9 of the Best Places to Propose in Edinburgh
The Ultimate Guide To Marriage Proposals in Edinburgh
Edinburgh, the enchanting capital of Scotland, offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes. It’s no wonder that couples from around the world flock here to celebrate their love. If you’re planning to pop the question, Edinburgh’s rich tapestry of romantic spots will provide the ideal backdrop. Whether you’re seeking dramatic scenery, historical charm, or a touch of magic, this city has it all.
As an Edinburgh wedding photographer and filmmaker, I’m lucky to be documenting so many marriage proposals in Edinburgh and across Scotland, so I’ve put this guide together to help you decide on a location in Edinburgh to pop the question.
Calton Hill
If you’re on the hunt for a picturesque proposal spot, then Calton Hill is the perfect place! Calton Hill is one of Edinburgh’s main hills, set right in the city centre and looks absolutely magical at dawn and dusk. As an added plus, Calton Hill comes with built-in engagement photo backdrops - the Nelson Monument and National Monument. P.S. it only takes about five minutes to climb for breathtaking views and perhaps a mini-photoshoot, so don’t be intimidated.
Union Canal
How does cruising down the river of love (Union Canal) on a private boat sound? You can book yourself and your beloved a private boat and make the experience extra special by opting for one of the experiential packages such as the Afternoon Tea Cruise or the Juniper Tasting Cruise. But if you prefer to keep your feet firmly planted on land, you can pop the question by the water’s edge - of course, that’s if you time it right! It’ll be just as romantic as proposing on the canal.
The National Gallery of Modern Art is the perfect place for artist couples or those who love paintings and portraiture work. With extraordinary exhibitions, works by famous artists and plenty to explore, this gallery is another magical proposal spot. If you prefer a little privacy, then you can wander through with your beloved one and pop the question once you find a quiet gallery.
Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
Let Mother Nature be the third wheel on your marriage proposal date and take a stroll through the stunning Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. Its glasshouses and beautifully manicured gardens offer a wonderful spot for your big moment.
Portobello Beach
What’s more romantic than popping the question with the sand and surf in the background? Take your sweetheart down to Portobello Beach and watch the sunset (or sunrise, if you’re both early birds) before you get down on one knee. Top Tip: It’s probably a bad idea to stand too close to the water’s edge for your big moment, or you may lose your ring to the North Sea.
Princess Street Garden
Prefer an outdoor marriage proposal? Head to the Princes Street Garden for a park date to remember. The garden offers a breathtaking view of Edinburgh Castle, plenty of space to sprawl and stroll that won’t cost you a penny to visit.
National Museum of Scotland
The National Museum of Scotland is another great location to pop the big question. Whether your partner loves art and fashion, science and technology or dino bones, you’ll be able to find a space that suits them. If you would rather have no audience, then you can wander through with your sweetheart and pop the question once you find a quiet spot.
Dunbar’s Close Garden
Dunbar’s Close Garden is a secret green space that is tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the city streets and is less crowded than Edinburgh’s public parks. The garden is stunning and very quiet, making it a haven if you're looking for someone to have some peace in nature while in the city. It really is a hidden gem of Edinburgh. The garden has cobbled paths, wooden benches and plenty of well-kept shrubs, making it a cute little escape for your marriage proposal.
Royal Edinburgh Observatory
Did the stars align when you met your partner? Well, give the cosmos a big thank you by proposing at the Royal Edinburgh Observatory perched on Blackford Hill. From the Royal Edinburgh Observatory, there are breathtaking views of the city and it regularly hosts astronomy evenings. If you’re planning to give this place a visit, you’ll want to make sure you choose a night when there is little to no cloud cover, or you’ll miss out the magic of this place!
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Glad you are here!
Hey, I’m Aryan - your Edinburgh marriage proposal photographer and filmmaker.
I’m so lucky to be doing what I do as I get to meet so many wonderful couples each year. If you’re thinking of getting down on one knee in Edinburgh and need help planning your secret marriage proposal, I’m here to help!
I’ve done so many marriage proposals and will work with you to put an accurate timeline together, plan the travels, locations and come up with a signal so we can keep it all a secret until you’re down on one knee! And of course, the big moment will be captured perfectly through my lens.
