Top Marriage Proposal Ideas for 2025

Here’s our updated list featuring creative and fun marriage proposal ideas, utilizing my knowledge from over 30 years of helping couples propose for marriage. Each idea is unique, practical, and simple. The guide was written by Afshin Shaddaie, renowned author and engagement ring expert.

Jump Ahead: Classic and Most Popular Proposal Ideas | Public and Exciting Proposal Ideas | Intimate and Private Proposal Ideas | Romantic Proposal Ideas | Creative and Genius Marriage Proposal Ideas

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Classic and Most Popular Proposal Ideas

Here’s my list of the all-time best and most classic proposal ideas. This list are the famous and popular proposal ideas, and for good reason. They’ve passed the test of time.

To quote Benjamin Khordipour, “The most memorable proposals aren’t the over-the-top and expensive ones. The most memorable proposals are the ones where the couple’s personality shines through.”

1. Romantic Dinner Proposal

The Romantic Dinner Proposal is an all-time classic and probably the most popular proposal from this list. And for good reason.

To propose, plan a dinner at a restaurant (or at home), complete with candles, soft music, and a quiet atmosphere.

This idea is timeless, intimate, and lets you propose from the heart, without any distractions.

Afshin’s Note: “If you’re nervous and don’t enjoy performing, dinner proposals are the perfect way to propose. You’re sitting down, there’s no crowds and there’s no rush. You can wait for the right moment.”

2. Beach Sunset Proposal

The beach has always been associated with romance and serenity, and its for that reason that many marriage proposals occur on the beach. The preparation is easy, and like the dinner proposal, its a great option for those who want a simple proposal.

To implement, take your partner for a walk on the beach as the sun sets and propose with the ocean as your backdrop. You can have family there, without ruining the surprise, or you can have them waiting in hiding.

3. Scenic Hike Proposal

This idea, like the beach proposal, relies on our natural love of nature. It too, requires very little preparation. Find a beautiful hike in your area, and then find a good moment (or scenic location on the hike) to do the proposal.

You can let your family and friends know in advance or you can invite them afterwards.

It is important to ensure that she enjoys the outdoors. If she doesn’t enjoy hikes, this is not a good proposal idea!

Afshin’s Note: “If you both enjoy the outdoors, this kind of proposal can feel incredibly genuine and intimate. It’s just the two of you, surrounded by beauty.”

4. Home-Cooked Dinner at Home

Proposing at home over a dinner meal is one of the greatest classics as far as proposals go. It is private, wholesome, genuine and without fanfare.

One of the greatest appeals to a home-proposal is the aspect of show-don’t-tell. You’re proposing for marriage within a slice of a genuine life-moment, instead of stepping outside and generating an extra moment.

To implement, set the table, cook one of her favorite meals, and propose in the comfort of your own home. It’s cozy, personal, and perfect for couples who value simplicity over spectacle.

5. Destination Proposal on Vacation

Vacations are always a good moment to propose for marriage. You’re both away from the regular grind and far away from disturbances.

Any proposal done while on vacation will automatically be a hit.

Finding a good place and moment while vacation is the icing on the cake, and will take the proposal to the next level.

6. Proposal at a Favorite Spot

There is a reason that many successful proposals are done at spots that are already meaningful to her or to both of you. It evokes the same emotions that were had the first time and it shows attention to detail.

The nostalgia adds emotional depth to the proposal.

Just be sure that the “favorite spot” has the right emotion tide to it. You don’t want to trigger the wrong emotional response.

7. Under the Stars Proposal

Take your partner to a quiet spot at night to stargaze and propose under the open sky. The setting feels peaceful, private, and deeply romantic, like it’s just the two of you in the universe.

8. At a Family Gathering

Propose during a family holiday or special event with your loved ones around. It’s a joyful way to include those closest to you and turn the celebration into something unforgettable.

9. Classic Park Proposal

Plan a walk or picnic in a beautiful park and propose at a scenic bench, bridge, or quiet clearing. It’s simple, affordable, and offers a natural backdrop that’s both timeless and romantic.

