SURPRISE PROPOSAL PHOTOGRAPHER IN SCOTLAND
Planning to propose in Scotland? Hire a photographer to help you plan and photograph your big question.
Surprise proposal photography across Scotland. Edinburgh, Glasgow, Glencoe, the Highlands, the Cairngorms & Isle of Skye.
SURPRISE PROPOSAL PHOTOGRAPHY
Planning a surprise proposal in Scotland? I’m here to help you. I’m Micaela, a documentary wedding, elopement and proposal photographer in Edinburgh, and I love nothing more than hiding behind a bush (or a bin!), silently panicking and waiting for you to ask one of the most important questions you’ll ever ask!
If you’re looking for support & advice in the planning process, someone to capture the actual moment, and some photographs of you in Scotland, read on…
AUTHENTIC, RELAXED & DISCREET
I’ll be really discreet when capturing your proposal (it’s quite easy for me to blend in with tourists in Scotland), and if you’d both like, we can celebrate afterwards with some relaxed, genuine “holy s**t, we just got engaged” photos.
EDINBURGH & BEYOND
I can help you plan your proposal in Edinburgh (read on below for my suggested spots), or we can think further afield and make plans across all of Scotland. You might be interested in Glencoe, the Isle of Skye, Loch Lomond, or somewhere special and local to you. Wherever you pick – I’m on board.
PLANNING SUPPORT
It’s a really scary and daunting thing to plan a proposal. Especially when you’re trying to keep it a secret from your partner (the person you probably share everything with), but I’m here to help. We can hop on a call, or chat over WhatsApp under an alias. Whatever I can do, to help make this memorable for you, I’m in!
ALL LOVE STORIES ARE WELCOME HERE
My business, and my approach is a safe space for all love, relationships, sexualities, gender identities and expressions. I’m also more than happy to collaborate with you, and help with any accessibility requests (a lot of Scotland is old, and slightly less accommodating). So please just let me know what I can do to help you have a wonderful experience.
Table of Contents
How to plan a surprise proposal in Scotland
Choose a meaningful location
Scotland is ridiculously beautiful, and you have SO many options to pick from. You could propose in Edinburgh across many iconic locations.
You could choose from a view of the Edinburgh Castle at Princes’ Street Gardens, the Vennel Steps or Calton Hill. Keep reading below to have a look at some suggested locations. Or if you’re wanting something more scenic, you could choose from Holyrood Park, Loch Lomond, Glencoe or the Isle of Skye.
incorporate it into your holiday or vacation
If you’re coming to Scotland for a holiday or on vacation, use your itinerary as a starting point for your proposal location. Have you got a day planned in Edinburgh? Then let’s work around that and build your proposal into your itinerary. Thinking of heading up to Skye?
What about stopping in Loch Lomond or Glencoe on the way for your proposal? Scotland is so beautiful in so many areas, so you can really pick something close by to where you’re staying or that fits into your plans.
Keep your partner in mind
What would your partner like? Will they be ok with being proposed to in a busy location with other tourists? Would they like to have a quiet location with beautiful scenery to take in the moment?
Could you get them up early to hike up a hill to a specific time? Would they want to celebrate immediately afterwards and call their friends and family? Have a think about what would make that moment special for them.
Plan some special words
It’s such a special moment, and a wonderful chance to say so many things that you’d probably been thinking while you’ve been planning. So why not take the opportunity to share with your partner why you’ve chosen to marry them before you get down on one knee.
Include family
If you think your partner would like it, and if family is either nearby or travelling with you, could you include them in some way? I’ve had couples propose ahead of going to drinks with family members to share the good news. You could also have family waiting somewhere nearby to congratulate you both
Hire a proposal photographer
This is SUCH an incredible moment in your life as a couple, and how magical to have it captured not just for the two of you, but for you to be able to share with your friends and family to celebrate your engagement! The odds are that you won’t really be able to remember the exact moment because your heart will be beating so damn fast – so leave that to me. I’ll capture it for you!
