Arizona Engagement and Proposal photography in Phoenix, Sedona, Scottsdale, and Payson
Fun in the Arizona sun - get Proposal and Engagement Session ideas!
Real Clients, Real Moments
by David Orr Photography
As you begin to plan out your proposal and think about all of the elements that need to come together just right, you may start to feel anxiety and stress creeping in to rain on your parade. But it doesn’t have to be that way! We have helped a lot of clients plan their proposals, and there is one element they all share in common that made them ultra successful; they intentionally planned for FUN!
Having fun from start to finish will certainly transform your proposal into a story to remember, and most importantly, fun will make your experience far more stress-free!
Not sure how to add fun to your romantic proposal plan? Keep reading…
Scroll to read how our clients added unique, fun and romantic elements to their proposal and engagement plans while enjoying the many splendors that Arizona has to offer, with me and my camera nearby, ready to capture these amazing moments as they happened!
Plan a tour to a new destination!
Sean surprised Erin with a Page Springs Cellars proposal and a photo session in Sedona.
What is a special place you have always wanted to visit with your partner? This could be a vineyard, lavender farm, historic estate or hotel, or even a ghost town! Now that you have decided on a special place, why not book a tour? A tour can take you behind the scenes, allowing you to experience the place like an insider.
Sean booked a private guided tour of the winery at Page Springs Cellars, which included an informative walk around the vineyard grounds and a wine tasting flight. Following the walk, Sean and Erin were treated to an amazing spread of charcuterie and a bottle of their favorite wine in the Crow’s Nest, an elevated outdoor picnic area overlooking the vines.
My favorite fun things about this Sedona proposal photo session:
After the vineyard tour and proposal, we made the short 20-minute drive to the beautiful red rocks of Sedona! The panoramic views, cool breezes, and gorgeous scenery were the perfect place for an afternoon walk and romantic portrait session.
For another look, Sean and Erin changed into more relaxed outfits for our second portrait session. Days before the proposal, Sean asked Erin’s friend for help ahead of time to arrange taking Erin to a manicure spa, that way closeups of the ring on her hand would be picture perfect!
Following the Sedona photo session, Sean had booked a special dinner reservation for him and his new fiancée!
Tip: Tours can be very popular and get overbooked during peak season. Try to book your tour during the off-season and avoid holidays like spring break and Memorial Day.
For a more intimate experience, book a private venue.
Lawrence did this by planning his proposal at the Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Montelucia.
Want a venue where you can be more romantic, and propose without an audience of watching strangers? Try a resort. Many resorts have smaller, private event spaces—patios, gardens, lawns, and courtyards—that can be reserved just for a proposal.
Lawrence booked the Chef’s Kitchen at the Omni, which gave him access to a private courtyard (and indoor kitchen) backed by stunning views of Camelback Mountain and palm trees. Because the venue was private, Lawrence was able to add extra romantic touches including fresh red roses, rose petals, candles, and a chilled bottle of champagne.
My favorite fun things about photographing a proposal at Omni Scottsdale Resort and Spa at Montelucia:
When you set foot on the grounds of the Omni Scottsdale Montelucia, you instantly feel transported to southern Spain by the beautiful architecture, splashing fountains and pools, and towering palm trees.
Lawrence arranged to have two of Amanda’s best friends waiting nearby to congratulate them after the surprise proposal.
The Omni Scottsdale Montelucia has many amenities on site within a short walk, including pools, fitness centers, a spa, bars, and fine dining.
Tip: Keep in mind that resorts require you to book through their event coordinator, and pay an additional fee; don’t expect to just walk on to the property and propose.
The resort fee for a proposal typically averages a few thousand dollars, much less than a full wedding or event, but still significant.
Why not make it a party! Invite your closest family and friends to hide out nearby, and cater some food and beverages. Your partner will be super surprised to see and celebrate with them all after the proposal!
Find an elevated view.
For his proposal to Bea, Thai wanted a special rooftop view of the city, and found it at Floor 13 at the Hilton Garden Inn.
Most of us spend our lives at ground level, but we are always seeking a chance to see the world from a higher perspective. Seeing things from an elevated view creates a feeling of euphoria, and also gives us the chance to detach from the chaos of everyday life, which sets the perfect tone for a proposal! Not sure where to go to find the perfect bird’s eye view? There are a number of restaurants, hotels, and resorts that offer elevated views of the surrounding city.
Thai chose the Floor 13 Rooftop at the Hilton Garden Inn in downtown Phoenix for his epic proposal to Bea. The private rooftop patio provided special views of the surrounding city skyline and towering skyscrapers with windows that mirrored the sky. Thai arranged to have his family arrive early to clear furniture from the outdoor patio, decorate it with rose petals, and set up a hidden speaker to play their favorite song.
