How to Capture the Perfect Marriage Proposal in Puerto Rico

Sunset beach proposal in Puerto Rico — the perfect golden hour moment.

As a wedding and proposal photographer in Puerto Rico, I’ve had the honor of documenting more than 30 marriage proposals in the past nine months alone. Each proposal is unique, but the goal remains the same: to capture the moment authentically, beautifully, and without stress. Whether it’s a surprise proposal on the beach or an elaborate setup with decorations, my job is to make sure everything is seamless from start to finish.

Step 1: The First Connection

A romantic kneel on the sand with the Caribbean waves as a backdrop.

When I receive an inquiry through my website, the very first step is to set up a virtual meeting. Most of my clients live outside Puerto Rico — in the U.S., South America, or Europe — so this call is crucial. It’s not just about logistics; it’s about breaking the ice, putting a face to the name, and building trust before we dive into the details.

During this call, I ask questions like “Where did you meet?” or “How long have you been dating?” These may sound simple, but they allow me to create a tailor-made experience. More importantly, they help my clients feel valued, appreciated, and heard. Proposals can be nerve-wracking, and it’s my responsibility to ease that tension from the start.

Step 2: Crafting a Customized Proposal Quote

She said yes! Pure joy captured during a surprise proposal in San Juan.

Once I have all the details, I prepare a customized proposal quote that includes everything they need — and nothing they don’t. I deliver this within 48 hours because I know the anticipation is already high.

My most popular offerings include coverage of the proposal itself followed by an engagement session. I also offer video services, as many couples love to share their big news with family and friends on social media. More often than not, clients select hybrid photo and video coverage for the best of both worlds.

Step 3: Securing the Date

Intimate proposal setup with champagne and a private beach view.

Once the couple selects their preferred package, the next step is to secure the date. I quickly send over a personalized packet of literature, which includes the contract and invoice. A 50% retainer serves both as a deposit and as a retainer — once received, the date is locked exclusively for them. This is important because marriage proposals require precise timing, and my commitment to only one couple per day ensures that they receive my full attention.

Securing the date also allows me to begin any advance preparation, whether that’s scouting locations, checking weather conditions, or coordinating with decorators and planners if needed. Affluent couples who want a luxury experience appreciate the peace of mind that comes with knowing their proposal is already prioritized on my calendar. The earlier we finalize, the more we can refine the logistics without feeling rushed.

Step 4: Planning the Logistics

A quiet oceanfront corner, chosen for privacy and breathtaking views.

As the proposal date approaches, we hop on another virtual call or phone meeting to finalize logistics. The location is key, and in Puerto Rico, beaches are often the top choice. Together, we find a spot that’s intimate, scenic, and not overcrowded during golden hour. This ensures privacy and avoids distractions in the background of the photos.

For surprise proposals, I also work with clients to create a subtle “non-verbal cue.” This might be taking off sunglasses, rubbing a beard, or another small gesture to let me know the exact moment they’re about to drop down on one knee.

Step 5: Capturing the Big Moment

Engagement portraits by the water after the big “yes.”

When the moment arrives, I use a long telephoto lens to keep a respectful distance while still capturing the raw emotion of the proposal. Once the question is asked and answered, I step in to introduce myself and meet the other half of the couple. After giving them a few minutes to soak it in, I begin the engagement session.

Step 6: The Engagement Session

Dramatic sunset flash photography for unforgettable proposal portraits.

Every couple has a different vibe — some are fun and adventurous, while others prefer a quieter, more intimate approach. My job is to adapt to their personalities so the session feels natural rather than forced. I often start with candid portraits of them enjoying the aftermath of the proposal: admiring the ring, FaceTiming loved ones, or savoring a champagne toast.

From there, we ease into more creative portraits. Many couples love the opportunity to take advantage of Puerto Rico’s natural beauty, so I often incorporate the ocean, palm trees, or dramatic rock formations. Getting their feet in the sand or water makes the photos timeless and tied to the island’s essence. I also like to experiment with compositions, giving my couples a mix of classic portraits and editorial-inspired imagery.

