As a wedding photographer with over a decade of experience – I’m excited to share with you my list of top places to propose in Sonoma Wine Country California. I understand that the proposal is just as important as other moments down the road to the altar. Lucky for you, every season is beautiful in Sonoma Wine Country! Whether it be Christmas-time, New Year’s Eve, Valentine’s Day, or any other time of year, there’s no time like the present to find the perfect place to pop the question.
Sonoma Wine Country California is a popular destination for surprise proposals because of the area’s stunning mountaintop and vineyard views, romantic wineries and charming, historic architecture. It’s hard not to feel romantic with a glass of wine in one hand and your soulmate’s hand in the other. So, take my hand as I guide you through a sampling of the most beautiful places to propose in Sonoma Wine Country California.
Sonoma Wine Country California is popular for engagements because wineries provide a romantic ambiance and can even aid in the proposal planning process. If you’re worried or overwhelmed by planning the perfect surprise proposal, I would love to help! Keep reading for my top tips.
I captured an incredible proposal at Trentadue Winery. The couple traveled all the way from Georgia for this special occasion. The groom-to-be planned an entire romantic weekend in Sonoma Wine Country California. The trip began in San Francisco and ended with the surprise proposal in wine country.
The groom-to-be told the bride-to-be that they were meeting another couple in Geyserville. To their surprise *wink wink* the other couple decided to not show up at the last moment. So, they toured Trentadue Winery alone. The couple’s friends and family hid secretly in a separate room, waiting to celebrate the engagement. Keep reading to find out how this surprise proposal took an unexpected turn.
Originally, the groom-to-be planned to propose under a gorgeous redwood tree as they arrived at Trentadue Winery. However, it began to rain, and I had to swiftly move from my hiding spot outdoors to shelter indoors. I even pretended to be a Trentadue Winery employee by hopping behind the bar to do dishes… This is something I will do this for any of my Sonoma wine country wedding photography clients! I also have to shoutout Trentadue Winery. Every time I’m there I see the staff that runs this family-owned venue treating my couples’ friends and family like their own. It is no surprise that it made my Top 10 Wedding Venues in Sonoma List.
After the first two tastings, the rain subsides and the groom-to-be returns to his initial surprise proposal plan. Immediately, I and the rest of the Trentadue Winery employees jump into action. If you are looking for beautiful Places to Propose in Sonoma California, Trentadue Winery needs to be on your list.
The groom-to-be was able to propose the way he had dreamed – underneath the redwoods and surrounded by Sonoma wine country California views. She said yes through a sea of happy tears. I was able to catch every moment. From the speech to the moment she realized what was happening, to him getting down on one knee, and her saying yes. I delivered as a professional Sonoma wine country California wedding photographer and memorialized the beautiful memories.
After the surprise proposal, we told the bride-to-be that they were going to take a tour of Trentadue Winery. This is when the groom-to-be surprises her by revealing all of her friends and family. You bet I got pictures of that amazing moment too.
I believe that capturing the love and excitement that friends and family have for the couple is equally as important as capturing the fleeting moments of the proposal itself. There are not words, only photos, that can explain the feeling of watching instances of pure love being shared amongst a couple and the people that love them most.
Throughout the rest of the day, there are many more happy tears and laughs. I followed the future Mr. and Mrs. around Trentadue Winery, making sure nothing was missed. Their Sonoma wine country California proposal is a perfect picture.
This couple’s proposal took place across two beautiful Sonoma wine country California locations. I met the soon-to-be-bride’s family at Auburn James Winery in St Helena where they set up a picnic for the special occasion. Each detail is carefully planned. I knew that this surprise proposal would be epic, especially since they hired a professional Sonoma County California wedding photographer to capture it all! From fluffed pillows to a charcuterie board covered in her favorite goodies, this future bride was well taken care of.
This Auburn James couple asks me to manage the music and candles during the actual proposal. The additional ambiance of this Winery is truly magical when he pops the question.
We took a stroll around the vineyard after she said yes. I took traditional engagement announcement photos as we made our way to Bremer Winery where all of the couple’s friends and family were waiting. Keep scrolling to learn more about our experience at Bremer Winery!
When we arrived at Bremer Winery, just an 8-minute drive away from Auburn James Winery, the joy was palpable. Hugs and love are spread amongst everyone present. Once all congratulations are made, I take family portraits of everyone in attendance. Afterward, the group enjoys a private tour of Bremer Winery’s barrel room.
Every proposal in Sonoma wine country California is unique. Love and attention to detail are two of the main ingredients necessary to successfully execute a picture-perfect surprise proposal. The third ingredient is hiring an experienced photographer to help you and document the priceless moment!
Just like a relationship, an amazing marriage proposal takes planning and effort. The proposal shows how serious of a commitment you are making. Hiring a professional Sonoma wine country California photographer to help execute and capture the day only further exhibits the level and love and care you are putting into your relationship and future marriage.
I am so happy that both of the couples above are starting the next chapter of their lives on the right note. I feel honored, as a Sonoma wine country California wedding photographer, to be included in documenting that chapter. From dating to marrying one another, contributing to each couple’s unique love story in any capacity is what fuels my passion.
While weddings are the primary focus of my business, marriage proposals hold a special place in my heart. Each couple deserves to begin their wedding experience with an unforgettable moment. It’s amazing how four words can carry so much meaning… “Will you marry me?”
Allow me to be the one who photographs the moment you ask those four words. And more importantly, the joyful moment to follow. I am ready to dive in and get my hands dirty (metaphorically and literally) for your upcoming surprise proposal. Let me help you start your next chapter with beautiful portraits to commemorate your engagement.
Playing a part in each couple’s wedding story is one of my favorite things. Even if it’s not taking photos! Like how I washed dishes for this couple, or how I lit candles and played music for another couple. It’s a privilege and an honor to participate in someone’s Sonoma wine country California wedding story.
If you’re ready to plan the picture-perfect Sonoma wine country California proposal, click here.
XOXO,
Alicia Parks Photography