When it comes to planning a proposal, you’re probably overwhelmed. (And boy, am I glad that my own engagement was in my husband’s hands and not mine! Chronic overthinker here lol!) But capturing Rachel and Jordan’s surprise proposal in Glacier National Park got me to thinking about just how overwhelming, exciting, and emotional the engagement process is. So if you’re wanting to give your future spouse (and yourself) the experience, here’s exactly how to plan an epic surprise proposal that will be talked about for generations to come. Let’s get into it!

How to Plan an Epic Surprise Proposal | Montana Elopement and Intimate Wedding Photographer

Discuss Ahead of Time

I don’t mean that you should tell your partner when you’re going to propose. But I definitely think you two should be on the same page. And odds are: you already are. Most couples have had marriage on the horizon to some degree. I want to encourage you to just make sure you’re both thinking the same thing in regards to a timeline. If you’re unsure how to bring up the topic, it can be as simple as just discussing your futures and what you both envision. Go from there!

Chat with the ‘rents

Some couples are old-school, and some couples aren’t. If it’s important to you that your partner asks for your hand in marriage, let them know that ahead of time. Perhaps you don’t view it as asking permission, rather than just showing respect. Whatever the reasoning behind the conversation is, again: make sure you’re on the same page. Maybe there’s a family heirloom engagement ring that your family has stored for you. This a great chance to let your folks know what your plans are and to avoid any “we didn’t even know” kinda drama. (iykyk)

Purchase the Rock

Psst, this actually isn’t for everyone! Some couples choose to have a different symbol to represent their marriage. I encourage you to discuss this early to ensure you’re on the same page in regards to rings! But if you are purchasing an engagement ring, find out ahead of time what your partner envisions. Do they want to be included in the decision? Do they want you to have full creative freedom? Would they prefer if you asked their best friend?

The Nitty Gritty of Planning a Surprise Proposal

This is the best step to enlist some help from your friends or family. There are many factors that go into a proposal – from the when to where to how. Can you remember a time that your partner said, “I’ve always pictured you proposing on the edge of a mountain at sunset”? If your partner has always envisioned their proposal a certain way, you have a great start!

• Enlist the help of your friends/family: Your partner’s bestie has been waiting for you to come to them to help plan your sweet engagement. Maybe your partner wants all of her favorite people there to witness the proposal. On the other hand, maybe they want to have a private moment with a celebration later. Whatever your partner envisions, odds are: their bestie or mama knows. Ask them!
• Find the perfect location: This is one of the most exciting parts of planning your engagement. At the end of the day, you two know what places are meaningful to you as a couple. Dig into your soul and think about where feels most like you two. A favorite coffee shop? A Minnesota Twins Game? Maybe along the beach during a classic sunrise stroll?
• Hire a photographer (and videographer for bonus points): My personal favorite step in the proposal planning process – hiring a photographer to document the moment! The moment flies by in an instant; many couples don’t even remember what was being said after-the-fact. I highly recommend having a photographer to capture your proposal, but also want to encourage you to look into a videographer as well! If a videographer is out of the budget, enlist the help of a friend or discretely set up your phone to record the actual moment; it’s truly invaluable.
  
  **Spoiler alert: book Sydney Breann Photography and Chear Media together for an incredible discount!

Practice What You’ll Say

Ahhh this will be something that will likely become a blur in both of your minds, but I can assure you: your partner has always dreamt of you saying something super sweet when you get down on one knee. With that being said, you know how you speak! Tell your partner how much you love them, how you can’t wait to spend the rest of your life with them, etc. You already know how to win your partner over; lean into that. The cheesier the better 😉

It’s Go Time!

You’ve put in the hard work planning the dream surprise proposal. While there could certainly be more steps on how to plan an epic surprise proposal, I want to encourage you to not rush it or make it overly complicated. At the end of the day, your partner and you are choosing to spend the rest of your lives together. That is what you’re celebrating– the commitment to one another.

Take a deep breath, speak from your heart, and enjoy the moment.

Getting Engaged in Montana? | Montana Engagement Photographer

Look no further, my friend. Whether you’re planning a surprise proposal in Glacier National Park, Big Sky, or Yellowstone National Park, I’m here to document the beginning of your beautiful love story. CONTACT ME HERE and let’s get to planning your epic surprise proposal.

Searching for more wedding and elopement content? BINGE THE BLOG. And of course, keep scrolling to check out Rachel and Jordan’s Glacier National Park surprise proposal. Keep up with me on Instagram to see the latest of my adventures from Montana to Alaska, Texas to Georgia, and everywhere in between. So what do you say, are you ready to wander?