Best places to ‘Pop the Question’

Welcome back to the Bodleian Wedding Blog. With both Christmas and the engagement season on the horizon, we wanted to treat you to a little gift.

Choosing to pop the question is a bold move. First, you need to think about how you are going to deliver the message, then you might pause to consider where you will say those very important words. That being said, there are no right or wrong way to utter those life-changing words. Everyone has different ways about going about it. We’re just here to suggest a few places where it might be quite nice to get down on that knee. (Although, maybe avoid doing this on the cobbles!)

The Wren Door

It’s big. It’s bold. It’s iconic. Hundreds of thousands of people have posed by the Wren door. It provides a perfect frame for your engagement pictures and the gorgeous wooden doors offer a warm, textured backdrop. On the Bodleian’s Instagram account, you will notice countless photos of happy couples by this door. What’s more, if you decide to get married at the Bodleian, you have the chance to document your engagement journey from this very space. From asking the question, to holding the hand of your loved one on your wedding day eighteen months later, it really can be a magical place.

The Rad Cam a.k.a. The Radcliffe Camera

This building is monumental. It’s quintessentially Oxonian and would just be such a magical place to get down on that knee. Top tip: Opt to pop the big question when there are fewer numbers of ogling visitors. It’s your moment – not theirs. Unless, of course, the thought of a big, public engagement makes you tingle with excitement; in that case, go for it!

The Clarendon Steps

Here is a sneak peek of the Clarendon steps in the Clarendon Quad. Yep, it’s just there peeking between the Sheldonian and the Old Bod. Traditionally, this space is where hundreds of fresh, shiny graduates will congregate in their robes and celebrate their successes. Nevertheless, this space needn’t always have that association. Celebrate you own special occasion in this area and then stroll round the corner for celebratory drinks. We can strongly recommend the Turf Tavern (other pubs are available!)

The OSQ (The Old School’s Quadrangle)

“Yah, we decided to launch our engagement journey in the OSQ”
Sounds great doesn’t it?

Well, okay, maybe that’s a touch excessive, but the Quad definitely offers a beautiful and unique space to utter the words that you’ve been waiting to ask for so long. In the summer this space heaves with visitors, but rare days of stillness do crop up every now again. (lucky for you, particularly in the winter months, i.e. engagement season)
Leading on from these fours walls are the north and south arches and the infamous Great gate. If you’re planning on going the extra mile and hiring a photographer for the day, these truly are the best spots to capture the magic.

The Bridge of Sighs

This Bridge resides over New College Lane and sits bang opposite the Bodleian Library. This means, it’s about 50 steps away from the Turf Tavern (any chance to shoe-horn that one in again) and other surrounding landmarks like the Sheldonian Theatre, Hertford College and Broad St.
After digging through the Bodleian photo archives, we actually couldn’t find a photo of the bridge alone. However, if your trusty recipient replies with a gasp and a ‘Yes’ you may well find yourselves having a similar photo taken in a couple of years to come?

Countless opportunities, places and words come into play when planning to ask the person you love to be with you forever. So many people will suggest and recommend ways to pop the question, but only you will know when the time is right. So from our hearts to yours, Good Luck and Congratulations.

Until next year…

That’s all from us folks! 2020 has so often been described as ‘The year that never was.’ Well, we beg to differ. We have witnessed an abundance of love, cooperation and support from so many of our couples, colleagues and friends in the wedding industry. We hope that we can all take this love and throw it into 2021, where so many happy and wonderful memories are just itching to be made.

Merry Christmas and have a very happy, healthy and exciting new year!

Plenty of love,

The Bodleian Weddings Team
Kate, Megan and Martha xx

Photo credits: (By order of appearance)
Maxeen Kim Photography
Lucy Davenport
Alexandra Jane Photography
Weddings by Nicola and Glen