How to Propose in San Francisco: Romantic Marriage Proposal Ideas

John & Sabrina's Proposal Story in San Francisco

How did you meet?

What is your love story?

We met at the beginning of the pandemic in San Francisco. We immediately clicked and knew that this relationship was something special. We were somewhat tested because I had to move for work, but we spent all our weekends driving to each other to spend time together. There was no specific moment that told us we were right for each other. When you know, you know!

What made you choose this proposal destination?

Her favorite city is San Francisco. Even as we both lived in the city, neither of us had ever been to Baker Beach. She had been asking me to go, but our busy lives and a brutal winter had been holding us back. Luckily we had the most beautiful day in SF when we finally went.

What is your proposal story?

I told her my Uncle and cousin were visiting the Bay Area on a college tour. She had never met them, so I said we should take a trip up to the city to say hi. I paid for a hotel room at the Fairmont, but asked my mom to “invite us” like it was her room. My mom ”couldn’t make it”, so she gave us the room to have. I mentioned that my uncle wanted to take us to a very fancy dinner so we should bring nice clothes. Before we went to dinner, we were supposed to meet him at Baker Beach. At baker beach, my flytographer photographer was waiting there.

Best tip for proposing in San Francisco

If you are planning an outdoor proposal, don’t be dissuaded by the clouds/fog! It’s a normal part of life in SF.

Proposed in San Francisco in February

Photo Shoot Location: Baker Beach

Katherine in San Francisco for Flytographer

Erin & Colleen and Bria's Proposal Story in San Francisco

How did you meet?

Friends/Family

What is your love story?

Bria did track in college with sister Erin. We met years before we started dating but always remained friends. They reconnected 4 years ago and started dating long distance since Colleen was active duty military. Once out of the Army, Colleen moved home to be with Bria. Two years later here they are engaged and I can’t wait to see what the future holds!

What made you choose this proposal destination?

Bria loves the Bay Area and the Golden Gate Bridge so it seemed fitting to include it in the proposal

Proposed in San Francisco in October

Photo Shoot Location: Crissy Field

Joseph in San Francisco for Flytographer

Branford & Harry's Proposal Story in San Francisco

Proposed in San Francisco in July

Photo Shoot Location: Baker Beach

Nadia in San Francisco for Flytographer

Lindy & Jaycey's Proposal Story in San Francisco

How did you meet?

Bumble

What is your love story?

She and I have been dating for just shy of 3 years. We have a lot of things in common, one of which is travel. She and I love to get out and adventure together. The pandemic was hard with being stuck at home when we love to get out and explore. She stuck by me through some very dark times at my job (due to the pandemic) as well as some continued health issues. We are really good at working out any disagreements we have (which aren't many) and we never stay mad long. She has been there for me and helped me find myself (I was very much in the closet when we started dating in 2018). From the very beginning with our love of travel and food network, I knew I had someone special.

What made you choose this proposal destination?

We are both originally from California (different parts of the State) and this was one of our first trips since the pandemic began. Once we booked the trip, I decided to surprise her with a proposal.

What is your proposal story?

I knew I wanted to capture the moment with a surprise photographer so I chose the "fly on the wall" scenario. It was after a holiday weekend on a Tuesday evening which helped with the crowds (I think). I had in my head what I wanted to say and how I would say it, but of course it didn't come out that way. We took a bus down to Baker Beach which has a stunning view of the SF Golden Gate Bridge. We sadly got off the bus one stop too late and had a little bit of walking to do to get to the the area where I would meet our photographer Lydia. With how specific I was about timing and location, I could have sworn my partner was onto me. We got to the beach and while my partner used the restroom, I took the opportunity to message Lydia and let her know we had arrived as well took the chance to take the ring from my bag and put it in my jacket pocket. We walked down to the beach and found a couple of logs to sit on. After I made eye contact with Lydia, my partner and I just sat and watched the people around us and watched the ocean for about 10 minutes while I mustered the courage to actually do it. The signal was a take a selfie with my phone, but I wasn't quite ready to propose yet so I was trying to get my partner to take it. However, she asked me to so I said... ok. And yes, I was freaking out in my head. Once the selfie was done, I know it was my cue. So I got up and brushed her hair behind her ear and said, "So I have a question for you." and the look on her face was priceless and one of utter shock. I got down on my knee After some talk and my blubbering, I pulled out the ring and asked her to marry me. She said Yes! After a few minutes I introduced her to Lydia who then had us walk down the beach while she took some photos. It was windy, a little chilly, but absolutely beautiful and stunning.

Best tip for proposing in San Francisco

If you propose on a beach, be mindful of wind. I asked my partner to put up her hair in a pony tail and she didn't and i wasn't "forceful" enough but didn't want to give away my surprise so i let it go. I wish I had been more demanding on that. It can get chilly and windy, especially if proposing at sunset. But WORTH IT!

Proposed in San Francisco in July

Photo Shoot Location: Baker Beach

Lydia in San Francisco for Flytographer

Danny's Proposal Story in San Francisco

What is your love story?

