A Romantic Weekday Proposal at Griffith Observatory: Sunset Views & Heartfelt Moments | Lu & Perry

Griffith Park • Los Angeles • California

Stephanie Ip Photography

Posted on July 1, 2025

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📍 Griffith Observatory
📆 July 8th 2025 ☀️ Sunset at 8:08pm
🌡️ Clear sky weather
🎬 Start time at 7pm

A Romantic Weekday Proposal at Griffith Observatory: Sunset Views & Heartfelt Moments

If you’ve ever dreamt of a Los Angeles proposal that feels like a movie scene, Griffith Observatory is at the top of the list. With its sweeping views of the LA skyline, the iconic Hollywood sign, and that golden California sunset, it’s no wonder this spot has become one of the most romantic places to pop the question.

This recent proposal was no exception—a weekday evening with perfect skies, lots of love, and a few unexpected twists that made the story even sweeter.

Why Choose Griffith Observatory for Your Proposal?

Griffith Observatory is more than just an LA landmark—it’s a backdrop that tells a story. From the classic Art Deco architecture to the panoramic views stretching from Downtown LA to the Pacific Ocean, every corner offers a stunning photo opportunity.

Some of the most loved spots for proposals and engagement photos include:

The front terrace, overlooking the city lights.
The dome, with its dramatic curves and cinematic vibe.
The upper rooftop, where the skyline and sunset collide in magic light.
The lawns and walking paths, perfect for a softer, green setting.

On this day, the weather couldn’t have been better—clear skies, glowing sunset light, and vibrant green grass thanks to the recent regrowth efforts.

The Couple’s Sweet Story (and a Funny Twist!)

Our couple flew in from Georgia to spend a few days exploring LA, and he had a big surprise planned. Or so he thought…

Turns out, she’s sharper than he realized. While he was doing his best to keep the proposal under wraps, a little calendar mishap gave away his secret—he accidentally shared the event on Google Calendar! Needless to say, she had an inkling something was coming, but that didn’t stop the moment from being emotional, funny, and absolutely heartfelt.

The energy between them was incredible. They laughed, teased, and soaked up every second of this once-in-a-lifetime experience. And yes—she said yes (five times, to be exact)!

Romantic Griffith Observatory proposal photos with Hollywood Sign backdrop — Weekday proposal at Griffith Observatory with panoramic LA views

Behind the Scenes: A Photographer’s Perspective

Griffith Observatory is breathtaking, but it comes with its challenges—especially when it comes to timing and logistics. Here’s what made this shoot special:

Golden Hour Magic: The sun sets behind the observatory dome, casting beautiful warm light on the city and hills. We made the most of the soft glow on the east side of the building for balanced lighting.
Crowds & Reception Issues: Even on a weekday, Griffith can be packed. Spotty cell reception meant planning ahead was key—we set a meeting point before go-time.
Flexibility is Everything: The original proposal spot was crowded, so we waited patiently, then shifted to a quieter area for portraits that felt intimate and stress-free.

My favorite part? Capturing their chemistry. They weren’t shy about laughing, holding hands, and just being themselves—which always makes for the most authentic photos.

Tips for Planning a Griffith Observatory Proposal

Thinking about proposing here? Here are a few things to keep in mind:

Choose a Weekday: It’s still busy, but far less hectic than weekends.
Plan Ahead for Parking: Parking can be tricky; consider rideshare or arriving early.
Set a Meeting Point: Cell service is unreliable, so don’t rely on last-minute texts.
Best Time of Day: Golden hour (about an hour before sunset) for the dreamiest light.
Scout the Spots: The front terrace, the dome, and the upper level all offer great backdrops.

Final Thoughts

Griffith Observatory proposals always have that “movie magic” feel, and this one was no exception. Between the sweeping views, the laughter, and that unforgettable “YES,” it was a day that perfectly captured what engagement sessions are all about—love, joy, and a little bit of adventure.