The #1 Paris Proposal Guide (2023) when you don’t live in France

The cost to propose in Paris depends on multiple factors, including your proposal location, the concept, and the choice of vendors. A simple public marriage proposal with a professional photographer, a bouquet of long-stemmed red roses, and chilled Champagne might run around €550-€800.

However, when your engagement involves a more elaborate plan with, say, a private rooftop, stunning floral design and decor, a top-notch photo and video team, musicians, a romantic dinner, and an experienced local planner to pull everything together, expect to invest thousands of euros.

Here’s a breakdown of potential costs, excluding flights, accommodation, transportation, and the diamond engagement ring:

• Private commercial or residential rooftop: €1,000-€10,000;
• Professional Parisian photographer for a 2-hour proposal plus photoshoot session: €550-€1,000;
• Professional Filmmaker: €500+ per hour;
• Master musicians (e.g., violin, guitar, saxophone, cello, harp,…): €350+;
• Oversized “Marry Me” letters or Heart with sumptuous red carpet, romantic candles, and accent roses: €1,300+;
• Professional lighting for evening engagements: €200+;
• Local Paris proposal planner: €750+ or a percentage of the budget.

There are no rules that say you cannot propose on the capital’s most treasured landmark: the Eiffel Tower.

However, it’s undoubtedly not recommended since many curious bystanders will surround you. Getting engaged on a wrought-iron tower in plain public does not sound romantic. There’s no real chance for personalization (unless you’re Tom Cruise), so forget about taking pictures.

The entire idea of an Eiffel Tower engagement is to see the iconic 324 meters-tall Iron Lady in your pictures, right?

We suggest exploring the monument with your fiancée after she says “yes” and capturing some fun selfies 108 stories off the ground.

Some may consider a proposal in Paris cliché due to its reputation as the most romantic city in the world.

However, the way we understand cliché is that something has lost its appeal (due to overuse). Paris is and will always be beautiful, so rather consider your partner’s preferences and the love story you both share.

Finally, proposing anywhere can feel cheesy for your partner when you do not invest time, effort, and chivalry to make this life-changing moment intimate and unforgettable.

The location decision is so consequential that we dedicated an entire chapter to help you identify the perfect Paris proposal spot.

The setting determines privacy, timeline flexibility, weather contingency, and other vital factors.

Critically, the environment (and ambiance you create) will affect your partner’s five senses and how she remembers the engagement.

The City of Love has ridiculously romantic, unique, and swoon-worthy proposal locations.

You must differentiate between:

• Public settings (free of charge and widely accessible to anyone) and private settings (you pay a premium in return for exclusivity and privacy);
• Eiffel Tower views vs. non-Eiffel Tower views.

When you privatize your setting—such as a residential rooftop, hotel terrace, yacht, or French castle—expect more privacy and greater control over the ambiance and timeline flexibility.

17 Best Places to Propose in Paris, including 9 with Eiffel Tower view

1. Trocadero, Palais de Chaillot;
2. Seine River;
3. Bir-Hakeim;
4. Louvre Museum;
5. Montmartre (Sacré-Cœur, La Maison Rose);
6. Tuileries Garden;
7. Luxembourg Gardens (Medici Fountain);
8. Pont des Arts;
9. The Peninsula Paris;
10. Shangri-La Hotel Paris;
11. Marignan Champs-Elysees;
12. Kléber private residential rooftop;
13. Champs-Elysees private residential rooftop;
14. Chateau de Villette (French castle);
15. Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte (French chateau);
16. Château Bouffémont;
17. Luxury Seine River Cruise.

Trocadero: the most iconic and instantly recognizable place to have your photos taken. We only recommend it around sunrise unless you enjoy curious onlookers.

The Seine River is a more private spot than Trocadero. However, the approach can be challenging in high heels. Also note: since the setting is close to the Eiffel Tower, your photographer will typically use a wider angle lens, which can be a little less flattering. The Seine River works almost any time of the day (and evening) except when the nearby wall casts a shadow on your spot while the sun exposes the Iron Lady.

Bir-Hakeim Bridge: a famous bridge with instantly recognizable architecture. It works better at sunrise than in the evening. While the bridge is neither particularly romantic nor private— and is flanked by streets on both sides—it’s a fantastic rain alternative when you have your heart set on the Eiffel Tower.

Louvre Museum: the iconic museum’s pyramid is among the most recognizable and pretty monuments. Sure, the Louvre is public, and you’ll need to show up early to beat the crowds. Yet, its stunning glass-and-metal structure is incredible when you’re after the WOW factor and something different from the Eiffel Tower.