Create a special scene
Have you got something else in mind for your proposal? If you’re somewhere a bit more remote, did you want to plan a picnic? Or a moment with a glass of champagne or prosecco? Spend some time brainstorming about what might work best for the location, but also for the two of you as a couple.
celebrate after
There’s NOTHING better than the ‘just engaged’ bubble. My husband and I kept it a secret for 24 hours before we told anyone else, and it was just magical. We went swimming in a Scottish mountain stream, and out for dinner to celebrate and it felt like we were keeping our very own little secret. Perhaps you want to head out for a celebratory brunch? Or to go grab a cocktail? Or go grab a picnic? Think about how else you might want to make that day special, beyond just that moment.
Edinburgh proposal locations
Ultimately, you can propose WHEREVER you’d like. This is your moment, with your partner, and your story. You could pick somewhere that’s meaningful to the two of you, or pick somewhere iconic. But if you’d like to hear of some locations that could work well in the city, read on.
The Vennel Steps
The Vennel Steps are a popular tourist and influencer viewpoint with great views of Edinburgh Castle and they’ve become a popular location for proposals.
Pros: It’s a beautiful spot with a wonderful view of the castle, and you could end up with quite an iconic shot of your proposal.
Cons: It’s up a long flight of stairs (so give yourself some time to recover before you get to proposing) and it’s very popular with tourists and influencers especially outside of early morning and late evening.
Photography considerations: I can quite easily pose as another tourist and wait for you to arrive for your moment. Afterwards we could grab some photos near Victoria Street.
Calton Hill
One of my favourite proposal locations overlooking the city. There’s plenty of space for you to move around, and if you’re planning an early morning proposal you might even have it to yourself.
Pros: Depending on the time of day, it can be quieter and almost empty which will give you the time and space to propose without anyone watching or interrupting.
Cons: It’s up a steep hill, so catch your breath before proposing. During the day and summer seasons it can be very busy.
Photography considerations: I often wait on one of the benches until I spot you, blending in as a keen photographer. After your proposal, on Calton Hill itself, there’s quite a lot of variety in the locations we can take photos. You might want to add on some more time if you wanted to explore other spots in Edinburgh as they’re at least a 10 minute walk away.
Arthur's Seat
If you’re both keen hikers and outdoorsy people, you might want to trek an hour up Arthur’s Seat to ask your all important question. It’s worth bearing in mind that you’d need a longer photographer package to account for me needing to get up there too.
Pros: It’s a really incredible experience outside of getting engaged to be up on Arthur’s Seat and have the view of the whole city.
Cons: It’s a longer hike to get to, and depending on the time of year, it can be quite busy.
Photography considerations: It’s definitely easy for me to blend in here, lying in wait, but there’s a chance you’ll have quite a few people in and around you, even early in the morning. You’ll also need to book me for a much longer session to account for travelling up and down to the top of Arthur’s Seat.
Holyrood Park
Holyrood Park is a great option if you’re wanting something full of nature that’s very accessible and close to Edinburgh. Within the park you have a few options; St Anthony’s Chapel Ruins, Dunsapie Loch and St Margaret’s Loch, or just the general beauty of Holyrood Park.
Pros: It’s incredibly beautiful. Definitely quieter than the city locations, and you could really just pick a location that ‘felt’ right to you while I follow from a distance, and propose.
Cons: You might need to either drive to a parking lot, grab an Uber or get public transport to the park.
Photography considerations: I’d probably ‘meet’ you at a distance near an entrance or parking lot, and follow you until you found the right spot, and gave me a signal. After your proposal, there are so many beautiful locations where we could photograph the two of you together.
Prince's street gardens
With very easy access from Waverly Station, you could do a leisurely walk towards the Ross Fountain, and drop to one knee with the fountain and castle looming majestically behind you. It’s a great spot to combine with other locations in the garden, or even a quick jaunt along the mile.
