Planning a proposal in Montenegro but not sure how to pull it off in a country you don't know, without giving the surprise away too early? Relax: we'll take almost all of it off your hands. We have two tried-and-tested options: a private boat in the Bay of Kotor near Perast, or a viewpoint overlooking Sveti Stefan. We time everything for the soft light just before sunset and photograph the moment from a discreet distance, so all you need to do is show up with the ring.
I, Mariia Sosnina, live in Montenegro and have been photographing proposals here for many years. In this guide I'll walk you through how a proposal with us works step by step, which option to choose, how to keep the secret until the very last second and what you get afterwards.
The short version
- We book the proposal boat ourselves, and that option also includes drone shots.
- The viewpoint above Sveti Stefan is handy if you're staying around Budva.
- In Montenegro the sun slips behind the mountains earlier than the sunset time in your weather app, so we work out the meeting time for each specific spot.
- Your partner can stay completely in the dark until the very end: we agree on a signal with you in advance.
- In summer we don't recommend proposing in Kotor Old Town or on Budva's beaches: they're simply too crowded.
How a proposal with us works: five steps
Planning a proposal abroad sounds complicated. In reality it comes down to five simple steps, and we handle almost all of them.
- You message us. Tell us when you're arriving and where you're staying. You can write to us without your partner knowing, and we'll sort out the details by message. It's best to book at least a month ahead, and for summer and early September get in touch well in advance.
- We pick the option. A boat near Perast or the viewpoint above Sveti Stefan: we compare the two in detail just below.
- We work out the timing. For your date we calculate golden hour at that exact spot and set the meeting time with a little margin. We keep an eye on the forecast too: if the weather lets us down, which is rare in season, we shift the time or move the date.
- Proposal day. For the boat, we meet you at the pier. For the viewpoint, you simply turn up at the agreed time. We agree on a signal in advance so we don't miss the big moment.
- Photos and video. The first shots arrive the very next day, and we've listed exactly what you get further down.
Want to see what's included in each option before you decide? It's all laid out on our Montenegro proposal packages page.
Which option to choose: a boat near Perast or the Sveti Stefan view
We know both spots inside out, and both stay quiet even at the height of the season. The difference is the kind of moment you want: privacy out on the water or a wide-open panorama from the shore.
| Boat near Perast | Sveti Stefan view | |
|---|---|---|
| Where | Out on the water in the Bay of Kotor, facing Perast and the two islets opposite the town | A viewpoint above the island of Sveti Stefan, not far from Budva |
| What we handle | Booking the boat, meeting you at the pier, timing, help with posing | Choosing the spot and time, help with posing |
| What you get | 10 photos the next day, a phone video of the moment, drone shots, 60+ photos within 3 weeks | 10 photos the next day, a phone video of the moment, 60+ photos within 3 weeks |
| Best for | Couples who want to be alone together and get shots from the water and from above | Couples who want a stunning panorama without heading out to sea |
Boat near Perast: just the two of you in the middle of the bay
Out on the water there are no passers-by, just Perast, the mountains and the two islets opposite the town all around you. Dreaming of proposing on Our Lady of the Rocks itself? That's possible too, but only in the evening after the church closes, closer to sunset, and only from June to August. Otherwise, the most beautiful shot comes from the water anyway, with the island as your backdrop.
We book the boat ourselves, so you won't have to hunt for a skipper or negotiate the route. We can talk about other spots in the bay too, but the most beautiful views really open up around Perast and its islands. We've described how an evening like this goes in our article on the boat proposal in Montenegro. If the little church island is what's calling you, read about a boat proposal near Our Lady of the Rocks. And for one couple's real story, see our album of a private boat proposal in Perast.
By the way, in summer the center of Perast is closed to cars and there's parking only at the entrance and exit of town, so give yourself plenty of time. Want to get out on the water just for beautiful photos, no ring involved? That's what our boat rental for a photoshoot is for.
The viewpoint above Sveti Stefan: the whole island at your feet
From the viewpoint above Sveti Stefan you see the entire island hotel from above, with the Adriatic stretching out behind it. It's easy to get to from Budva, just a few kilometers away.
There's no boat or drone with this option, but the logistics are much simpler. You arrive at the agreed time, and we take care of the spot, the moment and the posing tips. You can see how it looks in our Sveti Stefan proposal album.
Already know which option is yours? Send us your travel dates and we'll tell you which evenings are free and what your chosen option costs.
How to keep the surprise until the very last second
What worries people most usually isn't the ring. It's the fear that their partner will figure everything out. That's why we plan the scenario together with you, well in advance. Most couples go for one of two scenarios.
A complete surprise
Your partner has no idea. On the boat we're just part of the crew, and at the viewpoint we're ordinary tourists with a camera. At the right moment we offer to take a photo of you two on your phone, and that's when you pull out the ring.
