Marriage proposal in Edinburgh Kelly and Jake

Edinburgh Marriage Proposal Photographer | Photos, Locations & Planning

ByClaire Fowler Updated

Looking for a marriage proposal photographer in Edinburgh? We photograph the moment discreetly, help you choose a location that suits your plans, and work out the practical details with you beforehand so you know exactly where to be and when.

We’ve photographed proposals at locations including Calton Hill, Princes Street Gardens, and the National Museum of Scotland, so we understand how much difference timing, crowds, access, and exact position can make.

On the day, we can stay hidden until you propose, then introduce ourselves afterwards and use the remaining time for relaxed photographs of the two of you around the location.

This page brings together our first-hand experience, real proposal photographs, location ideas, planning advice and current pricing to help you plan your own Edinburgh proposal.

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Marriage proposal photographer – surprise proposal at Ross Fountain in Edinburgh

The Best Places to Propose in Edinburgh

There isn’t one best place to propose in Edinburgh. The right location depends on the kind of moment you want, how private you’d like it to feel, how far you’re happy to walk and what time of day you’re planning to propose.

We’ve photographed proposals at places including Calton Hill, Princes Street Gardens and the National Museum of Scotland, and each works very differently. Calton Hill gives you wide city views but can be busy; Princes Street Gardens is easier to access and gives you Edinburgh Castle in the background, while indoor or rooftop locations can be useful if the weather is less predictable.

When we help plan a proposal, we consider practical factors such as crowds, access, light, where we can position ourselves discreetly, and where we can take photographs afterwards. Sometimes moving just a short distance or changing the time can make a big difference.

For a wider look at locations around the city, see our guide to the best photo locations in Edinburgh.

Real Edinburgh Marriage Proposal Photos

Rodolfo and Olivia – Princes Street Gardens

Rodolfo contacted us at short notice while travelling to Scotland from the USA with his partner, Olivia. He wanted to propose in Edinburgh but didn’t know the city well, so we arranged a WhatsApp call and helped him work through the options.

His priorities were straightforward: somewhere easy to reach from their accommodation, recognisably Edinburgh, and ideally not too crowded.

We suggested the Ross Fountain in Princes Street Gardens, with Edinburgh Castle behind, and recommended meeting in the morning when the gardens are generally quieter.

On the day, everything went to plan, and Olivia said yes. Once we captured the proposal itself, we introduced ourselves and spent the remaining time photographing them together around Princes Street Gardens.

Here are a few of our favourite proposal photos of Rodolfo and Olivia:

  • People stand around a decorative fountain in a park, with a castle on a hill in the background. Some are taking photos, while a couple stands close together in the foreground.
  • A man kneels and proposes to a woman in front of the Ross Fountain, with Edinburgh Castle visible in the background.
  • A man kneels and proposes to a woman in front of a decorative fountain with a historic castle on a hill in the background.
  • A man kneels and holds a ring as he proposes to a woman outdoors near a garden with flowers and a fountain in the background.
  • A man kneels and proposes to a woman in front of a decorative fountain; she leans in to kiss him, smiling, surrounded by flowers and greenery.
  • A man and woman stand facing each other in a park, smiling and touching faces, with a decorative fountain and flowers in the background.
  • A man and woman kiss in front of a decorative fountain in a park, surrounded by greenery and purple flowers.
  • A man and a woman stand close together outdoors, smiling at each other and holding hands near a decorative fountain.
  • A man places a ring on a woman’s finger outdoors, both smiling, with a decorative fountain and greenery in the background.
  • A man and woman stand facing each other outdoors, holding hands and smiling, with a decorative fountain in the background.
  • A man and woman stand facing each other outdoors, holding hands and smiling near a decorative fountain.
  • A man and woman kiss outdoors in front of a decorative fountain, holding hands. The man is holding a small black box, suggesting a marriage proposal.
  • Two people embrace outdoors near a decorative fountain; one wears a light blue coat and the other a grey jacket.
  • A woman wearing glasses and a light blue shirt hugs a man in a gray coat outdoors, both appearing happy and emotional.
  • A man and a woman stand outdoors holding hands, smiling at the camera, with purple flowers and a fountain in the background.
  • A man and woman stand outdoors; the woman looks surprised and shows off a ring on her hand, while the man smiles and holds her other hand.
  • Two people stand smiling and embracing in front of a decorative fountain, with a historic castle on a hill in the background.
  • A man and woman stand together outdoors, smiling and embracing in front of a fountain and greenery. The woman displays a ring on her finger.
  • A man and woman stand facing each other outdoors, smiling and embracing, with a decorative fountain in the background.
  • A man and a woman holding hands and smiling while walking down a tree-lined park path.
  • A man kisses a woman on the temple as they pose together in a park with trees and a distant castle in the background.
  • Two people stand close together, smiling and holding hands, with a backdrop of green trees and rocky hills.
  • A man and a woman stand closely together, smiling, in front of lush greenery with a large stone castle visible on a hill in the background.
  • A man and woman stand outdoors, looking at each other and holding hands, with trees and greenery in the background.
  • Two people hold hands, one wearing a grey coat and the other a light blue jacket, with a diamond engagement ring visible on one person's finger.
  • A man and woman stand outdoors, holding hands and kissing, with greenery and blurred buildings in the background.
  • A man and a woman stand close together on a bridge, smiling at each other, with trees and historic buildings in the background.
  • A man and a woman kiss outdoors while holding hands, with trees and a cloudy sky in the background.
  • A man and a woman stand outdoors holding hands and smiling at each other, with historic buildings and greenery in the background.
  • A smiling couple stands close together on a paved path with historic buildings and a castle on a hill in the background.
  • A couple sits together on stone steps in front of a large Gothic monument on a cloudy day.
  • A man and a woman sit on outdoor steps, holding hands and looking at each other, surrounded by greenery.