My favorite fun things about this Phoenix rooftop proposal at Floor 13 of the Hilton Garden Inn:
After the proposal, Thai’s and Bea’s parents came out from their nearby hiding space to congratulate the newly engaged couple.
Thai had chilled champagne and glasses ready for the celebratory moment with family.
Since we were in downtown Phoenix, it was the perfect opportunity to walk among the historic buildings, streets, and beautiful murals for some fun photo moments.
Tip: If your venue is a restaurant, work with the manager to time your proposal to happen before it opens, and try for a weekday rather than a weekend. That way you will have the location all to yourself, and you won’t have to pay the more expensive fee of booking out the entire restaurant for a private party.
A Downtown Phoenix Mural by Hugo Medina and Darrin Armijo-Wardle.
Tip 2: Pack a “secret” backpack ahead of time with comfortable walking shoes, socks, sweaters, and bottled water for both you and your loved one. There are many tourist destinations in Downtown Phoenix within walking distance from one resort to the next. Although Phoenix’s temperature is fairly warm most days—hence the need for bottled water—every building has strong air conditioning, so having sweaters handy will ease any chill that you encounter inside!
Take a hike!
The view from Cathedral Rock in Sedona is breathtaking, and Adam knew his partner Samia would enjoy the reward at the end of the challenging trail.
If getting outdoors is your jam, why not try exploring a new trail together? There’s nothing quite as bonding as sharing an adrenaline-packed adventure.
Adam took Samia on an early morning hike at the landmark Cathedral Rock in Sedona, a hike that involves a fair amount of climbing up steep and slick sandstone. We planned Adam and Samia’s hike so that they would arrive at the top just in time to take in the beautiful sun rising up over the red rocks.
My favorite fun things about this Sedona Cathedral Rock proposal:
Adam told Samia that they had brunch plans following their hike, so Samia dressed up, not knowing that she would soon be doing proposal portraits with her new fiancé.
This gave Adam and Samia the chance to color coordinate their outfits perfectly with each other and the outdoor surroundings. Their tan and blue clothes complimented the red rocks and cobalt blue sky.
It rained the morning of the proposal, leaving the desert air crisp with the scent of juniper trees and pools of rainwater on the sandstone bedrock.
Tip: If you don’t want photos in your hiking clothes, secretly pack a pair of dress clothes for you and your partner. Wrap the dress clothes up in a picnic blanket or jacket to disguise them. Don’t forget to make a reservation for a special lunch or dinner following the photo shoot. Just make sure to pick a reservation time that gives you enough time to hike back down and drive to the restaurant.
Re-create your first date.
Kevin proposed to Charlize at their first-date location, Fountain Park of Fountain Hills!
Remember the place where you first felt the spark of holding your partner’s hand and the warmth of their embrace? What better place for some photos to celebrate your engagement together!
Kevin and Charlize had their first date at Fountain Park in Fountain Hills (quite the epic location if we may say so ourselves!) Since that time, work had taken Kevin and Charlize to different parts of the country. But on their anniversary, Kevin secretly booked a flight into Phoenix and made plans to be at Fountain Park, where Charlize would be spending the afternoon with her mother. Little did Charlize know that Kevin would surprise her there, on their anniversary, to ask for her hand in marriage!
My favorite fun things about photographing a proposal at Fountain Park in Fountain Hills:
Timing and planning was critical for capturing the perfect moment. We wanted the proposal to happen just as the beautiful Arizona sunset reflected on the water and the world-famous fountain erupted. We knew the fountain would go off every hour for just 15 minutes, and the sunset that November day just happened to be within ten minutes of the fountain erupting.
The fountain at Fountain Park is the fourth tallest in the world, and can reach a height of 560 feet.
Fountain Park and the lake is surrounded by an easy, paved, 1.2-mile loop trail. Fountain Hills is also an international dark-sky community, with no street lights, and only low-impact outdoor lighting, making it the perfect date-night destination to stargaze with your partner.
Tip: If your location is a popular public park, be sure to check their events calendar in advance before selecting a date for your proposal. That way you don’t show up to find your venue taken over by thousands of people attending an art show, concert, or marathon!
Tip 2: Have a back-up plan ready for your outdoor proposal. Unexpected things can turn up and cause a change in your plans, like a traffic jam, inclement weather, early closing times, etc. But there is no need to get discouraged! Sometimes we have to pivot. By planning ahead, we can put together a plan B location that is just as fun and memorable. Hiring a flexible local photographer who communicates well is essential.
Engagement Photography
Documenting your surprise proposal–that once-in-a-lifetime romantic moment–with amazing photography is the ultimate way to surprise your soulmate in a way they will never forget, and allows you both to share your love story and create a keepsake you can cherish forever! But there is also another very important keepsake worth investing in before your wedding, and that is an engagement photo session.
