Josh and Jaak came to Copenhagen in October to spend a few cozy autumn days exploring the city, and little did Jaak know, it would become one of the most unforgettable trips of their lives.

Just two days before their arrival, Josh reached out to me asking if I was available for a surprise proposal photoshoot in Copenhagen. It was short notice, but I absolutely love photographing spontaneous stories like this.

Since we didn’t have time to scout new locations together, I sent him a few ideas from previous sessions. When he saw photos from The Royal Library Garden (Det Kongelige Biblioteks Have), he immediately fell in love with it and I couldn’t agree more. It’s one of the most peaceful and romantic spots in the heart of Copenhagen.

Why the Royal Library Garden Is Perfect for a Proposal

The Royal Library Garden is one of Copenhagen’s hidden gems. Tucked between historic buildings, surrounded by calm water, and filled with trees that turn golden in autumn. It’s quiet, intimate, and simply perfect for a proposal or engagement photoshoot in Copenhagen.

It’s also ideal for surprise proposals because it offers open spaces with beautiful light and privacy, away from the city noise. The garden’s mix of greenery and architecture makes every angle photogenic. 

Capturing the Surprise Moment

Two days later, I was there waiting for the big moment, camera ready. When Josh and Jaak arrived, Josh approached me and asked if I could take a quick picture of them together — that was our little plan! I positioned them exactly where the light was soft and beautiful, took a photo with his phone, and then slowly stepped back to give them space. This approach works perfectly for surprise proposals: it lets me guide the couple into the ideal spot for composition and lighting without giving anything away.

When someone is about to propose, nerves are running high! Even with the best planning, it’s hard to remember all my instructions. Guiding them beforehand means I can quietly ensure everything looks just right through my photographer’s eyes, without spoiling the surprise.

Then, it happened. Josh got down on one knee. Jaak’s reaction was pure joy and disbelief. He later said it was “the easiest YES of his life.”

Engagement Photos at the Royal Library Garden

After the big “yes,” we spent a little time walking around the garden, capturing candid engagement photos surrounded by the warm tones of early autumn. The laughter, the relief, and the love between them were so genuine, the kind of connection that makes my job such a joy.

It was a true pleasure meeting these two beautiful people and documenting such a meaningful chapter in their love story.

Planning Your Own Proposal in Copenhagen?

If you’re dreaming of a surprise proposal in Copenhagen, I’d love to help you plan and capture the moment, whether at the Royal Library Garden or one of the city’s many romantic spots.

Looking for a Copenhagen proposal or engagement photographer?
Get in touch here. Let’s make your story unforgettable.

Choosing the Perfect Proposal Spot

When planning a secret proposal, selecting the right location is essential. Together with my client, we decided on the Royal Library Garden, or Det Kongelige Biblioteks Have, because it checked all the boxes:

Privacy: Proposals are intimate moments, and the garden’s quiet corners made it feel like the couple had the whole place to themselves.

Light: Timing is everything. We scheduled the proposal for 18:30, during the golden hour, when the soft, warm light added a romantic glow to every photo.

Aesthetic: Between the lush greenery, the tranquil fountain, and the historic charm of the library’s brick facade, every angle looked like it belonged in a romance movie. When helping clients pick a proposal location, I always think about what’s meaningful to them, along with practical things like privacy, the best lighting, and how crowded it might be.

Why Timing Matters for Proposal Photography

We planned the timing carefully to make the most of that gorgeous golden light. Late afternoon or early evening is always a great choice for proposals because the light is softer, and there’s something so romantic about the glow it adds to the photos. Plus, the garden wasn’t too busy, which helped keep the moment feel special and relaxed.

Turning the Proposal into an Engagement Shoot

After the “yes!”—and maybe a few happy tears—we rolled right into an engagement photoshoot. The couple was absolutely glowing, and their joy shone through in every shot.  This is one of the reasons I love proposals—there’s no better time to capture those first moments of joy and excitement than right after they happen.

Thinking About Your Proposal?

If you’re planning a proposal in Copenhagen, here are a few tips to make it extra special:

Pick a location that feels right for you. Whether it’s somewhere quiet like the Royal Library Garden or a more bustling spot like Nyhavn, think about what fits your vibe as a couple.

