Planning a proposal is one of the most exciting moments of your life — but it can also feel overwhelming. You want the moment to feel unique, meaningful, romantic… but NOT cheesy or overdone. And you want a proposal that feels personal, not like every Instagram video you’ve already seen.

As a proposal photographer across Bathurst, Central West NSW and all of regional NSW, I’ve seen proposals that were emotional, bold, intimate, adventurous, simple, grand, spontaneous, and everything in between. The BEST proposals aren’t the most expensive or dramatic — they’re the ones that feel like you two.

This guide gives you 10 creative, thoughtful, non-cheesy proposal ideas that work beautifully in NSW and suit every type of couple — from shy and private to outgoing and adventurous.

Let’s get into it.

1. The “Hidden Moment” Sunset Proposal in Long Grass

Perfect for: shy partners, countryside lovers, introverts, golden hour fans

This is one of the MOST beautiful and emotionally authentic proposal setups.

Here’s how it works:You go for a casual sunset walk in the long grass — somewhere quiet, warm and golden like Bathurst hills or a private paddock. The light is soft, the space is empty, and everything feels natural.

I hide far away, photographing from a distance.

You stop somewhere peaceful, turn to them, speak softly, and drop to your knee.No crowd.No pressure.No theatrics.Just intimacy and connection.

This is the MOST popular option in the Central West for a reason.

2. The “Couples Photoshoot Disguise” Proposal (They NEVER see it coming)

Perfect for: partners who overthink EVERYTHING and can smell a surprise from a mile away

This is genius — and honestly my favourite.

You book a couples session with me as a “just for fun” shoot.They think it’s a photo date night.Cute. Normal. No suspicion.

Halfway through, I give you a prompt like:“Stand facing each other and take a breath together.”

You drop to your knee mid-prompt.

Their reaction?Pure shock.Pure emotion.Pure magic.

No setup needed.No awkward hiding spots.Beautifully natural.

3. The Scenic Lookout Proposal at Sunrise (Blue Mountains Edition)

Perfect for: adventurous couples, dramatic landscapes, privacy lovers

NSW is home to some of the most breathtaking lookouts in Australia. And sunrise is when they’re quiet, pastel, and unbelievably cinematic.

Top picks:

• Lincoln’s Rock

• Govetts Leap

• Pulpit Rock

• Blackheath cliffs

The sky turns pink and lavender as you propose, and there’s almost no one around.

Imagine proposing above a valley full of clouds with soft morning light behind you.Unreal.

4. The Picnic Setup With a Twist (Not the Cheesy Kind)

Perfect for: sentimental partners, romantic personalities

This is NOT the cliché rose-petals-and-fairy-lights setup.

Think:

• neutral picnic colours

• textured blankets

• fresh florals

• a small grazing box

• champagne

• handwritten notes

• your favourite playlist

It’s aesthetic without being tacky.

You arrive together — you pretend you’ve planned a “date night.”Then when they’re taking it in…You kneel.

Soft. Romantic. Timeless.

5. The “Let’s Go Back to Where It All Started” Proposal

Perfect for: nostalgic couples, sentimental people, long-term relationships

This idea is deceptively simple — but deeply emotional.

Choose a place that means something:

• where you met

• your first kiss spot

• the first date location

• your favourite walking track

• the café you always go to

Reminisce together.Then propose exactly where the story began.

These photos hit different.They FEEL like your relationship.

6. The At-Home Intimate Proposal (Seriously Underrated)

Perfect for: introverts, homebodies, low-key lovers, people who value privacy

Some of the most emotional proposals I’ve ever photographed were inside someone’s home.

Ideas:

• candles

• a clean, cozy space

• handwritten notes on the table

• a living room picnic

• your dog wearing the “Will you marry me?” tag

• soft music

It’s intimate.It’s real.It’s your everyday life — elevated.

And the photos have a documentary feel that is SO authentic.

