Want to find the perfect spot for your engagement? The best destinations to propose across the world offer beautiful backdrops for you to pull out a ring and ask your partner to spend the rest of your lives together. Finding the right location for this special moment is a big decision. After all, your engagement will likely live on in your memories (and maybe even some photos!) for the rest of your lives. The location could be a place that holds meaning for you both, or could be in a place your partner has always dreamed of traveling to.
Need some help with your brainstorming? Ahead, see the best destinations to propose from far-flung destinations across the globe to romantic escapes in the United States.
1. Paris, France
Is there really a better place to get engaged than the City of Love? Paris is overflowing with scenic locations to propose, from a boat ride along the Seine to the Eiffel Tower to the top of Montmartre with gorgeous views of the city. After your proposal, take a romantic stroll throughout the city while sipping on Champagne and finish off with dinner at a classic bistro or one of the city s many Michelin restaurants. Don’t forget to book a chic Parisian hotel for your trip, too.
2. Italy
There are truly too many beautiful destinations in Italy to choose for your proposal. Get down on one knee amongst the sweeping vineyards of Tuscany, among the ancient ruins of Rome, along the shores of Lake Como, or on the beaches of the Amalfi Coast. No matter your proposal spot, you can plan to indulge in la dolce vita for a few days afterward to soak in the food, sights, and romance throughout the country. This special connection you will now have with the destination is also the perfect excuse to bring your friends and family back for your wedding.
3. Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Head to Amsterdam for a picturesque proposal along the city’s famous canals. Take a trip to the city and make a life-changing stop on a bike ride, a walk over one of the quaint bridges, or on a boat ride along the water. Just be sure to hire a local photographer to capture your big moment.
3. Iceland
If you love a sweeping landscape, Iceland may be the proposal spot for you. Take your partner to to Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon for stunning views of a moss-covered canyon, get down on one knee near the beautiful Skógafoss Waterfall, take a swim in the Blue Lagoon, or book a remote Airbnb or hotel to propose beneath the magical Aurora Borealis.
4. Libson, Portugal
Lisbon is a city full of charm, incredible architecture, a beautiful coastline, and many, many hills. That combination makes it the perfect location to find a scenic perch for a romantic proposal. Head to the highest lookout point Miradouro da Senhora do Monte for a private moment or a rooftop in the Alfama District. You can also head towards Sintra for a proposal near the beach or at one of the areas historic castles. A luxe stay at Tivoli Avenida Liberdade Hotel or Palácio Príncipe Real can be the perfect way to prolong your romantic celebration.
5. Greece
A trip to Greece is likely going to offer up hundreds of beautiful places to get down on one knee. History buffs might love a visit to the ancient ruins of Athens, while an island-hopping vacation could provide an incredible beach vacation with different aesthetics, energies, and beautiful cultural experiences in destinations like Mykonos, Santorini, Paros, or Milos.
6. Hawaii
One of the best tropical locations you can visit without a passport, Hawaii could be the perfect option for a dreamy engagement. Each island has its own feel so choose the one that fits the kind of romantic vacation you want to have. Kauai has a more low-key, tropical vibe, Oahu provides a more metropolitan destination with its capital city of Honolulu (yet more remote retreats as you head along the cost), and Maui offers a plethora of stunning resorts. Of course, you can’t go wrong with beachside proposal at sunset on any of the islands.
7. Bora Bora
Head a little further Southeast to the small lush island of Bora Bora. While the trip might take a bit longer and require a puddle-jumper flight from Tahiti, the hours of travel are well worth it. Just imagine getting down on one knee at your very own overwater bungalow before celebrating with incredible dinners, boat trips, and relaxing moments with your toes in the sand. You may also consider exploring other islands in French Polynesia for a less-traveled tropical experience.
8. Japan
If you and your partner are heading to Japan, consider making it your engagement trip. Head to the calm temples of Kyoto, time your vacation to see the blooming cherry blossoms, book a private stay at a ryokan, or embrace the immersive lights of Tokyo. Be sure to do research to find your ideal spot to get down on one knee and hire someone (or ask a sneaky hotel staff member) to capture the moment.
9. San Francisco, California
Whether you’re a local or making a visit, San Francisco has a number of picturesque spots to pop the question. Take a hike through the Presidio or Lands End Trail for a proposal in the natural beauty of Northern California, head to Baker Beach for Golden Gate Bridge views, or stroll through Golden Gate Park and get down on a knee at the Conservatory of Flowers. If you plan to return to the city for your wedding celebration, we recommend tying the knot at City Hall, a favorite spot for post-nuptial portrait sessions.
10. Thailand
Book a trip of a lifetime and make your way to Thailand for your engagement. Head to the islands of Koh Samui, Krabi, or Phuket for a tropical proposal, go to the rice fields of Chiang Mai to exchange rings in a serene, natural landscape, or get down on one knee on the rooftops of Bangkok for a metropolitan start of your fiancé era.
11. New York City, New York
Visitors and New York City natives alike will find a number of exciting locations to propose to your partner. Get down on one knee in front of your favorite piece at The Met, take a stroll through Central Park, get a scenic view from Summit One Vanderbilt or The Empire State Building, or have a special moment at your favorite corner of the city. End your day with a visit to a romantic restaurant to toast to your new engagement or throw an engagement party with your nearest and dearest.
12. Mexico
Mexico is a country filled with beautiful sights, natural wonders, and vibrant culture so it comes at no surprise that it’s a wonderful spot for a proposal. Head to either coast for a beach proposal in destinations like Cabo, Tulum, or Punta Mita. Mexico City can be a great destination if you want to propose
13. Moab, Utah
Do you and your partner love adventuring through the great outdoors? A trip to the stunning backdrop of the red rocks of Moab, Utah could be the perfect opportunity to stage your proposal. While you might be comfortable roughing it, finish off your trip with celebratory stay at Under Canvas, a glamping resort near the famous arches.
14. Croatia
The walled, coastal city of Dubrovnik—famously known as the setting for Game of Thrones—is just one of the incredible destinations in Croatia where you can pop the question. Saddled alongside the Mediterranean, the country is filled with gorgeous beaches, vineyards, and hotels where you can craft a romantic moment.
15. Cliffs of Moher, Ireland
The Cliffs of Moher on the western coast of Ireland is a popular tourist destination for a reason. The jaw-dropping peaks are the ideal spot for a scenic moment. Of course, many other visitors might have a similar idea. Consider going early morning or close to sunset to avoid crowds, or wander to some lesser traveled pathways to keep your proposal intimate.
Proposal Destination FAQ
How should you decide on your proposal destination? Consider what is special to you and your partner. Has there always been a trip you both have dreamed of? Is there a location you can t help but visit again and again? Finding a destination with meaning can make your engagement even more special.
If you have the opportunity to scout out your proposal spot—even the day or morning before—it s not a bad idea. Being able to perfectly plan where you want to propose can help you get in the right headspace for the big moment. If you can t see it before, try to get insights from a local who understands the location.
If you re on the move, try to ask your hotel concierge or Google ideal spots for a proposal where you are traveling. Hiring a nearby photographer can also be a great call to document the moment. If you need to make any calls to lock down plans, try to be secretive and out of earshot of your partner. Also make sure you properly hide the engagement ring in a safe spot in your luggage.
