Out of all the places on this earth to propose, the Eiffel Tower may be the most iconic. Nestled in the heart of the City of Love, this spot is perfect for creating a moment you will want to remember forever. If you have been considering popping the question right here in Paris, I would love to walk you through what you need to know. As an English-speaking American photographer in Paris, I get the chance to work with couples so they can have their perfect moment. Here is how to prepare for your Eiffel Tower proposal!
Things to Consider for Your Eiffel Tower Proposal
When to Propose at The Eiffel Tower
Let’s start out by going over the seasons. Paris experiences hot summers and mild winters. Even at the coldest, we seldom ever dip under freezing. Here’s what you can expect through every season:
Winter: during the holiday season, the city is dressed up with the very best decorations around! It’s cheery and festive with a little bit of hidden magic around each corner. Plus, the flights can be rather cheap, making it more accessible to lots of couples. While it will still be chilly, these temps are nothing a fashionable peacoat can’t handle!
Spring: Around April and May, it starts to thaw, and the city falls back into its normal rhythm. If you are looking for warmer weather, May and June are pretty perfect, and there aren’t as many tourists as other seasons.
Summer: In Summer, Paris tends to hit a lull. Parisians are out on vacation to cooler places, so many of their beloved restaurants and shops are shut down for a while. With all these factors in mind, I would probably try to avoid July and August,
Fall: Our falls are pretty magical with cooler temps and turning leaves. September and October are wonderful months for your surprise proposal!
Because the Eiffel Tower is one of the top landmarks in the globe, be prepared to deal with crowds during your proposal. If you aren’t actually going up in the tower, you can prevent some of the congestion by planning to propose early in the morning. Bonus: you will get tons of gorgeous light as the sun starts to rise over the city!
A Backup Plan for Weather
Many tourists are surprised by how rainy it can get in Paris. Most likely, you will need an umbrella at some point or another throughout your trip. If you ask me, the rain just makes the city a little more romantic for an Eiffel Tower proposal. You can find a stylish umbrella (preferably a clear one!) that will serve as an accessory to your outfits so you can share a kiss beneath the raindrops. If you would prefer not to get wet, however, make a backup plan. We have several cafes and terraces that give you a view of the tower while still offering a covering to keep you dry.
The Ring
Of course, the ring is one of the most important parts of your Eiffel Tower proposal! Chances are, you are not about to accidentally leave it at home. Nonetheless, it takes a lot of forethought to keep it both secure and hidden. You don’t want to have it set off by the metal detector at the airport and spoil your surprise before you even leave the States! Instead, keep it on you in a secured zip pocket or small travel bag in your carry-on. Definitely don’t put it in your checked luggage in case it gets lost! And, of course, buy insurance on it before you leave.
Hiring an Amazing Eiffel Tower Proposal Photographer
When you are proposing in front of this legendary backdrop, you have to have a photographer there to capture it! I would suggest going with an experienced photographer who knows how to get the tower at all its best angles while still centering you in the frame.
If you do decide to use me for your pictures, we will start out with a consultation before your trip. We are going to work out all the details so I can be ready on the scene without giving away your secret. I am going to be there as a fellow visitor blending into the crowds, and you’ll approach me to ask me to take a picture with your phone. This is a common Paris experience that won’t give anything away! Once I hand back over your phone, it will be time for that magical moment. When you go down on one knee, I’ll pull out my professional camera and start to snap. Then, for the next 30 minutes, we will have an impromptu photo session to celebrate!
Gorgeous Spots for Your Proposal At The Eiffel Tower
Typically, with Eiffel Tower proposals, people will ask the question with the tower in the background. There are a few reasons why this is preferred over going in the tower itself. First off, it is going to be EXTREMELY crowded, so you can’t have your magic moment without a ton of on-lookers. Secondly, you just don’t get the same views. You might know where it happened, but likely, the people seeing the pictures won’t. Here are some spots to try instead:
Seine River
Compared to other parts of Paris with Eiffel Tower views, it’s fairly serene. While there is a lot of tourist boat traffic and picnickers on the river bank on sunny days, most of the time there aren’t a ton of people around. That’s why this location is so ideal for couples who would love a little more privacy.
Trocadero
This ledge puts the entirety of the Eiffel Tower right in the backdrop. It tends to be a favorite for lots of couples because the view is that good! I definitely recommend going in the morning as the sun starts to rise.
Pont Alexandre III
This gorgeous bridge takes you over the Seine with the Eiffel Tower right in the background. It is both regal and scenic for this unforgettable moment.
Passerelle Debilly
This pedestrian-only footbridge is a little less congested, plus it’s very easy to access! With this location, the base of the Eiffel Tower will be right behind you.
Pont de Bir-Hakeim
While this bridge gives you one of the best views of the Eiffel Tower, it can also get pretty crowded. If you can handle the crowds, you will have one of the best views in all of Paris for your proposal!
Take Your Time And Plan A Perfect Eiffel Tower Proposal For You
Hopefully, this guide helps you as you start to plan your Eiffel Tower proposal. If you would like to learn more about booking me as your personal English-speaking American proposal photographer in Paris, I would love to connect! Send me a message today so you can see if my style matches yours. I cannot wait to celebrate this day with you!
