Where to propose in Paris? Best locations for your Paris proposal
If you’re planning to propose in Paris but it seems a little overwhelming and you don’t know where to start, you’ve just come to the right place. This guide will show you how to pop THE QUESTION and the best locations to do it.
As a wedding and engagement photographer in Paris, I’ve photographed hundreds of couples from all over the world, so I thought… Why don’t I just give some guidance to those out there who want to have the most perfect Paris proposal and create romantic memories that last forever?
If you’re coming from abroad, I know the whole process can be intimidating, but don’t worry, I’ve got your back.
Here is all you need to know about the best places in Paris to pull off your proposal in Paris.
“My most brilliant achievement was my ability to persuade my wife to marry me” Winston Churchill.
Tips to pull off the best proposal in Paris
The first thing you need to know is that timing is everything, and there’s no better time to propose in Paris than during the early morning. Yes, yes, yes… I know you’re thinking that I’m crazy, but I’m not. Just let me go into detail here.
You’re concerned that she might be suspicious, and then you’re going to ask yourself: How on earth am I going to convince her to leave the bed at that insane time in the morning? Well… be creative.
- Tell her you have an early brunch on a river cruise and that it leaves before sunrise.
- Tell her a friend of yours recommended taking photos with this photographer and you’ll be starting the photos at sunrise.
- Tell her you won an internet contest and the prize is a photography session at sunrise.
- Tell her you have a day trip planned to Belgium and the transportation leave from the particular place you’ve chosen to propose at sunrise.
Whatever story you come up with, I promise it will be worth it, and here is why:
- Paris is one of the most visited cities in the world, which means that if you want some privacy during that especial moment you’d better wake up before all the tourist buses arrive to the most iconic landmarks of the city.
- If you don’t want a million tourists in the background of your photos then get out of bed early.
- At sunrise the light is soft, golden and beautifully diffused.
Now, here is another thought you might be coming up with right now… She will not be completely prepared, she might want to have a pretty dress and make up and hair done for the photos.
Well… that is a very valid point. For us, girls is super important to look pretty in pictures, especially if they’re as important as these ones. That’s why most of my clients split their proposal photos and their engagement session in 2 parts:
Part 1: Paris proposal
I capture the moment when you’ll ask your partner to marry you. I’ll document the reaction and then we’ll have some additional photos to capture all the energy flowing and all the emotion from that magical moment.
Part 2: Engagement session
Most of my clients take an additional 3 to 4 hours photo session were we go to the main Parisian landmarks, iconic places and authentic little streets.
Once the surprise has passed she will have the opportunity to go shopping for a nice dress, hire hair and make up services and have amazing engagement pictures to show all your friends and family back home. Beautiful photos to frame and an album for your coffee table.
Propose in Paris at the Eiffel Tower
When you think about Paris, you think about the Eiffel Tower, there’s no doubt about it. It’s the most iconic landmark of the city and international symbol of love.
The most popular lookout for the Eiffel Tower is Trocadero, but it’s also the most crowded one (even at sunrise). If you want my honest advice, avoid the upper part of Trocadero for your Paris proposal, unless you’re planning to propose in the middle of the photo session when the photographer has full control of the situation and can let you know exactly when to propose.
Otherwise, there are lots of nice paces to propose with great views of the Eiffel Tower like: The lower part of Trocadero (at the fountains), Bir Hakeim bridge, Passerelle Debilly, River Shore or the gardens at the side of Trocadero, those are great places to propose and a lot more private (remember, early morning!)
Paris proposal at the Tuileries Gardens
If you like the typical French gardens with perfectly shaped trees and beautiful symmetry, then this is the place for you.
The Tuileries gardens have the perfect mixture between nature and architecture. Here you can find ancient statues, flowers, trees and great views of the Louvre Museum, It’s really spectacular. I love this place because it says Paris, without being too obvious.
Nick proposed to Laura at the Tuileries gardens, take a look at their gallery here: https://gloria-villa.com/en/2017/10/25/proposal-in-paris-nick-and-laura/
Propose in Paris at the Luxembourg Gardens
This is a great option if you want variety and authenticity.
The Luxembourg gardens have typical Parisian architecture, fountains and flowers and lovely little streets within walking distance. If you want photos out of the ordinary with a twist of bohemian style, then this option is for you. Normally I spend 1 hour at the Luxembourg gardens and 1 to 2 hours in the streets around. It’s SO Paris!
And by the way, if you’re in Paris during autumn, don’t miss this place!
Paris proposal at Notre Dame cathedral
This is one of my favorite areas of Paris. I personally prefer the back side of Notre Dame Cathedral, rather than the front part of it, it’s more gothic and interesting. It really has a lot of character.
The perspective down the river from both sides is very nice, and the mixture between the water and the architecture is as Parisian as it gets.
It also has great souroundings like the Latin Quarter, Saint Louis Island, authentic Parisian cafes. etc.
Propose in Paris at the Sacre Coeur Basilica
Although this is a very nice place, it’s also one of the most crowded areas in Paris, so you have 2 options here:
- Propose at sunrise
- Propose on the back side of the Basilica
Otherwise you’ll be surrounded by hundreds of tourists everywhere.
This place is great because it’s located in Montmatre, one of the most charismatic and bohemian neighborhoods in Paris, full of little picturesque streets, cafes and buildings. Normally I spend between 2 to 3 hours for photos there.
Paris proposal at Pont Neuf
Well… not exactly on the bridge, but with it in the background on the quay side. I find the view is simply spectacular.
This location is also right next to the Louvre Museum, The Palais Royal, the Pont des Arts, And the Orsay Museum, all of them fantastic locations for your engagement photos!
Propose in Paris at the Louvre Museum
Only in the early morning!
This is one of the most touristic places in Paris, so if you wan to propose there, get up early.
Normally there are people in line since 7:00 AM once the museum has moved the fences to let people in. The other option is to propose in the back courtyard in front of a beautiful door, for example. This options focuses on the Louvre classic architecture.
Proposal at Parc de Seaux
This park is outside Paris, and that’s why I recommend a minimum of 2 to 3 hours to take pictures, otherwise it really doesn’t make sense time wise. This location is really big and that’s why you need time to walk around and get perspectives.
It has a very nice chateau, great French gardens, huge fountains and it’s very calmed in the mornings.
PS: bring a spare of comfortable shoes, we’ll be doing a bit of walking.
Congratulations, you made it! Thank you so much for sticking around, that shows your commitment to make your Paris proposal perfect. You’re certainly ahead of all other people planning to propose in Paris just by reading this article.
To learn about my availability, shoot me an email through my contact page, I’ll be happy to help you plan and make it happen:
For more tips about how to propose in Paris, click here:
