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.

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.