Planning a surprise proposal, or some call, surprise engagement in Paris is the dream of many. I love to capture surprise proposal photoshoots in Paris for special couples around the globe. The thrill of getting engaged in Paris, one of the world’s most beautiful cities, is an experience no one will ever forget!
In this article, I’ll discuss some of the keys to keep in mind when planning and executing your beautiful surprise proposal in Paris.
Before You Leave Home
There are a number of key points to consider before you even get to Paris. First, of course, is the engagement ring. Most couples love to share their commitment to marry with the presentation of a diamond ring. Each couple has their style, and maybe you’ve already gotten and idea from your significant other as to the type of ring they prefer. If you don’t know, or think the surprise will be ruined if you ask, ask a trusted close family member or friend. As your fiancé(e) will be wearing this ring for the rest of their lives, you want to get this one right!
Couples today are often non-traditional in their approach to marriage, but it’s still a good idea to think about letting your significant others parents know about your plans. In the past, this would be to obtain approval or sign-off to marry, and while this isn’t often the case with modern couples, it’s a good thing to think about.
Now, you’ve spoken to your significant other’s parents, or important people in their lives, you have the ring, now you have to plan your proposal in Paris!
Important Tips for Planning Your Paris Surprise Proposal
The first think you want to do while planning your Paris proposal is hire a photographer! Even if you don’t care much about the idea yourself, its likely your significant other will want this moment captured to remember forever. Also, you’ll want to show family and friends how this moment unfolded when you get back home, as your engagement is also important to them.
There are all different types of photographers with different styles and how they go about photographing your proposal. Choose a photographer that will help you select your perfect location, who answers your questions in a timely manner, and who will be a trusted resource for you, as this is one of the most important days of your life!
Costs for Paris surprise proposal photographers vary widely, but as the old adage goes, “you get what you pay for”, so keep that in mind! Some who are proposing in Paris prefer a low-key event, just a stroll along the Seine River with a view of the Eiffel Tower, while others want a big event with fireworks, roses, candles and other extravagant touches. Keep in mind your significant other could be embarrassed by a big production, or delighted by it. Paris has a lot of tourists, so it’s difficult to have a very private moment, so the grander you go, the more people may be watching.
Eiffel Tower Paris Surprise Proposal Locations
If your dream is to propose with views of the Eiffel Tower, you have many options. While some prefer a view from a private location, such as a hotel balcony, many prefer an outdoor view of the Eiffel Tower for their big moment. The good news is, there are many vantage points for a beautiful Eiffel Tower surprise proposal.
Most of the best Eiffel Tower surprise proposal locations are views from the many bridges surrounding the Eiffel Tower, or the Trocadero area, which is a park and museum complex across the river from the monument. You’ll want to consider time of day, as well as some of these areas are quite busy with tourists.
Time of Day for Your Proposal
It’s also important to plan for the time of day you’ll propose. While it would seem easiest to keep this rather open, there are considerations you should be aware of. First off, as Paris is one of the most visited cities in the world, there are always a lot of people around. While that may not bother you, sometimes it can be challenging to avoid other people in photos. Mornings are best to get out before the tourists arrive, however, this is not always ideal, especially if you’re not morning people, and your significant other may not be dressed for photos, as of course, it will be a surprise.
Most people who propose in Paris choose late afternoon, which has many advantages. While it’s true there will be many more tourists out and about, it also makes more logical sense as you’ll probably be heading to dinner. Therefore, you’ll have an excuse to give as to why you should be dressed up–you’re going to a nice dinner in Paris!
What to Do Before, During and After Your Proposal
The biggest thing to keep in mind is that you want to remain as “normal” as possible on your Paris surprise proposal day. Even though you’re confident in the outcome, it’s an experience that can cause a lot of anxiety and nervousness. This is normal! You likely have important things you want to say to your loved one, you’re worried you’ll lose the ring, or your words won’t come out the way you’d hoped. Many are worried that proposal won’t turn out to be a surprise afterall.
The good news is, it’s always a surprise, because even if your loved one thinks you may propose in Paris, they have no idea when or where. Even if you think they’ve caught wind that the big moment is happening in Paris, it’s likely they’ve already wondered that themselves–you’re going to Paris! You have the element of surprise still in your favor, because they have no idea when it will happen.
Now that you understand you should act normally, like yourself, and that the surprise will always be a surprise, the next thing to do is communicate with your photographer. You should have clear instructions on where to meet, what time and any last-minute tips that will help you. Most photographers have a certain way they photograph proposals, a fully-covert operation or other methods to make sure they capture the magic moment, so discuss that with them.
The moment arrives, you take your loved one by the hands, look into their eyes, and you say your words, those words you’ve been wanting to say all day! Your person will be in shock and still not entirely sure of what’s going on as you get on one knee and present the ring.
After you’ve presented the ring, give your loved one time to process this moment that has just happened, one they’ve likely dreamed about for a long time. Some couples love to celebrate with a bottle of champagne, which you can sip together with a view of the Eiffel Tower.
Usually, there will be a mini engagement session, too, which allows you to get some amazing shots while you’re both still in the moment.
Engaged in Paris!
You’ve done it! You proposed in Paris, and he or she said yes! It’s time to celebrate. A city like Paris, as you can imagine, has some wonderful fine dining options. From restaurants with Eiffel Tower views, to Seine River dinner cruises, the sky’s the limit! Cap off your Paris proposal with a beautiful dinner celebration, wait with excitement for your beautiful proposal images to be ready for you to view and enjoy and cherish these special moments forever!
Karina Leigh Photography
I’m a Paris surprise proposal and engagement photographer and my goal is to plan and photograph the surprise proposals of wonderful couples visiting from all over the globe. If you’d like to work together, feel free to contact me, I’d love to be part of your special day!