Pros: It’s easy to get to, and you could celebrate afterwards in either the old town or new town.
Cons: I’d possibly avoid it around winter time, as there’s a busy Christmas market close by.
Photography Considerations: This is a very easy meeting point for us to both be in one location together. I can hide behind some well positioned bins, and continue my ruse as an overly keen tourist. We’ve also got very easy access to some other beautiful spots close by for photos.
Edinburgh Botanic Gardens
A location often used for locals to Edinburgh, who might have come to the botanic gardens on a first date. It’s worth bearing in mind that you will need to apply for a permit to have your photography done here. There’s Inverleith Park right across the road which makes for a great location for some photos, and you’re close by to Stockbridge for a celebratory drink or meal afterwards!
Pros: It’s a beautiful garden with lots of hidden spots to ask for a lifetime together.
Cons: You’ll need to purchase a license for your photography.
Photography Considerations: I can always hide behind a tree or a bush, and we can really create some beautiful imagery with all the different plants. Stockbridge, Circus Lane and Dean Village are all relatively close by and could make for great secondary locations to explore after.
Dunbar's Close Gardens
If you like the idea of staying local to the Royal Mile, but you really want somewhere more secluded to propose – maybe consider Dunbar’s Close Gardens. Just hidden off the Royal Mile is a lovely, secluded garden full of flowers, topiaries and surrounded by tall stone walls. There are some benches dotted around that you could have a sit down on ahead of proposing.
Pros: It’s lovely and quiet, and might feel like a calm oasis while still being close to the sights of Edinburgh for the rest of your shoot.
Cons: It’s not as iconically “Scottish” or “Edinburgh” as maybe some of the other locations.
Photography Considerations: Once again, it’s easy enough for me to conceal myself and blend in. And after your big moment, we can easily hop out and explore the mile together.
Hiring a Proposal Photographer in Scotland
Curious about how you can include a photographer in your proposal plans? Well, let me help you out!
Find a proposal photographer
Just kidding, you’re already on my website, so you’ve found me already! Hey, hello! You want to find someone whose work you like. In my case, I’m a documentary photographer who likes to offer some help and support for my clients if they feel awkward ‘posing’. So I’m the kind of photographer who will keep things very relaxed, laid back, and hopefully feel like a friend within minutes.
team up and plan the surprise
If you’re looking for support in planning your proposal – I’m your gal! You can add me on WhatsApp (under a non suspicious name of course), and we can chat in secret about when and how you want to propose. I can help you find locations, suggest activities for afterwards, and most importantly come up with a good game plan to get your partner to your location at the right time.
on the day
Ahead of your proposal, we’ll have booked a time and place for you to propose. I’ll be there well in advance in case you run ahead of schedule. I’ll also use that time to scout out the area and make sure we’re all good to go. You’ll share your location with me via whatsapp so that I can track you, and give me a heads up on what your partner is wearing.
in the moment
The Silent Signal
We have a few options for you to signal to me, or for us to coordinate ahead of the big proposal. If it’s a relatively quiet spot and we agreed that I would mostly be inconspicuous, we might make quick eye contact as we both get into position.
The Paparazzi
Picture this – I’m hovering around, looking like a regular photography enthusiast tourist. You ask me (as a kind stranger), if I could take your photo for you. I willingly get you and your partner into position, and while I’m photographing on your phone, you turn to each other and you propose, all while I seamlessly switch to photographing on my camera.
The Swop Around
I’m waiting in exactly the right spot for you to propose. As I see you come towards that spot, I move away so that you have all the information you need to put yourself and your partner in the exact same spot. You propose and I capture it from a distance.
The Wing It
We do one or none of the above, hold on to a hope and a prayer and wing it! This isn’t ideal, but sometimes things are a bit out of our control.
