Engagement Proposal at the White Cliffs of Dover

As a proposal photographer in Kent, my most requested location for engagement proposals is the White Cliffs of Dover. And that’s no surprise. The views are breathtaking, there’s the cliffs, the sea, the greenery, and even… a secret beach! But we’ll get to that.

I often get couples flying in from abroad, and the White Cliffs of Dover becomes an iconic backdrop to their love story starting a new chapter. This was the case for M and B. M began planning the proposal a few months in advance and got in touch with me to photograph the proposal and help plan it all. The planning support comes with my full proposal package, as well as photographing the proposal itself, then an engagement photoshoot of around an hour, and now also a 10% off a full-day wedding photography package if you’re celebrating your wedding in the UK. Soon this will also extend to weddings in Europe, so stay tuned!

On the day of the proposal, I arrived earlier to make sure I get parking and can walk down to the right place along the cliffs and make it seem like I’m totally not an engagement photographer, but I’m into photographing birds or I’m just a tourist. And it works like a charm!

M also had the cutest idea. He told me that at the start of their relationship he sent B a postcard asking her to be his girlfriend and to tick a box saying yes or no. Now, during their proposal M recreated that idea and had a new postcard asking “Will you marry me? Tick yes or no”. How adorable is that?

Once we enjoyed the views over the cliffs, the sea, the port and the town of Dover, we went on a little adventure I like to take those of my clients keen on a tiny hike and wearing sturdy shoes. It’s not everyone’s thing - I completely get it, and the weather doesn’t always permit it, but going to see the secret beach is always a treat!

Finally another special thing lots of proposals include - a champagne spray. You can add that to any proposal package for £20 and choose between an alcoholic or non-alcoholic prosecco, both of which spray beautifully. It’s just a bit of extra fun and a small drink to enjoy at the end of your session!

Things to Consider When Planning A Proposal on the White Cliffs of Dover

The White Cliffs are a stunning place of nature, with sweeping fields, hills, the sea and of course the cliffs. To get to the cliffs from any parking location, you’d need to walk at least 15-20 minutes and some of the terrain is uneven. There are some paved pathways, but I’m not sure about wheelchair accessible parking, and most importantly - lots of pathways have kissing gates. For any of my wheelchair users, I’d recommend Samphire Hoe with beautiful views of the cliffs between Dover and Folkestone and lovely pathways. Do get in touch for any advice if you’re planning an accessible proposal, I would love to help plan a disability-friendly experience!

The White Cliffs is also a very open area and of course any photography plans can change in an instant depending on weather. Any windy day is much more severe up on the cliffs and there is no shelter. However there are some lovely locations nearby which we can visit should the plans change. I always offer a plan B in case of horrible weather, but thankfully only had to change locations once and only for the engagement photos part, not the proposal itself.

Check out my other blog posts for secret proposal and engagement inspiration! For example this Heartstopper Inspired Proposal at Herne Bay or this Romantic Secret Proposal at Port Lympne.

Planning a proposal in Kent? Whether on the White Cliffs, anywhere in London or Kent, Port Lympne, or anywhere else that means something to you - I'd love to help make it happen. Get in touch here and let's start planning.