Planning a secret marriage proposal for your future bride can be a lot of fun! When you enlist the help of a photographer, this becomes what is known as a paparazzi proposal. Guys, this IS A THING! If you’re planning on asking her to marry you, make it unforgettable! Make it romantic! Plan, preparation and execution are key! Here are a list of tips to ensure your secret proposal goes off without a hitch.

close up of a woman's hand with an engagement ring on a man's arm during a secret marriage proposal by San Antonio TX Wedding Photographer Tammy Blalock, Ata-Girl Photography Co.

Tips for the Best Secret Proposal

  • You better be good at keeping secrets (and telling white lies).
  • Tell as few people as you can get away with. The less people who know about your plans, the less likely the surprise is going to be ruined.
  • Plan a romantic way to ask or romantic things to say. Speak from your heart.
  • Pick a spot that has significance to your relationship.
  • Be traditional, get down on a knee when you ask.
  • Invite both of your families to participate.
  • Without being obvious, try to coordinate your clothing to hers. If she dresses fancy, dress fancy. If she dresses casual, dress casual. Be safe and keep your clothes in the same color family as hers. If she wears a neutral color (ie. white, black, beige), choose a color that contrasts with that.
  • Incorporate music and choose a meaningful song. If a band, DJ or overhead speakers aren’t available, simply playing something on your phone will have impact.
  • If you’ve asked her parents for their blessing (which is proper and chivalrous), share a photo of that day with her. Let her share in that moment as well.
  • Scout the location and choose an exact spot. Mark it with an X if you have to. Make sure she faces the photographer. Have a good idea how big the crowd might be and know what the light will look like.
  • Propose early in the evening and keep the surprises coming. Don’t stop with the proposal and DIAMOND! Plan a romantic date, surprise spa visit or secret getaway. That way, she get’s to wear (and admire) the ring all night!
a photographer hiding behind a bush secretly shooting a marriage proposal happening without one of the person's knowledge by San Antonio TX Wedding Photographer Tammy Blalock, Ata-Girl Photography Co.
  • Document this moment. Hire a professional photographer (with a long lens). Maybe you’re lucky and she’s mentioned the wedding photographer she will one day want to have capture her special day.
  • Hire a photographer who utilizes a second shooter to ensure multiple angles are captured. A second shooter is key to get additional angles and coverage should someone step in front of the action.
  • Create communication signals that indicate (1) you are good to go/on schedule, (2) it’s time to come out of hiding and (3) Heaven forbid, abort the mission.
  • Hire the photographer for an engagement session directly after the proposal to capture all the new joy, happiness and emotion.
  • Lastly, make sure you’re girlfriend is up to a public proposal. If she doesn’t enjoy being the center of attention, select a place that is low key and is less likely to be crowded. Don’t be that guy who mortifies his girlfriend on the jumbatron only to have her shake her head “no” and run away.

Of course, if you’re not ready to start with the proposal, you could always start with a gift.

The post, Planning a Secret Marriage Proposal, first appeared on Ata-Girl Photography Co.’s website and blog. Please feel free to comment here, or share this post with your friends via Facebook, Twitter or Pinterest. Please email me if you have any questions about this article or want to share a neat idea for a future blog post with me.