Jake and Kelly – Calton Hill

Jake contacted us before visiting Edinburgh because he wanted to propose to Kelly on Calton Hill and have the moment photographed without her knowing.

We planned the details with him in advance, using Google Maps to agree on the exact proposal spot and where we would position ourselves. Jake also sent us a recent photograph of the two of them so we could recognise them when they arrived.

Calton Hill works particularly well for proposals because you can include some of Edinburgh’s best-known views, but choosing the exact position matters. It can also become busy, so planning where everyone needs to be beforehand makes the surprise considerably easier to pull off.

When Jake and Kelly arrived, we stayed discreet and photographed the moment he went down on one knee. Once Kelly had said yes, we introduced ourselves and continued with relaxed photographs around Calton Hill, using views towards Edinburgh Castle and Arthur’s Seat.

It all went exactly to plan — including the most important bit: Kelly said yes.

  • Princes Street viewed from Calton Hill
  • Jake proposes to his girlfriend
  • Jake proposes to his girlfriend
  • couple embrace after she agrees to marry him
  • couple embrace after she agrees to marry him
  • couple embrace after she agrees to marry him
  • Jake puts engagement ring on his fiancé's finger
  • Jake and Kelly
  • couple embrace on the monument
  • couple kissing
  • couple walking holding hands
  • couple walking holding hands
  • couple embrace with Salisbury Crags in the background
  • couple embrace with Salisbury Crags in the background
  • couple kiss with Salisbury Crags in the background
  • couple embrace with Salisbury Crags in the background
  • couple embrace with Edinburgh Castle in the background
  • Jake and Kelly walking holding hands
  • Marriage proposal in Edinburgh Kelly and Jake
  • Jake and Kelly on Calton Hill

Matt and Rona – National Museum of Scotland

Matt chose the National Museum of Scotland’s rooftop terrace for his surprise proposal to Rona, with views across Edinburgh’s Old Town.

Because it’s a public location, we planned to blend in with other visitors rather than look like we were waiting for someone. We dressed casually, carried our cameras and pretended to photograph the Edinburgh skyline while keeping an eye out for Matt, Rona, and her mum arriving.

Matt and Jonathon had already discussed where the proposal would happen and how we would position ourselves, so when they appeared we knew exactly what to look for.

There’s always a little pressure with a surprise proposal because the important moment only happens once. We stayed discreet while Matt went down on one knee, photographed Rona’s reaction and then moved closer once she had said yes.

Afterwards, we introduced ourselves properly and photographed the newly engaged couple together, with the Edinburgh skyline in the background.

