suspicion.
ANSWEr
Yes — choosing the right location is a big part of the planning process. I’ll help you decide between iconic Big Sur views or more quiet, tucked-away spots based on privacy, accessibility, lighting, and the overall vibe you want for the proposal.
Do I need a permit to propose in Big Sur?
What’s the best time of day to propose in Big Sur?
What if the weather is foggy or rainy?
Can you help keep the proposal a surprise?
What should we wear for a Big Sur proposal?
Do you help choose the proposal location?
est. twenty fourteen
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