Plan for the light. Golden hour is always worth the wait. It’s pure magic.

Coordinate with your photographer. From scouting the location to helping you pick the best angles, I’m here to make sure your moment goes off without a hitch.

Proposals are some of my favourite moments to capture. There’s so much love and excitement in the air, and it’s such an honor to be there for it. If you’re thinking of popping the question in Copenhagen, let’s chat. I’d love to help make it unforgettable.

Copenhagen in autumn is an enchanting sight, especially in the soft, golden light of an October morning. Recently, I had the pleasure of capturing a beautiful engagement session, starting at the Marble Church (Frederik’s Church), continuing through Amalienborg Palace, and finishing at the iconic Nyhavn waterfront. This session was filled with warmth, love, and the soft hues of early autumn, making it the perfect setting for romantic engagement photography in Denmark’s capital.

Starting at the Marble Church in Copenhagen

Our morning began outside the stunning Marble Church (Marmorkirken), a historic and picturesque landmark with grand architecture that makes it one of Copenhagen’s top engagement photoshoot spots. The Marble Church is known for its magnificent dome and intricately detailed façade, which adds an elegant touch to photos. In the early morning light, this spot feels particularly magical—the quiet streets and soft sunlight make for an intimate and serene experience, perfect for capturing tender moments.

If you’re visiting Copenhagen and want to capture beautiful engagement or couple portraits, the Marble Church area offers an incredible backdrop.

Capturing Timeless Moments at Amalienborg Palace

From the Marble Church, we took a short walk to Amalienborg Palace, the official residence of the Danish royal family. This majestic square, surrounded by grand palaces, has a distinct regal atmosphere, making it a fantastic spot for couples looking for a touch of elegance in their engagement photos.

Amalienborg’s open plaza allowed us to play with the morning light, which cast a gentle glow on the cobblestone streets and added a beautiful warmth to the images. The historic architecture, combined with the soft autumn sunlight, provided a timeless look that would appeal to anyone looking for romantic, classic photos in Copenhagen. If you’re planning an engagement shoot here, the area also offers a chance to experience Danish culture up close, as you might even catch the changing of the Royal Guard.

Ending the Shoot in Colorful Nyhavn

We concluded the photoshoot in Nyhavn, one of Copenhagen’s most iconic locations. Known for its vibrant, colorful buildings lining the canal, Nyhavn is a favorite among tourists. The lively waterfront setting added a playful atmosphere to the photos, contrasting beautifully with the more serene moments captured earlier.

In the autumn morning light, Nyhavn’s colors feel even richer, and the quieter early hours make it possible to photograph without large crowds, giving the couple the space to relax and enjoy the shoot. Whether sitting by the canal or strolling past the historic buildings, every angle here captures the unique charm of Copenhagen.

Why Copenhagen is Perfect for Engagement Photography

Copenhagen’s mix of historical and modern locations makes it an incredible city for engagement photography. Each location offers a different ambiance, allowing couples to capture a variety of moods in one shoot.  If you’re planning a trip to Copenhagen and want to document your time here, consider an engagement or couple’s photoshoot to preserve those memories. Early mornings are ideal for capturing the soft light, and locations like the Marble Church, Amalienborg Palace, and Nyhavn showcase the best of Copenhagen’s architecture and charm.

Hiring a Photographer in Copenhagen

As a Copenhagen-based photographer, I love working with couples who want to capture their love story in this beautiful city. My goal is to create images that reflect both your personalities and the stunning backdrop of Copenhagen. Whether you’re visiting for a holiday, planning a destination wedding, or looking for a local engagement photographer, I would be happy to help you preserve these precious moments.

To book a session or learn more about my photography packages, feel free to reach out. Let’s make your memories of Copenhagen unforgettable.

Another successful surprise proposal was captured in Copenhagen, but this one had a twist. Michael reached out just five days before the big moment, leaving us with a tight schedule for the proposal planning. His vision was clear: he wanted the vibrant colors of Nyhavn without the crowd of tourists. Opting for a quieter and more intimate setting, I suggested Marmorbroen, or the Marble Bridge. Michael loved the idea, so we quickly nailed down the details: timing, positioning, and where I’d be waiting to capture the magic. With Michael’s cooperation, following my cues and advice, the proposal shoot went smoothly and stress-free. Michael’s feedback upon receiving the edited photo gallery speaks volumes:

The photos are beautiful! We had such a wonderful time reliving the moment through your work. You made the experience so perfect for the both of us!

