From the traditional rose petals spelling out “would you marry me?” to popping the question in a hot air balloon, there are a million ways to propose to the love of your life. However, choosing one that is right for you and your partner may take some time. That’s where our collection of unique marriage proposal ideas comes in handy.
In this post, we’ve divided our favorite ideas into three categories: private, public, and destination.
We also answer some common proposal questions, provide links and videos to real-life instances, and offer advice on what to do once you pop the question.
However, bear in mind that every pair — and every relationship — is unique, so what works for one couple may not work for the next.
For example, one person would be ecstatic at being proposed to during halftime of an NFL game, while another might squirm.
However, we’re convinced you’ll do fantastic if you consider your partner’s personality and go above and beyond to plan a unique and personalized proposal. But keep in mind that they are only suggestions. It’s entirely up to you to personalize them.
Ways to Propose
It’s one of the most romantic times of the year when you may ask your lady love the question you’ve been dying to ask.
This day represents promise and togetherness; it allows you to ask your partner to stay in your life for the rest of your life. Proposing to your ‘the one’ can be done in a variety of ways, including a candlelight supper, a picnic in the hills at sunset, and more.
However, keep your woman’s tastes in mind while you design the proposal of your dreams, as they should be equally essential to her. As a result, here are some fantastic ways to propose to your girl on this lovely occasion!
- Be yourself. One of the most important things to remember is to be yourself. You should be accepted for who you are by the girl. Make it short and sweet when asking her out, and pop the question accordingly.
Related Articles: HOW TO PROPOSE: Best Romantic Ideas to Propose to a Girl (+ Free Tips)
- Get down on your knees. This is one of the most traditional ways to ask a girl out, but it is always a winner. Women admire chivalry in their husbands. The frosting on the cake will be a red rose in hand.
- Take her to a good restaurant for dinner to make her feel special. Ask her favourite songs and order something delicious before asking her out.
- Aim to have a banner with a message in front of her house or business. But don’t call her by her actual name. You are free to write whatever you want about her.
- Take her to the location where you met for the first time. Your actions will undoubtedly affect her, and you will receive a favourable reaction.
- If your budget allows it, write a message in the sky for her. However, you should only do this if you are confident about her.
- You may ask your neighbours to turn down their lights and write “I Love You” on their windows. Blindfold her and lead her out onto the balcony. When everything is ready, ask her to open her eyes. She’ll adore it.
- Take a drive out to the beach as the sun begins to drop. In the car, turn on soothing music and whisper the golden words to her.
- If you’re looking for something new, consider planning a hike up a local hill. Leave early in the morning and attempt to arrive before sunrise. As soon as the sun rises, get on your knees and ask her out.
- Don’t be afraid to go a little dramatic. Get a water gun and shock her for a few minutes before telling her you’ve been arrested for stealing my heart!
Best Ways to Propose to a Girl
It’s a monumental moment when you ask your better half the big question. Choose one of the most romantic ways to propose to make this special event even more memorable.
Engage the services of a personal chef.
Plan a date night at home with your partner’s favourite dinner prepared by a personal chef. There are various ways to use this unique marriage proposal concept, but one of our favourites is for the chef to place the ring on one of the dishes.
Believe it or not, some companies specialize in this type of thing. You can book “your personal chef proposal” through Proposal007, which includes candles, roses, and a three-course meal.
Decorate a room with pictures of you and your partner.
Throughout your relationship, get printouts of images of the two of you. Choose a room in your house (or even a hotel room) and decorate it with images.
While asking one of the most critical questions of your life, you’ll be surrounded by some of your favourite memories from your time together.
Propose a ribbon proposal.
Every few feet, tie a velvet ribbon from one end of your house to the other, with little love messages and memories of your relationship.
Bring the ring and your proposal to the end of the ribbon. You’ll get bonus points if you have music playing while you’re doing it, especially if it’s some of your favourite songs from your time together.
Make your puzzle.
Make a puzzle specifically for your proposal. Your partner can read “Would you marry me?” once the two of you have finished it. Then, with your ring in hand, get down on one knee and propose!
Make use of a book.
We adore having a book as the vessel of your proposal, whether you use a blank journal to write a love poem or cut the inside of a book out and lay the ring inside.
If you want to get very creative, you can even make a personalized book to fully surprise your sweetheart.