Montmartre: want quaint Parisian cafés and charming cobblestone streets? Then give Montmartre serious consideration. Like many tourist hotspots, Montmartre works best around sunrise and early morning. We cannot decide whether we prefer the expansive City view immediately below Sacré-Cœur Basilica or the postcard-worthy winding street with La Maison Rose as the reference point.

Tuileries Garden Terrasse du Bord de l’Eau: located in the heart of the City and flanked on both sides by towering trees, this magnificent walkway is an ideal engagement setting when you desire privacy but don’t want to rent a rooftop, private yacht, or French castle. The esplanade works well any time of the day (note: verify the opening hours). Bonus: the Louvre museum, Palais-Royal, Pont des Arts, and lively Parisian cafes are minutes away on foot.

Luxembourg Gardens: a place of spectacular beauty, the Luxembourg Gardens will charm you with idyllic lawns, tree-lined esplanades, and the iconic Medici Fountain. It’s a fantastic spot for dreamy picnics, intimate elopements, couple photography, and, of course, surprise proposals. However, verify the park’s opening hours and arrive before the tourists.

Pont des Arts. This pedestrian bridge is superb when your lover desires some of the most picturesque vistas along the Seine River. While attaching engraved padlocks to the bridge is no longer possible, you’ll not be disappointed. Pont des Arts offers expansive views of Paris; the best time to avoid large crowds is sunrise and early morning.

Here are a few incredible private locations to propose in Paris:

The Peninsula Paris: unlike other Parisian hotels with an Eiffel Tower view, The Peninsula Hotel is easily accessible without giving away the surprise. It’s reassuring that things always run smoothly at the Peninsula with time-tested, proven processes and palace-level service. Expect maximum privacy and unpretentious luxury. The most romantic time to pop the question is around sunset. A seasoned vendor team and a Paris proposal planner are compulsory.

The Shangri-La Paris: the Shangri-La is an exceptional alternative to the Peninsula and is considered by many to be the best Paris proposal spot. You’ll need to rent an Eiffel Tower suite with an exclusive deck. Typically, a floral designer will embellish your terrace while you’re out exploring the City. Hire a professional vendor team and enlist an experienced planner. Consider surprise-embellishing your hotel suite and enjoy private dining with a butler as the Iron Lady glimmers at a distance.

Chateau de Villette. Located approximately 40km northeast of Paris, this ultra-exclusive historical landmark is unquestionably among the prettiest French chateaux for intimate events. You decide whether to use its lavish interiors or the splendidly manicured gardens (designed by André Le Nôtre, who also created the famous gardens of Château de Versailles). While Chateau de Villette is by design unaffordable for most, the sky is the limit when you have a healthy proposal budget. Fly in on a helicopter or book a vintage Rolls-Royce with an elegant chauffeur. Then enjoy an unequaled 3-Star Michelin dining experience served on the world’s finest crystal, porcelain, and silverware before spending your first night as fiancés in a suite fit for a princess.

Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte. Vaux le Vicomte is among the foremost French castles, approximately 65 km from Paris. Unless you fly in by helicopter, you’ll ask your planner to hire a luxury limo with a chauffeur. When you visit Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte on a Saturday (7:00 PM – 12:00 AM) between May and October, you’ll be treated to spectacular 2,000 flickering candles and fireworks. Regardless of the season, how many people can say they got engaged at one of the most beautiful French castles?

Château Bouffémont. Bouffémont is one of the best-kept secrets when you’re after a French castle near Paris (approximately 60 km from the city center). Ask your proposal planner to book a luxury limo or Mercedes van with an English-speaking driver. When you visit Château Bouffemont, expect a warm welcome from its affectionate catering director, Sarp. He’s an expert in hospitality and will ensure your engagement is fantastic.

The best time of the day to propose in Paris is when you feel most energized and happy.

Factors such as biorhythm, jet lag, availability of vendors and locations, romantic dinner reservations, and other factors can make a difference.

Our favorite times of the day are sunrise and evening (including the so-called Blue Hour).

Sunrise Engagement—The “Golden Hour.”

Sunrise is the time when the sun slowly appears over the horizon in the morning. Specific sunrise times depend on the time of the year and can start as early as 5.45 AM in June and as late as 8.45 AM around New Year.

Advantages of making your Paris proposal at sunrise:

• it’s the only time of the day to get popular Parisian public photo spots largely devoid of crowds and overzealous vendors;
• expect some of the most flattering lighting conditions;
• excellent opportunity to transition into a fun couple photoshoot and get actual engagement photos;
• You may already receive a same-day edited sneak peek of your proposal photos to share with family and friends.

