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This proposal in beautiful Lisbon has quite the story! We’ll let Rita, the photographer, tell it in her own words:
If there’s one thing I’ve learned as a photographer, it’s that even the best-laid plans can take wild turns… and still end up absolutely perfect. That’s exactly what happened with Kendall and Emily’s unforgettable proposal in Lisbon. A story filled with charm, a bit of misdirection, and a whole lot of magic at golden hour.
Kendall first reached out to me full of excitement. He was planning to propose to Emily during their trip to Portugal and wanted help finding the perfect spot. I suggested a few favorites — the gardens of Alfama, the riverside in Belém, even the striking architecture of the MAAT Museum. But when I mentioned Miradouro das Portas do Sol, something shifted. That view, with the rooftops cascading down toward the river and the soft Lisbon light wrapping the city in gold, felt just right.
Only… something unexpected happened.
On the day of the proposal, I managed to confuse the meeting point and ended up in the wrong place entirely. A classic “Lisbon maze” moment. Cue the panic, the sweaty rush, the internal chaos. Meanwhile, Kendall — gracious, patient and calm — was already at the kiosk with Emily, enjoying a drink as the sun began to dip.
When I finally arrived, out of breath and wildly apologetic, Kendall saw me instantly. Emily was still unaware. He gently guided her toward the viewpoint, and within minutes, he was down on one knee. That’s when something extraordinary happened.
The busy viewpoint went silent. The crowd instinctively stepped back. Conversations faded. It was as if time itself paused.
To the left, another newly-engaged couple smiled knowingly. To the right, a group of girls filmed the proposal and immediately sent the video to Emily so she could have it forever. It felt like everyone was rooting for them.
After the emotional “yes”, we strolled through Alfama’s streets, still glowing with post-proposal energy. Kendall had one more surprise up his sleeve — a dinner reservation at Via Graça, a stunning spot with panoramic views, where they celebrated his birthday and their engagement in the most joyful way.
Emily was radiant. She laughed. She cried. She called her entire family. Everyone already knew what was going to happen, but still, they were thrilled to hear it had gone beautifully.
Even with a rocky start, everything about this proposal felt meant to be. Lisbon gave them a moment they’ll never forget. And I was lucky to be the one to capture it.
How did you choose the location?
Rita, the photographer: This viewpoint is one of the most iconic and romantic spots in Lisbon. It overlooks the Alfama district with a sweeping view of the river and the traditional rooftops: perfect for a heartfelt moment like a proposal. Kendall mentioned wanting somewhere that felt timeless and authentically Lisbon, and this spot checked all the boxes.
Do you require any special permits or permission from landowners to take photos here?
Rita: No permits are required for small, non-commercial sessions like this one. It’s a public space and quite popular, so I always advise early morning for privacy and soft light, or be prepared for the crowds if you choose sunset.
How easy is the location to access? Is it suitable for all ages and abilities?
Rita: Yes, it’s relatively easy to access. It’s located in the historic center, and although the area has cobblestone streets and some inclines, the miradouro itself is very central and accessible by taxi or tram and has flat areas suitable for most visitors.
How did you approach capturing photos of the proposal and still keeping it a surprise?
Rita: I arrived and blended right in with the few tourists around. I spotted them by the kiosk having a drink, and from there, I just casually followed at a distance, pretending to photograph the view. Couples are usually so mesmerized by the scenery that they hardly notice me quietly lurking in the background!Kendall knelt, and I was there!
Were there any other people involved in planning the proposal?
Rita: Just Kendall and me, although he told his whole family and friends back home. He reached out privately and we coordinated everything together: timing, location, and even wardrobe suggestions to keep things feeling elegant but effortless.
What are your top tips for planning a proposal in this area?
Rita: Early morning is golden and very popular among proposals. It avoids crowds, the light is magical, and the city feels almost like it’s holding its breath just for them. Also, hiring a photographer who knows the area (hi!) can make all the difference in logistics and timing. Sunset also works because the light is softer and it casts a beautiful glow on the neighborhood. Quite frankly, it’s a location that works all day!
Is there a best time of year to visit this location?
Rita: Spring and early autumn are ideal but nowadays Lisboa is very popular, so there are always going to be tourists.
Other Advice or Tips?
Rita: Always leave room for the unexpected… Lisbon has a magical way of surprising you with spontaneous music, friendly strangers, and that golden-hour glow. I also recommend planning a little post-proposal stroll through Alfama; it helps prolong the emotion of the moment and creates beautiful, candid shots. As for Kendall and Emily, we ended up visiting the restaurant where Kendall had planned their dinner, which offered an incredible view of Castelo
The Vendors:
Photography: Rita Santana Photography