The Photo Session
You’ve booked in a couples session with me, but what your partner doesn’t know is that one of the first few photos I capture is the two of you facing each other but you’re down on one knee. Or you’re facing away from each other, and I’ll let you get on your knee while your partner looks at the view, before turning around.
What I capture
I focus on capturing the moment from start to finish. That likely means, the gentle build up before (especially if you’re taking the chance to say something to your partner), the “will you marry me, I’m down on one knee moment”, the full reaction to that moment, the big hug and joy afterwards, the moment they spot me and the ring. We should then have about 30 minutes to do a few couples portraits in the area depending on what package you’ve booked.
Why hire a professional photographer
With a professional handling the camera, you won’t be fumbling with a phone or relying on a stranger. You get high-quality images of the big moment and someone to quietly help orchestrate the surprise.This is such an emotionally charged moment, and it’s so special to have it captured so that not only the two of you can relive it, but also so that you can share that moment with your family and friends. If you’re also visiting Edinburgh or Scotland, this makes for such a lifelong keepsake of your time here together.
24 Hour Sneak Peak
I know how excited you are to share this special moment with family & friends, so wherever possible, I’ll send you either one or a couple of quick phone edited snaps on WhatsApp within a few hours. That way you can be ready to proclaim the news to the world when you’re ready.
The rest of the images (anywhere from 30-100, depending on what package you’ve chose), will be with you within 7-14 days.
private online gallery
Your images will be edited, and put into an online gallery that you can easily access no matter where in the world you’re from. If you’re from Europe, the UK, Canada, the US, Australia or New Zealand, I can also arrange for a local high quality professional printing lab to be attached to your gallery, so that it’s easy for you to order prints, save the dates and albums when you’re back home.
SCOTLAND proposal locations
Thinking of proposing outside of Edinburgh? Have a look through these locations and see if any of them resonate. It’s worth noting that many of them require driving to get to, and can be quite a long drive. But if you’re already planning to go to these locations while in Scotland, you could consider them for your proposal.
LOCH LOMOND AND THE TROSSACHS
Within pretty easy distance of Edinburgh & Glasgow, Loch Lomond and the Trossachs makes for a beautiful getaway and place to propose.
You might want to consider some of these gorgeous loch-side locations;
Anywhere along Loch Lomond – perhaps near Luss if you’re after somewhere cute to celebrate after? I also really think that Loch Earn and Loch Lubnaig are gorgeous.
BALQUHIDDER
This is actually where I got engaged, and is one of my favourite spots and views in the whole world. A short but steep hike up to Creag an Tuirc, will reward you with incredible views of Loch Voil, and you can head to either Mohr 84 or Monachyle Mohr afterwards to celebrate.
GLENCOE
There’s a reason that Glencoe is so popular, and it’s because it’s so incredibly beautiful. Bear in mind that it’s anywhere up to a 3 hour drive away from Glasgow or Edinburgh, and if you’re not driving, you could book a private tour (get in touch for my recommendation on tour companies!).
You can pick from incredible views of the Buachaille Etive Mor, the Wee White House or somewhere else off the beaten path to pop the question.
THE ISLE OF SKYE
Scotland Proposal Photography Pricing & Packages
The Epic One
Dreaming of an epic proposal on the Isle of Skye? This is the session for you.
1-2 HOURS OF COVERAGE
2 LOCATIONS
If you’re making it all the way to Skye, let’s make it worth your while with some incredible photographs of the two of you.
YOUR PHOTOS
High resolution, professionally edited images delivered in a private online gallery.
Around 60-80 images.
24 hour sneak preview (3-5 photos)
TRAVEL
My travel to and from Skye is included.
£ 975
The Adventurous One
Mainland Scotland. Best suited to Glencoe, the Highlands, the Cairngorms or elsewhere in Scotland.
1 – 2 HOURS OF COVERAGE
2 LOCATIONS
Depending on the location, we could explore up to two different areas outdoors. This would includ travel time from one location to another.