Reasons not to make a Paris proposal at sunrise:

• You need a compelling reason to shake your partner out of bed in time and without spilling the beans.
• Being late is not an option.
• Sunrise tends to be less romantic than the evening.
• Waking up early often means less sleep and hurried (or no) breakfast, which may result in stress—the last thing you want before such a life-changing occasion.

Evening (twilight) engagement photo session, including the dazzling “Blue Hour.”

The period when the day ends and the night begins. Specific sunset times depend on the time of the year and can start as early as 4.50 PM around New Year and as late as 10:00 PM in June.

Advantages of making your Paris proposal in the evening:

• The most magically romantic time of the day for engagements;
• soft, flattering light ensures no squinting in photos, no blown-out shadow details in your outfits, and no distracting shadows;
• a priceless opportunity to get daylight, the Blue Hour, and even some nighttime photos within a single hour;
• You also have time to incorporate a game-changing themed proposal concept (e.g., Midnight in Paris) and/or a scavenger hunt;
• dinner reservations and other entertainment flow more naturally;
• A later starting time means you have the opportunity to hire a professional beauty artist.

Reasons not to propose in the evening:

• Some popular public Paris locations will not be an option due to crowds;
• You are less likely to receive a preview of a few same-day edited proposal photos.

What about nighttime engagements?

Proposing in Paris at night is romantic and visually striking, with the Iron Lady twinkling at a distance.

Parisian nighttime proposals work best in winter when sunset can be as early as 4:50 PM. As such, you can transition into your first romantic dinner as newly engaged while the night is still young.

Still, it’s vital to be aware of the following:

• You’ll need a professional lighting set-up to avoid flash while sharply capturing your partner’s precious reactions [ask our studio for our premium lighting package].
• During the summer, sunset is often too late to enjoy a relaxed, romantic dinner after a total surprise proposal.
• Suppose you intend to get amazing couple photos around Paris as fiancés. In that case, scheduling a sunrise shoot the next day is better.

You need to differentiate between:

• The so-called proposal speech takes place before you drop to your knee; and
• “Will you marry me?” is what you ask once you’re on your knee with the open engagement ring box facing your partner.

Your speech can and should be prepared for. Don’t think of it as a one-and-done thing but rather an iterative process where you revise and rehearse.

It’s your chance to show your partner how she (he) makes your life better and why you want to spend the rest of your life together.

Interestingly, your speech can also be written or visual; it does not need to be spoken. We’ve seen folks devise super-creative ways to deliver speeches that had their partners in tears, from exclusive cinema screenings to art exhibitions and beyond.

It’s the perfect opportunity to bring your relationship full circle and awaken your partner’s senses to what will happen. Assume that your sweetheart will not register much (if anything) once you’re down on your knee.

There’s no right or wrong answer here (unless you actually intend to propose in a restaurant where we will be the first to discourage you).

That said, we love the idea of proposing approximately 1-2 hours before your dinner reservation, and here’s why:

• You’ll enjoy your first meal as newly-engaged and celebrate being fiancés in style with a perfectly chilled French Champagne;
• when your partner knows of dinner plans in an elegant restaurant, it’s easy to get her to dress for the occasion without giving away the surprise;
• You’ll have time before dinner to capture priceless candid reactions to the engagement before transitioning into engagement-style photos while emotions are high;
• Above all, things will not feel awkward during dinner with you anxiously awaiting to pop the question. 

According to My Perfect Marriage Proposal, you should drop to your left knee. The box will be in your left hand, and you will open it with your right hand.

Presumably, the intent of this question is similar to, “Where do you propose in Paris in cold weather?”

It’s possible to propose year-round in the same public Parisian locations. It can get nippy and occasionally freezing during the cool season, which spans from mid-November through early March. Then again, cold temperatures may keep unwanted crowds at bay and are not a serious obstacle to pulling off memorable surprise proposals. Heavy rainfall, however, could be challenging for musicians with string instruments as well as for visual artists (photographers and filmmakers).

Private Parisian hotel rooftops and terraces are not necessarily open year-round. Nonetheless, when you book a suite with a private balcony, it is typically straightforward to request a patio heater. Plus, since you are defacto privatizing the space, you have better timeline flexibility to wait out brief rain showers.

In summary, when it’s cold or it rains, private locations offer greater flexibility than their public counterparts. Our favorite hotels for engagements include the Peninsula Paris, Shangri-La, Marignan, and the Four Seasons Gorge V.

