I’m always on the lookout for locations that offer not just beauty, but also a unique ambiance that gives my clients privacy and diversity for their sessions. When it comes to capturing proposals and engagements, few places compare to Asilomar State Beach in Carmel-by-the-Sea, California. Just last month, I had the honor of capturing Ajay and Poonam's surprise proposal and engagement session at Asilomar! As an SF Bay Area photographer, this nearby coastal destination has become one of my favorite spots for engagement sessions, and here’s why it should be yours too.
The Perfect Backdrop
1. Diverse Backgrounds for Versatility
Asilomar State Beach is a gem on the California coast, offering a rich variety of landscapes that cater to different styles and moods. Whether you’re looking for the classic beach vibe with soft, golden sands and gentle waves, or something more dramatic with rocky cliffs and tide pools, Asilomar delivers. The natural light here is phenomenal, especially during the golden hour, making every shot feel straight out of a dream.
2. Tranquil and Intimate Setting
One of the main reasons I recommend Asilomar State Beach for proposals and engagement photos is its peaceful and intimate atmosphere. Unlike some of the busier beaches in California, Asilomar offers a sense of seclusion that allows couples to feel relaxed and natural in front of the camera. The tidepool and rocky areas have cove after cove to provide the perfect intimate location to pop the question. We practically had the beach to ourselves for the nearly 2 hours we were there!
Why Asilomar is Ideal for Engagement Sessions
1. Gorgeous in Any Weather
Photographers on the California coast will know- Summer sunsets don't always mean warm, sunny golden hour photos. More often than not, your beach day may have some fog or clouds and a chill in the air. The rocky outcrops of Asilomar State Beach combined with teal blue water ensures that photos look gorgeous whether it's sunny or cloudy. Two weekends before the engagement, I visited Asilomar on a magically foggy day. The engagement was mostly cloudy, but we were so lucky to be bathed in the last of the sunset. The images from both the early visit and the actual engagement came out stunning. You really can't go wrong with the weather here!
2. Unbeatable Sunset Views
There’s something truly magical about a sunset at Asilomar State Beach. As the sun dips below the horizon, the sky bursts into a spectrum of warm colors, casting a golden glow over the entire beach. This is prime time for engagement photos, where the natural light enhances the romance and creates a stunning, almost ethereal quality in every shot. I always recommend scheduling your session around sunset to take full advantage of this natural beauty.
3. Proximity to Carmel-by-the-Sea
Another advantage of choosing Asilomar State Beach is its proximity to the charming town of Carmel-by-the-Sea. After your photo session, you can head into town for a celebratory dinner, like Poonam and Ajay did, where their families were waiting to celebrate with them. The town’s picturesque scenery offers additional photo opportunities if your couples feel called to keep shooting, giving you a variety of backdrops within a single session. It’s a perfect blend of natural and cultural beauty that enhances the overall experience.
Photographer’s Tips for a Successful Shoot at Asilomar
Plan Around the Tide: The tide can greatly influence the accessibility and appearance of certain spots on the beach. I always check the tide schedule before a shoot to ensure we can capture the best possible scenes. We had a couple of close calls with the rising tide, though the splashing waves made for the best photos!
Golden Hour is Key: The lighting at Asilomar is most flattering during the golden hour, so I suggest scheduling your session in the late afternoon leading into sunset.
Prepare for Coastal Weather: The weather can be unpredictable, with the possibility of fog or wind. I recommend bringing layers and being flexible with timing to ensure the best conditions for your photos. We stayed an extra half an hour or so since the sunset started to peek through the clouds!
Embrace the Landscape: Don’t be afraid to explore the different areas of the beach. The rocks, tide pools, and even the trails can add variety and texture to your photos. If you aren't worried about getting wet, running around in the waves can bring a playfulness that leads to natural laughter and joy.
Conclusion
Asilomar State Beach in Carmel-by-the-Sea is one of my top recommendations for proposal and engagement photos. Its stunning natural beauty, combined with a serene and intimate setting, makes it an ideal location to have the perfect proposal. Whether you’re looking for a romantic sunset shoot or a more adventurous session among the rocks, Asilomar offers the perfect backdrop to create the most beautiful shots.
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