Sunrise Surprise Proposal at Delicate Arch: Photographing a Magical Moment in Arches National Park
ESTIMATED READ TIME: 8 MINUTES
Planning a surprise proposal in Arches National Park is truly an adventure. It involves timing, hiking, patience, and a little bit of Moab magic. As a Utah engagement and proposal photographer, I’ve captured surprise proposals all across the state, from Zion to Bryce Canyon to hidden Wasatch peaks. And let me tell you: Delicate Arch at sunrise? It’s an absolute showstopper.
Recently, I photographed a beautiful sunrise proposal at Delicate Arch for a couple traveling all the way from Texas. They granted me limited permission to share (images with unrecognizable faces or detail shots only), so while I won’t show their full identities, the story of this morning is too sweet not to share.
Planning the Perfect Arches National Park Proposal
A few months before the big day, my client reached out to me with a plan: he wanted to propose at Delicate Arch, one of the most iconic landmarks in Utah. It’s a popular choice for a reason because there’s nothing quite like watching the sandstone glow under the rising sun.
He mentioned one special request: His girlfriend had braces and wondered if I could remove them in the final photos. Absolutely, that’s no problem at all, and something I’m happy to do for clients upon request.
To make sure everything went smoothly, my husband and I drove to Moab the night before so we’d be ready for the early morning hike. Anytime I can have someone tag along on these sessions, it helps me blend in even better until it’s proposal time.
Engagement Session
Starting at $225
- Session typically lasts 60 minutes
- 50+ edited images
- $100 non-refundable deposit to book
- Remainder due the day before the session
- Travel fees applicable if 35+ miles from West Jordan
- Discounted rate available if adding on to wedding package
Hiking to Delicate Arch at Sunrise
We arrived at the trailhead about 45 minutes before sunrise, but… we forgot our headlamps! I did a full facepalm because we are two avid hikers who always carry headlamps somehow left them behind. So we hiked in with phone flashlights, laughing at ourselves on our way. It was about 35 degrees, so the uphill climb was actually a blessing as we warmed up quickly.
When we reached the arch, around 20–30 people were already gathered. Totally normal because sunrise at Delicate Arch draws an early-morning crowd almost year-round.
While we waited, I took some landscape and detail photos of the morning glow across the sandstone.
The Proposal Moment
I had told my client that he could propose whenever it felt right and I’d adapt instantly. With terrain that curves into a steep sandstone bowl, photographers can’t run to multiple angles, so I stay mobile, discreet, and ready.
He asked a fellow visitor to take a phone photo of them under the arch — perfect timing. The moment the couple stepped into position, I slipped from my hiding spot and began approaching, snapping frames as I moved.
He dropped to one knee. She covered her face, already crying. The bystander taking their phone photo gasped loudly. Bystanders clapped and cheered. She said yes! More tears. More smiles. More joy.
I introduced myself as she wiped her eyes, and we grabbed a few quick photos under the arch before stepping aside for other visitors because respecting shared spaces is incredibly important in national parks.
An Unexpected Second Proposal
Just as we stepped aside… someone else proposed! My husband filled me in on the full story afterward:
The second couple had their friend take phone photos, but the friend accidentally zoomed too much and captured only a close-up of someone’s backside for the entire proposal. The poor guy lamented that he should have hired a professional.
This happens more often than people think! If you’re planning a proposal in a national park, let this be your sign: Hire the photographer. These are once-in-a-lifetime moments.
And if someone else proposes at the same spot? It’s okay. It will become a funny line in your proposal story. I once photographed a proposal at the top of Angel’s Landing and someone else behind me dropped to a knee at the same time as my client. I was shoulder-to-shoulder with another photographer capturing the moment! Many couples get engaged in National Parks every day because it’s the perfect spot to pop the big question!
The Posed Photos
After the fun and excitement settled, we moved to a slightly higher vantage point where the arch framed beautifully behind them. I always carefully choose safe spots, and I never ask couples to go anywhere I’m not also willing to stand. Safety first, always.
As we worked through some of my favorite poses, we laughed about:
- Her fake nail popping off the night before
- How her braces were coming off in ten days
- How perfect the morning turned out despite the cold and their missed alarm clock
And yes, I removed the braces from the final images so her smile looked exactly how she envisioned.
A few days after delivering the gallery, I received a sweet message in my email, which is my favorite part of every session.
Hi Karisa! I saw the photos and they came out AMAZING. Thank you so much!!
EMAIL FROM CLIENT AFTER GALLERY DELIVERY
Planning a Surprise Proposal at Delicate Arch? Here’s What You Need to Know
If you’re dreaming of proposing in Arches National Park, keep these essentials in mind:
1. Timed Entry System
Arches requires timed entry reservations in peak season (typically April–October). For sunrise proposals, you’ll need to arrive before the system starts or secure a reservation. I remind all my couples of this.
2. Expect a Crowd (Even at Sunrise)
Delicate Arch is famous worldwide. Sunrise doesn’t guarantee privacy, but it does guarantee beautiful light. Consider going during non-peak season for even less people.
3. Be Prepared for the Hike
The 1.5-mile hike is steep and fully exposed. Bring water, study shoes, weather appropriate clothing, and a snack to enjoy at the top.
4. Limited Photographer Angles
Delicate Arch sits inside a natural sandstone bowl. This means that even though this is the perfect location, angles are limited and your photographer will capture every emotion from the safest vantage point. Even with these limits, reactions, and storytelling always shine.
5. Respect Other Visitors
National parks are shared spaces. Patience and kindness go a long way, especially during highly emotional moments of your special day.
6. Safety During Posed Photos
No shot is worth risking your body. I only take couples to places I also stand and ensure you feel confident, stable, and safe the entire time.
Ready to Plan Your Arches National Park Proposal?
Photographing surprise proposals is truly one of my favorite parts of being an engagement photographer. I adore every second of the nerves, the joy, and the planning. I’m based near Salt Lake City, Utah, but I travel all across the state (and beyond!) for proposals and engagement sessions.
Whether you’re dreaming of Delicate Arch, Bryce Canyon, Zion, Moab, Capitol Reef, or a hidden Wasatch overlook: I’d love to help you plan it. Let’s make your proposal unforgettable. Reach out today to start planning your surprise proposal in Arches National Park.