7. The Proposal With Your Dog (Everyone cries every time)

Perfect for: dog parents, people whose pet is basically their child

This is ALWAYS a hit.

Ideas:

• a custom collar tag with “Will you marry my human?”

• your dog carrying the ring in a small pouch

• your dog running over mid-proposal

If your dog is your family, including them in one of the biggest moments of your life is incredibly meaningful.

Bonus: the reactions are adorable.

8. The Vineyard Proposal (Orange, Mudgee & NSW Wine Regions)

Perfect for: couples who love wine, countryside scenery, autumn tones

NSW has STUNNING vineyards — and they make the perfect proposal backdrop.

Think:

• sunset between the vines

• glass of wine before the moment

• autumn vines full of warm colour

• romantic rows creating depth in photos

• a quiet place to kneel

You get privacy, full scenery, and stunning photos all in one.

Autumn proposals here? Unreal.

9. The Forest or Pine Grove Proposal

Perfect for: moody, cozy couples; winter lovers; people who love privacy

Forests create a magical, cinematic vibe.

Whether it’s Sunny Corner, Oberon pine forests, or a hidden clearing, forests give you:

✨ privacy✨ soft diffused light✨ quiet surroundings✨ intimate moments✨ cozy energy

Propose in the middle of the trees, with soft shadows and earthy tones all around.

It feels like a secret moment — just for the two of you.

10. The Lakeside or Jetty Proposal

Perfect for: peaceful personalities, soft & airy imagery

Bathurst and regional NSW have beautiful lakes:

• Rydal Lake

• Lake Oberon

• Lake Canobolas

• Ben Chifley Dam

A lakeside proposal is calm, romantic and minimal — perfect for people who don’t want an audience or a big setup.

Ideas:

• sunset proposal on a jetty

• a quiet walk by the water

• a simple moment beside the lake edge

• reflections for dreamy photos

Add champagne after? Magical.

Bonus: 5 Tiny Details That Make ANY Proposal Better

✔ Don’t give a big speech beforehand

You’ll panic. Keep it short and sweet.

✔ Have tissues

Someone always cries.

✔ Tell one close friend

In case you need backup or help.

✔ Dress nicely but comfortably

Outfits will be forever in photos.

✔ Don’t rush the moment

Take a breath. Let them react.

How to Choose the Perfect Proposal Idea for YOU

Ask yourself:

❓ What would make THEM emotional?

Not what looks the coolest.

❓ Do they want a private moment?

Choose: forest, paddock, home, lake.

❓ Do they want a big romantic gesture?

Choose: picnic, vineyard, lookout.

❓ Do they want surprise or planned?

Photoshoot disguise = perfect surprise.Setups = thoughtful and intentional.

❓ What season are you proposing in?

Summer → golden hillsAutumn → vineyards & colourWinter → forestsSpring → gardens

There’s no “best way” — only the way that feels like you two.

Why Photographing the Proposal Matters So Much

A proposal is one of the most emotional moments of your life — and it happens fast.

Having a photographer means you’ll have:

• the knee-drop moment

• their shocked reaction

• their tears, laughter, emotion

• the hug

• the first look at the ring

• the “WE JUST GOT ENGAGED!!” portraits

• the real feeling of the moment

You will NEVER regret having photos of this moment.But you will regret not having them.

Final Thoughts — Your Proposal Should Feel Like Your Love Story

Whether you propose:✨ on a mountaintop✨ in long grass at sunset✨ in a vineyard✨ by a lake✨ in your home✨ or with your dog in tow

… the moment should be real. Warm. Natural. Honest.Not forced, not cheesy, not overdone.

Just two people choosing forever.

If you want a proposal that feels beautifully YOU — and photos that capture the real emotion — I’d love to be part of it.

I photograph proposals across:Bathurst • Central West NSW • Blue Mountains • Orange • Mudgee • Lithgow • Oberon • South Coast • Hunter Valley • NSW & beyond.

Let’s plan the perfect moment. 💍✨