95 Unforgettable Marriage Proposal Ideas That'll Leave Your Partner Speechless

You've got the engagement ring, prepared your proposal speech and now you're ready to plan the perfect proposal. We know how nerve-wracking planning a wedding proposal can be. If all those jitters are making it hard to decide on how to propose, we've got your back. Try putting your own spin on one of these creative and romantic proposal ideas. Whether you want to pop the question in a cute but simple way or you're ready to organize a super unique marriage proposal, we've got lots of romantic ways to propose along with the best places to get a definitive "Yes!" in response.

Whatever the case, remember that the best proposal ideas are those that truly capture your love story and relationship. When you ask your partner to marry you, you'll want to create a memorable proposal story—one that you'll share with loved ones and reflect back on for the rest of your life. Really want to go the extra mile? A growing marriage proposal trend is to document it on film to share on social media and have as a keepsake. Consider investing in a professional photographer to capture the big moment. You can even follow it up with an engagement photoshoot.

FEATURED VIDEO FROM THE KNOT

Marriage proposal ideas:

• The Best Marriage Proposal Ideas
• Romantic Marriage Proposal Ideas
• Cute Marriage Proposal Ideas
• Creative Marriage Proposal Ideas
• Unique Marriage Proposal Ideas
• Public Marriage Proposal Ideas
• Intimate Marriage Proposal Ideas

The Best Marriage Proposal Ideas

Photo: Marta in Venice for Flytographer

1. Marquee Letters

Scale up your message and create a proposal scene with "Marry Me" spelled out in large marquee letters. This works well day or night, in outdoor spaces like a park or a rooftop patio, and in indoor spaces like a private dining room or loft space. You can decorate it further with candles, balloons, flowers and strings of lights.

2. Gourmet Dinner at Home

One of the best proposal ideas is to wow them with a thoughtful culinary experience. Cook a five-star-worthy meal of all your partner's favorite foods, or hire a personal chef for the night. Propose over dessert.

3. Beach Proposal

Searching for beach proposal ideas? Go for a stroll at sunrise or sunset for a romantic but simple proposal idea. Lead them to a picnic blanket or beach umbrella and say something thoughtful before asking them to marry you.

4. Sweet Message

This proposal idea is best for foodies or those with a sweet tooth. Make a reservation at your favorite restaurant (or the trendy new place you've been dying to check out). Ask the pastry chef to write, "Will you marry me?" in chocolate sauce around the rim of a dessert plate.

5. Secret Photoshoot Proposal

Your proposal moment will be one-of-a-kind, so why not capture it on camera? Enlist the help of a professional engagement photographer to take pictures under the radar. If your partner doesn't already know them, the photographer will easily be able to stay incognito until the big reveal.

6. Date Night Fakeout

If you have a regular date night planned, act as though it's business as usual—try to avoid dropping any hints that will spoil the surprise. Instead of heading to your date as planned, take them to an unexpected location where you can pop the question. End the night with celebratory drinks or a surprise party.

7. Winery Tour

Need a good proposal idea for an oenophile? Plan a day of winery hopping and stroll among the vines for a romantic proposal location. Or, arrange a private tasting ahead of time and ask the winery to pour from a special bottle featuring a custom label and your proposal message.

8. Christmas Proposal

If you celebrate Christmas, this is a great holiday for a wedding proposal. Write your proposal message on a glass bulb ornament or slip the engagement ring box into your partner's stocking and wait for them to find it on Christmas morning.

9. Road Trip

Plan a scenic summer drive with a special destination for your proposal. On your way, put on a playlist with songs from your relationship journey and plan some stops to enjoy their favorite activities—antiquing, hiking, food trucks, country fairs, etc.—so that they're relaxed and happy when you pop the question.

10. Paper Rings

Perfect for a hopeless romantic, this Taylor Swift-inspired proposal idea will leave them breathless. While you're enjoying a quiet moment together, tell them you'd marry them with paper rings—even go so far as to make your own paper baubles and slip one onto their finger. Then, when they're least expecting it, surprise them by pulling out the real thing.

Romantic Marriage Proposal Ideas

Photo: Whitney in Portland for Flytographer

11. Recreate Your First Date

Why not propose marriage by taking them back to where it all started? If you want a sentimental proposal idea, recreate your first date. Reflect on how far your relationship has come since that fateful encounter as you prepare to embark on the next chapter of your love story.

12. Custom Wine Label

Print a custom label with your engagement proposal written on it. Stick it on a fancy bottle of vino to toast with after they accept.

