How to Propose in Lisbon: Romantic Marriage Proposal Ideas

Thomas & Sophie's Proposal Story in Lisbon

How did you meet?

We met while doing volonteering

What is your love story?

We met about 4 years ago while doing some volonteering work in the city during covid. She immediatly caught my eye with her smile and general loving energy. I fell in love instantly. We started seeing eachother more and more, and because of the covid we had to stay in small groups so we quickly spend everyday together. She moved in only couple months later, it wasn't easy at first because we were both in school and not a lot of money but we kept going and I'm really glad we did. I knew she was the one not long after the start. She is kind, generous, funny and overall the most amazing person I've ever met. She makes me want to be a better person each day. I'm much better with her than without her, she is everything that i'm not , and I will cherish the moment I met her for the rest of my life !

What made you choose this proposal destination?

We had a vacation coming up and we decided that the Portugal would be great for a little getaway. As for the spot that I chose it was because Sophie loves a nice view and I thought that Belem Tower was one of the most beautiful place in Lisbon.

What is your proposal story?

I told her that we had to go get pictures by the river for our 4th year anniversary. She agreeded right away. I had the ring with my for the past year and a half, and have been planing this proposal for months now. Turns out she knew everything from the start because im not very good at hiding things haha. She did play the part to make sure she didn't ruin my suprise, but she's way to clever and knew what was about to happen. What I didn't know was that she was gonna propose to me at the same time. I WAS SPEECHLESS. She knows how to keep a secret for sure. all around it was an amazing day that i will remember for ever!

Best tip for proposing in Lisbon

If you want to propose in a popular spot, do it in the morning , less people and more personal. MAybe pratice your speech before or at least some guide lines of what you want to say. Eat something before , i was so nervous and a little hungry that made me feel a little nauseous haha

Proposed in Lisbon in September

Photo Shoot Location: Belem Tower and Gardens

Ana Lucia in Lisbon for Flytographer

Aakaash & Shaili's Proposal Story in Lisbon

How did you meet?

School

What is your love story?

We met in school at a very young age and spent many years getting to know each other. I knew she was the one due to our compatibility, respect for eachother, and many similar thoughts about life, love, compassion. We have always been life partners and now we will be for years to come!

What made you choose this proposal destination?

I wanted to find a place that captures love, beauty, charm with a laid back mentality

Proposed in Lisbon in March

Photo Shoot Location: Portas do Sol Square and the streets of Alfama

Ana Lucia in Lisbon for Flytographer

Andrew & Hannah's Proposal Story in Lisbon

Proposed in Lisbon in October

Photo Shoot Location: Portas do Sol Square and the streets of Alfama

Orsi in Lisbon for Flytographer

Stuart & Abby's Proposal Story in Lisbon

How did you meet?

Tinder

Proposed in Lisbon in July

Photo Shoot Location: Belem Tower and Gardens

Ronise in Lisbon for Flytographer

Brian & Stacey's Proposal Story in Lisbon

How did you meet?

Work

What is your love story?

We met back when we were 18. She was starting her new job at a store I was already working at. When I came in one day, I was heading to the back and saw her in one of the aisles. I literally stopped, back tracked and stared for what felt like too long. My first words before I started my day was, "who's the new girl?". I've been obsessed ever since.

What made you choose this proposal destination?

I knew I wanted to do it on our vacation but couldn't find where. Thankfully, Ana had all the insight and advice for the perfect spot.

What is your proposal story?

Very early in the morning lol. But was worth it. It was our second day in Lisbon and we've been looking forward to this for weeks. She was so surprised she was nervous laughing all throughout and I'm pretty sure I stumbled on a word or two but in the end it was absolutely perfect.

Best tip for proposing in Lisbon

Do it early in the morning! It may feel like too early but trust us, it's the best way to beat the crowds and tourists. Trust your photographer. They know the area, the lighting, the crowds, all of it.

Proposed in Lisbon in July

Photo Shoot Location: Portas do Sol Square and the streets of Alfama

Ana Lucia in Lisbon for Flytographer

Niklas & Isabella's Proposal Story in Lisbon

How did you meet?

School

What is your love story?

We grew up about an hour away from each other and had to travel 1000 miles away to meet each other in University and fall in love! I knew she was the one after so many late night conversations and after an entire summer of speaking every night on the phone for hours.

