Connecticut Engagement and Surprise Proposal Photographer
Candid proposal photography and the best locations in CT
Looking for the best places to get engaged in Connecticut? Thinking about having your proposal captured professionally? CT offers endless possibilities and photography spots when it comes to getting down on one knee to propose.
Table of contents:
Why hire a photographer for your proposal?
How to plan a proposal with a photographer
Why hire a photographer for your proposal
Memories, memories, memories! This moment will be one of the bigger ones of your life and it will go by super fast. Having professional photos done ensures that you and your partner will not only remember the actual moment forever but everything around it as well. The cry, the smiles, the hugs, the kisses, and the storytelling details and decorations of your proposal. I always capture the entire story, which includes all the moments around your proposal, in addition to portraits and close-up ring shots afterward.
Multiple uses out of your photos. They’ll be perfect for your albums, and you can post them on your social media channel(s) of choice. You can also totally use them for invites, and save-the-date cards down the road. #weddingplanninghack
You’ll also get that epic ring shot. I can say without a doubt, that everyone will want to see the ring once they know you’re engaged. This is likely to be very important to your partner, so having a perfectly lit professional photo of the ring guarantees you’ll not have to worry about that.
Your family and friends can feel like they were there. Your partner’s parents and yours are probably going to appreciate seeing the photos, especially if they are out of state and can’t celebrate with you. Sharing the images will likely to score some points with your future in-laws too!
Get some experience in front of the camera. Engagement and wedding photos will be just around the corner. Having your portraits done professionally following your proposal will help you feel much more comfortable later on which always results in better and more natural photos.
How to plan a proposal with a photographer
Planning a proposal can be a lot, there are so many things to consider, especially if you want everything to run super smoothly and the moment to be perfectly documented. Typically, I offer two ways to capture your proposal.
Completely candid
Immediately after your booking, we’ll set up a strategy call to discuss all the details, decide on a location, and make a bulletproof plan. On the day of your proposal, I will be completely available for a phone call or text, and will arrive early to set up, do light tests and capture your proposal in secret from a reasonable distance. This plan works best in locations with a known meeting point where no mix-up is possible.
A photoshoot that turns into a proposal
You tell your partner that you’ve booked a photographer for that date (or any excuse for a photoshoot*) that you have been planning and about 10 minutes into the photo session, you get on one knee and propose! This way works really well in more remote areas or if you’d like more privacy. The photos from this plan will be more intimate and in the moment than in the first one as I will be closer to you two.
*Here are more excuses for photoshoots
Find empty space in your house and say you want a photo of you to hang there
Tell them you want to start making relationship photo yearbooks and this shoot will be the start of it
Holiday cards are the perfect excuse for a shoot.
You can gift them (or yourself) a shoot as a birthday present, or any type of present.
If it’s your dating anniversary, a photo shoot is ideal. Also, super romantic to propose on that day.
Include your family or families, and disguise it as a family photo shoot. Say your parents are organizing it.
FEW MORE TIPS BEFORE WE DIVE INTO THE BEST PLACES TO PROPOSE IN Connecticut
Try to book a manicure for your partner the day before, and have friends or family be in on it to make it less suspicious. All to make sure everything is sparkling and spotless in the ring shots.
Keep your pockets empty during the photo shoot and proposal. Leave your phone in the car or ask me to hold on to your stuff during your shoot if possible. Your photos will look slightly better with no rectangular phone or wallet outline on your pants.
Prepare and practice what you are going to say. Even if you don’t plan on giving a long speech. Knowing what you are going to say and what words you are going to use will only make you feel better, less stressed, and more confident.
Stay on your knee a little bit longer than you feel is normal. I will first capture you two from a 90-degree angle and then move to get your partner’s reaction by photographing over your shoulder. (see the example photos below)
Generally speaking, the best place to keep the ring on the day of is the pocket inside of your jacket. If you’re not wearing a jacket, check out the Box Sock — dress socks with a hidden pocket, they even have a perfectly sized ring box.
Where to propose in Connecticut
Lighthouse point, New Haven
First on the list is Lighthouse Point in New Haven. This place is quintessentially Connecticut — ocean views, Long Island Sound, and yeah, a beautiful lighthouse to be the backdrop of your candid proposal photos.