Goosebumps are guaranteed when you follow Dev & Jason’s extraordinary Parisian same-sex engagement, starting at the iconic Fouquet’s Hotel. You’ll recognize familiar landmarks, including the Eiffel Tower, Bir-Hakeim, the Louvre, and the verdant Tuileries Garden (where Dev asks Jason to marry him).

We promise an unforgettable Champagne pop with the sexy Moulin Rouge as the backdrop, a cute caricature of the couple in Montmartre, a joyride in a fabulous green McLaren, and a heartwarming love story narrated by the couple.

The best day of the year to propose in Paris will differ for every couple. For example, men seem to favor Christmas Eve, while women slightly prefer Valentine’s Day and the anniversary of your first date. Other popular options are Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve.

Expect to pay a premium for travel and vendors during the high season and on popular dates. January tends to be the cheapest month to stay and propose in Paris. Conversely, Valentine’s Day, Christmas through New Year, and May, June, and September are relatively more expensive.

The summer months attract many tourists. Yet, Paris feels particularly empty, considering that most Parisians escape the City during the warm season from late June to early September.

As such, it’s easier to flag down a cab and commute between locations. Notably, it’s an excellent opportunity to get ridiculously unique photos in otherwise busy spots like Bir-Hakeim, Pont d’Iéna, and Place de la Concorde.

Well, it’s entirely up to you. Essentially, there are two points during your marriage proposal at which you can slide the ring on her finger:

1. After she approaches you to accept the engagement ring but while you’re still down on one knee; or
2. You can get up once she approaches you (leave the box on the ground so you have both hands free) and slide the bling on her finger.

Either way, take your time and, ideally, first slide the ring to her knuckle and pause to look into her eyes. Then push the diamond ring to the base of her finger and always remember how she looked at you.

Popular online sources, such as BRIDES or the knot, would have you believe it’s a good idea to propose in a restaurant. Take it from us—who plan and witness heartwarming engagements daily—restaurant proposals are a tad lazy and unromantic.

Why would you ask the love of your life to marry you while surrounded by strangers within a confined space?

And forget about memorable engagement photos, which are nearly impossible to achieve in a dimly lit restaurant. What’s more, patrons may perceive your photographer as a paparazzi and fear for their privacy.

A romantic escape with your sweetheart in Paris promises an exciting adventure and one of the most joyful memories you’ll share for years.

After all, Paris is the City of Love, so you’d be remiss not to indulge in a few timeless kisses of equal parts poetry and passion. The question then becomes, where.

Luckily, we did the heavy lifting for you and identified the 6 most romantic places to kiss in Paris.

A proposal in Paris is a great idea; it’s a fantastic place to pop the question when you and your sweetheart value a romantic destination engagement.

Sure, the City of Lights and Love is not for everyone … and does not even pretend to be. Yet, we think Paris is the ultimate playground for lovebirds, and here’s why:

• From its trendy shopping streets to the carefree Bohemian spirit of the Left Bank, Paris tempts and inspires with lively cafés, world-renowned art & architecture, and countless hidden nooks to steal a few innocent French kisses.
• Paris boasts many postcard-worthy proposal spots ranging from iconic public Eiffel Tower settings to ultra-chic private yachts, palace-level hotel rooftops, and straight-out-of-a-movie French chateaux.
• It’s surprisingly easy to identify talented English-speaking vendors to help you pull off a dream proposal across time zones and from thousands of miles away.
• Paris is always a good idea, right? You’ll certainly not run out of fun things to do as freshly minted fiancés. Here are the 6 most romantic places in Paris to kiss. Also, look at the best restaurants in Paris with an Eiffel Tower view. 
• And suppose, for some reason, you desire a change of scenery. In that case, France offers more amazing attractions than you likely have vacation days. We’re big fans of the glamorous French Riviera (Saint-Tropez, Monaco, Nice, and Cannes), the purple Lavender Fields of Provence, the utterly awe-inspiring Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, and the famed wine-growing region of Bordeaux. And, when you have additional vacation days to burn, Barcelona, London, Amsterdam, Rome, and Berlin are merely a stone’s throw away.

Really, that’s what this Paris engagement guide is all about, so feel free to use the jump tabs above to skip to the sections most relevant to you.

There are no rules except to make your marriage proposal meaningful to your partner. This is important since the engagement is not (just) about you. Quite the opposite: it is very much about your sweetheart.

Here’s your chance to show chivalry, effort, and forethought as you personalize a dream proposal concept (and a lovely setting) that means so much to your partner.

