Whether it’s straight out of a rom-com, with fireworks, happy tears and a romantic soundtrack; in your living room over a delivery pizza; or with a flash mob in Grand Central Station (very bold move), proposing to your partner shows just how excited you are about spending the rest of your life with them.
But choosing a location to propose can be somewhat stressful. Do you go for a place that’s special to you, a low-key spot like your usual bench in the park, or do you add a splash of grandeur and opt for a historic site or a breathtaking spot in nature? You’ll also need to factor in time of day, weather conditions, and even opening times in some cases. Yes, it’s a lot to think about!
Every proposal is meaningful, so we’ve gathered the best locations in the world to help make yours truly legendary.
The Destination: Proposal Index
The Destination: Proposal Index is a ranked list of the 30 top places to propose in the US and elsewhere in the world. Forget hours of location scouting – this index is the ideal starting point for anyone looking for an exciting engagement location.
Sneak peek: our top five
So, where are the best places in the world to propose? See our top five for starters…
1. Garden of the Phoenix – Illinois
Total score: 81/100
Top ranking metrics
Cost of entry: Free
Surprise factor: A hidden gem that attracts both tourists and locals
Noise level: Minimal, thanks to its thoughtful landscaping
Instagram-ability: Visual features include an arched wooden bridge, koi pond, and cherry blossoms in spring
Escape the bustle of Chicago and head to Garden of the Phoenix, nestled in the grounds of leafy Jackson Park. This Japanese-inspired oasis dates back to 1893 and is abundant with serene spots ideal for asking the big question (we’d pick a spot next to the tranquil koi pond, FYI). Post-proposal, take a romantic stroll down the winding pathways, lined with cherry trees, that will be in bloom from late April to early May.
2. Kauna’oa Beach – Hawaii
Total score: 81/100
Top ranking metrics
Cost of entry: Free; $21 parking fee for non-Hawaiian residents
Safety: Considered safe, well-patrolled and clean
Noise level: Generally quiet with minimal noise from other beachgoers
Instagram-ability: Frequently listed as one of the most picture-perfect spots in Hawaii
Located on the northwest coast of Hawaii’s Big Island, Kauna’oa Beach (also known as Mauna Kea Beach) has all the elements required for an idyllic beachside proposal: white sand, sparkling turquoise water and a backdrop of swaying green palm trees. Once you’ve proposed, don your snorkeling gear to swim alongside schools of neon-colored tropical fish, snapper and sea urchins. As the day winds down, stay for the romance of sunset, with its spectacular swirling pink, orange and purple hues over the ocean.
3. Vizcaya Museum & Gardens – Florida
Total score: 77/100
Top ranking metrics
Cost of entry: $25
Amenities: On-site restrooms, café and gift shop
Cultural and spiritual impact: A historic landmark that preserves history and highlights cultural diversity
Surprise factor: A stunning and less obvious location for a proposal, which will catch your partner off guard in the best way!
The former villa and estate of industrialist James Deering, Vizcaya Museum & Gardens in Miami makes for a brilliant proposal destination thanks to its romantic, Mediterranean-inspired architecture and verdant, meticulously designed gardens that are like something from a fairy tale. Inside, you’ll find ornate interiors, while outside, there are waterfront views and secluded paths, all of which provide a stunning setting for the big moment. Extra tip: take the online virtual tour before visiting to decide on your perfect spot ahead of time.
4. Many Glacier Hotel – Glacier National Park, Montana
Total score: 75/100
Top ranking metrics
Instagram-ability: Stunning lake and mountain views along with colorful wildflowers
Noise level: Only the soundtrack of nature
Cultural and spiritual impact: A historic landmark built by the Great Northern Railway, located on ancestral Native American lands
Surprise factor: Great for a unexpected vacation after the ‘big moment’
Completed in 1915 by the Great Northern Railway, this Swiss chalet-style hotel sits on the eastern shore of Swiftcurrent Lake in Montana’s Glacier National Park. It’s surrounded by breath-taking natural beauty, and whether you propose on a scenic boat trip, a sunset hike or an off-road bicycle ride, this setting guarantees a “yes” and some unforgettable engagement photos!
5. White Sands National Park, New Mexico
Total score: 73/100
Top ranking metrics
Cost of entry: $25 per vehicle
Cultural and spiritual impact: Rich in Native American heritage, the gypsum dunefield in the park has inspired many works of art
Surprise factor: A must-visit destination in its own right, so your partner is unlikely to suspect anything
Accessibility: Once inside the park, the 8-mile Dunes Drive, which is very easy to navigate, takes you straight to the gypsum dunefield
Home to the world’s largest expanse of gypsum dunes, White Sands National Park is quite otherworldly. The over 275 square miles of soft, shimmering white sand offer unique experiences like dune sledding and stargazing, best shared with the love of your life. The glow of the dunes at sunset or under a full moon is the ultimate romantic – and cinematic – backdrop to a truly unforgettable marriage proposal.
Explore the rest of the list…
So how did we choose the top spots?
We selected 30 destinations (see our methodology below for the selection process), and then each one was rated on a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 being poor and 10 being best in class for 10 key metrics. We rated the destinations according to the following:
Accessibility
How easy is it to get to the destination by car or public transport, and is it accessible for individuals with mobility or other accessibility needs?
Cost of entry
What’s the admission price for the destination? One point was deducted if visiting the venue requires additional travel (e.g. private travel) or accommodation.
Instagram-ability
How popular is the location on Instagram, and how many times have people posted stories, reels or images of it?
Surprise factor
Based on Instagram and local news, how often are proposals reported at this location – would it be an obvious choice? We also considered how well a location allows you to keep your proposal plans a surprise. For example, popular tourist spots may rank higher than more secluded places, as it’s easier to create an excuse for visiting them.
Exclusivity
How many people visit the location each year? Higher footfall generally indicates greater popularity and public interest, meaning the location is less exclusive.
Cultural and spiritual impact
Does the location have historic, spiritual or cultural associations?
Amenities
How well-equipped is the venue or location in terms of facilities such as restrooms, seating, restaurants and cafés, and how accessible are these?
Safety
How much official information is available about the location’s safety? Factors include heights, surface and path maintenance, weather conditions, wildlife considerations and crime rates.
Weather stability
What’s the overall climate of the location, and how quickly can weather conditions change within a 24-hour period?
Noise level
How quiet or noisy is a location based on its proximity to urban areas, and natural or built features that affect sound? Visitor feedback on the overall noise experience was also considered.
Methodology
All destinations were selected based on TripAdvisor popularity, number of visitor reviews, related Instagram post frequency and/or features within travel or marriage proposal guides.
All rankings were made based on comparisons between these 30 destinations to showcase a variety of highly sought-after and memorable proposal spots.
Lower rankings do not mean that a particular venue is objectively ‘poor.’
Now about that engagement ring…
Proposal destination: tick. Next up, the engagement ring. And if there’s one tip we can give you on this topic, it’s that a natural diamond one is your best choice.
Natural diamond engagement rings are unrivalled in how they represent everlasting love, commitment and individuality. Formed over billions of years deep within the Earth, every natural diamond is completely unique, symbolizing the one-of-a-kind bond between two people.
And as the hardest naturally occurring substance on our planet, natural diamonds are also a fitting metaphor for a strong, enduring relationship. They’re tough, resilient, and made to last – just like true love, right?