Michael V.

Successful surprise proposals require teamwork. After I scout locations and determine the best time for the proposal (taking into account lighting conditions for optimal photos), it’s up to the client to execute the plan smoothly. If you’re curious about the considerations we make when planning a surprise proposal, feel free to check out this post where I break down the process step by step.

If you’re considering proposing in Copenhagen, reach out for more information about my proposal packages. Let’s make your moment unforgettable!

Stuart got in touch a week before, trusting me to help plan a Secret Proposal Photoshoot at Frederiksborg Castle. So, my mission that week was to find the perfect spot for Stuart to pop the question. It had to be just right for this amazing couple.

We were glued to the weather app, knowing October in Denmark can be a bit tricky. Thankfully, luck was on our side. The weather cooperated, setting the stage for this proposal against the castle’s backdrop. Surprisingly, the castle was practically empty, giving us a private atmosphere. It felt like our own little fairytale. The autumn colors added an extra touch of magic to an already stunning scene.

After the proposal, we had about 45 minutes for an Engagement Session at Frederiksborg Castle. Together, we explored the area, including the gorgeous Baroque Gardens.

Hanging out with Jemma and Stuart was an absolute blast, and their love and happiness shine through in every image.

I’m super excited for more proposals like this in the coming year!

If you’re considering a proposal and would like to capture the moment, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. I’ll be happy to help you plan the perfect Secret Proposal Photoshoot, whether it be in Copenhagen or a nearby location.

Ideal Setting

The first step in planning a surprise proposal photoshoot in Copenhagen is to imagine the perfect location. Reflect on your partner’s preferences and interests to find a place that resonates with both of you. Sydhavnstippen biggest selling point is the herd of sheep and alpacas. So, when Huy contacted me to help him plan his proposal photoshoot, he already knew he would like to propose at Sydhavnstippen as he and his partner have a shared love for sheep. 

Professional Assistance

A professional photographer brings experience, creativity, and technical expertise to the table. Research and reach out to photographers who specialise in surprise proposal photoshoots. Discuss your ideas, vision, and expectations with them to ensure they understand your desired outcome. 

Coordinate with your Photographer

Collaboration between you and the photographer is vital to capture the surprise proposal flawlessly. Establish a strategic positioning plan, enabling the photographer to be in the ideal spot to capture the moment while remaining unnoticed. Huy wanted his proposal to happen with him and his partner surrounded by sheep. As we couldn’t know in advance where the sheep would be, we agreed that I would arrive early, look for them and send him the exact location where I would be. 

Timing is Everything

Timing plays a crucial role in the success of a surprise proposal. Discuss the ideal timing with your photographer, considering factors such as lighting conditions and potential crowds. Your photographer can guide you on the optimal time of day for the proposal, ensuring that the lighting is perfect and the surroundings are favorable for capturing breathtaking images.
Our session at Sydhavnstippen started at 16:30 when the light is softer and prettier. Also, you can see that there is no one to be seen in the pictures, except for the couple and the herd of sheep. Sydhavnstippen is very popular among families with small children that want to spend the afternoon watching the sheep roaming freely. We managed to avoid the crowd by scheduling the photo session on a weekday.

After the proposal

Once your partner has said “yes”, take the opportunity to continue the celebration with a post-proposal photoshoot. This session allows you and your partner to relax, soak in the special moment, and capture beautiful, candid images reflecting the love you share.

Enjoy the Surprise

As you begin this journey of planning a surprise proposal photoshoot, remember to enjoy the excitement and anticipation. Trust in the professional you’ve chosen to capture this occasion and allow yourself to be fully present with your partner. Embrace the surprise and the emotions that will unfold. These candid moments make for the most incredible photographs.

Sydhavnstippen provided a picturesque setting for a surprise proposal photoshoot. The beauty of the location, combined with the love shared by this beautiful couple, made for an unforgettable experience. As a photographer, I am honoured to have been part of this milestone.

