Sometimes to make a moment yours and something special you need to pick the best destinations to propose, especially if you and your loved one are all about exploring the world.
There is no moment more special than one’s proposal day. Many people think about this day for hours, weeks, months, even years in advance to achieve that WOW factor for their significant other. If you or someone you know is close to proposing, read further for the top proposal destinations around the world, the ones that are sure to lead to an “I do” down the line.
While I was never one of those girls who dreamed of her wedding day from a young age, I also never expected to find my soulmate. That was until I met my boyfriend, Cody. While we’ve only been together for a little under a year, I know for a fact that he’s the one I want to spend the rest of my life with. He’s brought so much clarity and hope into my life that I had never imagined could be possible.
Cody knows that I’m a sucker for surprises, so his task of proposing to me is definitely a daunting one, especially since I can smell a surprise from a mile away (sorry, babe!). Needless to say, it’s something a lot of couples think about. How do I want to ask them? Do I want to do it in private? Should it be extravagant? If a wedding is on the horizon for you, as it is for me, then take a look at the best proposal locations we’ve curated for you.
1. Paris, France
Alright, no one is really surprised that this one is on here. I mean, its nickname is “The City of Love.”
Don’t worry though. We have some hidden gems you can look into if you don’t want to wait your turn to propose in front of the Eiffel Tower.
If you’re an avid reader of the blog, you know that we’ve talked about the Parc des Buttes-Chaumont before. The perfect destination for a romantic picnic, you can see waterfalls on a beautiful afternoon or walk over the suspension bridge.
Every inch of this park is a perfect spot to propose because wherever you go you will see something breathtaking (or something to distract your loved one enough while you pull that engagement ring box out of your pocket!).
If you and your loved one are people who can’t get enough of horror thrills, then maybe you’ll want to propose in the Catacombs! Now, you might be thinking this is far-fetched, but people have done it before! People have even closed down the Catacombs or requested private tours in order to do so.
What’s more romantic than being surrounded by over 6 million tombs? Being close to the undead might be enough to get that adrenaline going, enough to make you ask the big question. Even if you don’t go through with it, you can propose after you’re above ground again. It can be a fun story to tell people!
The rooftop of La Bellevilloise is opening soon. You could be the first to propose there. Le Toit, The Roof, has a magnificent view of Paris and access to alcohol if liquid courage is your go-to for anything stress-inducing.
Keep tabs on La Bellevilloise’s website here to see when it opens. Even if it isn’t open when you visit, the club downstairs and frequent cabarets from well-known faces, jazz bands, and other musical ensembles are enough to create a romantic atmosphere.
2. Santorini, Greece
If you’re like me, then you love warmth and the beach so the best destinations to propose have to include sand and waves in my opinion. Greece is your best bet to get both of these things amidst an amorous backdrop. Santorini is a hotspot for influencers. So if I were to go, I’d want to avoid all that.
Here are some places that are still tucked away from all those selfie sticks and duck lips.
If you and your significant other are wine aficionados, or were inspired by an article we did on wine in France (thanks, Tom!), then the Artemis Karamolegos Winery is the spot for you to propose.
The third largest winery in Santorini, this place has wine-tastings that show you the winemaking traditions of Santorini. They also offer a cooking class (romantic cooking montage, anyone?) and an opportunity to eat at their Mediterranean/ Greek restaurant, Aroma Avlis. They take reservations, so definitely be sure to book a spot before you arrive in Greece!
Unless you’re afraid of heights, the Akrotiri Lighthouse is the perfect place for a proposal.
Firstly, it’s insanely cheap to get a ticket to the surrounding archaeological ruins. It’s roughly €12 ($13 USD) a piece.
Secondly, the view of the sunset and Aegean Sea is absolutely breathtaking. It’s the best place for people who love the outdoors and natural beauty. We recommend you go in the spring (April to June) or fall (September to October). It’s still warm at that time, but you avoid all the pesky summer crowds.
Also, parking is difficult and limited close to the Lighthouse, so park at the main lot and walk from there.
Some of us (definitely not me or anything) dream of being royalty. Well, with this stop you can channel your inner prince or princess! The Emporio Castle is in the Emporio village, the largest of Santorini.
While the outside alone is beyond beautiful, the inside hides a treasure trove of labyrinths, archways, and small windows. “Every turn’s a surprise” is something a prince could say about this gorgeous fortress. The history and architecture offer something for everyone to enjoy and is a terrific place to propose to the royalty in your life.
3. Udaipur, India
A country of color, culture, and culinary expertise, India has everything one needs in an all-encompassing vacation, especially one that’s a guise for a marriage proposal.
You have your pick in Udaipur of museums and art galleries. If any of this sounds enticing, take a look at the “Venice of the East” with me!
Maybe spirituality is what links you and the person you plan to spend your life with. If that’s the case, you have to go to the Ubeshwar Mahadev Temple. There is a plethora of Mewari culture to behold here, from ponds and hiking trails to pavilions and temple bells.
You can set up a romantic picnic at the Ubeshwar Ji where the bells can be heard—it can’t get anymore picturesque than that—or take a break on the 45 minute hike up to the temple to “tie your shoe.”
Travel tip: when driving to the location, be sure to have a full tank of gas as there is no gas station anywhere nearby. Also, be sure to respect the culture of the area. Do not litter, eat picnic food, enter in what is considered inappropriate clothing, nor talk loudly within the temple itself. It’s a place of worship, and it is your responsibility as a visitor to maintain its peace.
The Craft Village in Shilpgram is a beautiful place far from the resorts that encompasses the arts and crafts of Udaipurian culture. It gives tourists a sense of what life is like for people in the area.