We met about 7 years ago through mutual friends. It wasn’t a planned date or a planned meetup. It just happened organically. I wasn’t supposed to be there that night but I was and we met. The rest as they say is history.

What made you choose this proposal destination?

We’ve never been to San Francisco. I wanted to have a picture perfect memory attached to the moment. It may seem lame and a touristy for the locals but even they have to admit that they’ll never get tired of staring at that bridge. Every time my fiancé looks at her ring she’ll be reminded of the sand, the waves, the sunset, and the bridge. That’s more than enough for me.

What is your proposal story?

I had planned to meet the photographer (who was posing as a friendly tourist) down at Marshal Beach at around 5:20pm for sunset pictures of me getting down on one knee. Not being from around there (and being very nervous) I made the huge mistake of starting the hike down to the beach way too early. We got there 20-30 minutes early and I had to find a way to stall my girl without being too obvious. I had to hide my nerves from making sure she doesn’t see the ring box bulging out of my pocket, hide my obvious people scanning to find the photographer, hide my general nerves of the moment, etc. The photographer finally came (thankfully very early) and there was no turning back. Nothing can really prepare you for this moment but once it was over I felt the weight of many months of planning and secret keeping lift right off of me. She said yes so I’d say it went pretty well.

Proposed in San Francisco in February

Photo Shoot Location: Custom Route

Nadia in San Francisco for Flytographer

John's Proposal Story in San Francisco

What is your love story?

I met my fiancée Liz at a mutual friend's Christmas party in 2011. I knew from the first moment that I met her that she was the one! I couldn't take my eyes off of her. We started dating a month later and have been together for almost 8 years. She is the most caring and beautiful person I know. I am the luckiest guy in the world!

What made you choose this proposal destination?

I chose San Francisco because it has always been on our bucket list of places to go. We love to go to museums and San Francisco has so many to choose from (San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, Legion of Honor Musuem, De Young Museum). We also love architecture, and I knew the Palace of Fine Arts would be the perfect place to propose to her.

What is your proposal story?

The proposal took place at the Palace of Fine Arts. Our flytographer was Catie and she played the role of "friendly tourist". All the pictures came out great and Catie made the experience less nerve wracking! Liz obviously said yes and now we have beautiful pictures to help us remember the special moment.

Proposed in San Francisco in October

Photo Shoot Location: Palace of Fine Arts

Catie in San Francisco for Flytographer

Dan's Proposal Story in San Francisco

What is your love story?

Dan and I met through Coffee Meets Bagel while we were both working in MD. I (Eunice) knew Dan was the one after several experiences, each one validating that I could spend the rest of my life with him. Most of these experiences were family emergency related, and he was always there. When he wasn't physically there, he would stay on the phone with me and just calm me down. I also knew he was the one when he never viewed my flaws/weaknesses or our disagreements as a deal breaker. He was always ready to be a team rather than me v. him. He was committed from the beginning and continues to show that he is still committed to us no matter what we go through, and we have been through a lot. I can't imagine or remember my life before him. Dan's response You make me strive to be the best version of myself. You are always supportive but not a push over at the same time. You stand up for your beliefs and will remind me when I'm in the wrong. You are kind even if you don’t admit it and i love the positivity and bright energy you have. I don't think there’s a specific moment because it's so much bigger than that. There have been numerous moments where I keep falling more and more in love with you. And all those combined make me want to be with you and marry you.

What made you choose this proposal destination?

Dan's in medical school, so this vacation was very special to us.

What is your proposal story?

So long story short, I cried the day before he proposed because I was wondering why he was taking so long to propose (because he kept saying it was happening soon since January and we had already set a wedding date)! Little did I know he was proposing the day after haha! So he was laughing inside while I was being a drama queen. We were in San Francisco at the time for vacation because his friend was getting married in Seattle later that week. I wanted him to propose on this trip, but I kept telling myself it wasn't going to happen. We were on our way to the Palace of Fine Arts, and he was acting a little weird. His hands were really cold and he wasn't talking much, and I asked if he was okay. He said he was just hungry, which was typical, so I didn't think of it as much. When we got there, Dan wanted to walk a specific direction and we took selfies by the pond. Then some random photographer (Joseph) offered to take photos of us and then tag us on Instagram. I was so happy to hear that because he had nice cameras. I thought that was so nice of him. So he took a few photos, and it kind of got awkward. (Later, I learned that it was because Dan missed his cue to propose.) Joseph was about to walk away, but I really wanted those photos and I never met him before, so I said how will you tag me if you don't know my Instagram handle? I guess that threw him off because as I was telling him my Instagram name, his hands were shaking. I still tried to not think of it as anything, so that I don't get my hopes up. Then, Dan asked Joseph if he could take one more photo of us, and that's when he got down on one knee, said his (memorized) speech, and proposed. At the end, he forgot to take out the ring because he was so nervous, and I said, "where's the ring?!" Of course, I said yes and finally I'm getting married! Joseph took some photos of us around the Palace of Fine Arts, and I am so thankful Dan got a photographer so we can look back and share with our loved ones. We also celebrated the night at our new favorite omakase restaurant, Robin!

