Top romantic places to propose in Edinburgh.

Last Updated on 28/05/2025 by Armands Sprogis

Edinburgh is a romantic destination, which makes it the perfect place to propose and to have an engagement photoshoot. I have offered my proposal photography services to couples since 2010.

As a proposal and engagement photographer, I have made this places to propose in Edinburgh guide to help you plan your special occasion.

You can also check my Quiet Places Guide. Less known, but you can still have cute photos there.

Today, we will look at the top places to propose in Edinburgh.

Don’t forget to check my proposal photography page too. Watch the video on how the proposal photography process works.

1. Calton Hill

Calton Hill is one of the most iconic and romantic places to propose in Edinburgh. As you arrive in the city, especially by train, it is one of the first landmarks to catch your eye. Just a short walk from the end of Princes Street, this elevated viewpoint offers panoramic views over Edinburgh’s skyline, making it a perfect backdrop for an unforgettable proposal.

2. Edinburgh Castle Proposals

When people think of Edinburgh one of the first things they picture is the remarkable Edinburgh castle. Of course, it’s impossible to visit this city without taking the time to visit the castle as well. It’s a great place for a proposal or for a photo shoot. You can contact Edinburgh Castle via weddings@hes.scot or phone up +44 (0)131 668 8686.

The best part is that all of the beauty is not confined to the castle. There are many great Edinburgh photography locations outside of the castle and in the surrounding areas. Victoria Street is a beautiful destination filled with a number of small shops.

You can also venture away from the normal tourist routes to find hidden gems. Off to the side of the Camera Obscura is a secluded spot that is usually free of tourists. Most tourists are instead following the path down the Royal Mile. These hidden spots away from the tourists are always some of my favourite outdoor engagement photo ideas.

I’ve had the honour of managing many engagement photo shoots at or around the castle. Here is a video and some photos of a secret proposal that happened during February.

3. Arthur’s Seat

Arthur’s Seat often sparks a debate. Some see it as a large hill, while others consider it a true mountain. No matter how you define it, it offers one of the most breathtaking natural settings in Edinburgh. For adventurous couples, the climb to the summit can be a beautiful and rewarding experience, but it does require some effort. If you are thinking of proposing at the top, it is worth making sure she is comfortable with the walk and dressed for it. A proposal should feel joyful, not stressful.

Many people prefer to stay lower down near the Salisbury Crags. These areas still offer stunning views across the city and require much less effort to reach.

There are several quiet spots to choose from, depending on how far you want to go. If you plan to stay closer to the base, you have options like chapel ruins, lower hills and crags.

If you are looking for a peaceful place to propose in Edinburgh with a stunning natural backdrop, Arthur’s Seat is a truly memorable choice.

4. The Royal Mile

This is the main historic street of Old Town in Edinburgh. It leads from the gates of the castle to the palace gates. As you may have guessed, it’s exactly one mile long. You’ll find many possible proposal destinations along the mile. One of the most popular destinations is St. Giles Cathedral. The sides of the cathedral tend to be very secluded and it makes for an excellent background in any photo.

Check out this blog post about doing an engagement photoshoot at the busiest time of the year in Edinburgh. During the Fringe festival how we juggled everything to get beautiful portraits on Royal Mile and Calton Hill.

Even the cobbled street itself looks great. However, you might have a hard time actually seeing it if you’re visiting during peak tourist seasons. It can also be particularly crowded if you are visiting during one of the festivals. The streets are chaotic and it’s difficult to hear anything.

The National Museum is another place worth visiting if you are travelling the Royal Mile. You may not think of a museum as a romantic destination, but you’ll change your mind once you’ve stepped foot onto the rooftop. It’s a quiet destination with a beautiful view of the surrounding town. It’s definitely worth a visit even if you don’t propose at that spot.

5. The Circus Lane

This is a great place to visit if you enjoy the cobbled streets of the Royal Mile. Circus Lane is fairly short, so you’ll need to propose quickly. After the proposal, you can enjoy a walk along the river. Continue heading toward Stockbridge and then down a set of steps. You should find yourself near a river that leads to the Dean Village.

There are many great spots in Stockbridge, along the river, and in Dean Village (check my quiet proposal places guide where I walk around Dean Village). It feels like an entirely different world from the rest of Edinburgh. Not only are there beautiful destinations outside, but you also have many shops, cafes, and restaurants that look incredible on the inside.

6. The Botanic Gardens

The Royal Botanic Garden is one of the best places in Edinburgh for anyone who enjoys green spaces and a peaceful atmosphere. It is perfect for couples who feel more at home among trees and plants than in busy tourist areas.

I have photographed many proposals here, as well as weddings, and it is always a calm and easygoing experience. You can take your time walking through the gardens, explore different areas, and wait until the right moment naturally presents itself. One of the biggest advantages is how easy it is to find a quiet, secluded spot where you will not be disturbed.

Compared to some of the city’s more popular landmarks, the garden is much less crowded, especially on weekdays. It is a great choice if you are looking for a more private and relaxed place to propose in Edinburgh.

7. The Portobello Beach

This list simply wouldn’t be complete without including outdoor engagement photo ideas near the water. I wanted to include Portobello Beach as it is more central. It’s a very popular destination for engagements. You’ll also have access to some delicious food in the area. It does get pretty crowded during the summer months, so plan accordingly.

For those who would like a more scenic beach option, please consider Gullane Beach. I have done a lot of family photography there and a couple of proposals too. It is around 40min car ride, but totally worth it.

There is also a Cramond area with a river walk. You can easily make a good, whole-day venture to the area. I love it there and will do a separate blog post about it.

There may be more locations added to this list in the future. Other great ideas include Blackford Hill, the Zoo, and Lauriston Castle.

The following link includes the downloadable map of the areas included in the list. I would love to photograph this special moment in your life once you’ve decided on the perfect location. Take a moment to visit my engagement photography page and contact me if you are interested.