Romantic proposal ideas that won’t end up in A&E by a wedding photographer 

Now I know I’m a wedding photographer but you getting engaged is pretty paramount to my business so I thought I would help you out.

I’m pretty straight up on these kind of things (particularly over on TikTok) so I wanted to compile a list of engagement ideas that a) wont break the bank b) wont give you the ick and c) wont land you in A&E. All very important things when asking the most important person in your life if they fancy spending the rest of it with you…

Some couples just want cute and low key and that’s ok. The thought of someone getting down on one knee and then a whole bunch of strangers clapping and taking photos of you makes you want to die. And that’s ok. Not everyone is Kourtney and Travis with the entire world’s population of roses imported onto a beach, surrounded by candles with a string quartet. It was a bit much. But it made great TV so it served a purpose.

I recently got engaged myself and the run up to it is a long story (blog post coming on that soon). Although it may not have been the smoothest road (there was an animatronic dragon, a sinus infection, an Australian carpark and a thunderstorm involved), my finace eventually proposed over a flight of desert wine and a miniature desert sharing board at a candlelit restaurant whilst we were away for the weekend in York. I cried, (relief or joy undecided. I’m joking!), we were snuck champagne by the wonderful waiter who was the only one that noticed, then we called our families to share the happy news and celebrated with cocktails in an underground jazz club. It was low key and wonderful. We then later realised the restaurant was called ‘Pairings’ and that made my cheesy little romantic heart a bit happy.

So let’s skip to those low key, romantic proposal ideas that don’t make you want to die inside.

Propose over a really good meal. 

Food is a love language and it does a lot of the hard work for you. There is nothing quite like the sharing of something that is making you both happy. So you could just book a lovely restaurant (it doesn’t have to be super fancy) and enjoy the food, the beverages and go back to a simple date night. Then when your partner has a big smile on their face and they are looking at you just like they did when you first got together, that’s the moment. Take their hand and ask the question. Super simple. Then order champagne! Or hope you’ve got an eagle eyed waiter, but in my experience when a shiny thing makes it’s way out of a box they are desperate for the gossip so they’ve got you covered…

Disclaimer: Do not put a ring in food or drink. It’s gross, weird and likely to put someone in A&E. Ring boxes are fancy for a reason.

A walk in the park or a spot that is romantic to you 

Food not your thing? Just go for a walk. A beautiful park or a spot you had your first coffee date or similar is perfect. A little bit of sunshine is nice but a moonlit stroll or snuggling under a tree because the rain is coming down hard can be sweet too. And if the romantic movies have taught us nothing it’s that kissing in the rain is the epitome of romance. (But scratch that if you’ve treked miles away from home and you’ll be miserable in soggy clothes for the rest of the day. There’s nothing romantic about wet denim). 

Propose amongst the great artists at your favourite art gallery

A lot of art galleries are free! Winning. If you, or your partner, has a favourite piece of artwork or favoured gallery then just stand behind them whilst looking at it, take one step back and pop down on one knee. Then call their name and you do the rest!

Disclaimer: this one may feature random clapping and picture taking. Although if in London people don’t make eye contact so you might be ok…

A visit to a flower market

So this one is great for a few reasons. You get your romantic flowers and the space is basically decorated but without spending any big bucks! I mean you may want to celebrate by purchasing a bunch and a nice coffee but places like Columbia Road market on a Sunday is the perfect backdrop to your big question.

Whilst picking your Christmas Tree

Picture this, there’s a chill in the air, you’ve got a coffee (or mulled wine!) and you are walking up and down rows of freshly smelling pine trees looking to pick your favourite one for Christmas. It’s secluded and romantic and the perfect place to ask the question. Then you celebrate with a festive evening of fairy lights and Christmas snacks. Low key and ideal.

Go on a picnic.

The old school favourite and it is for a reason. There’s nothing that quite says romance like a baguette, some cheese and a great bottle of wine on a twee blanket overlooking a lake or a park or in front of a truly excellent floral display. Pack a cute lunch and don’t forget the ring!

Go on a boat ride

Want a little bit more of a gesture? Try a boat ride. From an afternoon tea on the Thames to a rowing boat on a local lake to punting in Cambridge, there’s something about water that just screams romance. Just secure that ring somewhere safe. This is important. And also know that if you are going down the rowing boat route, it is hot sweaty work. So just bear that in mind.

Propose on holiday

I know I am happiest when I am truly disconnected from reality and on holiday. You’re in an exploring mood, or totally relaxed so take the opportunity whilst seeing the sights or having a lovely lunch to pop the question. You could also hike to see the skyline or propose in front of a landmark. If you’re in London I can recommend a few spots!

At home - hear me out.

So this is a bit cute. You’ve just moved in together and bought a house. Your partner walks up to the front door, you take a step back and call their name. You’re down on one knee with a ring box. Homely, private and you’ll always have a special feeling every time you walk out the front door. Have the champagne on ice for the celebration when you do get inside!

Book a photographer to capture you popping the question

So above are just some ideas that aren’t going to rival a movie proposal but are sweet and romantic without being overtly flashy. But just because it’s personal and intimate doesn’t mean that you or your partner wont want the moment captured forever. If collecting memories is important to you then consider booking a secret photographer to secretly snap away at your moment. Just tell them your plan, date and time and they can be there to take photos of the whole thing, then if you would like a super quick couples session to get those ‘oh my goodness we just got engaged’ portraits whilst the energy is still high and excited.