Yosemite Proposal Photographer
I get it, 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 by your side
Every detail is handled
&
“Dana's photography of the surprise engagement was truly remarkable, capturing both the intimacy and the raw, spontaneous emotions of the moment.”
Lyric &
Austin
years
10
Experience Photographing Couples
50+
Reviews
0
failed proposals
Surprises ruined
Yosemite Sessions Photographed
60
Over
Viral on Tiktok
1.5
million
Views
I did not originally set out to specialize in proposals in Yosemite National Park.
It started with one surprise proposal. A last minute change meant the couple approached from the opposite direction, which meant they would never reach the planned spot and would stop in a different part of the meadow.
I repositioned ahead of time and watched through the trees for their arrival. It was them, in the wrong place, but I reached the new location just before the moment and captured the proposal.
That experience made something clear. Proposals rarely go wrong because of the question. They go wrong when timing, direction, or small changes catch people unprepared.
Since then, I have photographed dozens of surprise proposals throughout Yosemite by planning them so the moment does not depend on perfect conditions. Before the day, you will know where to be, when to arrive, what I will be doing, and how the surprise works, leaving nothing to chance.
Local Yosemite Proposal Photographer & Guide
Hi, I'm Dana
I over-plan so you don't have to
The moments people treasure most are rarely the ones they planned.
They're the moments in between.
The way you look at each other when you think no one's watching. The nervous laugh before you commit to one another. The hand that always finds theirs.
The quiet relief that settles in once you realize this is your day.
I don't want you to remember spending the day taking photographs. I want you to remember actually being in the moment being in Yosemite together.
"I really trusted Dana... when the original proposal spot was taken, she improvised with ease and made me feel supported the whole time."
Lario &
Xochitl
A proposal happens once, and you can't be behind the camera and fully in the moment at the same time. A stranger's phone might miss it, blur it, or give it away before you're ready. Hiring a photographer means someone experienced is already positioned and watching, so you get to actually be there for it. In Yosemite, that also means someone who knows the light, the weather, and the crowds well enough to protect the moment, not just photograph it.
There's no wrong answer here. Some partners already know the session is happening, and only the question itself stays hidden. Others want the full surprise, without a single hint beforehand. Either way, we talk it through on our planning call, so your proposal is built around exactly what the two of you want.
Popular Yosemite viewpoints fill up fast, especially during busy season. But Yosemite isn't too crowded for an intimate proposal. As a general rule, sunrise is almost always more private than sunset, and the farther you hike, the fewer people you'll run into. On many trails, even one mile in is enough to leave the crowds behind.
Is Yosemite too crowded for a private proposal?
Do I need to hire a professional photographer for my proposal?
Should the proposal be a surprise?
What are the best places to propose in Yosemite National Park?
These are just three of my favorites, see the full list of Yosemite proposal spots on the blog
Cook's Meadow Loop
Taft Point
Glacier Point
"We truly could not have asked for a better photographer for our proposal/engagement in Yosemite National Park! Dana was incredibly kind, easy to work with, and made us feel so comfortable in front of the camera."
Katie &
Brendon
Included in every Yosemite proposal package
The Dana Rae Photography experience
Local Yosemite Knowledge
I'm in the park almost every week. That means I know what it looks like, what the crowds are like and I help with all the planning and logistics for your trip.
Clear Guidance & Directions
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 Proposal 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
Back-up Plans
Alternate locations, timing adjustments, and simple pivots already planned so the moment stays seamless if anything shifts.
The Yosemite Proposal Process
04
Planning the proposal
01
Inquire About Your Proposal
Fill out my inquiry form and I’ll be in touch within 48 hours, often sooner.
02
Let's Connect on a Video Call
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.
03
Book your Proposal Photographer
When you're ready a signed contract and 50% non-refundable retainer secure your date.
We will have 1-2 more touch points to go over everything and make sure nothing is left to fate.
05
The Yosemite Proposal of Their Dreams
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 within five weeks, ready to be shared and revisited for years to come.
transparent pricing, no guessing
Yosemite Proposal Photography Packages
The full arc
- Sunrise proposal photography
- Sunset engagement session
- Up to 6 hours of photography across the day
- Sneak peeks within 2 days
- Full gallery within 5 weeks
- Custom location and timeline planning
- Guidance for keeping the proposal a surprise
- Vendor recommendations
- Yosemite planning, logistics, and backup options
what's included:
The full arc - $3950
Sunrise & Sunset Proposal Photography Package
The proposal happens in a moment, but why end the story there? Start at sunrise with the surprise itself, then meet back up at sunset after you have had time to celebrate, change, and let it all sink in. The Full Arc gives you the candid emotion of the proposal and a complete engagement session later that day.
- Up to 3 hours of photography, including hiking time
- Sneak peeks within 2 days
- Full gallery within 5 weeks
- Custom location and timeline planning
- Guidance for keeping the proposal a surprise
- Vendor recommendations
- Yosemite planning, logistics, and backup options
what's included:
The Novella - $2350
my most popular proposal package
3 hour proposal Photography Package
The Novella
This is my most popular collection for a reason. Three hours gives us enough time to photograph the proposal, those first just-engaged moments, and portraits in multiple Yosemite locations without rushing from one part of the experience to the next.
The Short Story
- Up to 2 hours of photography, including hiking time
- Sneak peeks within 2 days
- Full gallery within 5 weeks
- Custom location and timeline planning
- Guidance for keeping the proposal a surprise
- Vendor recommendations
- Yosemite planning, logistics, and backup options
what's included:
The short story - $1850
2 hour proposal Photography Package
Two hours gives us time for the proposal, those first just-engaged moments, and portraits together in one Yosemite area. It keeps the experience simple and focused while still leaving enough room to celebrate, settle in, and enjoy being photographed without rushing through.
Thoughtful Add-Ons
OPTIONAL DETAILS TO PERSONALIZE YOUR PROPOSAL
Heirloom Album
Your proposal photographs, designed into a finished album you can hold, share, and return to long after the trip.
Film adds another layer to your gallery with softer color, visible grain, and the imperfect frames that often become favorites.
Charcuterie, brunch, & bubbly
A picnic prepared and arranged before you arrive, giving you a place to slow down and celebrate after the proposal.
Proposal picnic
35mm film
Includes 2 rolls of 35mm film
Local Florals
"...the prices were quite reasonable given the services provided. Dana’s photographs were worth every penny (and then some)"
David
& Anna
Find Real Yosemite Proposals, Helpful Information, & more on the blog
7 Tips & Tricks for the perfect yosemite Proposal
What is the Best time of the day to propose in Yosemite National Park?
Yosemite Proposal Spots Best places to propose
Your Yosemite photographer search is over
Elopements starting at $4000
Inquire with Dana Rae
I can't wait to hear more about you two and what you're planning. After you inquire, expect to receive a personal response from me within 48 hours.
I can't wait to connect
Proposals & Engagements starting at $1850
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
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