13 Swoon-Worthy Proposal Ideas in London, UK (2024)

Looking for proposal ideas in London? The Big Smoke (one of London’s many nicknames!) is a vibrant city with endless excitement and a rich history stretching back more than 2,000 years, so it’s no wonder there are so many things to do and see if you’re a resident of this world-class city.

That’s what makes it a fabulous place for a proposal. You’ll have practically endless options to choose from when it comes to proposal ideas in London, from venues out on the town to more private spaces available from Peerspace. Peerspace is the largest online marketplace for hourly venue rentals and makes it easy to uncover and hire hidden gem spaces to make your special moments even more amazing.

To help you begin to plan, here are 13 proposal ideas that are sure to have your soon-to-be fiancé swooning!

1. Find the perfect private proposal venue on Peerspace

Many of the proposal ideas in London on this list involve being out in public when you pop the big question. Some people find that exciting, but we can completely understand why having tons of strangers’ eyes on you might instead make you nervous during such a life-changing and important moment.

But what if you don’t love the idea of proposing at home, because it just doesn’t feel special enough? For that ideal combination of privacy and festivity, renting a Peerspace presents the perfect alternative. It’s the largest online marketplace for event venues and other short-term rentals, and the site makes it easy to search for marriage proposal venues near you.

As an example, we adore the idea of you popping the question in this stunning Wandsworth urban chic penthouse. It’s a nearly 5,000-square-foot private home in Southwest London with double-height ceilings, exposed brick walls, a chef’s kitchen, A/V equipment, and tons of style. Cook them dinner and then take them on the private balcony overlooking the Thames before proposing. It will be an event neither of you will ever forget!

2. Propose at a Michelin-starred restaurant

London has 74 restaurants that have earned those coveted Michelin stars (check out this list from Eater for the full run-down). If you and your beloved are foodies or simply enjoy a bit of luxury, it’s hard to imagine a better proposal than during a dinner at one of these world-class eateries. When you make your dinner reservation (probably well in advance, as they’re all in very high demand), we’d advise that you let the restaurant know you’re planning to propose, just in case they’re willing to help out in some way.

If you love classic Italian cuisine and want to leave the cooking and wine service to the professional, we have a spot for you. You can always opt to book this charmingly old school Italian restaurant in the heart of the city, tell them what you’re planning, and ensure they provide you with the best table, dinner, and wine for a bespoke experience!

3. Thames River cruise proposal

The Thames is an absolutely iconic river that’s literally filled with history (read about the unusual yet fascinating hobby of mudlarking in the Thames for concrete evidence). Why not relish all of this with a proposal on a yacht? This luxury marriage proposal cruise from Diplomat Cruises passes all the city’s most famous sights. In fact, it sweeps you past Houses of Parliament, the London Eye, St. Paul’s, Tate Modern, HMS Belfast, Tower of London, and Tower Bridge, all in one go. After the two of you have taken in the view, it’s time to pop the question!

Looking to hire a house for a day in London? Follow our guide to do so with ease!

4. Propose at a West End show

London’s West End is its famous theatre district, equivalent to New York City’s Broadway in global stature and importance. If you and your future fiancé are theatre lovers, it’s an unbeatable destination for a proposal.

Just make sure you don’t get up and propose in the middle of the aisle. We’d advise that you get down on one knee in the lobby during intermission so as not to create too much of a scene (although we’d warn that your fellow theatergoers might just start applauding when your partner says “Yes”!).

5. Kew Gardens proposal

For this classic and romantic proposal idea in London, take advantage of Kew Gardens, which is considered one of the most important botanical gardens on Earth and which has the largest and most varied collection of plants in the world. It’s so important that it’s even considered a UNESCO World Heritage site. If you and your love are a pair of nature lovers and/or science geeks, what better place to propose than this lush oasis?

6. Propose on the London Eye

One thing that lots of proposal ideas, in London and elsewhere, have in common is a backdrop of absolutely breathtaking views. The London Eye fits that bill to a T. As the tallest Ferris wheel in Europe, it stretches 135 meters high and offers some of the best views of the city lights that you’ll find in London. Here’s a guide with advice on how to propose on the London Eye, including prices to book your own private capsule and other important details.

7. Tower Bridge proposal

The Tower Bridge might be one of London’s best-known landmarks, and it’s another proposal location that offers incredible views of the city. Get down on one knee with that fantastic cityscape backdrop and prepare for your love to say “yes!”

8. Hire a secret proposal photographer

If you’re hoping to surprise them with a proposal, your partner might be tipped off if you show up to what’s supposed to be a regular date with a photographer at your side. Instead, hire a photographer who’ll prepare to take photos of your partner when you pop the question. That way, you capture their incredible moment of surprise and have photos to treasure and look back on.

9. Top of the Shard proposal

The Shard is London’s (and Britain’s!) tallest building, measuring a whopping 309.6 metres. The view alone is a major attraction. So why not utilize what are objectively the best views in the city and have them as the backdrop for your dream proposal?

10. Invite friends and family to celebrate after the proposal

If you’re confident that your partner will say yes, you might want to incorporate celebration with friends and family into your proposal experience, perhaps by planning a lunch or dinner following the proposal (assuming your proposal isn’t going to be during a meal already).

One of our favourite suggestions is to hire this relaxed pub restaurant with seasonal menus in Camberwell. They craft homemmade bread and butter, classic cocktails, and seasonal feasting menus to delight your partner and your guests. What better way to celebrate your love than with the group of people who love you the most?

Celebrate the affianced life with our creative date night in London ideas!

11. Kyoto Garden in Holland Park

Holland Park’s Kyoto Garden is an especially ideal location for a proposal during the spring when the cherry blossoms make everything look even more stunning. Because this garden is such a popular attraction, it’s wise to plan a proposal here on a weekday, and ideally not during lunchtime. You might even incorporate a picnic into this proposal plan.

12. Propose at Peter Harrison Planetarium

You can book a private show at Peter Harrison Planetarium and have the entire 132-seat room all to yourselves. Royal Museums Greenwich offers more info on planning proposals with their support, to make the whole thing run that much more smoothly. (They even boast a 100% success rate for engagements!)

13. Sky Garden proposal

Sky Garden is the city’s highest public garden, covered by a tall glass dome and surrounded by stunning views of London. If you propose at Sky Garden, you might choose to pop the big question on one of the observation desks, in one of their gardens, or at Fenchurch Restaurant.

Proposal ideas in London: conclusion

We hope these proposal ideas in London have inspired and excited you! The most important part is to ensure your planned proposal feels specific to you and your partner. And one of the easiest ways to make that happen is by booking a private event venue through Peerspace and popping the question there! Hopefully, as you’ve seen, Peerspace can connect you with super stylish and special spaces that make a huge event like a proposal personalised and even more memorable. Cheers!

Find proposal venues in London on Peerspace