How to Plan a Surprise Proposal in London Without Them Knowing

So, you’ve decided to propose (a massive congratulations!), and you want it to be a total surprise. Not just the question, but the whole moment. And not just anywhere, but in one of the most fascinating and romantic cities in the world. You’re picturing a London proposal your partner won’t see coming, but one they’ll remember for the rest of their life.

Here’s the good news: it’s totally doable.

The trick is in the planning. And as a London-based proposal photographer, I’ve helped over 300 people pull this off, from quiet moments in hidden gardens to wow-factor views of the skyline. Below is everything you need to know to plan a seamless, stress-free, totally surprising proposal in London.

Surprise doesn’t have to mean elaborate. Sometimes the most meaningful proposals are the ones that are quiet, thoughtful and personal. Think about what your partner loves. Do they enjoy peaceful green spaces? Love history? Prefer places with fewer people around?

Start with what makes your relationship unique. That’s your guide to choosing the right kind of moment. For example, my partner loves trains, so I took her on an old steam train as a part of my own proposal.

One of the easiest ways to tip them off is by picking a location that doesn’t fit the vibe of the trip. If you’re usually spontaneous travellers, a strict itinerary might raise eyebrows. If they don’t love dressing up, suggesting a suit or fancy outfit might get you side-eye.

Pick a spot that feels natural for the two of you. Here are some tried-and-tested ideas:

• Hidden gardens like Kyoto Garden or Isabella Plantation

• Scenic viewpoints like One Tree Hill in Greenwich Park

• Canal walks around Little Venice

• Quiet city corners like St Dunstan in the East

Want help picking the perfect spot based on your style? I can help you find a location that fits seamlessly into your plans and sets the stage perfectly. I’ve also created a list of some of my favourite London locations to propose.

Want fewer people around and better light for photos? You’ll want to think carefully about the time of day and time of year.

• Morning proposals are often best for quiet surroundings and soft light

• Check Sunset times if you’d like your proposal to fall during daylight hours (a common mistake in winter)

• Weekdays tend to be quieter than weekends

• Certain Locations will be busier during the winter vs the summer

Avoiding the crowds not only makes the moment feel more intimate, it also helps us keep the surprise intact. T&L wrote a helpful article on when London is busiest during the year. 

This is where a little creativity comes in. What’s the reason you’ll be going to that exact spot at that time?

Some solid go-to cover stories that I’ve suggested to my clients over the years include:

• Going to the park for a casual walk before a bunch or ‘high tea’ reservations

• Exploring a part of London you “saw on TickTok”

• Stopping to check out a scenic view your friend recommended

• Taking a shortcut on your way to a museum that’s on your partner’s wish list

Make it believable, and make sure it fits your usual travel vibe.

This is where things get a lot easier. A local photographer doesn’t just take beautiful photos, they can help you plan the whole thing.

When I work with couples, I always:

• Have a video planning call with them over Zoom

• Help choose the best spot based on what’s important to them

• Pick some exciting locations for photos after the proposal

• Come up with a believable cover story

• On the day, capture the moment in secret from the perfect angle

• Be a happy and friendly mini addition to this super exciting and intimate part of their journey together

It’s not just about taking a photo. It’s about making sure everything runs smoothly so you can focus on the big moment. You can find out more about my proposal photo package here.

Some of the biggest clues come from the little stuff. Here are a few things to consider:

• Outfits: Try to make sure your partner is wearing something they’ll feel good being photographed in, without tipping them off. If you want an excuse to be more dressed up, the cover story of a fancy restaurant for brunch, dinner or ‘high tea’ works great.

• The ring box giveaway: The last thing you want is the outline of a ring box in your trousers (‘pants’ for my friends across the pond) or jacket to give things away. A thicker jacker pocket or ‘thin ring box’ should do the trick.

• The biggest challenge? Yep, it’s the nails. If you think your partner will want them looking great for when that stunning ring goes on, one of the best things you can do is involve one of their close friends in the planning process (unless you’re known for suggesting a visit to the nail salon).

  Want a hand with the logistics? I help my clients with all of this.

Once you’ve popped the question and they’ve said yes (of course they will), it’s time to soak it in, and get some amazing photos together.

A lot of couples choose to do a short engagement session right after the proposal while the emotion is still fresh. We can stroll around the area, hit up nearby scenic spots, and capture some relaxed, joy-filled portraits.

From there, consider planning a small celebration:

• A reservation at a special restaurant

• A celebratory drink in London’s Sky Garden

• A surprise meet-up with friends or family (I wrote a helpful guide on this very topic)

• A stroll through the park or the city’s twinkling lights

It’s a moment worth celebrating and documenting well. Give yourselves time to digest and savour it.

One of the trickiest parts of planning a surprise proposal is figuring out the ring size without making your partner suspicious. Here are a few ways to do it:

1. Borrow a Ring

Sneak one they already own (that fits their ring finger) and take it to a jeweller to be sized. Just make sure it’s a ring they don’t wear often so they don’t notice it missing.

4. Trace It

If you don’t want to risk taking the ring, place it on a piece of paper and trace the inside and outside. A jeweller can estimate the size from the outline.

3. Use a Ring Sizer Tool

If your partner doesn’t usually wear a ring, you can order a plastic ring sizer online and test it out while they’re asleep. Sounds wild, but it’s been done!

And remember—most engagement rings can be resized if needed, so don’t stress if it’s not 100% perfect on the first go.

Here are a few real examples of surprise proposals I’ve photographed to give you a sense of what’s possible:

John & Chyle – Big Ben

One early morning, just before Christmas, I had the joy of photographing John and Chyle’s magical proposal in front of Big Ben. With a morning mist and the city to ourselves, it was the perfect setting for such a heartfelt moment.

Roisin & Mike – St James Park

Mike, from the US, reached out while planning a trip to the UK with his (now) fiancée Roisin, hoping to propose during their visit to London—her favourite city and a meaningful place to reconnect with her UK-based family.

Chloe & Davide – Tower Bridge

A few weeks before their trip from Ireland, Davide got in touch to plan a surprise proposal to Chloe at the iconic Tower Bridge. On the day, I secretly captured the big moment, joined them for a riverside photo adventure with these two cool cats (even their outfits matched without planning).

• Overcomplicating the plan: The more moving parts, the more risk of something going wrong.

• Being too nervous to enjoy it: Don’t forget why you’re doing this. It’s a celebration, not a performance. For my own proposal, I had a whole speech prepared and in the moment my head went blanc. Now it’s an endearing part of our story which my wife loves.

• Forgetting to check logistics: Some parks close early, some areas get very busy, and London weather can change fast. I help clients plan around all of that.

Here’s what you get when you hire someone who knows London inside and out:

• Advice on timing, lighting and location

• Help crafting the story and keeping it low-key

• A calm, reassuring presence on the day

• Beautiful photos that tell the whole story

You get more than just pictures, you get peace of mind.

A surprise proposal is one of the most exciting, emotional moments you’ll ever experience together. And with the right planning, it can go off without a hitch.

London offers so many unique spots and settings for this kind of moment. Whether you’re flying in for a special trip or already live here, I can help you pull off the perfect surprise and document it beautifully.

Ready to plan your London surprise proposal? Get in touch here and let’s start making it happen.