When it comes to popping the big question, there are a few places that always spring to mind instantly. For many, London will be at the top of their list of ultimate proposal destinations.
It’s a city rich in history, steeped in culture and packed to the brim with stunning and iconic landmarks.
People all over the world look at London as one of the truly great cities, which means it’s probably the perfect spot for your romantic proposal.
A proposal is a huge moment for any couple, one that will define the rest of your lives together, so you’d better be sure to make it perfect and unforgettable, allowing you to look back on it in years to come fondly.
Whether you’re after a grand public gesture or an intimate and personal moment, this stunning city has it all, so look at our guide to help you organise your London proposal ideas into the most romantic and unforgettable moment possible.
Let’s make a plan to guarantee you and your partner a moment you’ll cherish for the rest of your lives.
Choosing the Best Place to Propose in London
If you’ve visited London before, you’ll know that there is pretty much an endless list of locations that are worth visiting:
- Ancient Roman ruins
- Skyscrapers
- Iconic tourist attractions
- Some of the best museums in the world
- River cruises
- Gorgeous parks
- Stunning architecture
This makes choosing the ultimate proposal spot pretty difficult, and if you’re at this stage, you’ve likely already been through the process of choosing the right engagement ring for your significant other, so we can focus fully on this step.
Let’s take a quick look at some of the very best London locations for the ultimate proposal:
The Shard
The Shard is one of the most iconic buildings in the city, maybe even Europe, and it offers 360 degree views from the very heart of London. It contains a fantastic hotel, a Michelin-star restaurant and one of the finest bars in the city, all with a stunning view on the side.
If you’re after a grand, sky-high moment, then proposing at sunset with the twinkling city skyline around you will undoubtedly be one of the most magical moments in the city.
Hampstead Heath
If you’re after something a little less glitzy or prefer to be surrounded by nature, Hampstead Heath is the place for you.
It’s a 790 acre haven just a few kilometres from the heart of the city centre and is home to some gorgeous Victorian swim ponds, beautiful secret gardens, pergolas and much more.
The crowning jewel however is the staggering Parliament Hill, rising to a lofty (for London) height of 98 metres, this hill offers the most incredible, uninterrupted view of London’s skyline; combined with the serenity of nature and the beauty of London’s vista in the background, there can be no better nature inspired proposal setting.
The London Eye
The London Eye was originally intended to be a temporary structure but not long after opening in the year 2000, it was quickly established as one of the key urban icons throughout Europe, drawing millions of visitors every year.
Now, you can rent out your own capsule on the eye, equip it with champagne, canapes and your own butler and propose to your partner as the sun sets over the city. This is the opportunity to make a memory that will last a lifetime.
Getting the Timing Just Right
Once you’ve found the perfect location to pop the big question, there is a small matter of timing. Despite all of London’s wonder, it can be unpredictable in many ways; the most notable of which is its weather.
If you’re heading to the city in the spring, watch out for spring showers; they’re very real and can quite literally come out of nowhere, which is particularly important for those looking to enjoy an outdoor proposal.
The best time to try and guarantee sunshine and blue skies is August, but remember, clouds and mixed lighting can provide plenty of atmosphere in the city so don’t despair if it’s not a bluebird day.
Winter proposals can also offer a fantastically enchanting outcome, particularly if you take advantage of Christmas lights, markets and events in the city centre.
The winter wonderland vibes of London at Christmas are truly an experience, so don’t rule out proposing during the winter just due to the cold weather; wintertime in the city brings a whole new kind of beauty to London.
Adding the Element of Surprise
A big part of planning the ultimate London proposal involves the element of surprise. Proposals should always be a surprise; even if your partner is suspicious that something might be coming, the eventual big moment needs to be out of the blue.
Of course, those of us doing the proposing know what’s in store, but the moment is equally as magical for everyone involved. Having the element of surprise on your side means having a solid plan, which in part is supported by the things we’ve already been through, but there’s more to consider.
If, for example, your partner suspects that a proposal might be coming, you could plan a decoy event to throw them off the scent or try having multiple peaks within one evening.
Start with a tour on the London Eye, head to a fancy dinner, or attend a fun class.
These are all locations where a proposal would be incredible, and when it does not come, your partner may be thrown off the scent. Then, it’s time to make the big reveal in your chosen location.
It’s also important to remember to get a good picture of your big moment, and this is not as easy as people tend to think.
If you’re after a superb shot of you down on one knee, then it’s probably best to hire a professional photographer and include them in your plan so they can be there for the proposal.
Not only will you get some great shots, but you’ll also get some great tips from someone who has likely been a part of a proposal plan before!
Having a friend with a smartphone on hand is a great way to save some cash, but you can’t be disappointed if it’s not a high quality result.
Planning is crucial if you’re looking to add the element of surprise, so remember to go into your evening with a proper plan, set the time and place for your proposal, ensure everyone involved is familiar with the plan and be prepared for anything.
Making the Moment Memorable with Extra Touches
For those looking to propose in London in the most special way possible, it’s super important to make your proposal as personal as possible; you’d be amazed how easy it is to get caught up in your plans, locations and ideas, totally missing out on adding any personal touches.
Try to tailor your proposal to match the passions of your partner, it’s a great way to show how well you know them, and how much they mean to you. If you’re choosing a location to propose, then check with them to see if there is anywhere in the city they are particularly excited to visit; it’s a great way to guarantee you’re on the right track.
Adding intimate touches like a champagne picnic in the park, having flowers delivered to your location or booking a dream room in one of London’s iconic hotels, can push your proposal to the next level. These finishing touches can really ensure that this is a special moment that will live in your joint memories for the rest of your time together.
A Lifetime of Happiness
Using this guide, you’ll be able to plan and execute the ultimate proposal for your significant other in one of the world’s finest cities; make it personal, make it memorable and enjoy these special memories for the rest of your lives.
Keep your partner in mind when making your plans, don’t get too wrapped up in the details and try to enjoy the moment. London is a city of opportunity; all you have to do is look and the city will reveal itself to you.
Make your love story a fairy tale and propose in style and romance in the heart of London.