An Engagement Session allows a couple to intentionally plan their photos together, select a favorite location or two, decide on the types of poses and style they both want, plan what outfits to wear, and focus on creating an elevated portrait experience for a date night to remember!
Couples can go all out and dress up, bring along extra outfits, and splurge on getting their hair and makeup done. Some couples even bring champagne, and sometimes their cherished pets, too! By planning ahead together, an engagement session allows for a stress-free date with your favorite person, on a relaxed timeline!
Pictured Left, David Orr Photography was hired to capture a proposal in a Phoenix Airbnb location. Pictured Right, David Orr photographed an engagement session of the same couple on a different date at sunset in Papago Park!
Gosh, there are so many ways you can use engagement photos!
You already know that you can make prints and wall art to celebrate your love and decorate your home. Engagement pics are also the perfect compliment for your wedding because you can use them for save-the-dates, a signature frame, guest table centerpieces, personalized wedding websites, or customized thank you gifts and cards.
Now that you are considering an engagement session, how do you make it fun and different from the proposal? Read on about our favorite engagement ideas and tips inspired by our clients.
Practice those dance moves.
Navi and Scarlett wanted a scenic desert landscape, and Papago Park was the perfect setting for their desert engagement photos!
Dance moves. You know you got ‘em! Maybe you are taking dance lessons in preparation for your upcoming wedding. Or maybe you just enjoy watching your favorite celebrity dance competition on TV. Your engagement session doesn’t have to be static-posed portraits! Try out a few twirls, dips, lifts, or two-step with your partner for some fun and dynamic photos.
Scarlett and Navi met us at Papago Park Buttes in Tempe for some beautiful Sonoran Desert photos. Scarlett wore a flowing pink dress, perfect for capturing vivid color in the gusting wind at sunset.
Tip: Save your feet. Bring some comfy hiking or tennis shoes for walking to and from your destination. Then change into those fancy heels or dress shoes when it’s time for the photos.
My favorite fun things about this Papago Park engagement photo session in Tempe, Arizona:
We first met Navi he hired us to capture his surprise proposal to Scarlett at an Airbnb in Phoenix! He booked a vacation rental with a beautiful backyard, and had it decked out with an elaborate balloon sculpture, oversize MARRY ME light-up marquee letters, candles, and roses by the pool side.
With their upcoming wedding, Navi and Scarlett wanted an elegant portrait photo session within a desert setting. They planned to use these images to both send out as a save-the-date, as well as to display at their wedding. This time they planned the photo session together, sharing creative decisions about attire, location, and they used Pinterest to help them prep for what to expect when posing, bringing their positive mindset to task when given direction. Their positive energy with each other made it such a fun date night to remember.
Get out of town.
When the call of the forest comes, it’s time to get out into the wild! Luckily, the largest stand of ponderosa pine trees in the U.S. is just a 2-hour drive from Mesa, Arizona!
You have probably heard of a destination wedding, but what about a destination engagement session? If you love to travel, and want to see a new place outside of your hometown, then a destination for your engagement session could be just the thing you need. You need not fly or travel far; you can find many great destinations within a short 2 - 3 hour drive away from the Phoenix area.
Raquel and Joshua escaped the summer heat in Phoenix for an engagement session at over 7,500 feet in elevation on the Mogollon Rim. This destination, known for its steep cliffs and lush green ponderosa pine forest, was a short day trip on paved roads from Phoenix, but felt like a million miles away with its cool breezes and dramatic views.
Tip: Definitely bring a change of outfits for more photo options. But don’t forget the extra water, sunscreen and bug repellant for those beautiful summer days.
My favorite fun things about photographing a forest engagement at Payson’s Mogollon Rim:
We picked a weekday for visiting this popular area, which made for a private engagement session where we felt like we had the forest all to ourselves.
The Rim Lakes Vista Trail along the Mogollon Rim is paved for nearly 2 miles, and offers unrivaled views of the surrounding forest.
Get dressed up to go outside.
The Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch in the heart of Gilbert, Arizona provided relaxing nature trails for Brittany and Christopher’s engagement session!
You and your partner are pretty comfy together. You don’t mind snuggling up in your PJs, or just hanging out in your sweats and a T-shirt. So it might be tempting to wear the same comfy clothing for your engagement photos. But keep in mind that these photos will capture your love for all to see, so why not look your best? Plus, you would be surprised how fun it is to get dressed up when you are not doing it for work or a family function. Don’t forget to be yourself. You have free rein to bring your own style to getting dressed up, so go ahead and add a little personality!
Brittany and Christopher met us at the Riparian Preserve for their engagement photos. Even though a lot of walking on dirt trails was involved, Brittany and Christopher dressed to impress, while still bringing their own style to their attire.