Proposed in San Francisco in July

Photo Shoot Location: Palace of Fine Arts

Joseph in San Francisco for Flytographer

Marcos's Proposal Story in San Francisco

What is your love story?

Just before New Year's Eve, we both happened to be up past midnight and playing around on an online forum. After a few one-liners to one and other, we got pretty serious and started sending two then three-liners. Two weeks later we met up in person, went to dinner, and started dating. From the first message to our first encounter and even now, her sincere kindness has struck me as the most beautiful thing I've ever been honored to witness.

What made you choose this proposal destination?

It was both scenic and secluded; I wanted a nice background, but also didn't want to put on a show for anyone other than my partner.

What is your proposal story?

Went better than anticipated. I was hoping no one was watching as I was anxious enough, and I don't think anyone was! My partner's reaction really boosted my confidence through the duration of the kneel and aftermath, and our photographer felt so natural it was almost like no one besides both my partner and I were there.

Proposed in San Francisco in January

Photo Shoot Location: Custom Route

Kelly in San Francisco for Flytographer

Arturo's Proposal Story in San Francisco

What is your love story?

Kim and I met in San Antonio, Tx but we both are originally from Brownsville, Tx a small city in the south tip of Texas, but we had never met before until we crossed each other paths in San Antonio which She was already leaving there because she had moved for college and I was visiting a mutual friend who introduce us and since then everything is history. After 6 years, i decided to make it happen and ask the love of my life to be my wife. I am so happy and excited to soon be able to call her my wife.

What made you choose this proposal destination?

I choose this destination because I had research some places and San Francisco was the one that caught my eye and felt that this city could make this special day even better. Also because we both love to travel, and we had been wanting to visit San Francisco before, and we loved it.

What is your proposal story?

The day of the proposal since we had set the photoshoot at 8:00 am, I had to tell kim that we where going on a tour of San Francisco, and once in the spot Megan our photographer was already there waiting for us obviously Kim was not aware of Megan and that the photoshoot was gonna take place. So I ask Megan if she could take us a picture with my phone, which she agree and then she ask us if she could test her camera with us, because she was waiting for another couple and wanted to get her camera ready. Megan and I had already planed this out before and once she was going to take the picture with her camera she said "that's perfect" referring that it was the perfect position for the picture but it was also the signal for me to propose, which how I said before we already had everything planned out. I was not nervous until flock of tourist got there at the same time I was asking Kim to be my wife and started clapping and taking picture, which was pretty excited and funny at the same time. This day could not have been any better.

Proposed in San Francisco in September

Photo Shoot Location: Custom Route

Megan in San Francisco for Flytographer

Dael's Proposal Story in San Francisco

What is your love story?

For a couple of millenials.. we had a fairly classic way of meeting. I was the bartender, she was a patron, the rest is history.

What made you choose this proposal destination?

A lot of googling!! I had seen a lot of awesome sunset and views shot from this location so I went for it

What is your proposal story?

Perfectly! Trying to act cool about the idea of a hike up a hill after a 13hr flight was hard.. but she was keen to "walk off the jetlag"...little did she know

Proposed in San Francisco in August

Photo Shoot Location: Custom Route

Cassie in San Francisco for Flytographer

PJ's Proposal Story in San Francisco

What is your love story?

The story is complete fate. It's probably best Alysha tells it because she would give every intricate detail possible and the story is super long. It's almost worth an interview lol, but I will keep it as short as possible... Alysha and I have known each other since grade 2. We went to the same elementary school together in a small suburb north of Toronto. I left that public school in grade 7 to join another school local to the area. Unfortunately after moving, our contact had dwindled away. We had some mutual friends and small amounts of contact through social media outlets but hadn't seen each other in person for multiple years. 3 years ago, and roughly 15 years after leaving the public school we shared together, I bumped into Alysha at the book store and hit it off immediately. Everything after that is history... The most coincidental thing in all of this is that we are standing side-by-side in our grade 5 class photo unbeknownst to either us until about a year into dating (the photo is pretty neat, would love to share it). It's incredible to think that my soul mate was standing right there in front of me so long ago without even knowing it. Truly destine to be together.

What made you choose this proposal destination?

Wanted to 100% surprise Alysha by proposing somewhere we both hadn't been. There isn't really anything special about San Francisco to us, but the allure of doing something while away and by complete surprise is what really made it happen.

What is your proposal story?

The proposal went extremely smooth. From start to finish Flytographer was extremely helpful in fulfilling a dream come true. The both of us couldn't be happier with the way everything turned out. More importantly, we have the photos to revel in the moment forever! We are over the MOON.

Proposed in San Francisco in May

Photo Shoot Location: Custom Route

Megan in San Francisco for Flytographer