You can purchase various handicrafts during the Shilpgram Mela (The Shilpgram Fair), which supports the cottage industry of Rajasthan. There you can see Rajasthani huts and a gorgeous view of the Aravli Mountains, which would be the ideal backdrop for a marriage proposal photo!
Located a scenic 27-mile drive from Udaipur City, Pipliya Ji is a village nestled in a beautiful valley. The drive to the village is nothing short of breathtaking. The winding, narrow trail up to its peak slides through mountains, clouds, and luscious greenery.
The journey paints an idyllic picture in preparation for your proposal in front of the gorgeous sunset view from the top of the mountain.
4. Queenstown, New Zealand
Those who are super nerdy (like me) immediately think of an incredible book and movie franchise when New Zealand is mentioned. I personally wouldn’t say no to a proposal in front of a hobbit’s home; but for those who aren’t really into all that, we’ve got some other spectacular options for you.
The first New Zealand stop isn’t actually in Queenstown but nearby in Glenorchy. The Glenorchy Animal Experience is the spot to be if you or your soulmate love animals. It’s a family farm with tons of different animals ranging from horses to llamas. We recommend you go in the spring to see the newborn baby lambs. Tickets cost $25 NZD (roughly $15 USD) and bags of food are $5 NZD ($3 USD) each.
They’re closed during the New Zealand winter, which is from May to October, and on Mondays and Tuesdays. You can visit them Wednesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. You can get that perfect silhouette of your loved one saying yes to your proposal overlooking Lake Wakatipu or in front of the Southern Alps.
Most tourists flock to St. Omer Park for a chance to picnic while looking out over Lake Wakatipu. However, the locals know that the best place to go to avoid all the crowds is the Fernhill Reserve. They even have barbecues available to cook up some yummy picnic food.
This would be an ideal proposal location for those who have a group that will be in attendance. It’s free access to a beautiful view without the pesky people standing in your personal space, and you can bring food and drinks to enjoy!
Now this one might be a bit expensive for some; so if a flight to New Zealand was already too much, just ignore this one. However, if you’re going for extravagance and surprise after surprise, then a stay at the Kāmana Lakehouse is the one-way trip to Marriage Land.
The rooms range from about $241 NZD ($147 USD) for a king to over $733 NZD ($447 USD) for the Lakeview Luxe suite per night. Either way, every room has a beautiful view of the New Zealand landscape.
But that’s not all! They have three individual soaking hot tubs with a view of the Remarkables Mountain range and Fernhill. Just imagine it. Sipping on some champagne perhaps while relaxing in a bubbly hot tub with the one you love. They’ll be looking for all the excursions you’ve brought them on along the way while you’re looking for the perfect moment to ask them to spend the rest of their life with you. Isn’t it romantic?
5. Amalfi Coast, Italy
Having been to Italy myself (I went to Umbria for a playwright retreat, which was phenomenal! I wrote about it, so check here for part 1 if you missed it.), I am partial to the beauties Italy has to offer.
It’s an added bonus that my fiancé-to-be is obsessed with Rome (literally obsessed). Everyone’s talking about Rome, Venice, Florence, Milan, Naples. But what about Amalfi? It’s the perfect place to walk in a dream when you know you’re not dreaming!
Maybe the sound of your lover’s voice is the sweetest sound you’ve ever heard. Imagine if you could hear it echoing off the natural caves in Conca dei Marini.
The Emerald Grotto is a sight unlike any other. Picture it: Glowing water. Sunlight creating an emerald hue. Stalactites and stalagmites galore. And you bending on one knee with that engagement ring sitting in its cushioned box. I’m getting teary-eyed just thinking about it. You can reach the grotto from a boat ride or walking down a stairway from the main road.
This stop is for all you foodies out there. You can’t leave Amalfi Coast without visiting Pasticceria Trieste in Maiori whether you’re proposing to someone or not! You will die and be reborn once you have a taste of their world-renowned Sospiri, or “Sighs.”
These delightful and light pastries are one of the oldest traditions of the pastry shop. Imagine biting into these decadent, limoncello desserts and turning around to find the one you love holding out an engagement ring to you.
The thought of it alone makes me “sigh.”
August is the peak time for Amalfi Coast, so try to book your trip somewhere out of that summery range. This final option for your perfect marriage proposal destination is hiking in the Valle delle Ferriere. I know, I know. More exercise, Jaden? But trust me. It’s totally worth it.
The hiking trail has bridges to cross as you walk along a stream that runs through the valley. Once you’ve passed the ruins of an old paper mill, you’re one step closer to the final destination: a gorgeous waterfall! People don’t usually take this trail, so it’s very likely that you’ll have the magical moment all to yourselves! And what better way to conclude a marriage proposal than to seal your love with a kiss to the sound of water cascading down the rocks.
Ready to Blow Your Partner’s Mind Away at One of the Best Destinations to Propose?
There you have it, a handful of the best destinations to propose, so you can get a little inspiration when thinking about popping the question.
The most important thing to take away from all this is that it really doesn’t matter where you decide to propose to your significant other. Maybe funds are tight and these places are out of your budget. But with a little bit of effort and some saving, you can make any of these destinations your own and create a special, once-in-a-lifetime moment for the person you love the most.
ALLMYNE makes it even easier to make all of your romantic dreams come true. Let me know which spot was your favorite? How did you propose to your loved one? I can’t wait to read all of your special moments in the comments below. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for more travel content on the ALLMYNE blog, and you’ll be hearing from me again soon!
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