Finally, I save the most epic shots for sunset. Flash photography during golden hour allows me to create striking, cinematic portraits with vibrant skies and glowing colors. These images often become their favorites — the exclamation point to their story.

Step 7: Editing & Delivery

Luxury proposal photography in Puerto Rico — capturing the beginning of forever.

The very next day, I back up all images and begin the editing process while the magic is still fresh. Backing up immediately ensures their memories are safe — because when it comes to once-in-a-lifetime moments, you can never be too careful. I like to start editing right away because the energy and emotion of the day inspire how I approach each image.

Depending on the package, couples may receive a 24–48 hour turnaround, perfect for announcing their engagement quickly. Having their gallery ready so soon allows them to share the excitement with family and friends almost immediately. Affluent couples especially value this speed, as they often want their announcement to be just as polished as the moment itself.

I carefully curate each gallery so that it tells the complete story — from the anticipation, to the proposal itself, to the celebration afterward. My editing style balances authenticity with artistry, creating timeless images that will look as beautiful 20 years from now as they do today. Delivering the gallery is not the end of the process; it’s the beginning of how my couples relive their proposal over and over again.

Step 8: Beyond the Proposal

Emotional reaction during a luxury marriage proposal in Puerto Rico.

As a token of gratitude, I extend a special offer to couples who hire me again for their wedding: I waive all travel fees. By the time the wedding comes around, they already have a photographer who knows their story, understands their preferences, and has built a natural rapport with them. This makes a huge difference on wedding day.

Final Thoughts

Engagement portraits by the water after the big “yes.”

For me, shooting proposals in Puerto Rico is both an art and a science. I’ve refined my approach to make it stress-free, personalized, and unforgettable for every couple. Whether it’s a surprise beach proposal or a styled celebration with décor, my mission is to preserve this milestone in a way that feels authentic and timeless.

If you’re planning to propose in Puerto Rico and want to make sure every detail is captured flawlessly, I’d be honored to help you tell your story.

Angela & Nick: A Surprise Marriage Proposal in Vieques, Puerto Rico

Punta Arenas Beach, Vieques, Puerto Rico

     As a destination wedding photographer in Puerto Rico, I’ve captured countless love stories, but this one took me somewhere entirely new—Vieques, a small island municipality off the east coast of Puerto Rico. It was actually my first time visiting, and the reason for doing so was because Nick, a gentleman from Virginia, reached out to me wanting to propose to his longtime girlfriend, Angela.

     Nick contacted me via my website and we hit it off from the start. He stated that they matched on Hinge just over a year ago and met for dinner the very next night. They both felt it—one of those rare “this is my person” moments—before the appetizers even arrived. Since that first date, everything has been equal parts effortless and magical, from spontaneous road trips to quiet Sunday breakfasts.

The preface

     Nick was adamant about proposing outside of the mainland, so this meant booking flights, renting a Jeep, and possibly staying overnight at an Airbnb. After logistics were taken care of on my end, I let Nick know and we were off to the races.

     As I arrive to Isla Grande Airport, Angela and Nick sit down in front of me at the gate and I had to contain my laughter because he was literally not supposed to be there; humorously, I later find out he missed his first flight out, thus forcing him to catch the next one. As if that wasn't funny enough, all three of us were the only passengers in the same flight to Vieques.

The magical moment

     Nick tried to make small talk with me during the flight and asked questions as if we didn't know who we were because we couldn't blow our cover in front of Angela.

     When we arrived at the airport in Vieques, I see Nick heading to the bathroom and I use it as an opportunity for a quick, covert conversation in private. As we're both washing our hands, I take a few minutes to give him a refresher course of what's going to happen later that afternoon at Punta Arenas Beach, the venue Nick had set his sights on.

Sweet bliss

     Defusing the anxiety bomb in my client's chest is always a great thing to do because it's a very nerve-racking moment for your proposers. I also take advantage of the moment to tell Nick I'll be checking into Hix Island House, my chosen Airbnb spot, renting a Jeep Wrangler at Avis Rent-A-Car, and heading to Punta Arenas early so that I can scout the best locations on the beach.

