After capturing many surprise proposals at Terranea Resort, we’ve learned a few key things that can make or break the moment. Here are our top tips:

1. Timing is Everything: Plan Around the Best Lighting

Terranea’s stunning cliffs and ocean views look best when the lighting is soft and golden. Here’s what we recommend:

✔ Plan to start at least 30-45 minutes before sunset. This gives us the best natural light for dreamy photos.
✔ Avoid midday, when the lighting is harsh and the resort is busiest.
✔ In winter months, the sun sets early (around 5 PM), so proposals should happen earlier in the afternoon.

2. Pick the Right Proposal Spot

Terranea has several gorgeous proposal locations, each with its own vibe. Some of our favorites include:

📍 The Clifftop Trail – Perfect for a quiet, scenic proposal with panoramic ocean views.
📍 The Beach Cove – A secluded little beach below the resort. It’s romantic but can be crowded, especially on weekends.
📍 The Ocean Lawn – A beautiful grassy area with a direct view of the sunset. It’s ideal if you’re including family or friends.

👉 Pro Tip: If privacy is a concern, booking a bungalow with an ocean-view patio can be a great alternative!

3. Plan a Believable Cover Story

Keeping the proposal a surprise is key! If your partner is even a little suspicious, they might start putting the pieces together. Here are some cover story ideas that have worked well:

✔ Plan a romantic dinner at one of Terranea’s restaurants and propose beforehand.
✔ Tell them you’re doing a “couple’s photoshoot”—a great excuse to dress up and get beautiful engagement photos.
✔ Pretend you’re just going for a casual walk to enjoy the view, then surprise them with the big moment.

4. Work with a Professional Photographer & Videographer

A proposal happens so fast, and you’ll want every second documented. Here’s what we’ve learned from capturing proposals at Terranea:

✔ Coordinate with the family. Large groups can be tricky, so we make sure everyone knows where to stand and when to celebrate.
✔ Capture reactions. The best moments aren’t just the proposal itself—it’s the tears, hugs, and excitement afterward.

5. Be Prepared for Crowds & Weather Changes

Terranea is a popular resort, so there are always people around. In Paul & Isabel’s case, the resort was extra crowded due to evacuees from the recent Cal fire, which meant adjusting our angles to avoid distractions.

✔ Weekdays are best for a quieter setting.
✔ Cloudy days = dreamy lighting! Overcast skies soften harsh shadows and make skin tones look amazing.
✔ Have a backup location in case your first-choice spot is occupied.