What made you choose this proposal destination?

I heard that Portugal had so many palaces and stunning locations all around the country, just looking at google images and hearing stories of people traveling to Portugal I knew it would be there.

What is your proposal story?

We woke up and traveled to Cabo de Roca, we stood at the edge of Europe and I told her that I love her from coast to coast and that she was my princess. After continuing our travels we went to Monserrate palace, when we arrived I had quickly mentioned that she was my fairy princess and that this place was out of a literally fairytale. I had booked our photographer and she was posing as a tour guide who was showing us the grounds and palace. I looked into Isabella’s eyes and I knew exactly what to say but I could never tell you what I said, I dropped to my knee and Isabella couldn’t say “I do” fast enough!

Best tip for proposing in Lisbon

There is so many beautiful places that you could get completely lost in time enjoying the moment! My biggest piece of advice, it is all about you and the person you’re proposing to, make your moments last and remember you don’t have to see every location on an itinerary but enjoy the small things and savor the moments where it is just you and them and the outside world means nothing to either of you!

Proposed in Lisbon in July

Photo Shoot Location: Custom Route

Claudia in Lisbon for Flytographer

corey & Taylor's Proposal Story in Lisbon

How did you meet?

Hinge

Proposed in Lisbon in June

Photo Shoot Location: Belem Tower and Gardens

Ronise in Lisbon for Flytographer

Ramy & Lauren's Proposal Story in Lisbon

How did you meet?

Work

What is your love story?

Lauren and I met at work. We both work in healthcare as respiratory therapist. She was assigned to be trained by me although I did not realize it at the time. I was floating outside my normal assigned area, and I thought she was a staff member assigned to help me with my work assignment. After introductions I split the workload in half handed her a pager and hospital phone and we went about seeing our patients. It wasn’t until every patient was seen for our first rounds that I found out I was supposed to be with her! Thankfully she was not new to the hospital or a new therapist, she was simply returning to the hospital after leaving for a year to travel. We still laugh about it to this day. That is when I knew I had to get to know who this quirky human was with the can-do attitude was. I asked her to dinner and 3 and a half years later we are engaged! PS: I believe she is now training me 😊

What made you choose this proposal destination?

I wanted to propose somewhere special while on vacation since the two of us love travel so much. Portugal is a very romantic historic country in general with too many beautiful views to choose from for proposing. I chose The Belém Tower for symbolic reasons. It is a fortification that is strong and tall yet beautiful that was stood the test of time despite constant beating from wind and waves it holds stable and beautiful as does our love for each other.

What is your proposal story?

I had been planning this surprise for months on end! I booked a morning photoshoot, so I told my bride-to-be our schedule was going to be packed and to be ready in the morning. I needed an excuse to get us ready and out of the hotel early, I told a little fib and said we had and early morning baking class. She asked why she needed to be completely done up and dressed nice for a baking class, so I told her we had reservations to a very chic brunch and later dinner that day. When the day finally came it was raining heavy and forecasted to rain throughout the day! I was internally freaking out. There was no way a proposal would work in the downpour outside. We got ready for our “baking class” anyway. I said to myself a proposal in the pouring rain might be romantic. 10 minutes before leaving our hotel the rain suddenly stopped! We walked to the Belem tower which was in route to our fake baking class, and we took some photos on our phones. Claudia our amazing photographer was there causally taking photos of the tower away from us. As we slowly got closer to Claudia, I went up to her and asked if she would mind taking a photo of me and my girlfriend with my phone Claudia said of course! I handed her my phone and she snapped a picture of us. Claudia said she was taking a photography course and asked if we would be okay with her taking a picture of us with her camera and she would email them later my fiancée was delighted and gave a quick “Yes! That would be awesome” Claudia put us in position she said that’s perfect which was our code for this is the time to propose. After months of planning everything was perfect it was finally time for me to get down on one knee and propose to the girl of my dreams! Except I couldn’t get the ring box out of the pouch I securely placed in my waist! After about 10-15 seconds which seemed like a lifetime and becoming bright red, I finally had the box and dropped to one knee and asked Lauren to marry me. The proposal was magical, and we laughed about how nervous I was trying to retrieve the ring. It didn’t rain the entire hour or so we had the subsequent photoshoot!

