Devin, Bri, and two of their friends traveled to Oregon to spend a few days exploring the coastline. Devin knew he wanted to surprise Bri with a proposal, and reached out to me for recommendations. Together, we picked the perfect location for him to “pop the question.” I’m obsessed with taking engagement photos at the Oregon Coast – we’ve got rocks, sandy expanses, rolling grass hills, jaw-dropping views…anything you can think of for a backdrop. I have a growing list of favorite locations over here. We eventually landed on the beach right below the Heceta Head Lighthouse near Florence, Oregon.
Orchestrating a surprise proposal
First: I’ve helped several couples put together an amazing surprise, so please reach out if you don’t know where to start! You don’t need to have the perfect plan in mind before inquiring. Second: I take the surprise element of your proposal very seriously. I have a short video that shows one of the ways I “blend in” so your partner isn’t tipped off. But really, how we maintain the secret depends on the location and your goals for your proposal.
What should you wear?
If you know your partner would want to look nice for photos, but you don’t want to give away the proposal, there are a few things you can do. I’ve had some partners make nice dinner reservations and suggest a short walk on the beach first. I’ve had others suggest taking some iPhone photos for holiday cards while they’re out. You could also disguise our shoot as a couples shoot, without letting your partner know you’ll be proposing in the middle.
Depending on the location and time of year for your engagement photos, I may have other suggestions about footwear, outerwear, etc.
Why take engagement photos at the Oregon Coast?
One of the biggest perks of choosing to do your engagement photos on the Oregon Coast is the sheer variety. You can have beach photos with the ocean stretching out behind you, forest shots with towering pines and ferns, or even incorporate some charming coastal towns into the background. For those who enjoy more adventurous photos, consider hiking up to viewpoints like Cape Kiwanda or Hug Point to add some elevation and stunning views.
Low tides can reveal interesting features like tide pools or sandy stretches that make for playful, intimate shots. Meanwhile, sunsets on the Oregon Coast can be breathtaking. As the sun dips into the Pacific, the skies explode with color, casting a golden glow on the beach. This light creates an ethereal, romantic atmosphere—perfect for capturing those intimate moments with your partner.
I have a list of all of my favorite Oregon Coast engagement photo spots – each one tailored to your personality and Pinterest board.
You ready to do schedule your proposal, engagement or elopement photos? Let’s talk!
