10 Most Iconic & Romantic Places to Propose in London
Breathtaking engagement locations guaranteed to wow your partner
Searching for the perfect place to propose in London is tough when there are so many incredible destinations to choose from! From riverside proposals on the Thames, to engagements on ancient cobbled streets and secluded gardens, through to panoramic vistas over the city skyline. Not to mention enchanting churches and iconic buildings for when the weather is not on your side!
London offers the ideal proposal space for every type of couple, and we’re going to help you find yours. That once-in-a-lifetime location you’ll love reminiscing about with friends and family for many years to come. A special place in your timeline that will forever feel like your own private part of the city.
Whether you’re searching for a hidden gem tucked away in a quiet backstreet, or somewhere more hustling and bustling, you’ll find the perfect London engagement location on our shortlist. And to better help you narrow down your hunt, we’ve broken down our proposal spots into categories. Because no two proposals are the same, and we want you to quickly find the place that speaks to you.
1. In Front of Tower Bridge
Visitors to London for the first time never fail to be impressed by the grandeur of Tower Bridge. From afar its Gothic towers impose themselves majestically over the River Thames, while up close you get a real sense of the history this ancient bridge is steeped in.
Tower Bridge is one of the top places to propose in London and the desired backdrop for most tourist snaps. Which does mean it can get a little crowded during peak time. Our advice would be to plan an early morning proposal, preferably as the sun is coming up (Golden Hour). That way you’ll be more likely to find a secluded spot on the river and the light will be at its most magical.
The Tower Hotel is directly opposite Tower Bridge and has unparalleled indoor views of this London landmark. A great choice if you hate early mornings, or you’d rather book a room with a view!
2. The Streets of Notting Hill
No visit to London is complete without a wander around the quaint streets of Notting Hill. It’s pastel coloured houses, serene garden and charming pubs offer the perfect antidote to the busyness of central London.
If you desire somewhere more casual for your proposal, then this iconic West London location could be ideal. Our advice would be to steal yourselves away down a quieter backstreet, or find a corner in a secluded garden square. Somewhere you can easily get lost in the moment while still feeling like Notting Hill is playing an aesthetic part in your engagement.
3. On the Millennium Bridge Overlooking St Paul’s Cathedral
There was once a time when St Paul’s Cathedral was the tallest building in London. Now, of course, it’s dwarfed by skyscrapers and monolithic modern buildings. But that doesn’t mean this grand old piece of architecture is any less impressive. In fact, its curved dome and soaring spire offers romantic respite from all the glass and concrete that surrounds it.
Much like many of the top places to propose (and visit) in London, the area surrounding St Paul’s does get busy. If you’d like your engagement to feature the cathedral in the background, get up super early or stay out late and head to the Millennium Bridge. Take a walk over the bridge towards St Paul’s, and you’ll discover it offers unobstructed views of the dome and most of the building. Which are typically lit up at night.
4. Greenwich Park
If you desire intimacy during your engagement, but still want to capture picturesque views across London – Greenwich Park could be the perfect spot for you. Blending strollable walkways and verdant greenery with ancient maritime architecture. Greenwich and its sprawling park is an ideal setting for a relaxed, yet nonetheless iconically London proposal.
Our tip would be to get up early and head to One Tree Hill Vista in Greenwich Park. This celebrated viewpoint boasts panoramic views over the park, the historic buildings of Greenwich and the sweeping skyline of London.
5. A Private Capsule on the London Eye
Over the last 20 years, the London Eye has become an integral part of the city’s skyline and the best place to enjoy panoramic London views. The sweep of the River Thames in particular looks incredible when viewed from the highest point of the London Eye.
We’re sure your partner will delight at being swept off their feet and taken on a graceful ride around this famous London big wheel. Guarantee your proposal moment is picture-perfect by booking a private capsule, and choosing a sunset takeoff! The city will look beautiful bathed in the warm glow of the sun, and provide the most romantic backdrop to your intimate proposal. Plus, a private capsule allows you to truly relax (as much as possible!) and enjoy the experience, without worrying about others.
6. The Shard
If you know breathtaking views will steal your partners’ heart, then the tallest building in London may offer the perfect place to host your engagement moment. The views from The Shard are genuinely unparalleled within the city, whether they’re being enjoyed from the viewing gallery, open-air sky deck or one of the elegant restaurants within the building. Each offering their own unique perspective of the metropolis below.
We suggest booking a table at one of the restaurants for your proposal, as this will offer you a little more privacy than the viewing platforms provide. Our restaurant suggestion would be the Oblix Restaurant as its floor to ceiling glass windows are truly spectacular, and the sophisticated menu should really suit the occasion.
7. Little Venice – Discover the Tranquillity
A Sunday stroll along the canal in Little Venice, peering into narrowboats with a coffee cup in hand, is a popular afternoon treat for many Londoners. This rare, secluded spot offers an escape from the city’s bustle, perfect for peaceful reflection or a touch of romance. What better place to propose?
The canal is a lot quieter during the week, outside of peak holiday time, which is when we would recommend visiting. If you would like to introduce a little activity, and further privacy to your Little Venice proposal, why not hire a boat! Whether you pilot a small boat yourself or you’re taken on a private cruise, being on the water will further elevate the excitement of the engagement.
8. Escape the World in Battersea Park
Whether there’s frost coating the ferns or sune beaming through the soaring London Planes, Battersea Park is a wondrous place to get lost in – no matter the season. If your partner loves all things green, then they’ll love the wild array of exotic plant life present in the park. As well as the local wildlife that thrives within it.
The park doesn’t open until 10am, all year round, but is considerably less busy during the week. Visit early, and you’re sure to discover a secluded spot in the park. Our top tip is to plan your engagement around Cherry Blossom season (April), as these vibrant trees will bring an unmistakable prettiness to your London proposal!
9. The Old Ruins of St. Dunstan in the East
It’s not often that buildings in London are allowed to simply retire and be claimed by nature and the ever-changing seasons. But St. Dunstan in the East has been left to do exactly that. This former church near London Bridge has sat in near ruin since WW1, and now exists solely as a public garden. Offering quiet, atmospheric respite from the noisy world that surrounds it.
This location feels otherworldly bathed in the morning sun and is best experienced around opening time (8am), before casual visitors filter in. Take a stroll around the winding old church walls until you find that perfect spot to stop and pop the question.
10. Leadenhall Market – A Touch of Victorian Charm
There are many iconic shopping districts in London, but few could be considered more charming than Leadenhall Market. A beautiful piece of Victorian architecture that illuminates its wide cobbled streets with an abundance of natural light through the high glass ceilings. It is a majestic, and thriving part of the capital that is as busy today as it has ever been.
During the day you’ll find Leadenhall Market is teeming with visitors to the many market stalls, shops, and pubs. Creating a raucous, yet vibrant atmosphere. But once last orders have been called at the bar, and the restaurants have closed for the evening, you’ll find the market is a lot better suited to a proposal!
Visit early morning, or late at night, and you will find yourselves alone in the market and able to enjoy a private moment together.
Keep Exploring!
Have you found the perfect place to propose in London on our list? We hope so! But if not, we encourage you to keep exploring the city. Whether you want the countryside, historic landmarks or areas with cultural significance – London has it all.
So many love stories have unfolded on the famous streets of London, and we’ve got a feeling yours is soon to be the next chapter.