Best tip for proposing in Lisbon

Take your time and enjoy the city at first. Lisbon and Portugal is such and beautiful romantic place. It really sets the mood for a good proposal. The one thing is it can be rainy and windy depending on the time of year. It can downpour for half the day or just 30 minutes and be sunny. You can’t control the weather but you sure can dance in the rain!

Proposed in Lisbon in October

Photo Shoot Location: Belem Tower and Gardens

Claudia in Lisbon for Flytographer

Christopher & Silicia's Proposal Story in Lisbon

How did you meet?

School

Best tip for proposing in Lisbon

If you are proposing in the summer, make sure to pick a day that is not super hot!!

Proposed in Lisbon in July

Photo Shoot Location: Custom Route

Orsi in Lisbon for Flytographer

Craig & Brigitte's Proposal Story in Lisbon

How did you meet?

Friends/Family

What is your love story?

A mutual friend of ours connected us when Craig moved to Brigitte's island. We met for dinner, quickly made plans to see each other again and again, and knew it was love when Brigitte agreed (and was excited) to try Craig's chicken liver pasta 🤣

What made you choose this proposal destination?

Brigitte had voiced wanting to spend more time in Portugal, so Craig surprised her with a trip, and a proposal

What is your proposal story?

Craig pretended to reluctantly agree to waking up early and going for a walk through the city. We arrived at Santa Luzia, where our photographer was already waiting, and Craig dropped to one knee

Best tip for proposing in Lisbon

Get up early and get out before the tourists wake up- we had all of our shoot locations to ourselves, but within an hour or two they were packed with tourists.

Proposed in Lisbon in April

Photo Shoot Location: Custom Route

Ana Lucia in Lisbon for Flytographer

Chris's Proposal Story in Lisbon

What is your love story?

Meghan and I met on our first day of work in the city of Boston. It happened to be her birthday so she invited me out for drinks and we started dating shortly after that.

What made you choose this proposal destination?

Meghan and I love traveling and we have been wanting to go Portugal for quite some time. After doing some research and seeing how beautiful the country is, I decided to make it the spot where I asked Meghan to marry me.

What is your proposal story?

Meghan and I had dinner reservations up on a hilltop in Lisbon overlooking the city. Prior to dinner, we went to a beautiful castle that overlooks the city. As the sun was setting, I got down on a knee and asked her to marry me (she said yes!) while Orsi, the photographer, captured the beautiful moment.

Proposed in Lisbon in July

Photo Shoot Location: St. George's Castle

Orsi in Lisbon for Flytographer

Kemet's Proposal Story in Lisbon

What is your love story?

We met our freshmen year of college through a mutual friend. I went to a school in Massachusetts and lived in New York and she went to school in New York and live Massachusetts. It was her birthday weekend and she was visiting home to celebrate with her friends, and that’s when I saw her. I knew I couldn’t simply approach her. I did something silly and ask my friend to entertain the mutual friend so I can take her to get some ice cream in the middle of the winter. While walking to the ice cream store I put my arms around her and we hit it off from there.

What made you choose this proposal destination?

Lisbon had a very significant meaning. My fiancée is Portuguese and she’s never been to main land Portugal. Her father who just recently passed from cancer said once he’s better that they were going to go to Lisbon to celebrate life and his Portuguese culture. So although it was an emotional trip, she said there was no other place in the world that she wanted to get engaged.

What is your proposal story?

I was so nervous and it didn’t help that we ended up at the wrong location at first. But it kind of through her off so it all worked out. I saw Ana at the location and quickly ask her for a selfie which put us in place to capture the big moment. I said to her “People always say everything happen for a reason, and at this moment, love is the reason. From the moment I met you until this day we had unconditional love. Love that’s filled with support, laughter, long car rides lol. Love that will stand the test of time and ...” and she interrupted me saying laughing asking “why are you saying all these nice things to me?” And I laugh and said”because I love you silly” and dropped to one knee ask her to marry me. It didn’t take long for her to say yes and she laugh and had tears of joy.

Proposed in Lisbon in May

Photo Shoot Location: Portas do Sol Square and the streets of Alfama

Ana Lucia in Lisbon for Flytographer

Rueben's Proposal Story in Lisbon

What is your love story?

We met in Chicago three years ago in an elevator of the apartment building we both lived in! Casual conversation turned into spending time together, and we were able to develop a strong initial friendship which later turned into a relationship. Our relationship flourished through our mutual love for traveling and outdoor activities such as hiking and skiing. We knew that we had found perfect partners in each other after we spent a month traveling Europe together without any hiccups :)

What made you choose this proposal destination?