10. Proposal During a Photo Shoot

Set up a couple’s photo session and surprise your partner by proposing mid-shoot. You’ll capture their genuine reaction on camera and have professional photos to remember the moment forever.

Afshin’s Note: “This one always gives the best photos. Just make sure the photographer knows when it’s happening—you only get one take.”

Public, Exciting, and Unforgettable Proposal Ideas (For the Outgoing & Confident)

These proposal ideas are perfect for someone who loves being the center of attention, thrives in exciting public settings, and wants a big, unforgettable moment to match their bold personality.

1. Interactive Theater Plant-In

Arrange with an interactive theater group to bring your partner into the show, only for the scene to unexpectedly shift into a real proposal. The moment blurs fiction and reality in the most magical way—and your partner won’t see it coming.

Afshin’s Note: “If your partner loves theater, this is a beautiful way to turn their world into the stage—just make sure they’re not too shy to enjoy the spotlight.”

2. Custom Parade Float

Create a mini float in a local parade, complete with fun signs, music, and a lead-up to your big question. It turns the whole crowd into part of your celebration—and makes your partner feel like royalty.

3. Projection Mapping Surprise

Team up with a digital artist to project animations, memories, or visuals onto the side of a building. It’s a jaw-dropping way to literally light up your love story for the world to see.

4. On-Stage “Contestant” Setup

Get your partner called on stage as a “random participant” in a live show—then flip the script into a surprise proposal. The energy is electric, and it makes them the star of a scene they’ll remember forever.

Afshin’s Note: “I’ve seen this work beautifully—it’s fun, but make sure your partner is okay with surprises in front of a crowd.”

5. Surprise Street Performance Takeover

Organize dancers or musicians to start a public routine that slowly reveals your story. It’s theatrical, playful, and catches both your partner and the entire crowd off guard in the best way.

6. Helicopter Banner Proposal Over a Crowd

Time your proposal with a banner flown overhead at a festival, beach, or outdoor concert. It’s a bold move that stops people in their tracks—and gives your partner a once-in-a-lifetime story.

7. Pop-Up Marriage Market Stall

Set up a booth that looks like a typical market stall, but inside are personal photos, notes, and the ring. Your partner thinks they’re browsing, until they realize the entire display is about them.

8. Movie Theater “Preview” Takeover

Create a fake movie trailer about your relationship and have it play before a public film. At first, it’s just another preview—until your partner realizes it’s all been leading to this moment.

9. Public Transit Takeover

Plan a staged performance or announcement on a train or bus that builds up to your proposal. You’ll turn an ordinary ride into a moment that stops everyone, not just your partner.

Afshin’s Note: “Only go for this if you’re both comfortable in high-energy public spaces—it’s loud, exciting, and very memorable.”

10. Drone Light Show Proposal

Choreograph a drone light display that draws shapes, symbols, and eventually your proposal in the night sky. It’s futuristic and stunning—and gives you a sky full of stars that move just for you.

11. Restaurant Flash Freeze

Coordinate with a restaurant’s staff and guests to suddenly freeze mid-motion as you get down on one knee. It feels surreal—like time stopped just for the two of you.

12. Musical Surprise in a Crowd

Hire a lively band to start playing your partner’s favorite love song in a busy square or market. The music, the energy, and the crowd’s reaction make the moment feel like pure joy.

Afshin’s Note: “Music makes everything feel bigger—this kind of proposal lifts the whole mood and gets everyone cheering with you.”

13. Train Station “Departure Board” Proposal

Arrange for the digital board in a busy station to flash a personalized message at just the right time. As the crowd looks up, your partner sees the proposal meant just for them—and you step in with the ring.

Intimate and Private Proposal Ideas

Here’s my favorite ideas for someone who prefers quiet moments, avoids the spotlight, and wants a proposal that feels deeply personal and meaningful.

1. Proposal During a Shared Morning Ritual

Propose during a quiet part of your routine—like while pouring coffee, brushing teeth together, or making the bed. It’s simple, real, and turns an everyday moment into the one you’ll remember forever.

