Last Updated on 13/08/2026 by Armands Sprogis
Ross Fountain has quickly become one of my most requested proposal locations in Edinburgh, and it’s easy to see why. Sitting in the heart of Princes Street Gardens with Edinburgh Castle rising behind it, it offers one of the most recognisable backdrops in the city. If you’re looking for a professional proposal photographer in Edinburgh, this location should definitely be on your shortlist.
Interestingly, a few years ago I probably wouldn’t have recommended it.
At the time, the fountain was surrounded by restoration work, there were ugly fences everywhere and I had a couple of frustrating experiences with photography permissions. It simply wasn’t a location that excited me, which is why you won’t find it in my original list of favourite proposal locations.
Video Guide on Ross Fountain Proposals
Things have changed.
After photographing more than ten proposals here over the past few months, I’ve completely changed my opinion. The restoration has transformed the fountain, the surrounding area looks fantastic and it’s now one of the places couples ask me about most often.
Like every proposal location, Ross Fountain has its strengths and weaknesses, so I thought I’d put together this guide to help you decide whether it’s the right place for your proposal.
Why Choose Ross Fountain for Your Proposal?
Edinburgh Castle as your backdrop
Let’s start with the obvious one. Having Edinburgh Castle in the background of your proposal photographs is pretty special. If you’ve travelled to Scotland for this moment, it doesn’t get much more iconic than that.
Right in the heart of Edinburgh
Ross Fountain is incredibly easy to reach. Whether you’re staying on Princes Street or exploring the Royal Mile, it’s only a short walk away. That also makes it very easy to suggest to your partner without raising any suspicion. A casual walk through Princes Street Gardens feels completely natural.
Beautifully restored
The recent restoration has made a huge difference. The fountain itself now looks fantastic and creates a much more elegant setting than it did a few years ago.
Easy to continue your day
One thing I really like about this location is how convenient it is. Once you’ve proposed and we’ve finished photographing the moment, you’re only minutes away from restaurants, bars, cafés and everything else Edinburgh city centre has to offer.
Things to Consider Before Choosing Ross Fountain
As much as I like this location, I think it’s important to be honest about its downsides too.
It can get very busy
This is probably the biggest thing to think about.
Ross Fountain is one of Edinburgh’s most photographed landmarks, so don’t expect to have it completely to yourselves. I’ve seen everything from tour groups to families and couples waiting to take photographs in exactly the same spot.
Sometimes you’ll arrive and have the place almost to yourself. Other times there could be a queue of people waiting for their turn.
There isn’t much space for the perfect angle
If you’re hoping to include both the fountain and Edinburgh Castle in the same photograph, we’re working within quite a small area. If other visitors are taking pictures, there aren’t many alternative angles available, so we sometimes just need to be patient and wait a couple of minutes.
Photography permissions
Depending on the type of photography you’re planning, permission may occasionally be required. This isn’t unique to Ross Fountain and applies to several popular locations around Edinburgh, but it’s something worth mentioning when planning your proposal.
What Happens After the Proposal?
One of the questions I’m often asked is what happens once the proposal is over.
For many couples, the proposal itself is just the beginning. After capturing those genuine reactions, we’ll spend another 20–40 minutes creating a relaxed engagement session around the area.
If you’d like to keep things simple, we can stay around Ross Fountain and Princes Street Gardens, where there are plenty of lovely spots for natural portraits.
If you’re looking for a little more variety, we can take a short walk towards the Scott Monument, covering a few different backdrops along the way. This gives you a much more varied gallery while still keeping the session relaxed and enjoyable.
There’s no right or wrong option—it simply depends on how important the photographs are to you and how much time you’d like to spend celebrating the moment before heading off to dinner or continuing your plans.
Is Ross Fountain the Right Proposal Location for You?
So, would I recommend Ross Fountain?
Yes, absolutely—but with a few considerations.
If you’re dreaming of proposing with Edinburgh Castle as your backdrop, it’s hard to beat. The recently restored fountain looks fantastic, it’s easy to reach from the city centre and it’s one of those locations that instantly says “Edinburgh”. For couples visiting Scotland, it creates a truly memorable setting for such an important moment.
That said, it isn’t the right choice for everyone. If privacy is your top priority, you may find the crowds a little overwhelming, especially during the Edinburgh Fringe or Christmas period. Timing can make all the difference, and I’m always happy to help you choose the best day and time to give you the greatest chance of a relaxed proposal.
One thing I always tell my couples is not to worry too much if the area is busier than expected. If you’re only a few minutes away and I can see people waiting to take photographs at the fountain, I’ll happily join the queue on your behalf. When you arrive, I’ll let the people behind me know what’s happening and step aside so you can have your moment. It’s a small detail, but one that can make the whole experience feel much less stressful.
I hope this guide has given you a better idea of whether Ross Fountain is the right place for your proposal. If you’re still comparing locations, have a look at my guide to the best proposal locations in Edinburgh, where I share my favourite spots around the city and explain who they’re best suited for.
And if you’ve already decided that Ross Fountain is the perfect place, I’d love to help you plan everything and capture the moment naturally. Feel free to explore my Proposal Photography in Edinburgh page or get in touch if you have any questions—I’m always happy to help.
