Yosemite Proposal Photographer
you don't have to do it alone
You’re about to ask the most important question of your life
You’re not here because you need a pretty spot.
You’re here because you don’t want to mess this up.
Yosemite is big, unpredictable, and there are no re-dos.
I help you plan every detail ahead of time so when the moment comes, you’re calm, confident, and fully present.
With me as your
Yosemite proposal photographer
Every detail is handled
I did not set out to become a Yosemite proposal photographer.
It started with one surprise proposal. After a last-minute change, I realized the couple might go a different direction and ran to make it in time as they dropped to one knee.
I told myself I would never do it again. You only get one chance. But the inquiries kept coming, and I realized the stress was not the proposal itself. It was the lack of planning behind it.
Since then, I have photographed dozens of surprise proposals throughout Yosemite by helping plan the proposal in advance, so you know exactly where to be, when to arrive, and what to expect before the moment happens.
I guide the planning quietly behind the scenes, even including back-up plans so the proposal feels calm, natural, and unforgettable.
local Yosemite proposal Photographer & Guide
Hi, I'm Dana
I over-plan
so you don't have to
The only surprise should be theirs
Yosemite is where I said "Yes"
Hey, it's me!
I eloped in Yosemite!
I understand what this place represents, not just how it looks. I’ve photographed dozens of proposals throughout Yosemite and planned my own wedding here as well. I know the awe of this place and the logistics that matter, timing, crowds, access, and planning something deeply personal in a public space.
That experience shapes how I plan and guide every proposal.
“We could not have hoped for someone better than Dana to be there for one of the most important days of our lives.”
Jackie &
Maureen
How I keep your Yosemite Proposal a surprise
Before the day arrives, we’ll decide together what plan makes the most sense for you and your partner, so the moment feels natural and unfolds exactly how you imagined.
Sometimes your partner knows about the photoshoot. Sometimes you’ll ask me to take a quick cellphone photo and that’s the moment you propose. And other times… well, other times I’m hiding in the bushes with the wildlife.
And I wouldn't change it for the world.
Here’s the thing , it isn’t always a surprise, and that’s okay
“Dana's photography of the surprise engagement was truly remarkable, capturing both the intimacy and the raw, spontaneous emotions of the moment.”
Lyric &
Austin
Personalized Planning Assistance
You don’t have to choose a location or timing on your own. We plan everything together so you know exactly how the proposal will unfold before you arrive.
Step-by-Step Guidance
I guide you through the entire proposal, from how the surprise works to where to stand and what to do in the moment, so nothing feels awkward or uncertain.
Surprise Strategy
A clear plan for where I’ll be positioned, how the moment unfolds, and how we keep the proposal a surprise from start to finish.
Sneak Peeks Within 2 Days
Because I don't like waiting either
The Dana Rae Photography experience
included in every yosemite proposal package
Back-up Plans
Alternate locations, timing adjustments, and simple pivots already planned so the moment stays seamless if anything shifts.
“I truly had no idea she was there during the proposal (as she hid in the bushes), yet she managed to capture the most incredible, intimate moments so seamlessly.”
Tia &
Jack
The Proposal Process...
Guided planning
inquire
Fill out my inquiry form and I’ll be in touch within 48 hours, often sooner.
01
Let's connect
We’ll hop on a complimentary call to talk about your perfect Yosemite proposal. We’ll cover how to keep the surprise, locations and timing, and go over packages so you feel confident moving forward.
02
Make it
official
When you're ready a signed contract and 50% non-refundable retainer secure your date.
03
We will have 1-2 more touch points to go over everything and make sure nothing is left to fate.
04
05
The proposal they've been dreaming of
This is where everything comes together. The views, the emotion, the quiet moments. I’ll be there discreetly to capture it all while you stay fully present.
06
happily ever after
You’ll receive sneak peeks within two days so you can relive it all right away. Your full gallery will follow in three to four weeks, ready to be shared and revisited for years to come.
"I was initially somewhat skeptical because of the price-tag, but came to realize the prices were quite reasonable given the services provided. Dana’s photographs were worth every penny (and then some)"
David
& Anna
Yosemite Proposal Packages & Pricing
- up to 2 hours of photography coverage
- A curated gallery of at least 70 images
- Sneak Peek in 2 days
- Expert knowledge and guidance
- No travel fees within Yosemite
what's included:
The Moment
Collection
$1850
- up to 3 hours of photography coverage
- A curated gallery of at least 120 images
- Sneak Peek in 2 days
- Expert knowledge and guidance
- Includes 35mm film roll, up to 1 roll
- No travel fees within Yosemite
The Chapter
Collection
$2350
- Sunrise and sunset coverage, planned across the day
- A curated gallery of at least 300 images
- Sneak Peek in 2 days
- Expert knowledge and guidance
- Includes 35mm film rolls, up to 2 rolls
- No travel fees within Yosemite
what's included:
what's included:
$3450
The Storybook Collection
Sunrise & Sunset
I'll guide you every step of the way
You don't have to do this alone
thoughtful add-on's
intentionally chosen details to elevate your experience
Heirloom Album
A tangible way to relive the moment long after the day has passed designed to last.
8" layflat album with 20 pages
A tactile, nostalgic layer that feels as real as the moment itself.
Charcuterie, brunch, & bubbly
Thoughtfully prepared, set up and ready before you arrive
picnic set-up
35mm film
Includes 2 rolls of 35mm film
when you want to
step it up a notch
Floral set-up
Custom floral proposal set up
Read more reviews on Google →
Happily Ever after
Kind words from past couples about their Yosemite Proposal Photography Experience
“My boyfriend coordinated with her for a surprise engagement proposal photo shoot in Yosemite National Park, … I truly had no idea she was there during the proposal (as she hid in the bushes), yet she managed to capture the most incredible, intimate moments so seamlessly. … Even though I had just met her after the proposal, she was incredibly friendly, warm, and made us feel comfortable right away.”
- Tia & Jack
"(Dana) took time to figure out what things were important to us and then helped to plan a perfect location, along with a back-up plan. She was easy to get in touch with and thought of every little detail...
Dana made us feel comfortable in front of the camera and was able to capture the moment perfectly! She really went above and beyond and I would choose her again in a heartbeat."
- Sydney & Haley
"Dana was absolutely amazing! From the very beginning, she used her deep knowledge of Yosemite to help us choose the most iconic and breathtaking spots for our photos. On the day of the shoot, she made everything feel effortless—suggesting natural poses, guiding us with ease, and creating such a fun, relaxed atmosphere. The entire experience was seamless, and the photos turned out better than we could have imagined."
- Devon & Tiffany
I’m so excited you’re here! Whether you’re planning a full wedding, an intimate elopement, or just looking for beautiful portraits, I can’t wait to hear more about your story and help bring your vision to life.
Let's connect
Weddings starting at $4000
Elopements starting at $4000
Proposals starting at $1850
I would love to
guide you through
your dream day