     As fate would have it, we took a courtesy car to the car rental location and fine-tuned the details. We'd be seeing each other again in a matter of six hours or so, therefore I grabbed snacks at the nearby supermarket and went to check-in at my Airbnb destination.

The sandy knee

     I was told by the car rental place that Punta Arenas is infamous for mosquitoes and gnats during Golden Hour, so I made sure to buy some insect repellant; after showering at my Airbnb, I lathered myself in two coats so that flying insects would not be a distraction throughout our event. Little did I know this would prove to be futile.

     I get to Punta Arenas Beach in Vieques at least an hour before our scheduled marriage proposal in Puerto Rico. I kindly ask Nick if he's alone so that I can FaceTime him and show him the two areas within his preferred beach that we can shoot in. After contemplating both for a few minutes, we decide on a more secluded part of the beach where only a couple could be seen embracing in the water and enjoying each other's company.

Wholesome

     I interrupted them to tell them I was a destination wedding photographer in Puerto Rico who would shortly be documenting a surprise marriage proposal, and they became quite excited. I had an ulterior motive as well: since Nick had requested a video clip of the actual proposal, I needed a place to hide my tripod and camera discreetly so that Angela didn't suspect a thing if she were to see it out of the corner of her eye.

     I asked the couple if I could set the rig between their two beach chairs with one of their towels over it, and they were nice enough to allow it.

Two peas in a black and white pod

     Shot number one was in place. The second vantage point was my new GoPro Hero 13 Black strapped to my left shoulder as a POV/behind-the-scenes angle. Nothing beats being able to see an event through my eyes, and there's no better way to experience it than to have your photographer document the process as it happens from his/her eyes.

     Finally, my Canon R6 Mark II had my RF 100mm IS L USM lens on it so that I could be discreet from a distance and take that ever-so-important shot of the preface of the couple as well as Nick down on one knee.

Majestic

     As the moment arrived, I was in position making sure that I wasn't blocking the static shot from the other camera recording video. Angela was over the moon and gave Nick a resounding yes. I know this not only because of her reaction, but because I strategically placed flowers with a microphone hidden in the stems to capture audio as best as I could.

     After a minute or so of allowing the couple to wipe their tears and fix their hair, I approached Angela and Nick and she couldn't believe it! She blurted out: "OMG, it's YOU!" referring to having seen me throughout the course of the day and hiding in plain sight. All three of us got a laugh, and I proceeded to fill Angela in on what had transpired in secret in order for all of this to happen. Her jaw was on the floor in terms of logistics that needed to take place, and Nick and I high-fived each other to seal the deal on an epic adventure.

Golden Hour at Punta Arenas Beach in Vieques, Puerto Rico

     Since we were burning daylight, we took advantage of the gorgeous Golden Hour to enjoy an engagement photoshoot with what sun we had left. This is the part where the gnats and mosquitoes started to play a role. Since I was breathing heavy and sweaty from all of the running around, I was an easy target and they definitely didn't let me off the hook. I constantly had around ten of them in my face the entire time and made it very difficult to get shots in; my couple wasn't having too much fun either. As much as I hate to admit this: I must’ve inhaled about five gnats and washed them down with some Pellegrino mineral water shortly thereafter. 

     Angela and Nick could barely hold still for more than three seconds before having to swat bugs from their face and bodies. We made it happen nonetheless, and I even whipped out some flash photography towards the end, but things became so miserable that we mutually agreed to end the session because it became unbearable to be there. We were forewarned about the insect situation, but when the client knows what they want, it's my goal as a destination wedding photographer in Puerto Rico to oblige.

Perfection personified

    A few days later, I sent Angela and Nick their pictures along with their lightly edited video, and they're over the moon. My first time in Vieques, Puerto Rico was an absolute success, and I cannot wait to go back!

     Planning your own Puerto Rico proposal or engagement session? Whether it's Vieques, Old San Juan, or a hidden beach spot, I’d love to help bring your vision to life.

     Contact me today and let's make it happen.