Incorporate live music into the mix.
Attend any form of concert, such as live music or an orchestra. Bonus points if it’s a musician who has a special meaning for the two of you.
You can even take things a step further by contacting the venue to see if you can propose on stage or reaching out to the artist’s management to see if they can arrange for the concert to be stopped and an announcement made, allowing you to make your proposal.
Take advantage of your first date’s setting.
Take your date back to the location of your first date. It doesn’t matter if you’re in a restaurant, a coffee shop, or a park! If you recall, order the same thing you ordered on your first date and go above and beyond to make the event memorable. After that, tell me what you remember most about your first date, and I’ll ask you to marry me.
Attend a trivia night.
This one may be done during a real trivia night out or even at home if you host one! Allow the quizmaster to ask your partner’s team, “(Name), would you marry (name)?” For everyone involved, it will be one of the most memorable occasions of their lives.
Use a photo booth to capture the moment.
Take your sweetheart on a date to a location with a photo booth. Pop the question during the photo booth, and you’ll have a strip of photographs from the exact moment you proposed.
Before using the photo booth, test the timing. You don’t want images shot at inconvenient times!
Pay a visit to a planetarium.
This is one of our favourite innovative marriage proposal ideas on the list. Please check with the planetarium beforehand to see if “(Name), would you marry me?” can be projected during the stargazing program.
Cute Ways to Propose
Write It Down
Hanging a sign that will pop the question on your behalf is one of the simplest (and picturesque!) ways to propose at home: use anything from balloons to bunting or even light-up or neon letters for a night-time proposal. These paper lanterns are so lovely — great for a cosy evening!
Enlist the assistance of your pet
Incorporating your pet into an at-home proposal is a clever option if your other half loves your four-legged pal as much as they love you.
If you want to offer the actual jewellery in person, you might get a tag engraved with the words ‘would you marry me?’ Engagement rings are the perfect size to gently loop onto a collar, or you could get a tag inscribed with the words ‘will you marry me?’ For the ultimate sweet surprise, larger pets can carry a piece of paper or card into the room.
Bring Breakfast to Your Bed
This simple at-home proposal idea is particularly charming if your future fiancé likes pancakes. Decorate a lovely tray with flowers and fresh fruit, then serve their favourite breakfast foods on statement crockery.
If you want to ask them immediately, make a sign and put it in a frame on your display, or hide the meal under one of those silver cloches you see in posh restaurants to keep it a secret for a long time. Leave one dish empty, but cover it with a cloche — this is where the ring will be hidden.
Arrange for Afternoon Tea
Scones, sandwiches, cakes, and patisserie are all part of a classic afternoon tea buffet, but now is the time to be creative. Cooked afternoon tea will have a significant wow factor if you’re a dab hand in the kitchen. Still, there’s nothing wrong with ordering in, especially if the food comes from their go-to bakery — whatever you do, make sure the Champagne is chilled in the fridge.
Set the Table for a Candlelit Dinner
A candlelit meal is a classic because it doesn’t get much more romantic. Recreate a restaurant meal you both enjoyed, prepare a trademark dish you know they won’t be able to refuse or order takeaway for your ultimate weekend treat.
Romantic Ways to Propose
Set up a Scavenger Hunt.
You can pull off this suggestion no matter how big or tiny your house or flat is – all you need is some planning time and a little ingenuity. Set up a series of clues that represent something to the two of you, starting at the front door when your spouse comes home (from “where I first told you I loved you” to “where you arrange your socks”), leading to them finding you down on one knee or putting up a stunning ring. Set up a camera on a tripod in front of your final destination so you can record the experience and relive it once it’s all sunk in.
Make a Game
We still enjoy a good Scrabble proposal, but that’s only the beginning when using board games to ask someone. Classics like Charades or Pictionary, which require you to decipher a phrase or message, are ideal for a built-in ‘will you marry me’ moment, but you can also get custom board games that require your partner to play all the way through and uncover your plan as they play, as well as custom playing cards. If you’re feeling particularly daring, you may even develop your own.
Host a Surprise Get-Together
Decorations galore, canapés and bubbly on hand, and everyone you care about all in one place? We can’t think of a finer setting for a grand gesture proposal at home than a party.
