The Montage is a distinctive hotel and sanctuary in Laguna Beach that offers a beautiful beach just below it that boasts the most impressive ocean views. It provided an outstanding destination for this fun, loving, and passionate Laguna Beach proposal for Eliseo and Hannah.

I have to say, as a photographer with plenty of proposal experience, I just love working with couples like Eliseo and Hannah who are so deeply passionate, distracted, and engulfed in their love story to the point where they struggle to keep their eyes and hands off of one another. It was great getting to capture these moments between Eliseo and Hannah’s Laguna Beach proposal.

The Story Of This Romantic Laguna Beach Proposal

The location was a real gem for this Laguna Beach proposal. I have captured countless engagements, proposals, and weddings on beaches like this one, and this romantic Laguna Beach proposal was another delightful addition. 

One of the shots that defined this Laguna Beach proposal for me was when Eliseo picked Hannah up. Her whole face lit up with what might’ve been the biggest smile of her life.

I often have to take a step back to reflect on occasions like these. It’s easy to get lost in taking pictures at beautiful locations with great people, but it’s worthwhile to stop and reflect on how incredible it is I get to help those people tell their stories. It’s fulfilling knowing my work will help them relive these moments and strengthen their bond for years to come.

With that in mind, I worked with Eliseo and Hannah to tell their Laguna Beach proposal story. We started above the location for the proposal, then quickly moved down so Eliseo could propose. Afterward, it was fun getting to take a stroll with them along the beach. We took several photos of them walking hand-in-hand and in each other’s arms. The sun provided a lovely golden glow to the whole affair, and we ended the shoot with some shots of them walking across the beach as the water slipped over their feet.

Where to Propose in Laguna Beach

We get asked about proposal spots in Laguna all the time, so here’s our short list. We’ve photographed a proposal at every one of these, and we know how the light and the crowds behave at each.

The beach below the Montage

This is where Eliseo proposed. A ramp leads down from the resort to Treasure Island Beach, with rock arches and sea caves at low tide. We recommend going an hour before sunset. It’s the classic Laguna proposal for a reason, and Jared and Avery’s engagement session shows what the caves look like when the light comes through.

Crescent Bay Point Park

A bluff top park in North Laguna with benches, gardens, and the whole coastline below. Quiet on weekdays, and there’s room for a setup. Ron proposed to Sydney here with a floral heart and a neon sign, then we walked down to the beach for portraits.

Monarch Beach

Private, and only reachable if you’re staying at the Waldorf Astoria. That’s the appeal. Chris proposed to Rachael here with the beach to themselves, and their families ran down the sand afterward.

Surf & Sand’s private beach

Hotel guests only, so no crowds and no onlookers. It’s where we did Max and Taylor’s mini session right after he proposed, and where Ron and Sydney came back for their engagement and wedding.

A secluded cliff above Treasure Island

For couples who want no one around, not even a visible photographer. Noam proposed to Sharon here after we scouted the spot, with a picnic on the cliffs and Chris shooting from across the rocks.

Treasure Island near Pearl Street at golden hour

Brandon planned to propose at the Pearl Street arch, found it occupied, and moved down the sand. The Valentine’s Day proposal ended up in a quieter spot with the cove to themselves. Have a backup, and go on a weekday if you can.

Planning A Proposal Of Your Own?

Romantic proposals and engagement shoots like these always get me excited. I love taking all sorts of photos for these events, which is one of the main reasons I love what I do. What’s great is getting to go back to locations I’ve been to with new couples. I get to share my experience with them on which spots would make the best shots, plus what times of day too. I want my clients to be happy with my work, so I’m always willing to discuss things and see where we land. 

If you’re planning a Laguna Beach proposal or engagement shoot and are looking for an experienced photographer who knows a thing or two about the area, I’d love to hear from you. Let me know your ideas, and we’ll start talking about how to best make them happen. I have to admit, although I love to travel all over the country (and the world), Laguna Beach is one of my favorite places when it comes to wedding photography, especially proposals and engagements. So, let me know!