We've always dreamed of photographing a sailboat session, so when Sean reached out about his surprise proposal to Ari, we were all in. He planned every detail perfectly—timing the sail for golden hour, picking out the perfect outfit for Ari, and even bringing along a bottle of champagne to celebrate. The setting couldn’t have been more magical, with the soft ocean breeze, warm sunset glow, and nothing but the open water around us! This sailboat proposal was a dream.

A Sunset To remember | a sailboat proposal in santa barbara

On our sail out, we were greeted by seals playfully fighting over a buoy and dolphins swimming alongside us! It felt like something straight out of a movie! We snapped a few photos of the two of them just enjoying the moment before Sean got down on one knee. Beth captured the moment on digital while Kenzie shot on film, and Ari’s reaction was everything—pure happiness, total shock, and so much love. It was one of those sessions that just felt effortless and full of emotion.

Tips for Planning a Dreamy Sailboat Proposal in Santa Barbara:

Choose a sunset sail: The lighting is soft and romantic, and the golden hour glow reflecting off the ocean creates stunning backdrops for your photos. Most charters offer sunset-specific packages—worth it.

Let your photographer in on the plan: Whether you want the moment fully documented or prefer a more low-key vibe, looping in your photographer ahead of time ensures they can capture the moment perfectly, without giving anything away.

Prep your partner (subtly): Give them a reason to dress up a little—say it’s a “special dinner” or “anniversary shoot.” That way, they’ll feel good and photo-ready without suspecting anything.

Pick the right sailboat: Some boats are built for romance (think cozy seating, open deck space, quiet vibes). Look for a private charter with a captain who’s open to helping you time the proposal moment just right.

Keep it simple + personal: The ocean is already doing the heavy lifting. You don’t need elaborate setups—a heartfelt speech and a beautiful ring are more than enough when paired with the waves and the sunset.

Bring a little celebration onboard: Whether it’s a chilled bottle of champagne, a playlist of your favorite songs, or just a quiet moment together after the proposal—plan something small to savor the moment.

Bethany Joy Photography | Santa Barbara Wedding and Couples Photographer

If you're thinking about proposing and want it to be as special as this one, let's make it happen! Whether it’s on a sailboat at sunset, in the mountains, or somewhere that’s meaningful to you, we’ll help you plan a proposal that feels just right. Reach out, and let’s start dreaming up something unforgettable!