Best Places for a Marriage Proposal in the Azores – With a Professional Photographer

Marriage proposal at Furnas viewpoint in the Azores, with a couple surrounded by lush green mountains and the lagoon in the background

A magical proposal at Furnas Lake. San Miguel island - Azores (Portugal)

The Azores are one of the most romantic destinations in the world. Imagine asking the love of your life to marry you with a lagoon, a black sand beach or a breathtaking ocean view as your background. These islands are full of incredible places that make the perfect stage for such a unique moment.

As a photographer, I’ve had the privilege to witness many surprise proposals here in São Miguel, and each one feels magical.

This article is for you to have a glimpse of what your proposal experience could be like. There are many different places to choose from: lakes, ocean views, forests, or even waterfalls. The Azores islands are still an undiscovered treasure for most people, but in recent years tourism has been growing fast, especially on São Miguel Island (San Miguel, in Portuguese).

And why is this important? Well, for me as a professional photographer, capturing a proposal is a delicate moment. I always look for a certain level of privacy. It’s not only about the view and the place itself – it’s also about making sure my clients feel comfortable and that the spot feels truly special to them, without big crowds around.

So, working with me also means having a private guide who will advise you on the best spots to go. Every year I explore the island, always searching for new hidden gems. With the growth of tourism, some places are slowly getting crowded, so I make sure to find locations where you can still enjoy privacy and feel that it’s just about you two.

So, you are planning to ask her (or him) to marry you, and you want to know more about planning a proposal in the Azores.

Let’s get into the details:


1. Best Spots for a Proposal in São Miguel

Couple embracing during a marriage proposal at Lagoa do Fogo in São Miguel, Azores, with stunning blue lake and green mountains in the background

Romantic proposal at Lagoa do Fogo, San Miguel island, Azores


Sete Cidades – the most iconic twin lakes of the Azores, with viewpoints that are perfect for photos

Sete Cidades Volcanic Complex is a truly magical place. Unlike other volcanoes in the Azores, this one is a volcanic complex, which means it is made up of several volcanoes. At one point in history, there was even an underwater volcano here — can you believe it? Yes, in the Mosteiros village.

Over thousands and thousands of years, erosion and rain shaped the land into several beautiful lakes. And of course, as a photographer, I couldn’t be happier with such scenery. We are talking about forests, lakes, and astonishing views. The colors are full of green tones, almost giving a fairytale-like vibe.

Here are some examples:


Lagoa do Fogo – wild, natural, and less crowded than other lagoons.

The Lagoa do Fogo (“Lake of Fire”) is one of the most breathtaking landscapes in São Miguel, and also one of the most protected. It is located inside a volcanic caldera formed around 15,000 years ago, at the heart of the island. With an altitude of about 575 meters above sea level, this crater lake extends for almost 2 kilometers in length and reaches a maximum width of 1 kilometer, surrounded by steep green slopes that give it a dramatic and untouched character.

Because it is part of a Nature Reserve, access is limited and carefully regulated, which helps preserve its wild beauty. Unlike some other lakes in the Azores, Lagoa do Fogo is less urbanized and feels more secluded, offering couples a unique atmosphere of intimacy and raw nature.

Aerial view of Lagoa do Fogo, a volcanic crater lake in São Miguel, Azores, surrounded by green mountains and turquoise water, a breathtaking location for a marriage proposal

Lagoa do Fogo is one of the most breathtaking natural wonders of São Miguel, Azores. Surrounded by green mountains and turquoise waters at 575 meters above sea level, it offers a wild and romantic setting, perfect for a unique marriage proposal


View of the neo-Gothic church by the Green Lake in Sete Cidades, São Miguel, Azores, with dramatic volcanic slopes in the background

The iconic church of Sete Cidades overlooking the Green Lake — a magical and romantic setting for unforgettable moments in the Azores

Furnas – A Living Volcanic Crater

Did you know that when the first settlers arrived in São Miguel, the Furnas volcano was still erupting?


And did you know that beneath your feet in Furnas there is still active magma today?


Or that people here cook traditional food underground, using nothing but the power of geothermal energy?

Furnas is truly one of the most fascinating places in the Azores. It’s a living reminder that these islands were born of fire, but it’s also a place of peace, natural beauty, and culture. For couples looking for a unique marriage proposal spot, Furnas offers it all:

  • Lakeside landscapes with steam rising gently from the earth.

  • Romantic gardens like Terra Nostra, filled with century-old trees and tropical flowers.

  • Nearby waterfalls and streams, where nature provides the perfect soundtrack for a special moment.

From a photographer’s perspective, Furnas is magical because of its variety — misty mornings, lush green valleys, thermal vents, and the soft golden light that filters through the surrounding hills. Every angle tells a story, and every proposal here becomes unforgettable.


Final Note

The Azores hold countless magical places — much more than I could cover here. From hidden waterfalls to secret viewpoints and romantic gardens, each location offers a unique atmosphere for a once-in-a-lifetime proposal.

With my local knowledge and experience as a professional photographer, I’ll help you choose the perfect spot and capture the moment in a way that you will treasure forever.

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