As a surprise proposal photographer in Paris, it’s my honor and joy to capture the magnificent moments of a surprise marriage proposal in the most romantic city in the entire world. That’s why I was so thrilled to be contacted for this surprise proposal photoshoot in the heart of Paris.
Selecting the Passerelle Debilly as an Ideal Proposal Location
There are so many wonderful places for a surprise proposal in Paris, it’s difficult to narrow down. Particularly if you’d love a view of the Eiffel Tower. One of my favorite Paris locations with a view of the Eiffel Tower is a pedestrian footbridge called the Passerelle Debilly. Located in central Paris across from the Palais de Tokyo, a modern art museum, it’s really easy to get to, and has a magnificent view of the Eiffel Tower from the east side of the tower.
Another nice feature of this footbridge is that it’s pedestrian only, and while a lot of people walk across the bridge on their way to the Eiffel Tower, and stop, naturally, to grab some gorgeous shots, and it can be crowded, there are no cars to obscure the beautiful view.
A little history about the bridge…from Wikipedia
In order to accommodate visitor traffic to the 1900 World’s Fair across the Seine, the General Commissioner of the Exposition, Alfred Picard, approved the construction of a provisional footbridge opposite the Avenue Albert de Mun, to join the Army and Navy Halls to the exhibit recreating old Paris. Its architect, Jean Résal, also designed the Pont Alexandre III and the Viaduc d’Austerlitz.
The footbridge is built on a metallic framework resting on two stone piers at the riverbanks, and decorated with dark green ceramic tiles arranged in a fashion that suggests the impression of waves. Along with the Eiffel Tower, this is the second metallic structure that stands as an attestation to the engineering achievements of its epoch. Nevertheless, in 1941, the Debilly footbridge was threatened with disappearance when the president of the architectural society characterized it as a forgotten accessory of a past event. As a contemporary of the Pont Alexandre III and the Austerlitz Viaduct, the Passerelle Debilly was eventually included in the supplementary registry of historical monuments in 1966.
When to Propose on the Passerelle Debilly
Mornings on the Passerelle Debilly are quieter than evenings, and is ideal for a more private moment. But if you’re headed to dinner, it’s a perfect spot to stop and take photos, and your significant other won’t be suspicious about your true intentions, which is to get on one knee and propose marriage!
For this beautiful proposal, Donald and Christine came to Paris in mid-December. It happened to be a sunny day this day, so the golden light of the late afternoon was perfect for their big moment. He got on one knee, and asked Christine to be his wife. She said yes, and they celebrated with hugs and kisses, and a few photos nearby to capture the joy of this moment.
What to Do After Your Paris Surprise Proposal
Most couples, if becoming engaged in the evening, love to have a wonderful dinner to celebrate their engagement. There are many wonderful restaurants in Paris. Some closest to the Passerelle Debilly location are Monsieur Bleu, Les Ombres, and on the Eiffel Tower itself. Some couples also love to take a dinner cruise. I can highly recommend Le Calife, which is incredibly charming and intimate to celebrate your engagement.
Proposing in Paris is a once-in-a-lifetime moment. I’m Karina Leigh, and I can’t wait to help you plan your proposal in Paris and capture your precious memories to enjoy forever!
