An Unforgettable Proposal at Angels Landing: Rafael and Vanessa’s Epic Moment
ESTIMATED READ TIME: 7 MINUTES
Proposals come in all forms, from sweet and simple to bold and adventurous. Rafael’s secret proposal atop Angels Landing in Zion National Park beautifully blended both. Traveling all the way from Miami, he carefully orchestrated every detail to craft an unforgettable moment for his now fiancée.
Planning the Big Moment
Rafael reached out to me months ahead, determined to make his dream proposal a reality. But there was a hurdle—the Angels Landing permit lottery had already closed! While he and his girlfriend had both secured two permits, they weren’t transferable. That meant I had to enter the day-before permit lottery, adding a whole new layer of uncertainty to the planning.
We didn’t leave anything to chance. Together, we brainstormed multiple backup options in case I couldn’t secure a permit through the lottery. There were emails, texts, and a lot of back-and-forth as we mapped out every possible scenario. When the day-before lottery results came in, I was thrilled to secure a permit! With the original plan back on track, everything fell into place seamlessly. Rafael’s enthusiasm was contagious, and I couldn’t wait to capture the moment he’d been dreaming of.
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The Morning of the Proposal
To keep the surprise intact while making it easy to find each other on the trail, we exchanged photos of our backpacks and outfits ahead of time. My excitement was through the roof as I walked toward the shuttle, and I couldn’t help but grin when I spotted Rafael stepping out of his car. We exchanged a quick, sneaky wave while Vanessa grabbed her last few items. Just like that, everything was set in motion!
On the shuttle, I sat two row back from the happy couple, doing my best to stay undercover. When we reached the trailhead, the anticipation only grew. I started my climb, pausing occasionally to soak in the stunning scenery and snap some landscape shots—though I couldn’t resist capturing a few stealthy photos of them as they made their way up the switchbacks. The energy was electric, and I knew this was going to be unforgettable!
The Ascent to Angels Landing
I led the way for most of the hike, but as we approached the first chain section, I stepped aside and let them pass. I seized the chance to capture a few landscape shots but couldn’t resist turning the moment into an opportunity to take candid photos of them from behind. Rafael appeared calm and composed, though his excitement was unmistakable. Vanessa, blissfully unaware of what was coming, was fully immersed in the stunning views, thinking this was just another one of their epic adventures.
As we reached the final chain section before the summit, I seized my chance and moved ahead of them to set up for the moment. My heart was racing—this was it!
The Proposal at Angels Landing
At the summit, Rafael’s plan was to ask me to take a picture with his camera, giving me the perfect excuse to switch to my own camera and capture the proposal. But then—an unexpected twist! Another hiker asked if they wanted a picture and offered to take one in return. Rafael shot me a look like, “Oh no!” but stayed cool, smiling for the photo before walking away.
A few minutes later, he pulled out his camera, motioned to me, and asked if I could take a photo. That was my cue. As I raised my camera, Rafael dropped to one knee.
Vanessa was shocked! Her hands flew to her face, and she let out the happiest giggles. The emotions were raw, real, and so incredibly joyful. She kept looking between Rafael and the ring, barely able to believe what was happening.
And to make the moment even more surreal—right behind me, another couple had a surprise proposal at the exact same time! Their photographer and I were practically shoulder to shoulder, capturing two life-changing proposals simultaneously.
Celebrating at the Summit
Once the initial shock wore off, Vanessa realized just how much planning had gone into this. “Wait—you hired a photographer?!” she asked, her excitement bubbling over.
I introduced myself properly and let her know just how thrilled Rafael had been to pull off the perfect surprise. We spent some time exploring different angles at the summit, capturing the joy and love between them. I also made sure they had a phone photo ready for their immediate “OMG WE’RE ENGAGED!” social media post.
As they continued to soak in the moment, I gave them a final congratulations, told them to enjoy the view, and to take their time getting down. Then, I began my own descent, taking in the crisp March air along the way!
KARISA Thank you! You really helped be a part of something so special. We’re going to hold on to these memories dearly in which you were a part of! You are AWESOME. God bless you!!
RAFAEL S.
Tips for Planning a Surprise Proposal in Zion National Park
Inspired by this epic proposal? Here are some key takeaways for planning your own:
1. Secure Your Permits Early
Zion National Park requires permits for Angels Landing. Plan ahead and enter the seasonal lottery, or try your luck with the day-before lottery.
2. Have a Backup Plan
Just like Rafael, always have a Plan B! National parks can be unpredictable, so having an alternative perfect location ensures the proposal still goes smoothly.
3. Hire a Photographer Familiar with the Park
Utah’s national and state parks hold a special place in my heart. I’ve hiked countless trails across the state, soaking in their breathtaking landscapes and unique beauty. My love for these parks runs deep, and it’s why I’m so passionate about photographing proposals in these stunning settings.
In fact, my own proposal took place at the top of Angel’s Landing, making it a truly unforgettable experience. With years of navigating these trails and prepping flawless logistics, I’ve mastered the art of helping couples pull off magical surprise proposals.
Read about my own surprise proposal at Angel’s Landing on the blog!
4. Plan for Timing and Crowds
Mornings provide a softer, more romantic light, creating the perfect ambiance for a proposal. They also tend to be quieter, with fewer crowds, allowing for a more intimate moment.
5. Pack Smart
Wear appropriate hiking gear, pack plenty of water, and be ready for shifting weather conditions. During this hike, the weather was brisk and windy. Everyone started out bundled up in long pants, jackets, hats, and gloves. However, as the descent began and the sun warmed the switchbacks, layers were quickly shed.
6. Keep It a Surprise
Work with your photographer to find discreet ways to stay hidden until the perfect moment! I wore a bright orange hat so Rafael could easily spot me on the trail, but to his now-fiancée, I was just another hiker taking in the scenery.
Ready to Capture Your Dream Proposal?
Proposing in a national park is an adventure you’ll cherish forever! If you’re thinking about popping the question in Zion National Park—or anywhere across Utah—you’ve chosen one of the most stunning backdrops nature has to offer. I’m here to help you capture every magical moment of this once-in-a-lifetime experience. From the breathtaking scenery to the raw emotion of the big moment, let’s make it unforgettable together.
Not sure how to pull it all off? Don’t worry. I specialize in surprise proposals and know how to blend into the scenery while making sure every angle is perfect. Whether it’s finding the perfect spot, timing the golden hour lighting, or helping you stay calm with nerves, I’ve got you covered. With my background in capturing candid, emotional pictures, you can trust that your proposal photos will be as epic as your love story.
Let’s create something incredible! Book your surprise proposal session today, and let me help you plan and document this monumental chapter of your journey. I’d be forever grateful to be part of your story before the wedding day!
