If you’re looking for the best places to propose in East Sussex, you’ve come to the right list. As a surprise proposal photographer in East Sussex, I know a lot of the best spots to ask the big question.
Top 12 Places to Propose in East Sussex
The South of England is home to so many romantic locations to propose. If you want the best backdrop and setting for your proposal in East Sussex, you’ll find the perfect spot in this list. And if you’re willing to explore other areas in Sussex, here’s a list of top places to propose in West Sussex.
1. Seven Sisters near Seaford
When most people plan a trip or their proposal to Seven Sisters, they go straight to Google Maps and park up at the point aptly named “Seven Sisters Car Park”. Don’t get me wrong, Cuckmere Haven is a gorgeous access point to Seven Sisters with beautiful views, but it is worth noting that this is a more touristy area, and not the most jaw dropping or easily accessible!
2. Belle Toute near Eastbourne
Just before you get to Belle Tout Lighthouse, you’ll find one of the most romantic places to propose. This stretch of land is simply breathtaking, and every proposal I’ve done at this location has always taken my breath away. I’ll never tire of this view – especially for a romantic walk at sunset.
There is a pub and public restrooms nearby, and a car park and several laybys put you right next to the cliffs for quick and easy access. There are two lighthouses viewable from Beachy Head: the Beachy Head Lighthouse (more on that next) and Belle Tout Lighthouse.
This walk is especially gorgeous at sunset or is great for a romantic picnic. The walk between the two lighthouses is about 15-20 minutes. If you’re feeling a bit more ambitious, you can walk from Beachy Head to Belle Tout Lighthouse and then on to Birling Gap and Seven Sisters. This walk would probably take an hour and half or longer depending on pace. To get back to the car, you could hop on a bus.
View pictures of a sunset proposal at Beachy Head here.
3. Beachy Head Lighthouse near Eastbourne
Just a 15-20 minute walk before Belle Tout Lighthouse, you’ll find Beachy Head Lighthouse. I absolutely love this location, but as you can tell by the w0rn out path, this is a popular spot. While you’re unlikely to encounter anyone as you walk closer to Belle Tout, the same can’t be said for this spot. It’s also easy to miss if you aren’t walking close enough to the edge. So I typically recommend doing photographs here after the actual proposal. Nerves always seem to get the best of people!
4. Buxted Park Hotel in Uckfield
Buxted Park Hotel is one of the best places to propose in East Sussex if you’re looking for a romantic weekend getaway. It has a brilliant restaurant and is also one of my favourite wedding venues.
What makes a Buxted Park proposal special is that you can return here time and again over the years: you can visit the gardens and hike the expansive grounds, have afternoon tea or a sit down meal, or return for romantic weekend getaways. So if you’re ever stuck for anniversary ideas, returning to the place you proposed will always be a great choice!
Now as for the proposal itself, you can book a romantic weekend getaway or meal, and then propose in their expansive gardens away from everyone else. You could also arrange with the venue beforehand for a private dining experience.
Check out this proposal in one of Buxted Park Hotel’s private rooms.
5. Sheffield Park and Garden in Uckfield
Sheffield Park and Gardens is one of those places that looks stunning year round. If your other half is a huge fan of country gardens, you can’t go wrong with a Sheffield Park proposal. Buxted Park Hotel is nearby as well, so if you’re looking for a place to stay overnight or a place to dine, I recommend booking in with this luxury hotel.
Check out these engagement pictures from Sheffield Park
6. Devil’s Dyke in East Sussex
Devil’s Dyke is another jaw-dropping spot for a proposal on the South Downs. This area is much loved and a popular dog walking spot. But even on most beautiful weekend dates, it is so expansive that it is really easy to find a spot away from the crowds.
If you head down the hill from the car park, you’ll easily get away from the crowds – with the added perk of the rolling hills surrounding you for gorgeous images.
See a proposal at Devil’s Dyke for more ideas!