Obviously, this works well for dates already special, such as birthdays or anniversaries, but the best surprise would be picking a date at random. When they ask what the occasion is, tell them you will make it a new one by telling them the date you were engaged.
Arrange Balloons in a Room
Set up a room overflowing with balloons and crouch down amid them for a truly visual and impressive idea (we love the idea of a red and pink theme here, or maybe gold and silver to match their new jewellery).
What is the show-stopper? Over the location where you’ve settled, a thread of helium balloons asks, “Marry me?” Once they say yes, you’ll have so much fun taking selfies in this colourful set-up.
Arrange for a photoshoot
Everyone wants a nice photo of their proposal, so why not make it a part of your plan? Set up a cool backdrop (bedsheets and fairy lights are your friends), or simply inform your spouse that you want to take a nice photo with them.
Make sure you’re in control of the camera, whether using a tripod or shooting handheld, and pull the ring out of your pocket once you’ve taken a few photographs.
Organize a Movie Night
This low-key home proposal is ideal for couples who enjoy nothing more than a Netflix marathon. Suggest a relaxing night in front of the TV, but make sure the movie is ready to watch before your other half enters the room.
Instead of the movie they expect, you can show them a slideshow or film of your happiest moments together, with the last slide reading, “would you marry me?” If you’re a true movie buff, you could make it a “trailer” for your wedding. If you’re not a natural director, don’t worry: plenty of apps make this type of editing much easier than you might think.
Put together a puzzle
These days, you can buy proposal puzzles ready-made, but for something a little more unique, check out Not On The High Street and Etsy.
Many sellers on both sites will create a custom jigsaw for you, allowing you to include a name, a specific message, or even a photo.
We also like the more unusual choice of a map puzzle, which requires you to piece together an image of where you first met or where you formally became a couple. Crossword puzzles have even been published in local papers by creative proposers.
Decide on a Playlist
There are two major alternatives for a proposal with a playlist twist. The first is to include songs that have meant a lot to you over the years—your first date, your first kiss, and, if you have one, ‘your song.’
The second option is to play a playlist of songs that hint at marriage, ranging from Bruno Mars Marry You to Billy Idol’s White Wedding.
Unique Ways to Propose
Take a beach walk with your lover and surprise them.
Take a trip to the beach with your friends. Write “Would you marry me?” on a small piece of paper, roll it up, and place it in a seashell or an old bottle ahead of time.
Place it somewhere you and your partner will walk past it, and make sure you or your partner notices it and picks it up. If you want your proposal to be a surprise, this is the one to go with.
Go on a Vespa ride.
Take a Vespa tour of wherever you’re going on vacation. Once you’ve mastered it, the possibilities for a proposal are virtually endless.
One of our favourites is to place the ring box inside your partner’s helmet and hand it to them on one knee.
Arrange for a picnic in the park.
For your proposal, plan an outdoor picnic in a lovely setting. The ring can be hidden in a picnic basket or even a glass of champagne.
As with any other proposal concept, consider hiring a photographer or videographer to hide and capture the proposal so you can remember the magical day forever.
Propose on a plane.
Plan a destination vacation and ask to use the speaker system to propose at the airport or on the plane!
Put together a flash mob.
Having a group perform out of the blue, whether a dancing flash mob, a singing flash mob, or something altogether different, is a unique and enjoyable way to ask someone to spend the rest of their lives with you.
Create a curtain call for your proposal.
Make a few phone calls to different theatres (both plays and movies) to see if you can schedule a proposal at the start or finish of the show!
Propose at a zoo or aquarium.
Proposing in an aquarium is unusual enough, but try contacting management and asking if you can have a diver hold up a sign inside one of the tanks that says, “(Name), will you marry?”
Make a scavenger hunt of your own.
Make your treasure hunt complete with a treasure map! Allow your companion to solve clues leading them to various locations until they arrive at the final destination — you with an engagement ring! This can be done on a small basis, such as around your house, or a large scale, such as throughout your city.
Make a web page.
Create a unique website just for the proposal for the tech-savvy pair. Photos, stories, movies, and other media can be added.
Send your partner the link disguised as something else. You may suggest it’s a new restaurant you’d like them to try. It’ll be the biggest surprise they’ve ever received!
Engage the services of a street performer.
Hire a street performer in advance and have them create something unique for your proposal. When you and your partner pass by, they will be treated to a beautiful performance and a proposal.
