We’ve photographed over 100 couples in Madrid.
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Hi! We’re Jake and Genessa.

We are English-speaking couples photographers based in Madrid, Spain, and we know this city like the back of our hand. Most importantly, we know all the ins-and-outs and logistics of proposing in Madrid, and we’re here to help you! Here is our top list on where to propose in Madrid! Enjoy!

Updated for 2025: This list is updated for 2025, so these are the freshest proposal spots we know of in Madrid! If you’re planning to pop the question in Madrid, then you’re probably looking for all the insider tips. You’ve hit the jackpot! Not only do we photograph proposals, but we help you plan them, too.

You won’t find all these tips for proposal locations in Madrid on other blogs— because we know all the hidden gems, coming from people who actually live in Madrid.

More about us Contact us to start planning!

Where to Propose in Madrid (Updated for 2025)

Table of Contents: Where to Propose in Madrid

1. Viewpoint of Almudena Cathedral
2. Crystal Palace (Retiro Park)
3. Puerta de Alcala
4. Alfonso III Monument (Retiro Park)
5. Jardin El Capricho
6. Mountains of Madrid (La Sierra)
Extras: Rose Garden, Sabatani Gardens, Royal Palace.
- Tips: Madrid Proposal Photographers, When to Propose in Madrid

Where to Propose in Madrid, Spain

1. Viewpoint of Almudena Cathedral

This Viewpoint of Almudena Cathedral is our favourite spot in Madrid to propose! As you’ll see below, it’s got a lot of pros and not a lot of cons. It’s a stunning view and you’ll get the privacy you want for such a special moment. We’ve shot here before and it without a doubt takes 1st place on our list. If you want to know how to get to this location and when the best time to propose here is, send us a message!

Best Time:

This location is best in the early morning if you’re wanting a more intimate proposal. In the summer during the day and especially at sunset, there can be crowds.

Pros:

Beautiful view of the Almudena Cathedral in the background.
In the heart of Madrid with lots of photo locations nearby (Royal Palace, Sabatini Gardens).

Cons:

Not a lot of privacy.
Can be crowded in the middle of the day/sunset.
A bit tricky to locate.

Almudena Cathedral Viewpoint, Madrid.

2. Crystal Palace (Palacio de Cristal)

A popular choice; but it’s popular because it really is stunning!! There’s one spot we know right in front of the lake that showcases the Crystal Palace in the background— which works especially well for a surprise proposal— and you get good lighting and greenery in your photos, too! You can’t go wrong here.

Best Time:

Early morning will beat the crowds, but really any time of day works for this location as it’s a very popular location in Madrid and there will be people in the park at any time.

Pros:

Showcases Madrid, iconic location.
Crystal palace and lake view in the background.
Perfect at sunrise or sunset.

Cons:

Not a lot of privacy.
Can be crowded.

Crystal Palace, Retiro Park. Madrid.

3. Puerta de Alcalá

This monument is an absolutely stunning backdrop for a proposal! It’s located right outside of Retiro Park, so you can go and take more photos in the park afterward (or disguise the whole thing as just a casual walk in the park!). One really nice thing is that the sun sets right behind the monument, so you get some amazing light for your proposal moment. There are lots of people taking photos here, naturally (because it’s a beautiful spot), and it’s also in the middle of a crosswalk. But the monument itself is undeniably beautiful and one really special place to pop the question.

Best Time:

At sunset, you’ll have the sun peeking through the arches of the monument. It’s beautiful! But really, any time of day is a good time at this location.

Pros:

Beautiful background of the Puerta de Alcala monument.
A good option for any time of day sunset especially.
Showcases Madrid.

Cons:

Not a lot of privacy.
Can be crowded.

Puerta de Alcalá, Madrid.

4. Alfonso III Monument (in Retiro Park)

This monument is located right beside the manmade lake in the centre of Retiro Park. In the mornings, this location is usually empty and you have the place to yourself! highly recommend for a sunrise / early morning proposal.

Best Time:

We recommend an early morning proposal, as early as possible. Sunset can also be nice, but have in mind that there will be crowds.

Pros:

You’ll have the place to yourself in the morning.
In the heart of Retiro Park with lots of photo locations nearby.
Iconic Madrid location.

Cons:

Crowded during the day.
Not a lot of privacy.

Alfonso III Monument, Retiro Park, Madrid.

5. Jardin El Capricho

It’s like Retiro Park but with wayyyy less people, because not a lot of tourists know about it! It’s got tons of greenery and cool monuments— there’s an arc at the top of a hill that would be absolutely perfect for the proposal moment! The locals know and love the place, and that’s why we suggest it in our list of where to propose in Madrid if you’re looking for something unique and less touristy.

Best Time:

As soon as the park opens in the morning, at 10am. Sunset can also be nice, but before 6pm since that’s when the garden closes.

Pros:

Less crowded.
Unique location in Madrid that the locals love.
Beautiful architecture.

Cons:

Only open on weekends
Closes at 6pm

El Capricho Garden Proposal, Madrid.

6. The Mountains of Madrid (La Sierra)

Now this one you won’t find on any other blogs, but it’s our favourite! If you’re into nature, and you would rather propose somewhere out in the middle of nowhere with spectacular views, then La Sierra de Madrid has so many good spots to choose from. The mountains have a ton of beautiful spots perfect for a proposal, and if you need help finding the perfect spot and getting photos like these, send us a message on Instagram and we can help you with all the planning!

Best Time:

Anytime! The mountains will be secluded and very intimate pretty much any time of day. We recommend avoiding the hottest part of the day, from 1pm-5pm.

Pros:

Spectacular mountaintop views
A unique experience
She probably won’t be expecting it!
You get amazing photos that all your friends will be jealous of.

Cons:

You’ll need a car to get there (or, if you want us to be your photographers, we will drive you!)

La Sierra Mountain Range Proposal, Madrid.

Runner-Up Madrid Proposal Locations

Here are a few more locations that we think are great places to propose in Madrid:

Public gardens and parks in Madrid for proposals: Sabatini Gardens, Rose Gardens, Campo del Moro, Templo de Debod.
Hotels and rooftops in Madrid for proposals: Hotel RIU Rooftop, Four Seasons Hotel, INNSiDE by Meliá.

Sabatini Garden Proposal, Madrid.

When’s the best time to Propose in Madrid?

The best and most popular time to propose in Madrid is either between April-July or September-November. Although, Madrid offers amazing locations for your proposal any time of year. If you want the best weather, aim for fall. If you’re looking for something festive, the holidays are your best bet— especially near Christmastime, because of Madrid’s magical downtown Christmas lights.

As far as timing, early morning is always a good time to avoid crowds and the heat! If you’d like to do sunset for a more golden hour feel, it’s definitely possible, you just need to be conscious of your location and some other logistics to make sure of a successful proposal execution.

Top Madrid Proposal Photographers

One name: Jake + Genessa Photography! We’ve photographed and helped plan more that 100 couples’ proposals in Madrid! Our proposal package in Madrid starts at 600€ EUR which includes taxes.

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