How to Plan Your Surprise Proposal in Maine
If you’ve landed on this blog, it’s probably because you’ve found your person and you’re ready to ask a really big question. You know you want it to be special. You want it to feel honest and personal. And you want the moment to be something you’ll both remember for the rest of your lives.
But the truth is, planning a surprise proposal can be overwhelming… finding a location that’s private and beautiful, figuring out the right time, and somehow making sure your partner doesn’t suspect a thing.
You don’t need to be a master planner to have the perfect proposal. You just need me!
As a Maine proposal photographer who’s captured well over 300 surprise proposals, I’ll help you plan a seamless, stress-free, and downright magical moment. All you have to do is show up and pop the question, and let me take care of the rest.
Think About What They Would Love
Some people dream of grand gestures. Others want something quiet and private. Think about what would feel meaningful to your partner, even if it’s different from what you’ve seen online.
Do they love the ocean? Do they light up when they see the sunrise? Do they value privacy more than the view? That’s THE version of “perfect” we’ll plan around.
Choosing a time and place that feel right
Maine has no shortage of beautiful locations for your surprise proposal. From rocky coastlines to quiet forests, sunrise over the mountains to fog drifting across the sea, there’s a reason this place draws so many people in. But when it comes to surprise proposals, privacy and accessibility matter just as much as the view.
That’s why I help each of my clients choose a location based on what matters to them. We’ll talk about your partner, your story, and the kind of moment you’re hoping to create. From there, I’ll guide you to the perfect place for it.
Some questions to consider as you plan your surprise proposal:
What kind of setting feels most like the two of you?
Would you prefer the soft quiet of sunrise or the golden glow of sunset? Something different altogether? Timing is crucial to ensure optimal lighting and weather conditions, as well as crowd levels.
Do you want complete privacy, or is a little bit of background bustle okay? You’ll find that early morning or sunset is usually the best chance for fewer crowds and onlookers.
Do you want to involve other people in making it happen? Is it important to make arrangements with any family and friends? Do you want them to be there for the proposal, or should they join you shortly after?
You can browse some of my favorite surprise proposal locations in Maine here, but don’t worry — I’ll help you narrow it down based on what feels like you.
What to Pack With You for Your Surprise Proposal
You don’t need a lot, and this will depend on what you have planned, but a few small touches can make things feel even more special.
Some ideas couples have loved:
A letter you wrote them to read after the proposal
A favorite drink or small celebratory snack tucked in your bag
A cozy layer for the chilly morning air
A towel or blanket if we’re near the water and want to sit for a moment after
If you choose me to capture and plan your Maine surprise proposal, I’ll guide you on what to bring (or not bring) based on where we’re going and what you have in mind.
The Surprise Proposal
When the day comes, all you need to do is show up and be with your partner. Don’t stress about “keeping the surprise.” Focus on creating a moment that feels real and full of love, whether or not they see it coming.
I’ll already be there, perhaps hiding in some bushes with my camera in hand. I’ll photograph everything gently and unobtrusively. Then we’ll take a little time for portraits to capture all the joy and you soaking in the moment!
Give Yourselves Time to Just BE
I always plan proposal coverage to leave room for the afterglow. That is the time when it’s just the two of you, letting it all settle in. There’s no need to rush off. Some of the most beautiful images come from those first few quiet moments after the question has been asked and answered.
You don’t have to smile for the camera or pose for photos. Just hold each other. Let the real emotions unfold. I’ll be there capturing it all as it happens.
Have This Be The Start of a Bigger Experience
A surprise proposal doesn’t have to stand alone. You can plan a whole weekend getaway, a cozy celebratory meal, or just a walk along the shore after! Consider how you want the entire day or weekend to feel.
I’m happy to recommend places to eat, things to do, and ways to extend the celebration if you want to make the most of your time here in Maine.
Plan for the Unexpected, aka Have a Plan B
If there's one thing I've learned after capturing hundreds of proposals, it’s that all plans need a backup. Maine’s weather can shift quickly. A trail might be unexpectedly crowded. You might feel thrown off just before it’s time.
That’s why I always have a Plan B, and sometimes even Plan C, in place, just in case. It doesn’t mean something’s going wrong. It just means you’re prepared to have a beautiful moment still, no matter what.
Let Me Plan Your Surprise Proposal
You don’t need to overthink this. You don’t need to carry all the details alone. You just need to take the first step, and I’ll be there to guide you through the rest.
Every surprise proposal I photograph is carefully planned, but never overproduced. You won’t need a timeline spreadsheet or memorized directions. I’ll guide you through each step so that when the day comes, you can be present in the moment.
Every surprise proposal package includes:
Location recommendations based on lighting, accessibility, and your vision
A planning call so we can talk through all the little things
A custom visual guide (photos, videos, and maps) showing you exactly where to park and walk
Clear, step-by-step instructions for the proposal location
My location and cues for when to begin
Photo coverage before, during, and after the proposal — including gentle portraits
48-hour gallery delivery (and often less!)
Unlimited downloads, so you can share with loved ones right away
Local restaurant and activity recs if you want to turn this into a whole experience
Ongoing support if nerves or questions pop up
The goal is simple: for you to feel prepared and excited, without the pressure of having to figure it all out on your own. Learn more about my Maine Surprise Proposal Photography Packages!