13. Photo Montage

Fill a favorite room or outdoor location with a photo montage of memories from your relationship. Hang them from trees or balloons, or cover the walls with them for a jaw-dropping surprise.

14. Storybook Ending

If you're proposing to a bookworm—especially one who loves romance novels—this marriage proposal idea will make them feel like the main character of a swoony story. Get a copy of their favorite book and highlight the most romantic quotes. Ask them to flip through, and once they get to the right page, pop the question.

15. Valentine's Day Proposal

On the days leading up to February 14, plant Valentine's Day cards (like the ones you used to give out to classmates in third grade) with sweet messages written inside around the house. Then on Valentine's Day, present them with a box of chocolates containing, you guessed it, the ring.

16. String of Messages

Tie a red velvet ribbon from one spot to another. Attach little notes recalling perfect moments in your relationship along the way. Wait for your partner at the end of the ribbon with the ring in hand.

17. Helicopter Ride

Make the moment even more memorable by proposing 10,000 feet in the air during your very own private helicopter ride. Be sure to bring along a bottle of bubbly so you can toast to your new engagement.

18. Love Boat

Whether you're kayaking, cruising down a Venetian canal or sailing off into the Caribbean sunset, proposing on a boat is one way to wow them. This engagement idea guarantees you'll have amazing scenery and unforgettable memories.

19. Stargazing

How's this for a dreamy outdoor proposal idea? Pick a spot for some summer stargazing (it's even more perfect if there's a meteor shower or lunar eclipse expected) and propose under the night sky.

20. Airplane Announcement

Plan a romantic destination getaway for two. When you're on the plane, use the loudspeaker system (of course, run your plan by the flight attendants first) and propose at 35,000 feet.

21. Fairytale Disney Proposal

If your partner is a Disney fan, treat them to a fairytale-worthy wedding proposal at their favorite park or during a character meet-and-greet.

22. Cake Display

Ask a baker to make a custom cake with the proposal written in frosting. Have the cake displayed in the storefront and take your partner window-shopping. Bring the cake home to share and celebrate afterward.

23. New Year's Eve Proposal

On New Year's Eve, sneak away to a romantic spot just before midnight and propose for the perfect start to the new year. Then celebrate with a kiss and plenty of champagne.

24. Fireworks Display

Propose during your local fireworks show on the Fourth of July. Work with a professional to set up a private message in sparklers that spells out "Marry me?".

Cute Marriage Proposal Ideas

Photo: Shevy Booze

25. Just Desserts

Make the box holding the ring as a selection on the dessert tray at your favorite restaurant.

26. Sidewalk Chalk

Throw it back to your childhood with a proposal written in sidewalk chalk on your street or driveway for a sweet and simple proposal idea.

27. Spring Flowers

Propose in a flower or botanical garden when everything is beautifully in bloom. If it's a rainy day, don't let that discourage you. A stroll in the rain can be oh-so-romantic.

28. Go on a Hike

Another tried and true outdoor proposal idea: Go on a hike and pop the question once you've reached the summit of your climb. (But please be careful not to lose or damage the precious proposal piece in the wilderness.)

29. Ferris Wheel

If they love amusement parks and county fairs, plan a day that includes a ride on a Ferris wheel where you can pop the question while you whirl around. This proposal idea is steeped in nostalgia and will make them undeniably giddy.

30. Make a TikTok

Take a TikTok challenge or plan a fun video to post. While you're filming, pivot the plan to your surprise proposal that you capture on film. Post it to TikTok to announce your big news and get lots of likes ;) Be sure to follow The Knot on TikTok and tag us!

31. Tour Guide

Plan an excursion that includes a wow-worthy spot for your proposal (with the help of a tour guide if needed). This could be a picnic on a private beach, a hike with a spectacular view or an activity that gets the locals in on the action such as an artisan including your "Will you marry me?" message on a souvenir.

32. Romantic Proposal at Your Hotel

While you're out sightseeing or for dinner, have the hotel staff stage your hotel room with rose petals (you could even spell out marry me on the bed), candles and champagne—everything for a perfect surprise proposal.

33. Photo Booth Fun

Take your partner inside a vintage photo booth to pose for portraits. While they're preoccupied with getting set up for the shot, pull the ring out of your pocket. The camera will capture their authentic reaction in real time, resulting in a priceless memento from this once-in-a-lifetime moment.

34. Special Treat

Put the ring inside of a Kinder Egg or a Cracker Jack box instead of the usual toy or trinket.

35. Berry Picking

Suggest a berry-picking excursion to make some fresh summer pies. Once you're out there, tell your partner you've found the most perfect berry they have to see. Instead of ripe fruit, they'll find you and the ring. (This also works in the fall with apple or pumpkin picking.)