YOUR PHOTOS
High resolution, professionally edited images delivered in a private online gallery.
Around 60-80 images.
24 hour sneak preview (3-5 photos)
TRAVEL
£ 675
The Popular One
Perfect for Edinburgh or surrounding locations. This is perfect for 1-2 locations in Edinburgh.
1 -2 HOURS OF COVERAGE
2 LOCATIONS
This works well to both capture the location you’re proposing in, and one additional location close to the first. This includes travel time between the locations.
YOUR PHOTOS
High resolution, professionally edited images delivered in a private online gallery.
Around 60-80 images.
24 hour sneak preview (3-5 photos)
TRAVEL
Shoots to take place in Edinburgh, Glasgow or Perth.
£575
The Short One
Let’s capture the moment, and a handful of shots afterwards in one location in Edinburgh.
45 MINS – 1 HOUR OF COVERAGE
1 LOCATION
This includes photos in the location you’re proposing in. after your proposal.
YOUR PHOTOS
High resolution, professionally edited images delivered in a private online gallery.
Around 30-40 images.
24 hour sneak preview (single photo)
TRAVEL
Shoots to take place in Edinburgh.
£ 455
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Fill out the contact form below, and share as much information with me as you can about where, when and how you want your session to be. If I’ve got availability, I’ll let you know, and we can confirm the date and location. I’ll send you a booking proposal with a contract and invoice. Once that’s been paid, your session will be confirmed.
With a debit or credit card. (Yes, I accept AMEX). Just click the “pay now” button on the invoice, and you’ll be prompted to enter in your details. If you’re in the UK, you can also do a bank transfer. The full amount is due to book your session.
Yes! I know how overwhelming it is to plan this. So I’m available over WhatsApp, iMessage or email for any questions and chats about planning.
Don’t even worry about it. Photographing couples that think they’re awkward is my speciality. If you need it, I’ll be telling you what to do with your hands, and giving you prompts that will make your experience fun and relaxed.
I would recommend at least 4-8 weeks in advance, especially during peak season. However, if I’m available, I’m happy to take short notice bookings. And if you’re planning in advance, I’m happy to reserve your date for you too. Basically, as soon as you have a date in mind – let me know.
I totally get that you might not be able to ‘control’ your partner’s timing. After all, they have no idea what’s about to happen. You’ve got a 15 minute buffer zone before it’ll start eating into your session time.
If we’re only shooting for an hour, I’d recommend swapping out a jacket or something very small as we won’t have much time. But if you’ve booked me in for a longer session, we can absolutely do an outfit change.
If you’ve shared your WhatsApp location and your clothing for the day, I should be able to know who you are. I’ll also ask you for a recent picture so that I can study up and be prepared.
Yes, if you want to. I’ll stand in ‘position’, and you can take over as you walk closer. Or alternatively, we can do the ‘tourist’ play, and you can ask me to take a photo with your phone. I’ll direct you into a nice spot, and you can propose.
It’s Scotland. The weather is going to do whatever it’s going to do. We’ll lean into it, and I’ll come prepared for whatever it might throw our way.
Yes. Your online gallery is linked to a professional print lab, so you (or family/friends) can order high-quality prints of your favorite photos easily. I offer prints in various sizes, beautiful framed enlargements, and bespoke photo albums.
Hi, I'm Micaela!
(she/her)
I’m a couples photographer based just north of Edinburgh. I’ve been photographing people in love for over a decade now, and I think everyone deserves photographs of themselves that represent their love story, their relationship and their friendship.
When I’m not photographing, I’m probably binge watching a docuseries with my husband, chasing my twin boys around the garden or hyperfixating on a new craft project.
READY FOR YOUR SURPRISE PROPOSAL PHOTOS?
Get in touch to find out more about my availability and proposal packages.
READY FOR YOUR SURPRISE PROPOSAL PHOTOS?
Get in touch to find out more about my availability and proposal packages.
