After receiving many requests from those planning a quiet/less crowded surprise proposal in Edinburgh, I’ve decided to create an ongoing blog post featuring lesser-known and quieter proposal spots around the city.
I’ve been photographing engagements and proposals in Edinburgh for over 10 years now, and I absolutely love capturing the special connection between couples in a fun and playful way. It’s always a joy to see how it brings out their true personalities—whether they’re shy, serious, or full of energy and spontaneity. Couples love the relaxed approach, and I believe it makes the moment even more memorable. 😊
Here, you’ll find a list of locations worth exploring.
You may want to first check out my main list of proposal locations around Edinburgh, which includes more well-known spots. However, many of you have asked for quieter, less touristy locations, so this post is for you! I’ve visited each of these places and filmed a video for you to watch. It’s a bit long, but you can skip to specific chapters to view the location you’re interested in.
Watch the walk-through video of locations where to propose in Edinburgh
I have made Timecodes in the video description.
Keep in mind that although most of these locations are fairly quiet, there’s still a chance you might encounter tourists, especially if the weather is nice. Edinburgh is a popular destination, so there’s no guarantee you’ll be completely alone. For example, many people assume places like Calton Hill are always crowded, but I’ve captured some beautiful, quiet proposals there. Just aim for early morning to improve your chances of having the place to yourself.
I’ve always said that even in more popular spots, you can still find a quiet corner to propose. It only takes a couple of minutes to pop the question, so any potential embarrassment won’t last long! At the end of the day, it’s all about the two of you. Worry more about her saying “yes” than someone watching you propose. Just my 5p worth of advice. 😊
Let’s kick off the list and dive into these locations!
Loch and Chapel Ruins
VIDEO LINK TO THIS SPECIFIC LOCATION
Tucked away at the base of Arthur’s Seat, this spot makes for a perfect detour before or after the climb. You could casually suggest, “Let’s check out that pond or chapel ruins,” and then, as she’s admiring the view, drop to one knee.
For the best chance of privacy, I recommend proposing on the far side of the loch, away from the car park where people often gather to feed the ducks or relax (check the video for more details).
If the chapel is busy, you have a few options. You could propose on the side of the chapel, or on your way back, stop at a small flat ledge with a lovely view of Arthur’s Seat or Calton Hill. Watch the video to see exactly what I’m talking about.
There’s also a little hill near the loch that offers great views and is perfect for photos. If it’s a bit windy, just embrace it—it adds character to the moment!
Dunbar’s Close Garden
This hidden gem at the foot of the Royal Mile is perfect for an intimate proposal. Even if there are a few people around, it feels serene and secluded. The walled sections of the garden create an atmosphere of privacy.
You could have her sit on one of the lovely benches, or just wander into one of the garden’s quiet corners and pop the question.
I personally love this spot, especially for introverts who want a quiet and peaceful location to propose. Plus, it’s right near the city centre and on the way to the Scottish Parliament or Holyrood Palace—a great excuse for a slight detour to do something special.
Dr Neil’s Garden
Located on the south-eastern edge of Arthur’s Seat by Duddingston Loch, Dr Neil’s Garden is perfect for garden lovers. There are a few spots that would work wonderfully for a proposal, and next door, you’ll find local allotments where residents grow their own produce.
It’s a little off the beaten track, so you’ll need a solid reason to suggest visiting unless she’s into gardens! Check out the video to see if it’s the right spot for you.
Dean Village
Dean Village is often included in “Must-See Places in Edinburgh” guides, and for good reason—it’s picturesque and close to the city centre. However, this makes it a bit tricky for proposals, as there are usually quite a few people around.
When I visited on a cloudy day, it was still quite busy. While it’s a lovely spot to explore, in my opinion, it’s not ideal for a quiet proposal. You could potentially find a quieter moment in the small courtyard I mention at the end of the video, but it may involve some waiting.
Still, it’s easy to suggest visiting Dean Village due to its proximity to the city centre.
Edinburgh-Kyoto Friendship Garden
Located next to Lauriston Castle, this Japanese-style garden is always quiet and secluded. It could be a lovely stop on the way to Cramond Beach, for example. The gardens are popular with local photographers due to the shaded areas and greenery, which offer plenty of great photo opportunities.
It’s the furthest location from the city centre on this list, but if you’re heading west, it’s worth a visit. The little bridge in the Japanese garden is an especially beautiful spot to propose. Watch the video for more tips on where to do it.
Craigmillar Castle
This spot was suggested by a reader whose girlfriend loves old castle ruins. After visiting, I knew I had to include it on the list. Craigmillar Castle is a fantastic alternative to the ever-busy Edinburgh Castle, and it offers beautiful views from the tower where Myles proposed to Gabbie.
The proposal took place an hour before closing, so the castle was nearly empty—a great tip if you’re after a quieter experience. Their proposal blog post is in my pipeline so I will update the post to see the results. We had an amazing time.
Watch this video where I walk around the castle in preparation for Myle’s proposal.
Upcoming Locations:
I’m planning to visit and potentially add the following locations to the list. While none of these are guaranteed to be super quiet, it all depends on the time of day and season.
- Vennel Steps (at the base of Edinburgh Castle)
- The National Museum of Scotland on Chambers Street
- Inchcolm Island for the more adventurous types
- Portrait gallery for rainy days
Hope this post will help you in preparation for your surprise proposal. Reach out to plan your own special day and I look forward to hearing from you. Check out my other proposal and engagement session post.