36. View From Afar

Plan your proposal in a park with loved ones at a safe distance away. Once you've proposed, have everyone show up for an impromptu celebration of the big moment.

37. Under the Sea

Life is the bubbles under the sea! If your S.O. has a soft spot for sea life, bring them to the aquarium to propose. While they're busy ooh-ing and ahh-ing at the sharks or the seahorses, they'll have no idea that you're prepping to get down on one knee.

38. Halloween Trick or Treat

Take inspiration from this classic childhood activity and trick your partner into thinking you're headed to a Halloween party, matching costumes and all. Instead, you'll be taking them to their very own proposal. You can even arrange for a group of friends to be waiting for you as a celebration.

39. Get a Pet

Surprise your partner with a pet you've always wanted to get together (like a puppy, a kitten or a bunny) and tie the ring around its collar. You can also substitute a stuffed animal—still cute, but less maintenance.

40. Love on the Lake

If your partner believes life is better at the lake, there's no better place to ask for their hand in marriage. As the sun sets, take them out to the dock for a romantic proposal they won't ever forget.

Creative Marriage Proposal Ideas

Photo: My Proposal Co.

41. Custom Jigsaw Puzzle

Have a custom jigsaw puzzle made with your picture and the words "Marry me?" On a rainy day, suggest this activity. (Hint: This idea works well at home, a country inn, a board game cafe or a local pub—stash it among the other puzzles.) When you've finished enough that you can clearly see the photo and read the words, it's time for the marriage proposal.

42. Make a Mural

Create makeshift letters that spell your proposal using anything from colored duct tape (against a wall or a piece of poster board) to scrapbooking materials. Surprise your partner with your creation at work, home or the park. Not crafty? Hire a graffiti artist to write out an artistic marriage proposal in huge letters. While you're at it, book a proposal photographer to snap you two in front of the masterpiece.

43. Message in a Bottle

Here's another cute beach proposal idea. On the night before a seaside day you've planned, write a love poem on a piece of parchment paper, roll it into an antique bottle with a cork and bury it in a well-marked spot in the sand near your towels. Be ready with the ring once they find the bottle.

44. Scavenger Hunt

Send your unsuspecting fiancé(e)-to-be on a treasure hunt that ends with your marriage proposal. Start with a clue at home (a handwritten note or text message) that leads to a tour of your favorite spots all over town.

45. Leap of Faith

Dive into your engagement head-first by planning a skydiving adventure and proposing right before it's time to jump out of the plane. Alternatively, you can do the jump and propose as soon as you regroup with your partner on the ground.

46. Text a Slideshow

No, not just any old text. Have a friend take fun photos of you with posters that say, "will," "you," "marry" and "me?" Then make plans to meet up in a special spot and before they arrive, text the photos in order. When the last message goes through, show up and get down on one knee.

47. Flytographer

Hire a Flytographer to capture your proposal, but tell your partner you've won a romantic couple's photoshoot. Get dressed up then propose mid-shoot. Follow it up with a romantic engagement session.

48. Pool Float

This creative proposal idea is best for couples with a pool in their backyard. Surprise them by getting an engagement ring-shaped pool floatie. Blow it up, toss it in the water, and wait for them to come outside. Once they have a moment to comprehend what's happening, pull out the ring from your pocket. They'll be obsessed with both of their new accessories.

49. Movie Scene Reenactment

Reenact the scene of their favorite romantic movie. If it's Pretty Woman, for example, go for the ending: Rent a white limo and climb through the sunroof with flowers in hand to proclaim your love as you arrive at their place. We also love the idea of driving up in a vintage car with a boombox held over your head à la Say Anything.

50. Music Festival or Concert

If you and your partner love live music, plan a proposal during the performance of a special song by your favorite artist. Bonus points if you can get a shout-out from the artist during the show.

51. Group Message

Looking for a proposal idea that'll involve your people? Try this one. Gather a bunch of your friends and family for a party and have everyone put on a T-shirt, hold a sign or carry balloons filled with helium (otherwise they won't float) bearing one of the letters or words in the phrase, "Will you marry me?" During the party, suggest a group picture to reveal the message.

52. Espresso Yourself

Coffee is a love language, and if it's one you and your partner share, this creative proposal idea is one of the best. There are so many ways to incorporate coffee into your engagement, but we love the idea of taking them to your favorite java joint and getting down on one knee after you've got your brews. If you two are frequent customers, you can even ask a barista to write the proposal message on the side of their cup.

