Planning Guide
How to plan a surprise proposal at Marimurtra
Carter proposed to Elizabeth at Marimurtra Botanical Garden in Blanes. For the key moment, we selected Templet de Linné, also known as the Linnaeus Pavilion, with its columns and open view of the Mediterranean.
Elizabeth had no idea about the proposal. Carter and I discussed his position, the sequence of events and the moment when he would get down on one knee. I also planned the photoshoot after her answer, so they could enjoy the experience without having to decide where to go or what to do next.
Their story shows how a surprise proposal at Marimurtra can be organised and which details should be prepared in a botanical garden that remains open to visitors.
Starting the photoshoot with the proposal
The photoshoot began with the proposal itself. At the agreed point, Carter turned towards Elizabeth, took out the ring and got down on one knee. The sea and cliffs remained visible between the columns, while sunlight entered the pavilion from the side.
This sequence works well when the proposal is the main event. I determine exactly where the couple should stop and explain how the client should stand in relation to their partner and the camera. A slight turn of the body allows me to photograph the face, ring and reaction in one continuous series.
During those first seconds, I keep photographing without interrupting the moment. The complete sequence matters: the instant Elizabeth understood what was happening, her expression, the ring, their hands and the first embrace.
Why we chose Templet de Linné
Templet de Linné was the central point of this proposal photoshoot. Its columns create a clear composition, and the open spaces preserve the sea, sky and Costa Brava coastline in the background.
Before a proposal, I check the direction of the light, the movement of visitors and the position of the couple inside the pavilion. Carter knew where to stop. I selected an angle that kept Elizabeth turned towards the camera and made the ring visible when he proposed.
The pavilion is open on several sides, so the photographer’s position matters. A small change in angle can reveal more of the coastline or place a column behind someone’s face. I establish these details before the main moment begins.
The first minutes after the answer
After the proposal, I photographed Elizabeth looking at her ring, embracing Carter and taking in what had just happened. They stayed inside the pavilion for a few minutes while I photographed them from different distances.
I began with close-ups of their hands and the ring. We then made portraits between the columns and several wider photographs from the entrance, showing the pavilion around them.
I guide this part of the session gently. Simple suggestions help with the light and the position of their hands while allowing the moment to develop naturally.
How the photoshoot continued
After the first portraits, Carter removed his light jacket and we continued with a walk through the garden. His blue shirt worked well with the sea and sky, while Elizabeth’s light floral dress stood out among the greenery.
Variety came from movement, light and changes in framing. I alternated between wide coastal photographs, mid-length portraits, ring close-ups and walking sequences. Carter and Elizabeth held hands, followed the steps, danced and paused where the light worked well for a portrait.
This approach creates a complete story within a single garden. Each stop takes only a few minutes, and the walk between photographs becomes part of the session.
Using movement during the photoshoot
After a proposal, couples often need a little time to become comfortable in front of the camera. I begin with easy actions: walking together, holding hands, turning towards each other or following a short set of steps.
Movement worked especially well for Carter and Elizabeth. The long dress responded beautifully to their steps and turns, while the sunlight created a clear outline around them. For several photographs, I asked Carter to slowly turn Elizabeth by the hand. This produced natural gestures and allowed me to photograph them from several angles.
Later, we moved into seated portraits. The steps gave us enough space to arrange the dress, make a wider composition and move closer for photographs of their faces, hands and engagement ring.
Working with bright sunlight
The day of the proposal was sunny. In the open areas, the light created defined shadows. Near tall plants and stone walls, it became softer and more even.
In this type of light, I decide in advance which direction the couple should face. Backlight works well for walking photographs, with the sun placed behind them. For closer portraits, I look for even shade or turn their faces towards softer reflected light.
Inside Templet de Linné, the columns created alternating areas of sunlight and shade. I placed Carter and Elizabeth within the same section of light so that their faces and clothes remained evenly exposed.
The sunlight also preserved the colour of the sea and the texture of the plants. I planned the route around these changing conditions, giving us a varied collection of walking photographs and portraits.
What to know about privacy at Marimurtra
Marimurtra remains open to visitors during a standard proposal reservation. Templet de Linné and the other public areas are not closed specifically for the couple.