7. Brighton Bandstand on Brighton Beach
A proposal at Brighton Bandstand is a classic and iconic choice. The views are beautiful and it is a really popular spot for tourists and locals. I often see yoga sessions, dancing groups and musicians enjoying this little Brighton Gem.
So with that said, it can be difficult to get much – if any privacy. When I’m photographing a proposal at Brighton Bandstand, I always arrive extra early to chat with any groups or tourists to enquire if they wouldn’t mind vacating the bandstand for a couple minutes when we see the couple approaching. The good news is, most people oblige, but be warned they will linger nearby to watch and hoot and holler for you!
Check out this Brighton Bandstand proposal at sunset.
8. Kipling Gardens in Rottingdean
Rottingdean is one of my favourite locations for engagement sessions and proposals. It is a gorgeous seaside village near Brighton and home to Kipling Gardens. The gardens are free to enter and just off the high street.
One thing I really love about the gardens is that they are never too busy, and it is an easy and romantic walk down to the seafront. Rottingdean is a gorgeous seaside village – and it’s just on the outskirts of Brighton.
You can see an engagement shoot at Kipling Gardens in Rottingdean here.
9. The Anchor Inn in Lewes
The Anchor Inn is a lovely pub and wedding venue near Lewes. The food is really good! But what makes me recommend this spot is the little blue boats you can hire to explore the River Ouse.
10. Firle Place in Lewes
Firle Place is a gorgeous country estate that is often open to the public – but make sure you check beforehand as the ancestral family often resides here. They serve brilliant food, have gorgeous gardens, and best of all, Firle Place is also a gorgeous luxury wedding venue. This means you can return here in the future for weddings and anniversaries.
11. Lewes Castle
If castles and epic views are your thing, Lewes Castle is one of the most romantic places to propose. Centrally located off the high street, it is also a location that is really easy to get to.
For inspiration, check out this wedding at Lewes Castle.
12. Holywell near Eastbourne
Holywell is not for the faint of heart, but my goodness is it a beautiful location. While Mark and Emily were a bit more adventurous for their engagement shoot, I did photograph a proposal here on the flatter bit that is a little less terrifying.
I also recommend going down to the beach were it is really beautiful – and a little less dangerous. Then you could also head up to this spot for something a bit more dramatic.
13. Chattri Monument Proposal in East Sussex
The Chattri Moment is just outside of Brighton and Hove on the rolling South Downs. This is a perfect spot to propose if you want seclusion, love a bit of beautiful architecture and gorgeous views of Brighton and the South Coast.
The reason it’s such a quiet spot? It’s about a 30 minute walk to get to. But that makes a really romantic and quiet spot to set up a picnic and enjoy each other’s company.
14. Brighton Pavilion proposal in East Sussex
Brighton Pavilion is iconic and truly breathtaking. I particularly recommend this location for a winter proposal in Brighton. The front is transformed into a temporary ice skating.
But if ice skating isn’t your thing, Brighton Pavilion gardens are also really beautiful. However, I’d avoid popping the question between 10 AM and 6 PM. The gardens are always packed with people having picnics.
The Pavilion also isn’t far from the North Laine or Pier. So a perfect midpoint to propose before heading to the seafront.
15. Brighton Pier and promenade proposal in East Sussex
Brighton Pier is the most famous and iconic pier in the United Kingdom. I’m also a massive fan of the seafront. It has very cool and colourful beach huts and a gorgeous promenade. It really is an ideal place to watch the sunrise or sunset – and ask for your partner’s hand in marriage!.
At minimum, I really recommend heading to the promenade after your Brighton city proposal to watch the sunset.
Need help finding perfect the place to propose in East Sussex?
Photographing proposals in Sussex has given me incredible insight to share with people like you.
When you hire me to photograph your marriage proposal, I’m here to help you every step of the way. From narrowing down the perfect places to propose in East Sussex, to recommending the best times and spots for your chosen location.
I make it my job to help you enhance the moment by going incognito up until after you’ve proposed. To date, I’ve never been caught!