The cover story: just a regular photoshoot
You tell your partner you've booked a photoshoot for the trip. That way they have time to pick an outfit and get in the mood, and the proposal itself still comes as a surprise, right in the middle of the shoot.
I shoot in an artistic reportage style: candid moments, nothing staged. At a proposal this matters more than ever, because the strongest emotions happen in the first few seconds after the question.Mariia Sosnina
Either way, we agree on a signal beforehand so we catch the exact second the question is asked. We've written more about both scenarios in our guide to the proposal photoshoot in Montenegro.
When to propose: time of day and month
For the time of day, our answer is always the same: golden hour, the last hour before the sun disappears. The light turns soft and warm, faces look natural and glowing, and the water and sky fill with color.
Good to know: in the Bay of Kotor the mountains drop right down to the water, so shade reaches Perast earlier than the open coast by Sveti Stefan. That's why we only give you an exact meeting time once we know your date and option. |
Month-wise, the gentlest times are late May, June, September and early October: it's warm, and there are fewer people than in July and August. Summer proposals turn out beautifully too; the moment just moves later into the evening. For a full season-by-season breakdown with pros and cons, see our article on the best time to propose in Montenegro.
What you get after the “yes”
The best part starts the very next day. Here's what you get after the shoot:
- 10 photos the next day, so you can share the news with your family straight away;
- a phone video of the proposal moment;
- more than 60 edited photos within three weeks;
- drone shots, if you chose the boat.
You can add prosecco and glasses, a bouquet of roses or an edited video reel to either option. And if you'd like a proper video, our videographer Vasilii Khmelev can film it: a professional camera video or a short phone clip of up to a minute. Video is priced on request, so just let us know in advance.
See what these shots look like in our proposal photography portfolio. To check free dates and prices, use the button below, and we'll get back to you and help plan everything.
Dreaming of somewhere else? Kotor, Budva and beyond
Sometimes a couple already has their own dream spot. Montenegro is small, but it's full of beautiful places to propose. We've gathered them in our guide to the best proposal spots in Montenegro, from the cable car up to Lovćen to Horizont bar, where you can raise a glass to the “yes”. And you'll find even more of the places where we shoot in our photo locations in Montenegro section.
If you're staying near Kotor, our guide to a proposal in Kotor shows how to get a moment alone away from the crowds. Staying in Budva? There's a separate article for you on a proposal in Budva, and the Sveti Stefan viewpoint will be just around the corner.
Where, honestly, we don't recommend proposing in summer
- Kotor Old Town and Budva's beaches. In season they're packed, and you simply won't get a moment to yourselves.
- The climb to the fortress above Kotor. It's a long, tough walk in the heat, so you'll reach the top worn out.
- The viewpoints above the Bay of Kotor. In summer, traffic jams often make them hard to reach, and you could miss golden hour altogether.
Proposals for same-sex couples
Since 2020 Montenegro has recognized life partnerships for same-sex couples, and on the coast people are relaxed about couples from all over the world. We welcome every couple, and both our options work equally well. Everything you need to know is in our guide to a proposal for a gay couple in Montenegro.
After the “yes”: dinner, a walk and a love story shoot
After the proposal you'll want the evening to last. It's best to book a table with a view in advance, especially in summer. We've rounded up restaurants overlooking the bay and the sea in our list of restaurants for a proposal dinner in Montenegro.
And if you'd like more beautiful photos of the two of you after the “yes”, you can book a love story photoshoot in Montenegro on another day. For ideas on how to spend the rest of your trip, check out our guide on what to do in Montenegro.
Send us your travel dates using the button below, and we'll find an evening for the proposal and, if you like, a separate day for a walk together.
Couples tell it better than we ever could. Here's what people who've already said “yes” in Montenegro have to say.
Frequently asked questions
How do I plan a marriage proposal in Montenegro?
The easiest way is to leave the planning to people who live here. You send us your dates and choose between a boat near Perast and the viewpoint above Sveti Stefan, and we take care of the boat, the timing for the light and the photos. All you have to do is show up with the ring.
Where is the best place to propose in Montenegro?
We offer two spots: a private boat in the Bay of Kotor near Perast and a viewpoint above Sveti Stefan. At both you can have a moment to yourselves even in peak season. We've collected more ideas in our guide to the best proposal spots.
How do I keep the proposal a secret?
There are two scenarios. With a complete surprise, your partner sees us as ordinary tourists or part of the boat crew. With a cover story, they think you've simply booked a photoshoot. We agree on a signal in advance so we don't miss the moment.
What time of day is best for a proposal?
Golden hour, just before sunset. In Montenegro the sun drops behind the mountains earlier than the official sunset time, so we calculate the exact time for your spot and date. The gentlest months are late May, June, September and early October.
What's included in the proposal shoot?
Both options include 10 photos the next day, a phone video of the proposal moment and more than 60 edited photos within three weeks. The boat option also includes booking the boat, meeting you at the pier and drone shots.
Can you film the proposal?
