Planning Your Paris Proposal
Everything you need to know to plan the perfect Paris proposal. Spots, timing, photographers, and what can go wrong.
Best Proposal Spots (Ranked)
Trocadéro
The classic Eiffel Tower backdrop. Best at sunrise for empty photos.
Pont Alexandre III
The most ornate bridge in Paris. Golden statues and lampposts.
Jardin du Palais Royal
Hidden garden most tourists miss. Elegant columns, quiet atmosphere.
Sacré-Cœur Steps
Panoramic view of Paris. Romantic but crowded.
Luxembourg Gardens
Near Medici Fountain. Shaded, intimate, very Parisian.
Hiring a Secret Photographer
A secret photographer captures the moment without her knowing. They position as a "tourist" before you arrive and capture everything from the approach to the ring reveal.
What you get:
- 50-100 professionally edited photos
- Candid shots of the actual proposal moment
- Posed couple shots after she says yes
- Photos delivered within 3-7 days
Planning Timeline
2 Months Before
- •Book restaurant (especially Le Jules Verne - they book fast!)
- •Book photographer - communicate exact plan
- •Have ring sized if not sure
- •Start practicing what you'll say
2 Weeks Before
- •Confirm all reservations
- •Email photographer final details and backup plan
- •Check weather forecast
- •Book any backup indoor venues
Day Before
- •Final weather check - adjust timing if needed
- •Confirm with photographer meeting point
- •Check ring is safely packed
- •Practice your speech one more time
Day Of
- •Ring in FRONT pocket (not jacket - easier access)
- •Arrive 15 min before photographer to scope location
- •Have a backup excuse ready if she asks about photographer
- •Take a deep breath - you've got this!
What Can Go Wrong (And How to Handle It)
It's raining
Covered backup: Galerie Vivienne (beautiful covered passage) or your hotel's rooftop/lobby
She notices the photographer
'Oh that person is taking photos of the Eiffel Tower, let's ask them to take one of us!'
Too crowded
Go to backup spot, or propose then move somewhere quieter for photos after
Ring box is too obvious
Use a slim ring pouch, keep in front pocket, kneel quickly
She says 'not yet'
Stay calm, tell her you love her regardless, and enjoy the rest of Paris together
Proposal-Ready Experiences
These experiences score 4+ on our Proposal Ready metric:
Private Seine Cruise with Champagne
Just the two of you on a private boat with champagne and a captain who takes photos.
Vintage 2CV Car Tour
Private tour in a classic French Citroën 2CV with open top.
Private Horse & Carriage Ride
Horse and carriage along Champs-Élysées to Trocadéro with Eiffel Tower views.
Private Couples Photoshoot
Professional photographer, 50-100 edited photos at iconic Paris locations.
Giverny: Monet's Gardens Half-Day
Claude Monet's famous gardens - water lilies, Japanese bridge, flower explosion.
Eiffel Tower Dinner at Madame Brasserie
Dinner INSIDE the Eiffel Tower. 3-4 courses by Michelin-star chef Thierry Marx.
Hot Air Balloon near Paris
Sunrise or sunset balloon ride over Fontainebleau forest. Champagne toast after landing.
Ready to Plan Your Proposal?
Check out our complete Proposal Evening plan with every detail covered.
View Proposal Evening Plan