Is Catalina Island the Perfect Place to Propose in 2025? A Photographer’s Guide to Costs and Packages
Is Catalina Island a Good Place to Propose?
Absolutely. Catalina Island is one of the most romantic destinations in Southern California. Located just an hour by ferry from Long Beach, Dana Point, or San Pedro, it offers a stunning mix of ocean views, historic landmarks, and tucked-away beaches that feel worlds away from the mainland. Many couples ask, “Is Catalina Island a good place to do a surprise proposal?” The answer is yes—whether you’re dreaming of a simple oceanfront moment or a fully planned destination experience, Catalina provides the perfect stage for that once-in-a-lifetime “yes.”
With its ocean views, charming streets, and golden sunsets, Catalina Island is one of Southern California’s most unforgettable places to pop the question. If you’re considering a 2025 proposal, let’s plan together—we’ll walk you through locations, timing, and photography so you can focus on the moment.
📅 Connect With Us to Start Planning
Do You Need a Permit to Propose on Catalina Island?
If you’re just enjoying the island and taking casual photos, you’ll blend right in with the thousands of tourists who do the same every day. But when it comes to commercial photography, permits are technically required in many areas:
City of Avalon (public beaches, bayfront, Casino exterior): A still photography permit runs about $132/day, plus business license and liability insurance.
Catalina Conservancy (interior and wildlands): Much stricter, starting at $1,500/day plus deposits and ranger fees.
Private properties (like Descanso Beach cabanas, Casino ballroom, golf course): Managed by Catalina Island Company, permits are arranged directly and can start around $500/day.
Reality check: Plenty of photographers do fly under the radar in Avalon with minimal gear and no setups, especially on the public bayfront or beach. The risk is low if you keep it simple. Once you start staging picnics, florals, or styled setups, enforcement is much more likely.
Dreaming of a Catalina Island proposal? ✨ We’re offering a one-time destination package under $1,000—complete with travel, scouting, photography, and prints. Let us handle the details while you focus on the ‘yes.’ 📸💍 Book your Catalina Island proposal photographer today!
How Much Does a Proposal Photographer on Catalina Cost?
Here’s the current market:
Low-end: $895–$1,200 for 1–1.5 hours, 20–50 edits, gallery delivery. Travel and planning are not included.
High-end: $3,000–$10,000+ for full proposal planning, photography, styled setups, permits, champagne, florals, and concierge-level service.
Where we fit in: We’re offering a one-time portfolio-building Catalina proposal package for under $1,000 all-in. This covers our travel, scouting, photography, editing, and even prints. It’s the perfect chance to get premium coverage without the luxury-planner price tag.
Budgeting for a Catalina Proposal
Your budget sets the tone for everything:
Ferry Tickets: $84–$100 roundtrip per person from Long Beach, San Pedro, or Dana Point.
Accommodations: Average hotel rates in Avalon range from $160–$220/night (budget/mid-range), boutique hotels often run $300–$400+, and luxury stays can exceed $1,000/night. Airbnb also offers private homes starting in the low hundreds.
Meals & Extras: Plan at least $100–$200/day for two.
💡 Our advice: Treat it as a weekend trip. Travel over Friday afternoon, scout or relax Friday evening, proposal Saturday during golden hour, and enjoy Sunday morning before returning home.
Best Public Proposal Spots in Avalon (Non-Private, Non-Gated)
Casino Point Walkway – iconic curved stone path with ocean and Avalon Bay in the background.
Descanso Beach (public side) – sandy shoreline with palm trees and sparkling waves.
Hamilton Cove overlook (public paths just outside gated villas) – sweeping ocean views without needing access inside.
Avalon Green Pier – colorful and classic Catalina backdrop right on the bayfront.
Buena Vista Point Overlook – panoramic views of Avalon Harbor and Mt. Ada above.
Sample Itinerary for a Catalina Proposal Weekend
Day 1 (Friday):
Catch the early morning ferry from Long Beach, San Pedro, or Dana Point to maximize your time on the island.
Check into your hotel or Airbnb.
Enjoy lunch along Crescent Avenue.
Spend the afternoon scouting potential proposal spots — or book with us and we’ll scout the island for you so you can just focus on the proposal.
End the day with a sunset walk along the bay.
Day 2 (Saturday):
Start with a relaxed breakfast in Avalon.
Explore the island — rent a golf cart, shop, or take in the views.
Plan the proposal during golden hour for the most flattering light.
Top locations: Casino Point, Descanso Beach, Buena Vista Point.
Celebrate afterward with a romantic dinner overlooking Avalon Harbor.
Day 3 (Sunday):
Take a morning stroll to the Wrigley Memorial entrance or Botanic Garden for “just engaged” portraits.
Grab coffee and enjoy one last view of Avalon.
Catch the afternoon ferry back to the mainland, wrapping up a perfect engagement weekend.
Catalina Island is the ultimate place to pop the question in 2025. 🌊 From golden-hour portraits to stunning Avalon views, our special destination proposal package covers it all. Limited-time portfolio rate under $1,000—secure your date now and let us create your forever moment.
Things to Do After the Proposal
Catalina has plenty to make your engagement weekend memorable:
Explore the Casino building and its historic architecture.
Relax on Descanso Beach with cocktails and music.
Take a scenic golf cart ride around Avalon for more photo ops.
Visit the Botanic Garden and Wrigley Memorial for a nature walk.
Enjoy a romantic dinner overlooking the bay.
Why Book Us for Your Catalina Proposal?
Most photographers will deliver digital files and stop there. With us, you also get:
70+ edited high-resolution images
All RAW files included
10 sneak-peek edits within 24 hours
5 enhanced prints (1 12×18, 2 11×14, 2 8×11)
1 metal print (11×14)
Full scouting and coordination (we’ll check ferry times, traffic, crowd flow, and provide GPS pins so you’re never lost)
Vision board + timeline so you know exactly how the day will unfold
Our non-tangibles: reliability, honesty, and peace of mind—you just show up, we handle the rest.
Recap: Planning a Catalina Island Proposal
Is Catalina Island a good place to propose? Yes — stunning views, romantic beaches, and easy ferry access make it one of the top engagement destinations in 2025.
Permits: Casual photography is usually fine, but styled setups often require permits. Keep it simple to avoid red tape.
Photographer costs:
Budget: $895–$1,200 (no travel included).
Luxury: $3,000–$10,000+ (all-inclusive packages).
Our package: Under $1,000, including travel, scouting, prints, and edits.
Budgeting for your trip: Factor in ferry tickets, hotel stays ($160–$400+ per night), meals, and extras.
Best proposal locations (public, non-gated): Casino Point, Descanso Beach, Avalon Green Pier, Buena Vista Point, Hamilton Cove overlook.
Sample itinerary:
Day 1: Early ferry, check-in, lunch, scouting (or we’ll handle it), sunset bay walk.
Day 2: Breakfast, exploring, golden-hour proposal, romantic dinner.
Day 3: Morning stroll + portraits, coffee, ferry back to the mainland.
Why book with us: 70+ edits, RAWs, sneak peeks, fine art prints, plus planning, scouting, GPS pins, and stress-free coordination.
Final Thoughts
Catalina Island is an incredible place to propose, but planning from the mainland can feel overwhelming. That’s where we come in. While most photographers charge $800–$1,200 without travel—or $3,000–$10,000 for styled packages—we’re offering a special one-time opportunity under $1,000 to build out our destination portfolio.
If you’ve been dreaming about a Catalina Island proposal, this is your chance. Let us handle the planning, scouting, and photography—you just focus on asking the most important question of your life.
📩 Book your Catalina Island Proposal with us today.
