Boston proposal photographer - Nicole Chan Photography

A Boston proposal photographer captures an intimate moment as a man and woman kneel in front of a "marry me" balloon.

Boston Seaport Proposal Photographer Nicole Chan

A Boston woman proposes while kneeling in front of a book in a library, captured by a proposal photographer.

When you ask someone to marry you, it’s not because their smile caught your eye as you were swiping through an online dating app. Sure, it may continue to be one of their most lovable and attractive features.

Boston proposal photography - Nicole Chan Photography - Boston Common and Boston Public Garden Proposal

Boston Wedding Photographer Nicole Chan Photography

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Boston proposal with rose petals by Boston proposal photographer Nicole Chan Photography

Same-sex Boston Charles River Proposal Photographer Nicole Chan

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Boston Public Garden Proposal Photography Boston Common Proposal Photography Nicole Chan Photography

When one human asks another to spend the rest of their life with them, they are asking you to be their partner in crime forever. They’re saying that they want you to be by their side, during the happiest of highs and the lowest of lows. I believe that this is an amazing moment that deserves to be celebrated.

Being a surprise Boston proposal photographer is one of the coolest things I get to do in my career. I’ve refined the process so that I’m extra sneaky and that it truly is a surprise for them.

FAQ ABOUT HIRING A PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHER FOR YOUR MARRIAGE PROPOSAL

How many Boston proposals do you photograph?

I photograph over a hundred proposals in Boston each year.

Should I hire a Boston Proposal Photographer?

For most couples, they opt to have a private proposal, so having this moment captured in secret allows for the couple to share the moment with their family, friends, and future family members via pictures. Hiring a Boston proposal photographer allows couples to have a record of how they felt all the hugs and kisses and all of the nerves leading up to getting down on one knee. Even the simplest proposals deserve to be remembered!

Where are the best places to propose in Boston?

Click here for a list of my favorite Boston engagement session locations
I have done both local and destination proposal photography. I would love to discuss the best places for your proposal in the city. Whether you are planning on an intimate, significant location or a public park with lots of company, I would love to discuss the details and location ideas you have for your surprise proposal.

What are some Boston proposal ideas?

Do you want to hire a musician to play your song, underneath an arch of imported peonies, while you recite a poem to her lit by romantic candlelight on a private Boston Beacon Hill rooftop? Are you a Boston Common proposal kind-of-person and planning on popping down and surprising your person while on your daily morning walk by the Boston Common Bridge and willow trees? Do you want to go skydiving with a group of friends, then stuff your faces with BBQ ribs and sweet tea? Whatever your initial proposal ideas are, my surprise proposal photography services include a planning call, so that I can help you think through locations, timing, and tips on how to get the best proposal photos in the city.

How long until I get to see my proposal photographs?

We know you’re excited to see and share your Boston proposal photos. Our promised turnaround is 3 business days, but we aim to get you a few sneak peeks within the next day!

What does your Boston proposal photography package include?

Romantic proposal photos don’t just magically happen. I don’t just hide in a bush all day with my camera and wait for you two to walk by, in perfect light, at the perfect angle, without tourists in the way.
By working with me as your Boston proposal photographer, we’ll have planning sessions on what you envision and what would make your proposal perfect for you. Everyone is different, and it’s important that I understand what is important to you. These tactical sessions are important so that I know where you’re walking from, what the target location is, what the lighting could look like at that time, etc. All of this, keeping it a secret and making sure that we leave enough wiggle room for discrepancies, just in case you need another couple minutes to shake off the nerves or gather your thoughts to make sure that you say everything that you want to say.

What are your rates to photograph a Boston surprise proposal?

Photo and video is $3000. A typical midweek, non-holiday proposal is $1500 for photography only. This includes the planning session(s), the surprise photography itself, and then a portrait engagement session after you propose. Included are high-resolution digital images that can be downloaded from your online photo gallery.

Do I need a professional photo and video team?

Everybody has a different idea of how they want their big moment captured. The great thing about my team is that we can do it all. If you decide you want to feel like you are being surrounded by paparazzi and have the whole world watching your proposal, we can do that! Some couples want to capture their proposal through video as well. We can add video on top of the photoshoot to capture all angles!

What steps do you take to ensure you capture the moment in such a busy city?

That’s where the proposal planning comes in. I have been a photographer for enough marriage proposal and engagement photo sessions in this city and the world that I am confident in my abilities of capturing the big moment. I often post pictures of past local engagement sessions on my Instagram.
I also ask for a selfie from the couple prior to the shoot to ensure I am capturing the right couple!

What else do I need to plan on the day of?

Nothing! My goal as a photographer is to create as much of a stress free day as possible for you. I commonly hear from the partner after the proposal that they could tell something was happening. My tips for a secret engagement is to let the photographer worry about the details. I will make sure we have captured all the important photos such as the details of the ring and location. Don’t worry about how the weather will affect the lighting in the proposal photo, I’ve got it covered.
And try not to fidget with the ring in your pocket before the shoot!

Can we hire you for an additional photoshoot after the proposal?

Yes, all proposal sessions include a portrait session after the proposal
My team and I also offer engagement shoots, wedding photography, and videography!

How much do photographers charge in Boston?

Some photographers charge per hour and rates can vary from $300-$2000/hour. Other photographers charge package rates or day rates

What is a typical budget for engagement photos?

Engagement photos can range from $700-$2500

Do you tip a photographer for engagement photos?

Tips are never expected but are always appreciated.

Are engagement photos worth it?

Engagement photos are a great way to get to know your photographer’s communication and posing style. It’s also a nice way to get professional photos in non-wedding outfits.

How do you stand out from other photographers?

I’m exceptional at two things: One is capturing meaningful and emotional candids. The second is giving incredible posing direction for people who feel awkward in front of the camera.

I’ve been a photographer in Boston for over 12 years and won’t mess up. I know all the amazing locations. I’m a great planner. I will make sure to keep in contact with you prior to your shoot, without spoiling the secret for your partner. I’m a Boston local! I’ve had a photoshoot in every corner of this city, I know it like the back of my hand.
And most importantly, you will love your engagement photos.

A Boston photographer captures a man proposing on a pier.

A Boston proposal photographer captures a man proposing to a woman on the beach.

A couple is posing for a Boston proposal photographer on the rocky waterfront.

Surprise Boston Proposal Photos in Boston Common by Nicole Chan Photography

After being a photographer for several hundred proposals, I’ve got a few tips on how to track you two prior and to make sure your partner doesn’t get suspicious. We’ll discuss all of this before your photoshoot.

After we capture the moment and you’ve reached the rank of fiance, we’ll photograph a set of portraits of you both, so that you can remember the joy and excitement of the day!

Your finished photographs will be edited and retouched, and then uploaded to an online digital photo gallery where you’ll be able to share what we’ve captured with friends and family.

Marriage proposals are some of my favorite moments to capture. It’s incredible to be able to create a plan, capture such a significant moment that represents the beginning of an incredible marriage, and provide you with a gallery of pictures that you will cherish forever.

boston proposal photographer in boston public gardens bridge commonwealth ave nicole chan photography

A proposal photographer captures a romantic moment in the bustling city of Boston.

What’s your favorite style of marriage proposal photos?

I love it all! I am ready to plan and work with your own unique style to capture the photos I know you will love forever. After all, these are your engagement pictures. I’d love to capture and bring any idea you have to life.