How to Plan a Surprise Proposal with a Hidden Photographer

If you’re reading this, odds are: you’re thinking about proposing to the love of your life. It’s also safe to assume that your honey has hinted (or straight-up told you) about wanting the proposal photographed. From deciding on a photographer to the day you get down on one knee, if you’re curious about how to pull off a surprise proposal with a hidden photographer, look no further.

How to Plan a Surprise Proposal with a Hidden Photographer

an engaged couple cozies up in the snow following their engagement

How to plan a surprise proposal —

Choose the Right Photographer:

While this isn’t a plug for choosing Chuck & Shiloh to document your surprise proposal (although…😉), choosing the right photographer is invaluable. My best piece of advice is to start by finding photographers whose work you love. While you absolutely don’t have to hire them to capture your wedding day, it is really special to connect with your photographer and have them document every moment from the “YES!” to the “I do’s”.

Over the last decade, the Chuck & Shiloh Photo and Film team has had the honor of documenting proposals from Breckenridge, Colorado to Minneapolis, Minnesota. No matter where the proposal takes place, the process remains the same — with the biggest priority being to ease your nerves to give you the confidence you need to pop the question. My process might look different than other photographers, but here’s how it works with Chuck & Shiloh:

The “Proposal Planning” Call — The proposal planning call is when we hash out the initial details. We chat through your vision, the backdrop you want, if you want to include loved ones, etc. This call is where it starts to get real for most folks! They’ve had the idea of proposing on their minds, but once they finally start putting the plan in action, it’s a whole new flood of excitement.
Choose a Location — If you haven’t already decided on the location to get down on one knee, I will make suggestions or even go location scouting to find the perfect spot to fit your vision. Having your photographer location scout is especially helpful if you are unfamiliar with the area, are looking for a certain backdrop, or want a unique place.
Decide on Photographer’s Role — This is one of my favorite elements of helping plan a proposal! I typically suggest two options for how I will fit into your proposal. There’s no right or wrong option, it really just depends on what you prefer.
- Photographer Hides in Plain Sight. Imagine walking down a trail to find a photographer taking landscape images. You snap some selfies with your honey, before saying to the photographer, “Excuse me, would you mind taking a photo for us?” The photographer grabs your phone to “snap a photo”, gets you into position, and then it’s your time to shine! Once you’re about to get down on a knee, your photographer would switch over to their camera to document the proposal. The only “con” to this option is that your partner might get suspicious if you’ve rarely asked a stranger to take a photo for you!
- Photographer Undercover. An undercover or “hidden” photographer is probably what most couples imagine when they picture their proposal being photographed. This is a great option if you think your partner has a hunch that you’re planning to propose! Your proposal photographer will hide in a bush, behind some trees, a little hill, etc. A hidden photographer seems to add another element of surprise after popping the question, which is so fun!

a man prepares to propose to his girlfriend in front of the Minneapolis Spoonbridge and cherry

a woman shows off her new engagement ring following a surprise proposal

Select the Perfect Proposal Location:

Once you choose your proposal photographer, they can help you choose the perfect spot to ask your most important question yet. As I mentioned above, if you don’t have a spot chosen, your photographer can scout on your behalf if that’s the route you choose. But if you’re a DIY kinda person, here are some things to keep in mind when choosing your proposal spot:

Choose a Meaningful Spot — You can’t go wrong with choosing a proposal spot that holds deep meaning in your relationship. Whether it’s your first date spot, your favorite vacation destination, or your backyard, it can make that “spot” mean so much more.
Opt for a Brand-New Destination — One of my personal favorite options when it comes to choosing the perfect proposal location. There’s something so special about visiting someplace new, and making it become a new favorite destination because it’s where you got engaged.
Consider Crowds — It’s not impossible to propose in a popular location/tourist destination, but it can make the entire experience a bit more unpredictable and less intimate. If there’s a backdrop or place you absolutely want to pop the question at, consider surrounding areas that offer more privacy and less uncontrollable factors (like photo-bombers, loud noise, traffic, etc.).

A diamond engagement ring sits atop skis during a surprise proposal in Breckenridge, CO

Consider Your Outfits:

You know your partner. Would they be disappointed to be caught in sweats and a baggy t-shirt during their proposal? Probably. But in that same breath, would you ever suggest for your partner to “dress up”? An easy way to make sure your honey feels confident and excited when you get down on one knee is to take the lead on planning your date. These photos will be cherished for a lifetime! Here’s a few sneaky ways to make sure she’s dressed for the occasion:

Tell her you’re going out for pre-dinner cocktails at a new, fancy place. Who doesn’t want to dress up for cocktails?!
Mention that you love when she wears a certain outfit or that you haven’t seen her wear a certain outfit in a long time.
Enlist an accomplice. If you know your honey would want her nails done, have a friend or her mom get a manicure with her. Or if a friend knows you guys are going on a fun trip/date, have them go shopping for a new outfit!
Set the tone yourself. When you step out dressed to the 9s, she will follow suit.

Extend the Celebration:

After the love of your life says, “YES!”, I personally like to help couples keep the celebration going by taking some engagement photos. It’s hard to beat those raw emotions and excitement when you two are the only people who know you’re engaged (besides your photographer, of course)! Spending about an hour together, capturing those sweet early moments with your new titles of fianceés is just so special. If you want to make the moment even more special, bring some champagne (or have your photographer hook you up)!

Another great idea to extend the celebration is by including loved ones. Whether they are hidden and watch the moment happen themselves, or you meet up for an engagement party later that evening, it’s such a special way to celebrate your love alongside your favorite people.

how to include your family in your engagement

Chuck & Shiloh | Proposal Photography

Consider yourself a pro, my friend. Now that you know how to pull off a surprise proposal with a hidden photographer, it’s time to get the ball rolling! I’d love to document the next chapter of your love story. If you’re ready to chat about the next steps, fill out an inquiry form, and I’ll connect with you! If you’re still searching for more engagement session tips, check out a few resources we’ve put together down below. We’re so glad you’re here.