53. Pumpkin Carving

Throw a jack-o'-lantern carving contest for friends and family where everyone reveals their designs. Wait until the end to take your turn and unveil your pumpkin carved with your proposal.

54. Ski Lift

If you love to ski, here's a unique proposal idea. Plan a ski trip with friends and have them lay in the snow to spell out "Marry Me?" with their bodies under the ski lift. Your partner will be amazed once they get a bird's eye view as you ride overhead. When you get to the top of the mountain, drop down on one knee.

55. Hanukkah Hints

Build up anticipation for the last day of Hanukkah by dropping eight hints that you're about to propose.

56. Maple Sugar Shack

As the snow melts, the sap begins to flow and the maple syrup festivals startup, head into the woods for your sweet surprise. Spell out "Will you marry me?" with maple syrup taffy drizzled over the snow.

57. Easter Egg Hunt

Hide Easter eggs (somewhere they won't get lost or taken by kids) with notes that explain why you love your partner. Then, present them with a golden egg that has your engagement ring inside.

Unique Marriage Proposal Ideas

Photo: Regeti's Photography

58. Playlist Proposal

Music lovers will adore this unique proposal idea. Create a new playlist for them with songs about love, engagements and/or marriage. Send it to them, ask them to listen, and watch their face as they realize what's happening.

59. Cast a Spell

For a Harry Potter fan, slip the engagement ring into a snitch-themed ring box. Or pick up a copy of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince and instruct your partner to turn to chapter 15 ("The Unbreakable Vow"), where you can hide a handwritten note with your proposal message.

60. Hot Air Balloon

Take your relationship to new heights with this lavish proposal idea. Book a gentle and peaceful hot air balloon ride for breathtaking views and a magical proposal experience.

61. Ice Hotel

Book a getaway at an ice hotel for a unique experience. Etch your proposal message into a block of ice, cozy up by a fire or whisk them away on a sleigh ride for the big moment.

62. Adrenaline Rush

Double down on the excitement of the moment and plan a roller coaster ride, ziplining excursion, whitewater rafting or bungee jump. When your partner's heart is racing, it's time to pop the question.

63. Scoot Around

Rent a Vespa, scooter or bikes to tour a new city and invite your soon-to-be fiancé(e) for a ride, but remind them to be safe and wear a helmet. Hand over the helmet (with the ring box already in it), then zip around town to celebrate.

64. Livestream

Set up a livestream channel and invite all your friends and family to watch the proposal in real-time from wherever you choose to pop the question.

65. Video Game Placement

If you and your partner love playing video games together, figure out if there's a way to integrate your "will you marry me" message into the gameplay.

66. Celebrity Appearance

Platforms like Cameo make it easier than ever to request a custom video message from a celebrity or public figure that your partner admires. When requesting the video, mention in the notes that the message is part of a proposal. Once you've shared the video with your partner, you can pop the question. Hint: If you can't make it happen, get tickets to the artist's next concert, movie or show instead and plan your proposal around that.

67. Casting Call

This engagement idea works best if you've got friends or connections who work in the film or media industry. Tell your partner that you've been selected for a couple's "casting call" at a studio, then propose in front of the cameras.

68. Ring Size Disguise

Looking for funny proposal ideas? Pull off a tiny fake-out by asking for your partner's ring size in obvious ways (bringing home a ring chart is one). When they accuse you of ruining the surprise that you're shopping for a ring, say, "Okay, try this one instead."

69. Escape Room

Need a good proposal idea for an adrenaline junkie? Get in touch with a local escape room and see if they'll work with you to integrate your wedding proposal into the experience.

70. Birthday Party

On your partner's birthday, plan a "surprise party" then pretend to ruin the surprise by having them get there early. The real shock will be when you propose and all your friends and family show up afterward to celebrate. Or, if you really want to throw them for a loop, do it on your birthday (if you're okay with sharing the spotlight, that is).

71. Fly a Kite

Write, "Will you marry me?" on the underside of a kite and take flight on a breezy autumn afternoon.

72. Snowfall

After a fresh snowfall, trample your proposal message into a patch of fresh snow below a window or build a scene of a snowman proposing. Tell your soon-to-be-fiancé(e) to look outside and when they see it, get down on one knee.

Public Marriage Proposal Ideas

Photo: Orsi in Lisbon for Flytographer

73. Daily Special

Go to a restaurant and ask for the "specials" menu. The waiter will come back with a sheet of paper you've planted that reads your marriage proposal message.