Tip: You can match your partner without being matchy-matchy. Try clothes that have a couple of color elements in common; no need to go for the full twinsy look. Brittany’s floral sundress had yellow and orange elements that matched the location, and lavender elements that matched Christopher’s button-down shirt. And Christopher’s brown pants and Brittany’s boots also complemented each other well.
My favorite fun things about taking photos for this engagement session at Riparian Preserve in the heart of Gilbert, Arizona:
The Riparian Preserve has over 4.5 miles of trails that weave between 7 ponds on 110 acres, all free and open to the public, making it easy to find a beautiful and private spot for engagement photos.
When Christopher proposed to Brittany, he gave her a beautiful locket with her birthstone, blue topaz, and photos of their two dogs inside. Brittany wore this special locket for their engagement photo session.
Even though Brittany and Christopher had not done a portrait session together before and were a bit camera shy, by focusing on each other, they let down their guard and had a wonderful time together, which really shows nicely in the photos!
Have a stay-cation date day!
Sina and Kris decided to treat themselves with engagement photos and brunch at the Boulders Resort and Spa in Scottsdale!
Since you are going to get all dressed up for some nice photos, why not splurge and treat yourself to more quality time with your partner afterward? You can follow up your photo session with a nice lunch, spa treatment, dinner, movie, bowling, miniature golf, or whatever special thing the two of you enjoy doing together. If you live in the Phoenix area, you could indulge in a luxury staycation at one of the many top destination resorts we have nearby!
Sina and Kris met us for engagement photos at The Boulders’ Promise Rock, a lush desert oasis backed by massive boulders, agave, golden barrel cactus, and saguaros. From there, we walked down to the duck pond, where Sina and Kris played an impromptu game of chess on an oversized lawn board. After our photo session, Sina and Kris continued their date by meeting up with family for brunch at one of the Boulders’ fabulous restaurants.
Tip: Find a location that both looks beautiful for photos and is also adjacent to amenities to continue your date, like dining and entertainment.
My favorite fun things about photographing this engagement session at The Boulders Resort and Spa:
Photography at The Boulders is only open to registered resort guests with prior approval, so it’s a very private location where you can enjoy alone time with your partner.
The Boulders is nestled amongst massive granite rocks in the beautiful Sonoran Desert landscape. It’s not unusual to see all kinds of wildlife here, like javelina and great horned owls.
Spending time getting to know Sina and Kris during their engagement session was a wonderful way for us to develop a rapport, which made working together with them again as their wedding photographer a truly special experience.
Immerse yourself in a garden.
Get engagement photos while you tour Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix, Arizona!
You have probably heard of forest bathing, the concept that time spent in nature can positively impact your physical and mental well-being. Combine that with spending time with your partner, and you have the perfect de-stresser and mood booster!
Here in the Sonoran Desert, we have our own version of forest bathing, with benefits that are just as great; in place of towering trees we have towering saguaro cactus and wide blue skies. Amber and Zach spent a leisurely afternoon with us walking the trails at the Desert Botanical Garden, an arboretum with all the natural wonders of the desert gathered into one place.
Tip: To fully enjoy your nature bathing experience, put your devices into do not disturb mode. That way your tranquility together is not interrupted by pesky notifications.
My favorite fun things about this Desert Botanical Garden engagement photo session:
The Desert Botanical Garden is a nonprofit, outdoor “living museum” of over 50,000 desert plants from all over the world, with a emphasis on the Sonoran Desert that surrounds Phoenix. There is an abundance of easy trails that meander among wildflowers, mesquite-shaded pathways, cactus-covered hillsides, and riparian habitat.
Not only is the Desert Botanical Garden a one-of-a-kind location for engagement photos, visiting here also supports their great cause of advancing “excellence in education, research, exhibition and conservation of desert plants of the world.”
Like many of our favorite photo locations, the best time to visit Desert Botanical Garden to avoid the crowds is on a weekday, typically within an hour of sunrise or sunset.
You are so awesome.
Thanks for reading to the end,
and we hope you are inspired!
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Here’s the exciting part; you don't have to plan a proposal and engagement session all by yourself! Oh no. We've got you! When you hire us, we’ll help you plan an amazing proposal, plus we love helping couples create the ultimate engagement experience with beautiful, heartfelt portraits!
Reach out and let’s chat!
- Amanda and David Orr
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Proposal Sessions within the Phoenix area and Arizona Great Outdoor Proposal Sessions
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David Orr is the main photographer behind the camera, and Amanda Orr is the photo editor and album designer.
Together, we strive to make heartfelt, artistic imagery that not only sparks joy for you, but for all of your loved ones – today and for years to come!