Create a one-of-a-kind crossword puzzle.
Make a bespoke crossword puzzle for your proposal if the person you’re proposing to is a gamer. Do all of the clues about your relationship or make it look like a regular crossword — except that one of the answers is the proposal.
Make a recording of your proposal.
Make a song or a podcast episode about how much you love your lover, and finish it with a proposal.
Put it on their Spotify, iTunes, Apple Podcasts, etc., and tell them you found a fantastic song or podcast that they must listen to.
Creative Ways to Propose
At the Coffee Shop of Your Choice
If you and your significant other have a favourite local coffee shop, this simple proposal suggestion is also meaningful.
Depending on how complex you want your proposal to be, you might want to involve the manager or barista in advance—ask them if they’d be willing to write anything on a cup or make unique latte art for your proposal.
During a Ski Vacation
A memorable approach to asking someone to marry you is on a ski or snowboarding trip. Beautiful winter landscapes almost certainly surround you, and becoming engaged offers you even more reason to cuddle up by the fire after a long day on the slopes.
If you’re staying at a resort, arrange for room service or another surprise (such as a couples’ massage or a spa day) to round out the festivities.
On a Hilltop or a Mountain
Nothing compares to feeling on top of the world…when you are on top of the world. Proposing on a beautiful mountain or hilltop will give you both butterflies and not only the view.
While Visiting a Conservatory or Garden
Your proposal photos—or just-engaged selfies—will look amazing with plenty of fresh flowers and natural beauty surrounding you.
In the shadow of the Brooklyn Bridge
The Brooklyn Bridge (particularly this famed area in DUMBO) is a beautiful background for a proposal, whether you reside in NYC or are just visiting. It’s also an excellent spot for your proposal photographer to blend in with the crowds of tourists snapping photos until the big moment arrives.
With Your Pets
Why not include your pets in the proposal if you share pet-parent responsibilities with your partner? To assist you in popping the question, you can add a new tag to your pet’s collar with a proposal message or make a unique sign.
On a Beautiful Hike
This proposal idea is perfect for outdoor-loving couples. Propose on a hike to have the best of both worlds: seclusion and a stunning location. If you can discover a waterfall, that’s even better!
In the middle of a surf session
After catching some waves together at the beach, this couple got engaged—wetsuits and all.
Aren’t you a surfer? Consider proposing wherever you and your spouse enjoy exercising, whether a run on your favourite route or a soothing hot yoga session.
When visiting the City of Love,
Try to argue with us when we say that getting engaged while on a trip to Paris is one of the most romantic ways to propose. There are so many classic settings in the City of Love, from the Pont des Arts to the Eiffel Tower, that you can’t go wrong. I’m not sure if you’ll be able to make it to Paris. Fortunately, a few European-style cities in North America, such as Montreal, Washington, D.C., and New Orleans.
With the help of a caricature
This is one of the most unique proposal ideas, and the caricature will also serve as a cherished souvenir for the rest of your life.
Surrounded by Petals of Flowers
You can create a lovely proposal space almost anywhere by using rose petals to build an aisle leading to the exact area where you’ll ask for their hand in marriage.
A scenic location is always excellent, but you can also create a warm atmosphere at home.
Cool Ways to Propose
In the middle of a Rainforest
Are you planning a trip to a tropical island? Whether travelling to Hawaii, Asia, or the Caribbean, you’ll find plenty of breathtaking rainforest scenery to use as a backdrop for your proposal.
With Champagne and flowers.
The tiniest nuances can sometimes make the largest difference. This charming balcony arrangement with red roses and an intimate table for two is oh-so-romantic. You get bonus points if you chill the champagne ahead of time.
While looking for a Christmas tree
Make the holidays even more memorable with a proposal! The holidays are already the most delightful time of the year—make them even more memorable with a proposal! If you like decorating with a Christmas tree, propose while looking for the perfect one.
At the Location of Your Future Wedding
If you and your significant other discussed marriage before getting engaged, you may already know the venue where you’d like to have your wedding one day. This couple got engaged in the exact location where they’ll marry!
At the Seaside
It’s difficult to go wrong with a beach proposal (especially at sunrise or sunset). Choose a beach with special meaning for the two of you as a couple, or start a new tradition by popping the question at a beach you haven’t visited before for your own #justsaidyes moment.