Yes. A phone video of the moment is already included in both options. If you'd like a proper video, our videographer Vasilii Khmelev can shoot a professional camera video or a short phone clip of up to a minute, priced on request.
How far in advance should we book?
You can book your date as soon as you have flights and a hotel. Ideally do it at least a month ahead, especially if you need a specific day, and for June, July, August and early September get in touch well in advance.
What if it's windy or rainy on the day?
That's rare in season. We keep an eye on the forecast, and if the weather lets us down, we shift the time or move the proposal to another day.
Do I need a planner for the proposal?
You don't need a separate planner for the proposal itself: we book the boat and choose the spot and timing ourselves. Prosecco and glasses, a bouquet of roses or an edited video reel can be ordered from us along with your option.
More on proposing in Montenegro
All our proposal articles in one place:
- Best proposal spots in Montenegro, from Perast to Sveti Stefan
- Boat proposal in Montenegro, how to set up the moment on the water
- Proposal near Our Lady of the Rocks in Perast, a boat and two islets at sunset
- Kotor proposal, where to find a quiet moment together
- Proposal in Budva, spots and ideas
- Best time to propose, month and time of day
- Proposal photoshoot, how it works and what's included
- Proposal for a gay couple, what to know
- Proposal restaurants, where to celebrate the “yes”
- Boat rental for a photoshoot, for time on the water without a ring
- Proposal photography portfolio, our couples and their stories
Montenegro feels made for saying “yes”: a quiet bay, mountains rising above the water and warm evening light. Send us your date, and together we'll work out how to arrange everything so you can think only about each other.
By the way, we don't only shoot proposals. I'm a wedding photographer in Montenegro, so if you decide to get married here after the “yes”, we'd love to photograph your wedding too.
Mariia & Vasilii — professional photographer and videographer in Montenegro
Feel free to contact us to book a photo shoot or wedding photography and videography in Montenegro
email: blog@mariasosnina.com | Whatsapp, Telegram +38267438562
Autumn in Montenegro
One Evening in Rome
Pros and cons of immigration to Montenegro
Our Lady of the Rocks (Gospa od Škrpjela) and St. George Island in Perast
Thailand Koh Kood
Two days in Venice in February
Bali. Place where dreams came truth
Burano - rainbow of Italy
Morocco - Merzouga: 2 days in Desert Sahara
Morocco — our 7 days trip in january
Venecia
Sunset in Lefkada Greece
Sahil Patel
Working with Mariia was an absolute masterclass in professionalism and creative vision. I approached her with the high-stakes task of capturing my surprise engagement, and from our very first interaction, she proved to be an indispensable partner in the planning process.
What truly sets Mariia apart is her dedication to the "above and beyond." Because this was a surprise for my girlfriend, the logistics were complex, yet Mariia handled everything with expert precision. She was incredibly helpful from start to finish, specifically when it came to scouting the ideal location. Her deep knowledge of Montenegro’s most picturesque corners allowed us to find a setting that was both intimate and visually breathtaking.
On the day of the proposal, she was perfectly positioned to capture the moment without spoiling the surprise. The final photos are nothing short of spectacular; we are so happy with how she balanced the natural beauty of the landscape with the genuine emotion of the occasion. Mariia is a gifted artist and a meticulous planner, and we couldn’t have asked for a better experience.
D+L
As I read through all the reviews, I can only confirm every single point. Mariia played a huge role in the success of our engagement. From the very beginning, the communication was fast and easy, and everything from payment to planning was handled smoothly and professionally.
She was incredibly responsive to our individual wishes and provided organizational support whenever we needed it.
But most importantly – her skills as a photographer are truly outstanding. The photos turned out absolutely beautiful, beyond anything we could have imagined.
What made the experience even better was that Mariia had everything under control – lighting, angles, timing – which allowed us to fully focus on each other and enjoy the moment. She stayed discreetly in the background, yet perfectly captured every important detail.
Thanks to Mariia, we have these memories preserved forever. We will never forget this moment, and we can wholeheartedly recommend her to anyone!
Tal & Goldie
We had an absolutely amazing experience with Maria and Vasilii for our engagement photos in Montenegro. They went above and beyond to make our day special. They met us right by the cruise ship and drove us to the beautiful town of Perast. From there, we took a boat to a stunning island, which made for some incredible photo opportunities. After the shoot, they even waited patiently while we enjoyed a leisurely lunch.
What really impressed us was how quickly they delivered a few stunning photos within just a day, allowing us to share those special moments right away. The rest of the pictures, which were equally amazing, were sent to us within two weeks.
The whole experience was seamless, and I couldn’t have asked for a better photographer. We will definitely reach out to them next time we’re in Montenegro. Highly recommended!
Neal
Wow they are sooo pretty! 💐😍😍😍 Thank you! For sharing this quickly! By the way I really got to tell you! Everyone really like the way I proposed and the photos were taken! Thank you 😊! They are really great! Awesome 😍😍🫶 Thank you very much!