  • View of edinburgh castle on a cloudy day, with surrounding buildings and construction cranes visible.
  • Three people conversing outdoors on a wooden deck, with two women and one man, dressed in casual autumn attire, in a city setting.
  • A man smiling and looking up, standing outdoors in conversation with two women who are facing away from the camera.
  • Man kneeling and holding a woman's hand in an outdoor setting, with another person in the foreground partially visible.
  • A man kneels on one knee facing a woman holding a purse on a wooden deck, both dressed in winter jackets.
  • Man kneeling and holding a ring box in front of a woman on an outdoor balcony, appearing to propose.
  • Man kneeling and holding a woman's hand in a public setting, possibly proposing, with both facing each other.
  • Man kneeling and proposing to a woman outdoors, holding a ring box, with both showing joyful expressions.
  • A man kneeling and holding a woman's hand in an urban park setting, seemingly proposing as she looks down at him.
  • Man proposing to woman on one knee, holding her hand, outdoors with greenery and a building in the background.
  • A man kissing a woman on the forehead in an affectionate embrace outdoors.
  • Two people smiling and talking outdoors, a woman in a red jacket and a man in a dark coat, holding coffee cups.
  • A woman and a man holding hands and smiling at each other outdoors, both wearing coats.
  • A smiling asian woman in a burgundy jacket talks with a caucasian man in a dark coat on a rooftop.
  • A couple smiling and embracing on a wooden deck, with the man kissing the woman's forehead.
  • A couple embracing and smiling on a wooden deck, man in a coat and woman in a red jacket, both looking happy.
  • A couple embracing and smiling at the camera with a historical castle in the background on a cloudy day.
  • A couple affectionately looking at each other with edinburgh castle in the background.
  • A couple kissing on a rooftop with a blurred cityscape and castle in the background.
  • A smiling couple embracing on a rooftop with a castle visible in the background.
  • A close-up view of a woman's hand on top of a man's hand, highlighting her engagement ring, resting on a stone surface.
  • Surprise marriage proposal in Edinburgh - Matt and Rona

What Couples Say About Our Proposal Photography

These reviews are from couples whose proposals we photographed in Edinburgh. They give a good sense of the planning, communication and experience of having the moment photographed discreetly.

A note about older reviews: we previously offered video alongside photography, so some testimonials may mention both. We now specialise exclusively in photography.

  • Marriage proposal photographer – surprise proposal at Ross Fountain in Edinburgh

    Jonathan was fantastic!!

    Jonathan was fantastic!! He managed to beautifully capture our special moment.
    If you are in the need for a proposal photographer in Edinburgh, Jonathan should be top of your list.
    Charles Fisher
  • Jake and Kelly - Marriage Proposal Calton Hill, Edinburgh

    They couldn’t help enough, easy to contact, very helpful and great photos

    I had a plan to propose in Edinburgh, having never been and not knowing where to propose, they couldn’t help enough easy to contact very helpful and great photos! I asked a few different photographers but as soon as we had a phone call and I could tell how easy they could make my proposal happen it was a no brainer, will definitely be getting a call back for the wedding!
    Jake and Kelly
  • Surprise marriage proposal in Edinburgh - Matt and Rona

    Enthusiastic and full of ideas

    Really happy with our whole experience with Jonathon! I reached out to Jonathon to video my proposal to my girlfriend. He was responsive, enthusiastic and full of ideas. The proposal on the day went perfectly, and the photos/video Jonathon/Claire produced are fantastic! Really pleased!
    Matt and Rona
  • Proposal photographer in Edinburgh - Efraim and Lisa-1038

    Great shots of the proposal

    I wanted to set up a surprise engagement shoot with my partner while we were in Edinburgh and had no idea where to start! Jonathon made himself available and we figured out a plan leading up to the shoot (all while dealing with different time zones!). The experience on the day of was amazing! He had some shots in mind and gave us great direction without making it feel like it was unnatural. He even got some great shots of the proposal, which to both of our surprise ended with both me and my fiancee proposing to each other! Overall an amazing experience and I would definitely say you can trust that Jonathon will do an amazing job!
    Efraim and Lisa

How We Photograph a Surprise Proposal in Edinburgh

We normally photograph surprise proposals in one of two ways, depending on how you want the moment to unfold.

  • Secret approach: we agree the exact location, timing and position with you in advance, then arrive separately and stay discreet until the proposal happens. We may look like tourists or simply be photographing the surroundings so your partner has no reason to suspect anything. Once they’ve said yes, we introduce ourselves and use the remaining time for relaxed photographs together.
  • Decoy photo session: if staying completely hidden would be difficult, we can arrange what appears to be a normal couple’s photo session. We agree a cue beforehand, then create an opportunity for you to propose naturally during the shoot.

