Love, Mist, and Redwood | Surprise Proposal and Engagement in Muir Woods

"The clearest way into the Universe is through a forest wilderness."

John Muir

Our first photo session of 2025 was nothing short of magical, as we kicked off the year with a surprise proposal and intimate engagement shoot at the breathtaking Muir Woods National Monument.

Nature lovers and California enthusiasts are no strangers to Muir Woods's mystical charm. A place known for its towering redwood trees, serene atmosphere, and enchanting trails, it's also the perfect backdrop for a proposal. Muir Woods is a spot of great sentimental value to many, including S, the groom-to-be, who chose this stunning location for its beauty and its deep connection to his love of the outdoors. As a passionate nature enthusiast, the groom felt that Muir Woods was the perfect place to pop the question—and I couldn’t agree more.

However, as with any popular shooting location, Muir Woods has its own set of challenges for a photographer. Located just north of San Francisco, this picturesque state park can be muddy and slippery, with thick tree cover that occasionally obstructs shots. Parking requires advance permits, and perhaps most significantly, Muir Woods is a cell service dead zone, making a surprise proposal even more tricky to coordinate!

Planning ahead is key to a successful surprise proposal under these circumstances. Prior to the shoot, I scheduled several detailed planning calls with S to ensure everything went smoothly. Together, we mapped out an hour-by-hour timeline for the day, including a same-day scouting session, and made sure there was enough time for the actual proposal and engagement photos before sunset. S had a sweet plan to hide a beautiful bouquet of flowers behind a fallen log where he planned to propose -- if you're looking to utilize props in your proposal, a same-day scouting mission may be necessary depending on your location.

S and I parted ways after Operation Bouquet. I, of course, stayed hidden in the trees for the next two hours (yes, really!) while S met his fiancée-to-be for a coffee and an "impromptu" hike through the woods. Eventually, I spotted the couple make their way to the fallen log, and the rest is history! There’s nothing quite like the joy of photographing a couple when one person is genuinely, and so joyfully, surprised. As a photographer, witnessing—and freezing—that pure moment of happiness is incredibly special.

This proposal shoot in Muir Woods will always hold a special place in my heart. If you're considering a surprise proposal or engagement shoot in a beautiful natural setting like Muir Woods, I would love to help you capture the moment of a lifetime!

Things to remember:

• There is absolutely no cell service, nor wifi, in the park. Download offline maps on your phone, grab an extra paper map when entering, and for a proposal, be crystal clear on final location.
• In the winter months especially, frequent rain and damp results in mud, so have an extra pair of shoes and a solid plan for how to get your significant other to dress appropriately without ruining the surprise (we can help with this!)
• Parking permits need to be reserved in advance to park in the official lot of the park; additional parking is available, but requires more of a walk. Parking permits do sell out so advance planning is essential. There is a separate entry fee per person. All permits and entry fees are included in our elopement and proposal packages!