Grand Canyon Wedding Proposal Ideas: Best Places and Times to Propose for an Epic Engagement
With over 20 designated overlooks, the Grand Canyon South Rim offers the best canyon views for amazing photos. The Grand Canyon is open year round and is always popular, so you will most likely be sharing your experience with many others, especially in the summer. Lucky for you, we know ways to capture a private proposal in the Grand Canyon while enjoying its sublime beauty, one on one. Escaping the crowds can be as easy as going just a hundred yards from an official scenic overlook, or opting for a location down in the canyon. In the evening, after the day-trippers have left, you will feel like you have it all to yourselves.
See our list of Grand Canyon proposal locations, best times of day for photos, how to avoid crowds at the Grand Canyon, and more proposal photo tips!
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Best Places for a Grand Canyon Wedding Proposal
The south rim of the Grand Canyon is where most of the best view points are. We know the best places to get an amazing view without many people around.
Lipan Point
Lipan Point has one of, if not the, most spectacular view of all in South Rim. It is less crowded than other lookout points, which makes the feel here more serene. As with all of the Grand Canyon’s South Rim, sunrise and sunset is the best time to propose here.
Powell Point
Located between crowded Hopi Point and Maricopa Point on the West Rim, Powell Point is spectacular at sunrise. There are also free shuttles available to this location.
Yavapai Point
This viewpoint is stunning at sunrise, and vehicles are limited to 22 for this view point. It is an easy walk west from Mather Point, which is the most popular view point simply because it is the easiest to access and home to the visitor center. This spot offers the best panorama along the South Rim, as most views are totally unobstructed.
Lake Powell
Located at the Arizona and Utah border, Lake Powell is a stunning backdrop for a proposal. Boats are available in Lake Powell, and you can enjoy a calm ride or swim and a picnic on the banks of the canyon lake.
Horseshoe Bend
A proposal at iconic horseshoe bend is definitely something with wow factor! The best time to take photos at Horseshoe bend is in the late morning or mid day. At other times, the bend and river are in shadow. Sunset is not a good time here, because the bend will be in shadow and the sun will be in your eyes. Shoot for mid morning, mid day, or early afternoon.
Helicopter Proposal in Grand Canyon
If you both are adventure seekers, you should consider proposing while on a helicopter ride over the Grand Canyon. Do it at sunrise or sunset for a truly magical proposal. Most helicopter tours at the Grand Canyon cost $200 per person.
Best Time of Day for a Grand Canyon Proposal
The lighting can be harsh during the day and there is practically nowhere to hide until the sun goes down. The best photos happen in the few minutes after the sun has set. About one to ten minutes after sunset any viewpoint at Grand Canyon is gorgeous for portraits. The light is warm, the sky has some colors, and it captures pure magic of the Grand Canyon.
Best Time of Day for a Horseshoe Bend Proposal
The light is much different here than the rest of the Grand Canyon. In Horseshoe Bend, you want to capture the bend of the river, and there is a short window during the day in which the bend is not in total shadow. The best time to take photos at Horseshoe Bend is mid morning, mid day, or early afternoon.
Should I hire a Grand Canyon proposal photographer?
With stunning scenery like the Grand Canyon, it would be a shame to not have photos of such an epic moment. You’ll look back on this moment forever, and you’ll love showing off the photos to friends and family.
How much does a Grand Canyon proposal photographer cost?
Proposal photography at the Grand Canyon does not run cheap. Most photographers will charge upwards of $500 for a short shoot, not including a travel fee. High-resolution engagement photos are professionally edited and delivered by email in a private online gallery within 5 business days. Choose between 3 of our Grand Canyon proposal packages:
Grand Canyon Proposal Photography Packages
How to prepare for the engagement photoshoot?
Choose your Arizona proposal idea and the photographer will find a spot to stay hidden and capture the moment, paparazzi-style. Afterward, your secret proposal photographer will introduce themselves and you both can enjoy a fun photoshoot to capture the post-engagement glow.
