A beach proposal is a favorite for a reason. The calm crashing of the waves, the feeling of your toes in the sand, and the spectacular backdrop of the ocean sky at sunrise or sunset are a dreamy combination to craft the perfect romantic moment. Not to mention, it’s incredibly easy to get perfect engagement photos at this seaside location. But, there are plenty of logistics you need to figure out to ensure your beach proposal goes off without a hitch. From organizing proposal photography to setting up an intimate setting for your surprise, planning a beach proposal takes a bit of work. (As someone who planned a beach proposal herself, I’ve learned that proposing by the water requires quick thinking to adapt to unexpected stressors.)
Ahead, see all the proposal planning tips you’ll need to kick off your beach engagement.
Find the Perfect Location
Choosing the right beach location is key to guarantee a beautiful proposal setting. First, consider the destination that feels right for the engagement. If there is a beach you often frequent together? It could be special to revisit this place in your romantic history for your proposal. Planning a beach vacation? Scout out the best beaches for proposals near your destination with a beautiful lookout, or seek a more private cove. If you are less familiar with the area, you might want to check online for frequented spots or ask your hotel concierge for any tips. If you’re staying at a resort, they may even have a special area on the property that can be the perfect location for your big moment.
Choose the Right Time
As you likely don’t want hundreds of spectators around that can take up prime sand real estate, it’s important to decide on a not-so-busy time to get down on one knee. Consider hitting the beach in the off-season when there aren’t as many sunbathers about or at an hour where the location is relatively empty like when most people are at dinner. You can even plan a romantic picnic on the beach during this hour before you pop the question.
It’s also important to consider the best ambiance based on the time of day. If you’re on the East Coast of the United States, you might want to catch the sunrise with your partner. On the West Coast, try for a sunset proposal as it dips below the horizon line. Not only will it be beautiful to watch (and give you an excuse to get your S.O. out there for the surprise), but the light will be wonderful for photos. Helpful hint: Bring a sweater or extra blanket in case the temperatures drop when the sun is no longer in sight.
Make a Plan in Case of Inclement Weather
As I am well aware, bad weather can easily put a wrench in your proposal plans. In my case, a windy forecast made my plans for a post-engagement dinner on the beach a less-than-ideal situation. So, we had to change the location for the second act of the proposal just hours before we got down on one knee. No matter your situation, it’s always important to have a rain contingency plan. Especially if you have hired a photographer or pre-planned a celebration afterward, you may need to find another covered spot to pop the question. Always have a backup in place when you are first scouting out your ideal beach locale.
Pick the Right Beach Proposal Outfit
Deciding on the right outfit for your proposal is a tricky task. On the one hand, you don’t want to give away the surprise by showing up overdressed for a beach day. But, you also probably want to look more polished than normal—especially if you’re documenting the proposal. Try to find a happy medium or create an excuse for a slightly more put-together look. For example, you could offer to take a quick walk on the beach before a dinner reservation. If you want to do a full engagement shoot after the proposal, you could also keep a change of clothes for both you and your partner hidden away in the car.
Another important factor of your ensemble is it needs a spot to hide a ring box. A jacket with an inner pocket, spacious pant pockets, or a bag can be key to keep your surprise hidden away. Just be sure your hiding place is secure so you don’t leave the ring on the beach.
Capture the Moment
While you will always have the memory of your proposal, it’s always fun to have images or videos of the special moment to come back to and share with your loved ones. One of the best solutions is to find a local photographer to document the moment as it happens. This can lead to a great photoshoot with you, your new fiancé, and that engagement ring you spent months picking out. If you don’t want to hire a pro, you could also task a friend or family member to do the job with an iPhone. Just be sure they can stay hidden to not give up the surprise and are a trusted hand with tech.
Make Post-Proposal Plans
Once your partner (hopefully) says yes, it’s time for you both to celebrate! Don’t just plan the proposal itself. It’s a great idea to also have plans in place to take in the moment—whether in an intimate atmosphere or with your closest circle. A bottle of bubbly and a beach picnic can be the perfect way to enjoy your newly engaged bliss. Or, you can make a reservation at a nearby restaurant for a more polished toast. Some to-be-weds like to kick off their engagement era with a bang and invite friends and family for a surprise engagement party. Just be sure you’ve had previous talks of engagement and know it’s a done deal before you have anyone fly out for the festivities.