Before the proposal, I assess the surroundings and monitor the movement of visitors. If the chosen point is temporarily occupied, I adjust the route, make other photographs nearby and wait for the background to clear. Carter and I also agreed on a simple signal so the proposal could begin at the right moment.
A clean background comes from preparation, timing and the camera angle. As a Costa Brava proposal photographer, I manage these details so the client can concentrate on the question and their partner’s reaction.
Marimurtra also offers exclusive use of a space through a separate reservation and personalised quotation.
Booking a marriage proposal at Marimurtra
As of July 2026, Marimurtra offers a special marriage proposal rate of €145 including VAT.
The standard reservation includes:
- admission for the two participants;
- admission for one or two photographers;
- admission for one videographer;
- photography and video in all public and accessible areas of the garden;
- the proposal during Marimurtra’s usual opening hours.
The standard rate does not include exclusive use of the pavilion or another part of the garden. Up to four additional guests can be added. In 2026, the fee is €12 per person. Exclusive use of a space requires a separate quotation.
Prices and conditions can change, so I check the latest information on the official Marimurtra marriage proposal page before confirming the plan.
Can the proposal also be filmed?
The current Marimurtra conditions allow one videographer to be included in the reservation. The photographer and videographer should agree on their positions, signal and recording direction in advance.
A short phone video can also be planned for the proposal. The phone should be positioned so that it keeps a clear view of the couple without interfering with the main photographs.
Drone use requires separate permission from the garden. The relevant documents must be submitted and written authorisation received before the flight.
What to wear for a Marimurtra photoshoot
Carter and Elizabeth’s outfits worked well for a sunny day in the garden. The light colours kept the photographs fresh, Carter’s blue shirt complemented the sea, and the print on Elizabeth’s dress added detail to the closer portraits.
Carter began the session wearing a jacket and removed it after the proposal. This small change gave us two versions of his outfit without requiring a separate changing break.
Marimurtra has steps, slopes and paths with different surfaces. Comfortable shoes are particularly important during a longer session. Elizabeth wore flat sandals and Carter chose white trainers, which made the walk through the garden comfortable.
The official Marimurtra rules require visitors to remain on the paths, protect the plants and avoid climbing on architectural elements. I select every position and pose with these restrictions in mind.
Returning to the pavilion
Towards the end of the session, we returned to Templet de Linné. Carter and Elizabeth were already comfortable with the camera, so I added walking photographs between the columns and several portraits facing the sea.
We finished with close-ups of their faces, hands and engagement ring. Returning to the pavilion connected the final photographs with the place where their engagement had begun earlier that day.
Do we need a separate proposal reservation?
Yes. Marimurtra offers a dedicated booking for a marriage proposal with professional photography or video. It includes admission for the couple and the registered photography team. I check the current conditions before confirming the date and help the client understand the booking process.
Can an empty Templet de Linné be guaranteed?
The standard booking does not provide exclusive access. I allow additional time, monitor the movement of visitors and choose the exact moment for the proposal. Marimurtra can prepare a separate quotation for exclusive use of the space.
Can the proposal happen at the beginning of the photoshoot?
Yes. This was the scenario we chose for Carter and Elizabeth. Once Elizabeth had answered, the rest of the session became a continuation of the celebration. They could enjoy the walk, look at the ring and spend time together without waiting for the surprise.
How much time should we allow after the proposal?
The duration depends on the number of photographs and the pace of the session. Marimurtra covers a large area, and moving through the garden involves steps and uphill paths.
I calculate the route in advance and include time for the couple’s first moments together, portraits, walking photographs and ring details.
Carter and Elizabeth’s surprise proposal at Marimurtra
Planning this surprise proposal at Marimurtra required an exact position inside the pavilion, an agreed signal, an official reservation and a clear plan for the photographs afterward. Carter followed a simple sequence, while I managed the light, background, visitors and route.
After the proposal, we photographed the first reactions, the ring, their walk through the garden and the final portraits beside the Mediterranean.
Another approach can be seen in Jair and Natalia’s Marimurtra proposal, which included friends and took place in cloudy light. More information about sessions in the garden is available on my Marimurtra photoshoot page.