In Your Worship Place
If you and your spouse are religious, proposing at your place of worship is very meaningful—especially if you plan to marry in the same place.
At Grand Canyon National Park
You can’t beat a proposal at the Grand Canyon, whether you choose a famous area like Horseshoe Bend or a more off-the-beaten-path one, which is why it ranks first on our list of romantic ways to propose. Plan the big moment for sunrise or sunset, or go all out with a private helicopter trip to make it even more memorable.
In the heart of Central Park
There are plenty of spots in NYC where you can propose, but dropping down on one knee in Central Park is at the top of the romantic list.
Even though New York City is one of the world’s busiest cities, you can almost always find a quiet spot in Central Park if you wander around long enough!
In a Forest
Ask your bae to marry you with the gorgeous redwood forest as your backdrop for a fairytale moment.
Even if you’re not among the redwoods, any forest will propose a beautiful setting for a proposal, especially if you add a blanket with rose petals and votive candles.
During a Picnics
Going on a picnic with your loved one has a classic romantic feel. The most excellent part about this proposal concept is that it may be as intricate or essential as you desire!
Fun Ways to Propose
With the addition of live music
If you want to document your proposal on film, live music (or another type of performance) is an excellent choice. You’ll have an excuse to start filming without revealing your entire strategy.
Furthermore, the music will enhance the proposal’s atmosphere! Purchase tickets to see the first musician you both saw in concert or propose while listening to a song you enjoy.
Cupcakes with inscriptions (or Any Other Dessert)
Cupcakes are one of the most creative—and delicious—proposal ideas. If you want to arrange something ahead of time with a bakery, this proposal idea will take a little planning, but you could also make the cupcakes yourself at home.
While on a Helicopter Ride
This isn’t for the faint of heart (or those who are afraid of heights), but asking your sweetheart to marry you while soaring thousands of feet in the air is perhaps one of the most romantic ways to propose.
Making Use of Photographs from Your Relationship
This is an ideal gift for a sentimental couple. Display all the photos you’ve taken together over your relationship as a beautiful backdrop for your proposal. In addition to photos, you might also include other unique mementoes, such as love notes or concert ticket stubs.
Machu Picchu is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
One of our foolproof proposal ideas is to visit one of the world’s seven wonders (once it’s safe to travel again) and ask your significant other the question of a lifetime.
During a Cruise
This proposal took place on a private boat charter in Santorini, but any boat journey would be just as romantic if you don’t have a vacation to Greece planned shortly.
In a String Light Tunnel
If you propose over the holidays, use seasonal backdrops and decor to create an unforgettable (and festive) experience.
This beautiful light tunnel is located in Japan, but you don’t have to fly to the other side of the globe to achieve the same effect – a local light festival or holiday market will suffice.
While Skating on the Ice
Ice skating is always a fun date idea, especially around the holidays, even if you can barely stand on your own two feet. Taking your significant other to the centre of the rink and proposing on one knee is one of the most romantic ways to propose. Just make sure they’re comfortable with being the focus of attention!
With a Massive Banner
This extravagant gesture is not for the timid pair, but that’s why we adore it! By requesting your S.O.’s marriage via a large personalized sign, you can let the whole world (or at least your town) know you’re in love.
Underneath the Aurora Borealis
If you’re in a beautiful location, surprise your partner by setting up your camera and faking a “selfie moment”, as this pair did. The Northern Lights can be seen in portions of North America depending on where you live, but stargazing or looking out over a city skyline would be equally lovely.
Which Knee Do You Propose On?
If you’re unsure which knee to propose on, according to tradition, the left knee should be on the ground, the ring box should be in your left hand, and the box should be opened with your right hand.
Proposal Lines
Without you at my side, my life will never be complete. I only see you when I gaze into my heart. We should spend the rest of our lives together if you can look into your heart and only see me. No one will work harder to make you happy or cherish you more than me, I swear.
Conclusion
If you plan to capture it on camera or with pictures, a ruse is required to ensure your girlfriend dresses suitably for the surprise proposal. She probably won’t forgive you if you don’t tell her to get dressed up and/or take care of her hair, nails, and makeup.
No matter how extravagant and ideal your proposal concepts are, if your girlfriend doesn’t feel like she’s dressed appropriately, she will never forget this—both in sound and, most definitely, bad times.
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