A romantic proposal in the English countryside
If you love Pride & Prejudice and are looking for the most romantic countryside spots for a proposal in England, put this at the top of your list!
Let me introduce you to: Stourhead
This 18th century estate has a lot of history, including a famous proposal scene from the 2005 Pride & Prejudice film.
Let me tell you the story of how I ended up photographing an engagement here, and why this is the perfect spot for you to propose…
Pride & Prejudice engagement at Stourhead in the English countryside. Caleb & Jillian
Originally my trip to England was supposed to be a trip to France for a business and photography workshop, as well as a visit to see Jess in London to bookend the trip. One of the themed shoots of the workshop I was excited for was a Pride & Prejudice couples shoot at the chateau I would have been staying at. In the end, I couldn’t financially make the workshop happen, so I pivoted and just went to England.
I’d prayed and asked for a couple and a woman to photograph while visiting. I scheduled both shoots, but the couple I was supposed to photograph in London ended up not working out. What I had *truly* wanted was a couple to photograph in the countryside anyways, so I wasn’t too disappointed when that shoot didn’t happen.
We spent 3 days in the countryside. A visit to Stourhead was high on my list - a beautiful estate, and one of the filming locations of the famous proposal scene in the 2005 Pride & Prejudice. As we looked at the forecast, we realized it was supposed to rain during our time at Stourhead, so we last minute changed our schedule and saved it for our final day.
We arrived at Stourhead around 10:30am to wander the grounds and take photos. The famous temple of Apollo was on a hill, and we went in search of a path to lead us up. We came upon a moss covered stone stairway that looked to be out of a fairy tale, and began our journey up.
When we arrived at the top and came to the edge of the woods - there it was. The 258 years old structure where Mr. Darcy proposed to Elizabeth. I walked around looking for the best vantage point to photograph the building, when an older couple near me pointed out a couple sitting on the steps, and told me that the man had just asked the woman to marry him.
I could hardly believe it….
I waited another minute or two to make sure I wasn’t interrupting an intimate moment before I approached them and offered to take some photos as a gift. With so much gratitude they agreed and were overjoyed!
Caleb had said he wanted to book the Stourhead proposal package so they could have a photographer, but it was sold out. They are both Pride & Prejudice fans (him especially!), and despite the lack of a photographer, he had still wanted to ask Jillian at this particular spot. They had even watched the film on the plane ride to England.
I only spent about 5-10 minutes photographing them, but it was the most serendipitous and romantic moment of my entire trip. They laughed and cried. They were so completely in love.
Jesus not only gave me a couple to photograph on this trip, but went out of His way to divinely appoint a time and place that was so specific to my heart’s desire, and that would also be the sweetest gift to this couple.
There are many romantic destinations from the 2005 Pride & Prejudice movie, but this is one of my favorites!
Fairytale proposal locations in England don’t get better than this!
Here’s why you should consider proposing here:
It’s absolutely beautiful and quiet. Unlike the chaos of London, this is a place you can have a little more privacy for a special moment.
There is both food and lodging available on the grounds! No need to rush off - you can spend a night here, or a few days, soaking in your special moment and the beautiful surroundings.
Stourhead offers engagement packages where they will set up your proposal site, and also provide a photographer to capture it!
Temple of Apollo. Top Pride & Prejudice movie locations in the English countryside