My family had planned a trip to Portugal and Spain. We had always heard Lisbon was a fantastic city to visit. I wanted to capture the charm and culture of the city, as traveling and experiencing new cultures is our passion. Looking at example shoots in Lisbon from Flytographer really confirmed my decision to pull off the proposal here!

What is your proposal story?

I wanted to make the day extra special for Milica. Since she is very close to her family, I knew I could not propose to her without her family being there! We were already in Lisbon with my family (my parents, sister, brother in law and nephew). We pretended that we were going on a walking tour prior to a nice dinner that my sister had reserved for us. Once we arrived at the fake meeting spot of the walking tour at Portas do Sol, Milica and I went to the viewpoint to take some pictures. We asked a friendly tourist (who was Orsi, our photographer!) to take some pictures for us. When she handed the phone back to Milica to check the pictures, I got down on one knee to propose. Orsi captured the moment brilliantly, and Milica was completely surprised. To add to the surprise, my family and my new fiancee then walked over to Castelo de Sao Jorge for more engagement photos, only to be surprised by Milica's parents who had flown in that morning from Wisconsin. More joyful tears ensued! Finally, I added in one more surprise as Milica's sister and brother in law were waiting within the castle walls with some wine ready for us! Milica was completely shocked with all three surprises, and was elated that both our families were there to celebrate.

Proposed in Lisbon in June

Photo Shoot Location: Portas do Sol Square and the streets of Alfama

Orsi in Lisbon for Flytographer

Adam's Proposal Story in Lisbon

What is your love story?

We met while working at Duke University, but we didn't start dating until after Adam left for New York. We had many mutual friends and had reconnected when Adam was visiting North Carolina. Kati and Adam dated long distance for a year and a half and then Kati moved to New York to be with Adam.

What made you choose this proposal destination?

Lisbon was the third leg of our vacation. We felt the Lisbon perfectly encapsulated everything we loved. From street art to the beach to amazing architecture, food, and culture, we loved Lisbon.

What is your proposal story?

I was our first full day in Lisbon and coincidentally was our 4 year anniversary. I told Kati that we had dinner reservations but wanted to walk through the small streets of Lisbon to see street art before dinner. We walked around for about 20 minutes and then took her to the spot where I was going to propose. Our photographer, Ana Lucia, was already there pretending to just be taking pictures of the beautiful Lisbon buildings. At the point, I told Kati the real reason why I brought her to that spot and got down on one knee and proposed with her Great Grandmother's ring. She immediately said yes!

Proposed in Lisbon in June

Photo Shoot Location: Portas do Sol Square and the streets of Alfama

Ana Lucia in Lisbon for Flytographer

Jamil's Proposal Story in Lisbon

What is your love story?

Meryem and I met in Hong Kong. She had been living there for several years and I was in the second year of a temporary work assignment there. The first time I saw her she was sitting at a table in the back of a small bar that was directly across the street from my flat. A conversation turned into an impromptu night out that turned into several trips together that I never wanted to end. So I had to make sure it turned into a lifetime together.

What made you choose this proposal destination?

We traveled to Morocco to spend time with her family between Christmas and New Years. We wanted to add a destination to the trip since we love to travel. It is hard to find a place that neither one of us have been so we chose a place that Meryem loved and I had never experienced. Once we booked the trip and I knew that we would be celebrating the New Year in Lisbon, I wanted to propose on January 1 to start the year off right.

What is your proposal story?

We work up early to embark on our "Moorish Architecture Tour" starting at Belem Tower (or at least that is what Meryem thought). When we arrived at the tower a bit after sunrise and the sky was beautiful. Once we were in position I got down on one knee and began professing my love for her....only she took two steps back. Me being conscious of the prior directions given to stay on my knee as long as possible for the photographs, I stopped professing my love and asked her to come back here! So instead of continuing to recite the best proposal ever (slight exaggeration) I began to ask Meryem several questions. "Can you standstill?" "Can you look at the ring?" "Did you say yes?" Fortunately she clarified that she did say yes, but does not remember any of the prior discourse.

Proposed in Lisbon in January

Photo Shoot Location: Belem Tower and Gardens

Claudia in Lisbon for Flytographer