Catalina Island Surprise Proposal & Engagement | Stephanie & Peter

Catalina Island • Los Angeles • California

Stephanie Ip Photography

Posted on August 24, 2024

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📍 Catalina Island, California
📆 August 24th 2024 ☀️ Sunset 7:31pm
🌡️ Clear sky weather
🎬 Start time at 6:30pm

Stephanie & Peter’s Story + Everything You Should Know Before Proposing

If you’re thinking about proposing on Catalina Island, let me just say: it’s such a good idea.

It’s romantic, it’s scenic, and it really does feel like a little getaway — without leaving Southern California. But as someone who’s photographed a bunch of surprise proposals here, I can tell you: planning it right makes all the difference.

So I’m going to walk you through one of my favorite proposals — Stephanie & Peter’s — and break down exactly what to keep in mind if you’re dreaming of doing something like this for your partner.

Romantic surprise proposal on Catalina Island at sunset, captured by Catalina Island proposal photographer.

Planning a Catalina Island Proposal? Everything You Need to Know from a Proposal Photographer

Catalina Island • Los Angeles • California

Stephanie Ip Photography

May 15

Stephanie & Peter’s Proposal: A Real, Heartfelt Moment

This all took place in a late summer. Still tourist season. Still crowded. But Peter? He was on top of it.

He planned this entire thing out himself: a day trip to Catalina with his girlfriend Stephanie, who had no idea what was coming. He coordinated with her two best friends, who secretly came along to set up a picnic and hide out near the proposal spot. When he reached out to us, he already had the vision — he just needed someone to document it and help it come to life.

Honestly, Peter made our job easy. He did the research, had a solid plan, and just needed a team who could help bring it all together.

The location? A scenic overlook in Avalon — probably one of the best spots on the island, with sweeping views of the harbor. We’d helped scout it out ahead of time and coordinated with the friends on timing. It was a bit of a hike — there’s a long staircase down — but the view was absolutely worth it.

And then… the moment.

Stephanie came down the stairs with her eyes closed — completely trusting Peter to guide her. When she opened them and saw the setup, the view, the picnic, the whole thing — she just froze.

Her face, her body language… it was that split-second of total shock, followed by all the emotion pouring in.

And then? She hears cheering from the bushes. She’s like, “Wait… who’s in the bushes?!” Her friends pop out from behind the trees, and the joy on her face — it was everything.

Sometimes people kind of expect it… but Stephanie? She was floored. And that made it even more beautiful to capture.

Thinking of Proposing on Catalina? Here’s What You Should Know

Planning a proposal on Catalina is different from planning one in LA. You’re dealing with ferries, timing, logistics — and if you want any kind of setup, you’ve got to think a few steps ahead.

So let’s walk through what I always share with my couples when they start dreaming this up:

1. The Ferry Schedule Is Non-Negotiable

There are three main ports you can depart from:

Long Beach (about 1 hour)
San Pedro (about 1.5 hours)
Dana Point (also around 1.5 hours, but fewer departures)

You’ll want to build in buffer time — like, at least 2–4 hours ahead of your proposal start. Trust me, you do not want to be rushing from the ferry trying to pull off a surprise.

We actually got to the island four hours early, grabbed lunch, and scouted our location before heading to the spot. It made everything way more relaxed.

If you miss your ferry, that’s it. You’re either scrambling or staying overnight. Just plan ahead.

Catalina Island Surprise Proposal & Engagement | Stephanie & Peter

2. Setup Isn’t Just ‘Bring a Picnic’

If you’re envisioning something styled — like florals, a charcuterie board, maybe a cute blanket and champagne — that’s great! But know this:

Ferries limit what you can bring (size, weight, etc.)
There’s rental car access, unless you’ve pre-arranged golf carts, plan to walk or be ready to take taxi everywhere.
Everything has to be carried to the site, which might include stairs or a bit of a hike

You don’t want to realize last minute that you can’t bring that giant balloon arch on the ferry.

3. Sunset Is Golden (Literally)

Most people want sunset lighting — and Catalina delivers. The light on the cliffs and over Avalon is chef’s kiss. But again, that means your ferry timing, setup, and scouting all have to align.

We always recommend going early and making a whole day of it. Catalina’s fun! Walk around, grab lunch, enjoy the day. Then slip into the proposal plan seamlessly.

Let’s Talk Budget (Because It’s Not Just the Photos)

Catalina isn’t the cheapest place to pull off a proposal — especially if you want a setup, are bringing people in, or are staying overnight.

Costs to factor in:

Ferry tickets (roundtrip for everyone)
Food/lodging
Golf cart or taxi if you’re not walking
Setup costs (picnic decor, florals, etc.)
Photographer/videographer coverage

And if you want a more private experience, there are wedding venues on the island that allow you to rent out time slots for proposals. It’s a bigger investment, but you get guaranteed privacy and stunning backdrops.

Even simple setups can be magical — what matters most is the story you’re creating together.