Romantic New Year’s Eve Edinburgh Castle marriage proposal in the rain

New Year’s Eve in Edinburgh is a magical experience, with its historic streets, festive atmosphere, and breathtaking landmarks. The city is full of romantic Christmas vibes all the way from end of November until beginning of January!

For Roman and Taylor, a couple who travelled all the way from Texas, USA, to celebrate Hogmanay in Scotland’s capital, this New Year’s Eve was about to become even more unforgettable.

So scroll down to see why this Edinburgh Castle proposal was one of a kind.

Wintry rainy day at Edinburgh Castle
A couple standing on a cobblestone path, with the historic Edinburgh Castle perched on a hill in the background. The man is proposing, down on one knee, as the woman looks surprised and joyful, wearing a winter coat and hat
The man holds an engagement ring box while the woman smiles warmly. Edinburgh Castle towers dramatically in the misty background, adding a magical atmosphere to the proposal.
The newly engaged couple hugs tightly, with the woman beaming and holding her hand to show the sparkling engagement ring. The historic stone buildings of the Old Town create a romantic backdrop
winter edinburgh castle proposal 5
The couple walking down the Vennel Steps and embracing with the castle towering in the background
The couple shares a tender moment on the cobbled steps of the Old Town, gazing at each other with love after the successful marriage proposal
A close-up shot of the engagement ring on the woman’s hand, featuring a stunning oval-cut diamond
Man kissing his fiance on the forehead following the proposal, couple sharing a kiss
A vibrant engagement photo on Victoria Street, featuring the couple walking hand-in-hand, surrounded by brightly coloured shopfronts and festive holiday lights strung across the street
The couple stands close together under a clear umbrella, illuminated by the warm glow of lights from a historic building decorated with Christmas trees. The wet pavement reflects the golden hues, adding to the cosy winter aesthetic
A romantic shot of a couple embracing under a clear umbrella in the courtyard of Edinburgh's historic Old Town at the Divinity College, with a stunning gothic tower in the background and rain glistening on the stone pavement
The couple standing beneath the "Advocate's Close" sign in Edinburgh, sharing an intimate moment with the bustling cityscape blurred in the background
A charming scene of the couple holding hands under a transparent umbrella in front of Edinburgh Writer's Museum
The couple stands closely together under a clear umbrella, smiling warmly at each other, with Edinburgh’s Old Town buildings softly illuminated in the background
Couple sharing tender and romantic moments in front of St Giles Cathedral in the Old Town
A close-up of the engagement ring, showcasing a stunning oval diamond set against the sleek handle of the umbrella
The couple stands hand in hand in front of an intricately carved historic doorway, framed by gothic stone arches with Edinburgh St Giles Cathedral in the background
Silhouetted in a dramatic archway, the couple share a tender embrace with the backdrop of St Giles’ Cathedral
The couple share a kiss with the backdrop of St Giles’ Cathedral on a rainy day in Edinburgh

The perfect Edinburgh Castle proposal

Roman had been meticulously planning his surprise proposal for months. He knew that the iconic viewpoint overlooking Edinburgh Castle, overlooking the city’s rooftops, would be the perfect backdrop for the big moment. The challenge? Ensuring that Taylor remained unsuspecting.

So, when he suggested an early morning walk on New Year’s Eve to explore Edinburgh before the crowds arrived, Taylor had no reason to be suspicious. Little did she know, she was about to experience one of the most romantic and cherished moments of her life.

A rain-soaked proposal caught on camera

As they reached the picturesque spot, the city was still waking up, the cobbled streets glistening from the light morning rain. Just as Roman was about to get down on one knee, fate intervened in the best way possible. I happened to bump into a fellow photographer friend – a talented engagement and proposal photographer based in Edinburgh, Kate – who graciously offered to capture not only stunning photos of the proposal but also a video, giving Roman and Taylor a keepsake to cherish forever.

Despite the drizzly weather, the moment was nothing short of perfect. Roman dropped to one knee, pulled out the ring, and asked Taylor to spend forever with him.

Her answer? A resounding, emotional yes!

Exploring Edinburgh after saying yes

With their hearts full and the rain pouring down, we continued to explore the enchanting streets of Edinburgh. The damp weather only added to the romance—every street shimmered, every raindrop enhanced the magic. Roman and Taylor, soaked yet overjoyed, laughed, danced, and embraced in the rain, creating some of the most breathtaking and intimate pre-wedding photography in Edinburgh. It was proof that love truly shines through any weather.

Essential planning tips for bank holiday proposals in Edinburgh

Planning a proposal in Edinburgh on a popular holiday? Here are a few essential tips to make your moment as special as Roman and Taylor’s:

  1. Get up early for a peaceful moment – Edinburgh is one of the most visited cities in the world, and on bank holidays and Hogmanay in particular, it gets incredibly crowded. An early morning proposal ensures privacy and an intimate setting.
  2. Find a less crowded setting – While the Edinburgh Castle viewpoint is breathtaking, it’s also popular. Exploring lesser-known scenic spots can provide a more private experience.
  3. Trust a local photographer’s expertise regarding timing and location – Your engagement photographer in Scotland can offer valuable insight into the best locations. For example, Ross Fountain is a stunning proposal location for most of the year, but during the Christmas market season (November–January), it’s filled with decorations and crowds, making it less than ideal.
  4. Book your photographer well in advance – Many local photographers take time off during the holidays. If you’re planning a proposal on a prime date like New Year’s Eve, reach out well in advance.
  5. Embrace the Scottish weather – Rain in Scotland is common, but don’t let it dampen your spirits! Some of the most romantic proposal and engagement photos are of couples who fully embrace the elements – run, dance, and kiss in the rain!

How to arrange a private proposal at Edinburgh Castle

If you’re considering proposing at Edinburgh Castle, it’s important to explore the available options. The castle offers various venue hire possibilities, ensuring your proposal is both romantic and seamless. Visit Edinburgh Castle’s official website to learn about the venue hire process and contact the staff for details on private spots, timing, and any necessary permissions.

Creating a once-in-a-lifetime engagement story

Roman and Taylor’s New Year’s Eve proposal at Edinburgh Castle was a breathtaking reminder that love, adventure, and a little bit of Scottish rain make for the perfect engagement story. If you’re planning your own magical surprise marriage proposal in Edinburgh, take inspiration from their journey and let the city’s timeless beauty guide you – and for further guidance consult My Edinburgh Proposal Guide!

To lock in your date with me for your dream city proposal, drop me a line using the contact form here.

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