What does planning a surprise proposal in Jackson Hole look like?

By far the most popular question we get when it comes to planning your surprise proposal here in Jackson Hole or more specifically the Grand Teton National park is…

“So what does that look like?”

OR

“How does it work?”

OR (lastly)

“What does that process look like?”

You likely found this blog because google did it’s job or you’ve inquired about our availability, pricing, etc. and this naturally was your next curious question (or a variation of one of the 3 samples above).  We received this question enough that it warranted it’s own answer via one of our blog articles.  We’ve kept you in mind while writing this so we’re going to keep it short, sweet, and to the point answering the question above so you can have all of the information you need to be confident moving forward!

This will cover:

• What the process looks like after you’ve booked your session

• What the process of the actual proposal is like

• What the process is after your session

Assuming the above was 99.9% accurate, you’ve likely already established the pricing works for you, and we are available, so let’s dive right in. If you missed the pricing page at the top of our website, or the hyperlink in the previous paragraph, PLEASE CLICK HERE TO CONFIRM THE PRICING WORKS FOR YOU.

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What does the process look like after you’ve booked your surprise proposal session?

1)  Upon booking, you will be sent a comprehensive list of the best spots in the park complete with visuals of each so you can pick the best spot for your Jackson Hole proposal.

2)   From there, you will let us know which spot or two you would like (Yes all of the spots we recommend will have views of the grand tetons).

3)  Once the spot has been agreed upon, you will receive a detailed proposal plan explaining all of the ins and outs with where, what time, how to get there, specific directions, and corresponding visuals/videos when necessary.

What does the process look like for the actual proposal itself?

***As mentioned above, you will have received a detailed proposal plan letting you know where to be, at what time, and how to get there.  We will assume you're like most of our clients, the plan made sense, and you’re ready to roll for the day of.***

Background info:  We take the blend in, in plain site approach.  We don’t wear a ghillie suit, we don’t hide in the bushes, we don’t pop out of the lake, or scale down from a tree.  We will already be in the location you have chosen ahead of time, set up like typical landscape photographers or wildlife photographers that you see all throughout the park.  We generally set up on tripods to give off that landscape/wildlife vibe, and again, just blend in, in plain site.  The reason we do this, is because it works.

1. You’ll arrive to the set location and make your way to the exact spot

2)  As mentioned above, we’ll already be there 5-10 minutes ahead of time set up and ready

3)  You will have already communicated what you are driving and wearing so we usually know exactly whom to look for.

4)  Once you get to the exact spot, we’ll be ready to capture your proposal as planned.

At this point we usually have our clients who are proposing take 1 of 2 approaches.  They either A) approach us like complete strangers and ask us to grab a cell phone shot of you and your girlfriend/boyfriend, OR B)  You just go to the spot and propose once you’re ready.

5)  Afterwards we usually rock a few engagement photos with you guys and sometimes travel to other locations in the park depending on how much time you’ve booked.

What does the process look like after our session?

1)  You will receive a same day sneak peek of 15-25 images so you can share the news with whomever you would like.

2)  You will receive the rest of your images in the same gallery at later date.  If you’ve booked our Signature Proposal option, this is set for max turnaround time of 60 business days.  If you want to ensure you receive your images ASAP.  You will want to book the Premium Proposal option which will ensure delivery of all of your images in 7 business day.  In any event, both options will include a same day sneak peek.

3)  You book us for your destination wedding since we travel.  Just kidding, but it happens a lot so if you’re digging your proposal/engagement images, let us know :)

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Very specific follow up questions we sometimes receive before booking

How do we book?

Once you’re ready, we would send over an electronic invoice and contract.  You have a 48 hour window where your date is on a soft hold.  Once you’ve completed your contract and invoice, your date is secure.  If you fail to complete it in 48 hours, they do auto-void and your date is open back up.

What if we need more than 48 hours?

Contact us once you're ready to book within 48 hours.

What's Included in that pricing?