Whichever approach you choose, we plan the important details with you beforehand so you know where to stand, where we’ll be positioned and what happens immediately after the proposal.

Map of the Best Proposal Locations in Edinburgh

Use the map below to explore some of the Edinburgh locations we consider when helping couples plan a proposal. The best choice depends on things such as crowds, access, weather, views and how discreetly we can position ourselves for the moment itself.

If you already have a location in mind, we can help you work out the exact spot and timing before the day.

Proposal locations on this map

  • The Vennel (Castle viewpoint)
  • Byre’s Close (Royal Mile)
  • Calton Hill
  • Salisbury Crags view
  • St Anthony’s Chapel (ruin)
  • St Margaret’s Loch
  • Circus Lane (Stockbridge)
  • The Dene (Stockbridge)
  • St Bernard’s Well (Stockbridge)
  • Dean Village — West Mill view
  • Water of Leith riverside viewpoint (Dean Village)
  • Dean Bridge (under-arch/cover)
  • Ross Fountain (Princes Street Gardens)
  • Scott Monument / East Gardens
  • City Chambers Quadrangle (arches)
  • Old College Cloisters (UoE)
  • Victoria Terrace (arches)

Edinburgh Proposal Photography Pricing

Our Edinburgh marriage proposal photography package is £349 and includes up to one hour of photography at one location in the city.

Before the day, we’ll help you plan the practical details, including the proposal location, timing and where we’ll position ourselves so we can photograph the moment discreetly.

The package includes:

  • Proposal planning – advice on the location, exact spot, timing and how we’ll coordinate everything beforehand.
  • Discreet proposal photography – we photograph the proposal itself without giving away the surprise.
  • Couple photographs afterwards – once you’ve proposed, we use the remaining time for relaxed photographs of the two of you around the location.
  • Your finished photographs – fully edited, high-resolution images delivered through a private online gallery for you to download and share.

Book an Edinburgh Marriage Proposal Photographer

If you’re planning a surprise proposal in Edinburgh and want the moment photographed discreetly, tell us what you have in mind.

We’re Jonathon and Claire, an Edinburgh-based husband-and-wife photography team who have photographed more than 700 weddings since 2006, as well as surprise proposals around Edinburgh.

You don’t need to have every detail worked out before getting in touch. If you know roughly when you’re proposing, where you’re staying, and the kind of setting you’d like, we can help you narrow down the location, timing and practical details.

Tell us a little about what you’re planning, and we’ll check our availability, answer any questions and help you work out what suits you best.There’s no pressure or obligation, and we usually reply within 24 hours.

Sometimes our reply gets shy and hides in your junk folder. Leave your number, and we’ll text to let you know we’ve replied—no calls, unless you request one!
Include your venue or location if you know it, anything you’ve planned so far, and any questions you’d like us to answer.

Related Reading

Edinburgh Wedding Photographer, Editor & Co-Founder of Jonathon Fowler Photography

About Claire Fowler

Claire Fowler is an experienced Edinburgh wedding photographer and one half of the husband-and-wife team behind Jonathon Fowler Photography. Together with Jonathon, she has photographed more than 700 weddings since 2006, including over 500 weddings in Edinburgh.

Claire's relaxed, unobtrusive approach combines natural documentary photography with beautifully composed portraits. She's particularly experienced at helping camera-shy couples feel comfortable, organising family photographs without fuss and quietly adapting when weather, timings or wedding-day plans don't go quite as expected.

After photographing hundreds of weddings, Claire brings extensive first-hand experience of wedding venues, changing light, unpredictable weather, busy timelines and the practical realities of photographing weddings across Edinburgh and throughout Scotland. From city-centre celebrations to country estates, castles and intimate ceremonies, she knows how to keep the photography calm, efficient and enjoyable throughout the day.

Claire is also responsible for much of the meticulous editing behind our finished wedding galleries, helping ensure the photographs from each wedding feel consistent, polished and true to the day. Alongside Jonathon, she also helps couples plan their photography in advance so everything feels relaxed and straightforward before the wedding day arrives.

Meet Claire & Jonathon, Our Wedding Photography Team →