Kent Falls State Park, Kent
The waterfalls are arguably the biggest attraction here. But there’s plenty of amazing natural beauty to be found elsewhere in the park. It can get very crowded on weekends so this might be a spot reserved for a weekday or a Saturday sunrise proposal.
Harkness Memorial State Park, Waterford
With an amazing garden and beach access, Harkness Memorial State Park is a great option to get a variety of pictures from your proposal. Propose in the gardens and then get portraits after on the beach or vice versa!
Mystic River Park, Mystic
Mystic is one of the top destinations in the state, so there’s no wonder it’s on this list of proposal locations. Get down on one knee on the boardwalk and then hop around the downtown area for more iconic photo opportunities.
Gillette Castle State Park, East Haddam
With insane views over the Connecticut river, Gillette Castle State Park is a wonderful spot for a surprise proposal. Ask your partner to marry you with the views or bring the one the iconic stone bridge! Just like with some of the other locations on this list. This one might be a better fit for a weekend sunrise or a weekday proposal.
Yale University, New Haven
Yale is of course one of the most known places in Connecticut. The Ivy League campus has stunning architecture and you can pair your proposal with a walk around downtown New Haven! If you two met at Yale, this is such a romantic location! It is worth mentioning that Yale is a private institution so some areas require a permit for photography.
Downtown Hartford
From one downtown area to the next! Downtown Hartford has so many locations within walking (or a short drive) distance. Bushnell Park, the state capitol, the Wadsworth Museum, just to name a few.
Talcott Mountain State Park, Simsbury
This spot is for the folks who like to hike and be outdoors. Talcott Mountain near Simsbury has one of the best overlooks in Connecticut along with miles of easy to moderate hiking trails. There are a few dog friendly options on this list and Talcott is definitely one of them!
Wickham Park, Manchester
Wickham Park in Manchester is a great spot in early fall. When the leaves have just started turning and the botanical garden in the park is still in bloom. It just doesn’t get much better than that! Wickham Park is a great option for Hartford folks who want to get out of the city but still be super close to home.
East Rock, New Haven
You might have noticed a theme with this list. Overlooks, oceanfronts, and epic park locations. Here’s the last one, and it’s the best city overlook in the state, right over New Haven. Pop the question looking over the city and then head down for more photos!
what to wear for your proposal
You’ll definitely want to dress up at least a little bit for the occasion. But as this is a surprise, your partner will be dressing up for what they think is an occasion as well. The time of year and your location also play a big part in your what you should consider wearing.
Formal attire
For men, this is a well-fitted dark suit with a tie and dress shoes. For women, it is looser but longer gowns and heels definitely fit well. Formal attire is generally appropriate for upscale restaurants, balls, and galas, for example.
Semi-formal attire
For men, this might be a buttoned jacket, shirt, dress pants, and dress shoes. For women, cocktail dresses are perfect. Semi-formal attire is great for summer events, outdoor parties, gallery openings, and more. For many of the locations on the list above, a semi-formal outfit might be the right choice.
Casual
This is not necessarily your everyday t-shirt casual. For men, this could be dark blue or black jeans and a button down shirt with no tie — and for women, a summer dress or a jumpsuit, for example.
A quick note on colors. Think about the location and what colors are mostly seen there. You’ll definitely want to stand out in the environment and not blend completely in. If you are considering an outdoor proposal in fall, opt for navy blue, light gray, and you can totally wear some blacks too. Do also consider coordinating your outfit with your partner, don’t try to match completely like little baby twins, but complement each other. If they wear a lot of black outfits, maybe consider getting a fresh pair of black jeans and pair it with a colored shirt.
Connecticut Proposal Package
My package goes beyond just capturing your proposal, it is $550 and includes
One or two strategy calls to plan your proposal perfectly
Advice and tips on locations, dates, and times to maximize your experience and get the best light for your photos
I’ll take care of any necessary permits and/or photography fees on your behalf. It will be added to the final invoice.
And put you in contact with planners, coordinators, decorators, and florists in Connecticut
Up to an hour-long photo session on your day. Your proposal is captured, then followed by portraits and ring shots
Sneak previews delivered as soon as possible for those who want to announce their engagement on social media
Full gallery delivered within 2 weeks
Access to my gallery store for customized framed prints, cards, albums, and more. Perfect for the save-the-dates 😉