You’re already ahead of the curve just for smartly deciding to bring your loved one to Paris. Yet, you still need to do a little homework:

• Secure her dad’s (parents) blessing; asking your future father-in-law for his daughter’s hand in marriage is neither old-fashioned nor cliché. Quite the opposite—it’s a signal of respect to him, her, tradition, and the romantic institution of marriage.
• Set a date and time when your partner will be available. Do not delay locking in flights, hotels, restaurants, and core vendors (talented folks and popular places book out quickly).
• identify (and reserve when it is a private setting) an epic location to propose in Paris;
• Work out her ring size, and buy a diamond ring that speaks to her style and is within your budget. Comprehensive jewelry insurance protects her ring against loss, damage, and theft (note that many homeowner’s insurances are subject to exclusions and limits).
• Book your Paris photographer and videographer;
• come up with a killer marriage proposal speech;
• Personalize the setting to demonstrate effort and forethought. This could range from a simple Champagne table and a bouquet of long-stem red roses to over-the-top floral arrangements with romantic candles, musicians, fireworks fountains…
• Come up with an ironclad Game Plan (if you’re starting to feel a little overwhelmed or just need an experienced local professional to help, enlist a proposal planner);
• Book a romantic Parisian restaurant to celebrate your first evening as fiancés;
• Commission a couple photoshoot for the next day. You’ll likely get so-called engagement photos before your wedding and might as well do so with a photographer you know and trust. Hey, you’re engaged, so when better to do engagement photos, right?

What is a paparazzi proposal?

Paparazzi-style is when a secret proposal photographer candidly captures your engagement … discretely blending with the environment. Your loved one will be clueless about your intentions or the photographer’s whereabouts until minutes after she says “Yes.”

Why do a paparazzi proposal?

Since your partner does not suspect anything, her reaction is guaranteed to be priceless.

And considering that your photographer is secretly tucked away, there will not be any (distracting) camera awareness. Paparazzi proposals often result in the ultimate surprise and, by extension, very emotional documentation. A few minutes after she says “Yes,” your photographer will approach you both to document your first steps, kisses, and lifts as newly engaged.

What are the challenges of making a paparazzi proposal?

Paparazzi proposals necessitate precise planning since your photographer will be hidden and cannot communicate with you.

There is a slight chance of a random tourist photo-bombing your engagement, as in any busy city. For paparazzi-style documentation, we highly recommend adding an associate to manage crowds.

Since you won’t have the excuse of a scheduled photoshoot, you’ll need to cleverly get your partner to look fabulous and show up on time without giving away the surprise.

How does it work to propose during an engagement photo shoot?

We’re big fans of proposing as part of a planned Paris engagement photo shoot. Why? Simple: you’ll get most of the benefits of a paparazzi proposal without the risks.

While your partner may suspect an engagement, she’ll not know if, when, where, or how. When coming to Paris, it’s easy to convince your soulmate to do a fun travelshoot without revealing your intentions.

Why propose during a planned couple shoot?

You and your Paris photographer have more control over the environment, timing, and positioning. Said control is particularly advantageous during daytime and evening engagements when the City is busy.

Since your couple’s photo session will no longer be a surprise, your partner will dress and look how she wants to be seen in the photos. Both of you will typically feel more relaxed.

Plus, it’s easier to shake your partner out of bed for a planned engagement photo session (instead of coming up with a reason to look sharp and head out of your comfy hotel room before sunrise).

A seasoned event planner will help with anything from simple to extraordinary and anything in between. Her job is to listen, inspire, organize, and execute.

All you need to do is show up and celebrate this profoundly life-changing moment with your partner.

Frequently requested services include the sourcing of a perfect place to propose (e.g., exclusive residential rooftop or hotel terrace, private Seine River yacht, charming French Château), orchestra-level musicians, dazzling decor & floral designs, fine-dining with butler, hotel suite embellishment, photo & video, and much more.

We encourage you to use the jump tabs above to skip to Chapter 2 for a deep dive into why to hire a local event planner for your Paris engagement.

In most cultures, the diamond engagement ring goes on the “ring” finger of the left hand (the fourth finger).

We could write an entire guide on how and where to buy the perfect diamond engagement ring.

However, it’s not the point of this guide, and quite frankly, there are many other excellent resources.

We’d suggest taking the ring purchase seriously. It’s a significant investment, and you want to get it right. So, do substantial research and, above all, consider your partner’s style.

Here’s an outstanding user-friendly resource on How to buy the perfect engagement ring for a woman.