74. Choose a Favorite Landmark

Choose a favorite place—whether it's a fountain, a hotel rooftop, a monument or a national park—that has personal significance to the two of you. Once you're there, ask someone nearby to take a picture of you together. Instead of posing, drop down on one knee. With this cute proposal idea, you'll get some unforgettable candid photos of your proposal, too!

75. Organize a Musical Performance

Have a choir, brass band or drum line show up for a surprise performance of your partner's favorite love song in a park or public location for your proposal. For a really personal touch, ask the performers if they can incorporate your love's name into the lyrics.

76. Flash Mob Proposal

Prefer dance? Hire a choreographer to help put together a flash mob dance routine to perform in a public location. Stop to watch it with your partner and after a couple of minutes, join in on the performance to strut your stuff before dropping to one knee.

77. Dance Night

Go out for a night of dancing and ask the DJ or bandleader to pass you the mic so you can dedicate a special song and propose on the dance floor.

78. Surprise Proposal at the Theatre

Get in touch with the stage manager of your favorite production and propose after the cast's curtain call. Call ahead and see if you can have a special note or ad placement added to the playbill so you have a keepsake of the proposal.

79. A Dozen Roses

Ask your partner to meet you in a public space. Along the route to meet up with you, have eleven people give them a single rose leading towards you to give the final rose and then propose.

80. Hire a Caricaturist

Arrange a surprise proposal with a street caricaturist. Have the caricaturist sketch a picture of you two with word bubbles that say, "Will you marry me?" and "Yes!".

81. Fish Tank Proposal

Ask the divers at an aquarium to put on a proposal show inside their biggest fish tank. Give them a (waterproof) sign that says, "Will you marry me?" to hold up against the glass and then position yourselves for what will, at first, seem like feeding time.

82. Skywriter Message

This unique proposal idea is pretty extravagant. Hire a skywriter to spell out your proposal in the sky for everyone around to see.

83. The Morning News

Take out a full-page ad in a newspaper then pick the perfect spot to have a relaxed morning of catching up on current events.

84. Tune In

Call in to a radio station, make sure your partner is listening, then propose on the air. So Sleepless in Seattle coded.

85. Jumbotron

If you and your partner are sports fans, contact your favorite stadium and see if they'll let you pop the question on the jumbotron.

86. Celebratory Drinks

Plan a party filled with friends and family at a bar near where you'll propose, then suggest a celebratory drink after your partner says "yes."

Intimate Marriage Proposal Ideas

Photo: Melissa Green Photography

87. Candlelit Path

Not everyone is into the concept of a grand, public display. If your partner likes things more low-key, an intimate proposal idea will be right up their alley. Make a trail of candles in your home, a hotel room or along a garden path, that leads to a circle of votives positioned around you holding the ring.

88. Backyard Proposal

While your partner is out, decorate your yard with twinkle lights, flowers and other accents you think they'll love. Set up a picnic area with their favorite desserts, snacks and a bottle of wine. Once they return home, they'll venture out into the yard to find you waiting to propose.

89. Breakfast in Bed

If you're the early riser in the relationship, sneak out of bed one morning and prepare a special breakfast. Arrange everything on a serving tray (fresh flowers are a nice touch, too) and add the engagement ring or a handwritten note to give them an idea of what's about to happen.

90. Wake-Up Call

This romantic proposal idea doesn't require too much elaborate planning. Slip the ring on while your partner is sleeping, then start your day in bed with champagne and strawberries.

91. Fortune Cookie

If you love Asian food, go to your favorite restaurant and after dinner, ask your server to bring some "special" fortune cookies to your table with your "Will you marry me?" message substituted inside. Or if you prefer takeout, you can secretly make the substitution yourself.

92. Piles of Leaves

Need a romantic fall proposal idea? If spooky season is their favorite time of year, they'll fall head over heels for this one. Rake the leaves in their yard to spell out your outdoor proposal.

93. Holiday Lights

During the holiday season, use outdoor string lights to write out, "Will you marry me?" on the front of your house, apartment or lawn. Station your friends and family secretly inside and come up with an excuse to linger out front. Then have someone flip the switch to reveal the message.

94. Picnic in the Park

Have a friend or family member set up a picnic—complete with wine and cheese, of course—for you in a park. Then come up with an excuse for taking a trip there where you'll stumble upon this surprise proposal spot.

95. Spell it Out

Spell your proposal out in glow-in-the-dark star stickers on your ceiling. Get into bed, turn the lights off and wait for the gasp. Or, use refrigerator magnet letters to write out your marriage proposal. They'll never be so happy to have gone to grab a snack.

Sarah Hanlon contributed to the reporting of this article.