All of our proposals include: 2 photographers, help with the planning process, travel up to an hour outside of Jackson, a same day sneak peek, an online gallery with your final edited images, printing rights, and electronic sharing rights.

How many images do we receive in our final gallery?

We typically deliver within the industry standard of 50-100 images per hour of coverage.

What's the difference between The Signature Proposal option and the Premium Proposal Option?

The only difference is turnaround time for your final gallery. Our Signature option is more budget friendly and delivers in our standard turnaround time of 60 business days. Our Premium option delivers your final gallery in 7 business days. You still receive a same day sneak peek for both options.

What if I booked a Signature Proposal but I want to upgrade it to a Premium Session later?

You are able to upgrade prior to your session. We would just adjust your invoice and contract. If you decide after your session has been shot that you would like to upgrade to a Premium option, we are usually able to accommodate this, but not always. Just reach out and let us know. If you upgraded to Premium after your session, the 7 business days timeline would start once you've completed your new invoice and contract.

Do we need to do call?

While we’re happy to do a call, it is not a necessary step at any point in the process.  Again, we’re always happy to do a call if it’s easier or you're nervous, need guidance, etc. We generally average about 50+ proposals per year, and we do calls with less than 10% off them.

What if the weather looks bad at the time or day of?

We watch the weather like a hawk and will usually try to shift the time, location, or the date as needed.

What if I want to include my family or friends in the proposal?

We're happy to, just let us know as we do have a separate rate for “Group Proposals.”

What if I want to include my friends and family but I don’t want pictures of them?

Just let us know as this is still considered a group proposal and we’ll need to adjust your contract and invoice.  For us it’s not about the images taken, it’s about managing more people, more expectations, etc.  We’re happy to include friends and family but it is a little more work also we do charge accordingly.

What if I forget about the above information and I bring my family/friends anyway?

The number of people included in your session will be reflected in the contract before you book. If you bring more than that, it would technically void your contract. With this, we would send an updated invoice to cover the pricing difference. Once that new invoice is completed, then we would start the process of providing your sneak peek and final gallery. This would start a new timeline for the sneak peek and final turnaround time.

I booked a group proposal and one of my friends/family members is photographer and plans to also shoot during the session, is this okay?

We have an exlusivity clause in our contract. With this, they would not be allowed to also shoot the session during our contracted time. If they did, it would void your contract. If you value you a friend or family member also being able to shoot your session, we would encourage you to find another company.

Do you also offer professional video?

No. We are happy to make recommendations if you would like to hire a professional videographer as well. We do as a courtesy sometimes record proposals on our phone in addition to shooting. This is not something we can guarantee.

What if I don’t want one of the typical spots but I still want to hire you?

We’ve done sessions on snowmobile tours, horseback, top of the gondola at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, and remote mountain locations.  All this to say, if you’re thinking of something super unique, remote, or adventurous, let us know and we can usually accommodate.

Can you set up a big display for me with light up letters that say marry me and rose petals?

Elaborate set ups like this are not allowed in the Grand Teton National Park, so the short answer is no.  If you’re looking to do something like this on private property somewhere in the area, you do have that option in some cases but, we would refer you to a planner for set up and decor.

I don’t want anybody else present when I propose, how can we make this happen?

We would have likely already gone over this information prior to booking, that will help us recommend spots that are generally a little less foot trafficked but, in the park, especially during peak season, there is never a guarantee that you will have any location completely to yourselves.  Your best bet if this is your number one priority for your proposal is to book a private property.     

(Cont’d from last question) But what if I have my friends agree to stage somewhere to block people from coming to where we set up in the park?

While this is physically possible, it’s not allowed and it leads to a whole host of potential problems for us, and the session itself so we would not be agreeable to anything like this and thus would encourage you to look for another photographer or alternative option for your proposal location.

What if we cancel, is anything refundable?

We do not offer refunds or prorated refunds.

Overall

The above information should cover most if not all of your questions.  As we mentioned above, if you would rather do a call we’re always happy to do that as well.  We hope this was helpful and we look forward to hearing from you soon!