Montreal Surprise Proposal Photographer
Photographing surprise proposals in Montreal is something that’s a little challenging but also very, very exciting. I’ve taken photos in the best proposal places in Montreal, and being discreet but also ready for the big moment is not always an easy thing to achieve. Usually, one person has asked me to shoot the proposal, and their partner will have no idea I’m there. I’ll document everything from the couple enjoying a walk together, probably in one of Montreal’s many picturesque and romantic locations, to that super-important moment where they ask the big question.
Surprise Marriage Proposal Montreal
A proposal is one of life’s most significant occasions, and having that documented by a photographer will capture the moment forever. Imagine looking back at these photos with your kids, friends or family in years to come. Many couples will also have the images on display at the wedding.
Of course, the last thing I want to do is interfere with such a private event. We’ll chat before the day to discuss the perfect location at the perfect time of day so that we can be somewhere amazing but without too many other people around. Mont-Royal at sunrise is particularly amazing, but not everyone wants to be up that early. But there are plenty of great places in Montreal for a surprise proposal. I’ve listed just a few below.
The Most Romantic Places To Get Engaged In Montreal
1. THE CHALET DU MONT ROYAL AND KONDIARONK BELVEDERE
The Kondiaronk Belvedere, aka Mont-Royal viewing deck, is a very popular & romantic spot in the city. And for good reason. The twinkling lights of downtown Montreal, the vast expanse of the evening sky – it’s like a scene from a romantic comedy. It’s also the most popular location for popping the question. It works really well for me, too, as there are plenty of places to hide. Nobody would find it unusual for somebody to be walking around there with a camera so it’s perfect for capturing a surprise proposal without raising any suspicions.
2. THE OLD PORT
The Old Port will always be high on the list for couples looking for photos. Whether you decide to pop the question at the docks or kneel on the cobblestones right in the middle of Jaques Cartier Square, it will always make for beautiful photos.
3. WESTMOUNT CONSERVATORY & GREENHOUSE
The Westmount Conservatory is a bright, lush location, perfect as the backdrop for your proposal. It’s secluded and temperate, and guarantees you won’t have any last-minute problems due to the weather.
4. PARC DE DIEPPE
What could be more romantic than being by the water with a fantastic view of the Montreal skyline? Parc de Dieppe makes for really great photos at any time but throw in a proposal and that’s when the magic happens.
5. MOUNT ROYAL TRAIL
If you like the thought of proposing on the mountain but want to avoid the crowds, then the trail on Mount Royal could be exactly the place to make your move. There is natural beauty all around and more than enough places for me to hide to capture the moment you ask your partner to marry you!
6. BOTANICAL GARDEN
Montreal’s Botanical Garden offers so many beautiful locations to pop the question, from the Japanese Garden to more secluded but equally picturesque areas away from the crowds. In summer, you’ll have to pay an admission fee, but it’s totally worth that little expense.
Check out this surprise proposal at Montreal Botanical Garden.
7. WHEREVER YOU WANT TO!
At the end of the day, you know your future fiancee better than anybody, so choosing the perfect location for a surprise proposal needs to feel personal and well-suited to you as a couple. So whether it’s your favourite coffee shop, a mural on St-Laurent or the exact place you first met, if it has significance to you, it will be perfect to document the moment when your lives move to the next chapter.
Once the moment has passed and your partner has said YES! we can spend time doing a portrait session with you as a newly engaged couple. As a photographer, being a witness to a surprise proposal is such an honour and something I feel humbled to be asked to do. So, if you’re thinking of popping the question sometime soon, I’d love to hear from you.
Prices
An hour-long shoot is CA$650 + tx. Extra hours are just $250. All edited photos are included in the price.
Planning the perfect surprise wedding proposal requires a mix of creativity, deep understanding of your partner, and meticulous attention to detail. Start by reflecting on what makes your relationship unique. Is there a place that holds special significance, like where you had your first date or shared a meaningful moment? Choosing a location with personal importance can make the proposal more intimate and memorable. Whether it’s a cozy spot at home, a scenic outdoor venue, or a destination your partner has always dreamed of visiting, the setting should resonate with your relationship’s story.
Timing is equally crucial. Think about when your partner is most likely to be in a relaxed and joyful state of mind. This could be during a favourite time of year, at sunset, or after an accomplishment they’ve been working towards. The element of surprise doesn’t mean the proposal has to be out of the blue; it can still be unexpected while aligning with a moment that feels right for both of you.
Adding personal touches to the proposal is where your creativity can shine. Consider incorporating elements that reflect your partner’s interests or your shared experiences. Whether it’s a heartfelt speech, a favourite song playing in the background, or a subtle nod to an inside joke, these details will make the proposal feel uniquely yours. Don’t forget about the ring presentation—whether you choose a classic approach or something more whimsical, it should be true to your partner’s style.
When planning the perfect surprise wedding proposal, what you say in the moment is just as important as the setting or timing. While spontaneity can be charming, it’s essential to have a well-thought-out plan for your words. Start by crafting a natural and heartfelt introduction that ties your proposal to a significant moment in your relationship. Reflect on your journey together, recalling shared experiences that have led you to this moment.
As you transition to the proposal itself, express why you want to spend your life with this person. Share what makes your partner special, focusing on the qualities you cherish most. This is your chance to speak from the heart, so allow your emotions to guide you. To build up to the big moment, let the conversation flow naturally, responding to your partner’s words and feelings as they arise.
Finally, when it’s time to pop the question, make sure to explicitly mention marriage. Whether you choose to ask a traditional question or phrase it more creatively, including some form of “marry” is crucial. This is the moment where all your planning comes together, so let your sincerity shine through. Writing down your thoughts ahead of time can help ensure you convey your feelings clearly and confidently, making the proposal an unforgettable experience.
Finally, capturing the moment is key. Whether you hire a professional photographer to discreetly document the event or set up a clever DIY method to record it, having photos or video to look back on will make the memory even sweeter. Planning a surprise wedding proposal with these elements in mind ensures that the moment is not only unforgettable but also deeply personal and meaningful.
One Response
Looking to do a surprise proposal for my girlfriend, not familiar with the country but have some ideas on where it can take place!