A few weeks ago, Jurgen contacted me to help him organize a secret proposal photoshoot in Copenhagen. I’m always thrilled by these requests, as I love to plan and photograph such special moments. After scouting a few locations, we decided to go for Christiansborg Palace, at a specific spot in a long corridor next to the Royal Stables. We were hoping for a sunny day so we could incorporate the shadows from the columns into the images. We set to start the engagement session at 1 pm as sunlight would be perfect at the chosen location. Also, this session took place in March, so 1 pm is a great time in terms of light. 

I think we can say that we nailed it! Everything went as planned and the photos look very unique with the patterns created by shadow and light. 

Where should I propose in Copenhagen?

Copenhagen offers a variety of beautiful places where you can ask for your loved one’s hand in marriage. But, and this is a big “but”, be aware that, depending on the time of the year, weather conditions might not be favourable for some ideas you might have in mind for this big moment. I’ll give you an example: I got an email from an American client in February excited to propose in Copenhagen at the beginning of March. He had seen some beautiful shots of other people proposing on a summer evening on a boat tour down Copenhagen’s canals and wanted the same thing for his photoshoot. The thing is, March is a tricky month. One minute, you’re dreaming about spring. The next minute, you’re pulling your snow boots out of the closet again!
I find the boat idea incredible, but in March this would be a huge gamble: you’d have to have a beautiful sunny day for a boat tour to be enjoyable at this time of year, and we don’t get many of those in Copenhagen during winter. We would need a plan B. In other words: we’d have to arrange two different proposal ideas in case your first option becomes unfeasible due to the weather. Can we do it? Yes! But let’s keep our expectations in check.
Just to wrap this story up, he couldn’t propose to his girlfriend on the boat because it was snowing that day, so we had to put plan B into action. We were happy we had another plan of action and that everything worked great.

Surprise proposal photo sessions are one thing I’ve loved photographing these days in Copenhagen. The photos taken at the beginning of these photoshoots are paparazzi-style: the person being proposed to has no idea that the moment is being captured by a professional photographer. Usually, I’ll stand somewhere near the chosen location, pretending to be photographing something random. Once the couple is ready, I’m prepared to snap the moment.
If you are going to get engaged and want the moment documented, you must have an experienced photographer help you. A surprise proposal photo session requires a lot of planning so that everything runs smoothly on the day. An experienced photographer will be able to guide you in choosing the best location for the proposal, taking into account your wishes, the light conditions, the best time of the day, and so forth. Your photographer is a huge source of advice and can help you plan the perfect proposal photoshoot. At the end of the day, you want to enjoy the moment and make it stress-free. Contact me for more information on my engagement photo session packages. I’ll be happy to help you plan this adventure!

I photographed this fun and loving couple at Amager Strand Park in the beginning of June. Vlad contacted me to help him plan a secret proposal photo shoot a few weeks before he and his girlfriend Tara had a mini vacation in Copenhagen.
As they love the sea, he wanted the proposal to happen at a nice beach, barefoot on sand. Amager Strand was the perfect choice. It’s a beautiful sandy beach in the city. They were staying at a central hotel and could easily reach Amager beach by metro in a few minutes. 
A few days before the proposal, I sent Vlad a map explaining where they should go and where I’d be waiting for them to arrive. We also chose to do the photo session at 19:30pm, as the light would be softer and prettier, adding a sunset vibe to the photo shoot. On the day, Vlad spotted me at the beach and took his time to find a nice and empty place to propose while I was following from a distance, hoping Tara wouldn’t look back and see this overdressed weirdo with two cameras (I came to the beach straight from a wedding I was shooting that day). Fortunatelly she didn’t see me and then, it was showtime! 
We were both thrilled that it all worked out so well, Vlad more so as Tara said yes. 
I wish these lovebirds all the best and many more sunsets, laughs and years together. 

I was very happy that I could help Aaron to pull off his surprise proposal photo session in Copenhagen. Planning  a perfect secret proposal photo shoot can be incredibly stressful, specially when you’re not familiar with the city. It was important to plan everything carefully, so he could “relax” at the big moment, knowing everything would go smoothly. Also, relying on an experienced professional, definitely put Aaron at ease. At the end of the day, you just want to capture the love and the connection between two people that love each other.
If you like this engagement photoshoot in Copenhagen, and would like to find out more about my engagement packages, contact me! I’ll be happy to work with you.