Portland Head Light Engagement Photos | Avery and Justin

Real Engagements

April 16, 2026

Portland Head Light Engagement Photos, Hidden in Plain Sight

Some proposals are planned down to the last petal. Then there’s Justin’s approach: grow a mustache, fly across the country in secret, and spend three days handing your girlfriend her own engagement ring to carry around Maine without her suspecting a thing. Avery and Justin’s Portland Head Light engagement photos, captured by Katie Arnold Photography, tell that story beautifully.

How Avery and Justin Met

These two found each other on a dating app in Dallas, Texas. Their first date at a brunch spot turned into four hours of bottomless mimosas and nonstop conversation. By the end of it, Justin knew it was a very good sign.

The Most Elaborate (and Funniest) Proposal in Maine

Justin had told Avery two things about his proposal plan — it would happen near family, and he’d be clean-shaven. In reality, he did the opposite on both counts, mustache and all.

Instead, he booked secret flights to Maine and packed the engagement ring in a small shoulder bag. For days, the two of them took turns carrying it up and down the coast. Without realizing it, Avery carried her own ring through Portland, Bar Harbor, and Acadia. Along the way, she stopped at her favorite author’s house and hunted down the best blueberry pie in Maine. She still had no idea.

On the morning of the proposal, Justin suggested they visit a lighthouse. After all, he’s a hobby photographer, and she’s long since accepted his impromptu photo sessions. So she agreed without hesitation. They drove to Portland Head Light in Cape Elizabeth, Maine, where Katie Arnold was already in position. As soon as Justin spotted her, he turned to Avery and got down on one knee.

Why Portland Head Light Is Perfect for Maine Engagement Photos

Avery and Justin both love lighthouses. Furthermore, after Justin discovered Katie Arnold Photography’s stunning coastal work, Portland Head Light became the clear choice for their engagement session. The rugged shoreline, the iconic tower, and the wide open Maine sky made every frame feel cinematic. For a proposal this carefully planned, it deserved nothing less.

One Year Later: From Engagement Photos to Married

Just six months after that morning at the lighthouse, Avery and Justin were married. Justin never expected to cry at the altar…yet he did. They both did. Life, he says, has been a real blessing ever since.

Photographer: Katie Arnold Photography | Location: Portland Head Light, Cape Elizabeth, Maine

Man kneels to propose to woman on rocky coastal path with Portland Head Light lighthouse behind them; second frame shows her reacting with surprise.
Couple embraces and kisses after proposal along rocky coastline with lighthouse in background during golden hour engagement session.
Black and white portraits of newly engaged couple smiling and embracing with lighthouse softly visible behind them.
Engaged couple sitting along stone path with sun flare during golden hour, smiling and leaning together during coastal engagement session.
Woman shows engagement ring while walking with partner near rocky shoreline and lighthouse during golden hour proposal session.
Engaged couple sitting together on stone wall along coastal path surrounded by tall grasses during warm sunset light.
Couple stands arm in arm looking out toward Portland Head Light lighthouse and rocky shoreline at sunset.
Engaged couple sitting on seaside rocks with autumn foliage, sharing a kiss during warm golden hour engagement photos.
Couple cuddles and kisses while seated among coastal grasses and rocks with glowing sunset light filtering through trees.
Engaged couple sitting along stone path surrounded by tall grasses during golden hour coastal engagement session.
Couple standing close with foreheads touching along coastal path during golden hour engagement session with warm sunset light.
Engaged couple embracing on rocky Maine beach and smiling together near shoreline during golden hour engagement photos.
Man wraps arms around partner from behind and kisses her head as they stand together on rocky beach at sunset.
Couple shares a kiss while he dips her on scenic coastal overlook with autumn trees and rocky shoreline in background.
Woman kisses partner’s cheek while standing on rocks, then the couple walks hand in hand along seaweed-covered beach.
Black and white engagement portraits of couple embracing and smiling together on rocky beach shoreline.
Couple kissing on sandy beach with autumn trees behind them and close-up portrait of them smiling during golden hour.
Couple laughing together and standing on rocky beach formations along Maine coastline during engagement session.
Man lifts partner along tree-lined path with fall foliage, followed by close portrait of couple smiling together in autumn light.
Couple holding hands and walking along rocky beach shoreline in black and white engagement photo.
Couple holding hands while standing on seaweed-covered beach with rocky shoreline and vibrant fall trees behind them.
Woman hugs partner from behind while he smiles as they stand together on rocky shoreline in black and white engagement portrait.
Couple slow dancing on a garden path surrounded by wildflowers and warm autumn foliage during engagement session.
Couple kissing while standing on a small wooden bridge surrounded by fall foliage and greenery in a garden setting.
Couple kissing on wooden bridge and sitting together on the walkway surrounded by autumn leaves and greenery.
Couple sitting together on wooden bridge while woman rests her head on partner’s shoulder in warm autumn light.
Couple sitting together on wooden bridge and standing among colorful fall foliage and flowers in garden engagement photos.
Couple kissing among vibrant autumn foliage and wildflowers near garden path during fall engagement session.
Couple kissing on a garden path surrounded by colorful fall foliage, trees, and wildflowers during engagement session.

Dreaming of Your Own Portland Head Light Engagement Photos?

Avery and Justin’s story is proof that the best proposals are the ones that feel completely true to the couple — even when they involve a secret mustache and a little misdirection. Portland Head Light in Cape Elizabeth, Maine is one of New England’s most iconic and photographed landmarks, making it a breathtaking setting for coastal Maine engagement photos in every season. If a lighthouse engagement session in Maine is calling your name, Katie Arnold Photography brings an eye for light and landscape that is truly hard to match.

Want more real engagement and wedding inspiration from across New England? Order the latest issue of Evergreen Weddings Magazine and start planning your own unforgettable love story.

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