Michael’s Note: “I’ve always believed the best proposals are the ones that feel like you could’ve lived them a thousand times—but this time, everything changes.”

2. Custom Puzzle at Home

Put together a personalized puzzle that reveals the words “Will You Marry Me?” once completed. It’s low-pressure, thoughtful, and perfect for a cozy night in with just the two of you.

3. Rainy Day Proposal Indoors

Wait for a rainy day, then create a warm setting with blankets, tea, and soft music while the storm taps on the windows. It’s intimate, peaceful, and feels like the world has slowed down just for you both.

4. Private Scrapbook Reveal

Make a scrapbook filled with photos, notes, and shared memories, ending with a final page that asks the question. It’s nostalgic, creative, and deeply personal—like a love story in your own words.

Afshin’s Note: “You’re not just proposing with a ring—you’re handing them the pages of your life together, and that’s incredibly moving.”

5. Backyard Stargazing Moment

Set out a blanket or a few chairs in your backyard and spend time looking up at the stars together. The stillness and beauty of the night make it a quiet but powerful moment to propose.

6. “Help Me Decide” Trick

Set up a lighthearted moment where your partner has to choose between two envelopes or small boxes—but both lead to your proposal. It’s playful, personal, and adds just the right amount of surprise without a crowd.

Afshin’s Note: “A little misdirection like this adds charm, and the reveal still feels incredibly private and special.”

7. Proposal While Rewatching a Favorite Movie

Play a movie you both love, and during a familiar scene, pause it and ask the question. It’s casual and sweet—like sharing a favorite moment and making it your own.

8. Inside a Photo Book Gift

Give them a photo book filled with your memories, and hide a note or ring tucked into the last page. It’s subtle and meaningful—something they can hold onto forever.

9. During a Quiet Walk Through a Familiar Place

Take a peaceful walk through a place that’s part of your everyday life, like your favorite trail or neighborhood path. There’s no buildup, no stress—just a calm moment that turns into something unforgettable.

Afshin’s Note: “There’s something beautiful about asking someone to marry you in a place you’ve already shared dozens of quiet memories—it makes the moment feel real.”

10. Custom Candle Message

Light a candle with a hidden message that slowly appears as it melts—or tie a small tag with your proposal to the wick. It’s quiet, warm, and lets the moment build naturally, without any pressure.

Romantic Proposal Ideas

These ideas are perfect for someone who’s deeply romantic and wants a proposal full of love and thought, without the pressure of a huge crowd or the quiet of total privacy.

1. Proposal with a Custom Poem or Song

Write a short poem or love song just for your partner and share it with them in a quiet, meaningful spot. It feels deeply personal and shows how much thought and heart you’ve put into the moment.

Afshin’s Note: “Even if you’re not a writer or singer, the effort means everything. It shows you’re giving them a piece of yourself.”

2. Surprise Dinner Under the Stars

Set up a candlelit dinner outdoors with soft lights, music, and a quiet atmosphere—on a rooftop, in a garden, or even in your backyard. It’s romantic, magical, and feels like something out of a dream without needing a big production.

3. Vintage Love Letter Trail

Leave a series of handwritten letters in special places, each one leading to the next and ending with you waiting at the final stop. It’s like telling your love story one page at a time—until it leads to the perfect question.

4. Old Movie Theater Marquee Proposal

Rent or partner with a vintage theater and surprise your partner by walking past a marquee or screen that displays your proposal. It feels timeless and cinematic, like something from a classic love story.

5. Proposal on a Rowboat or Gondola

Take your partner out on a calm lake or canal in a small boat, and propose while the world around you slows down. It’s peaceful, private, and has that romantic storybook charm.

Afshin’s Note: “There’s something so poetic about floating on the water—it naturally creates a moment of calm before the question.”

6. Scavenger Hunt of “Firsts”

Send your partner on a sweet journey revisiting meaningful places from your relationship, like where you first met or had your first kiss. Each stop builds the story until it ends in a moment they’ll never forget.

7. Book-Inspired Proposal

Write or design a short book about your journey together and have the final page say, “Will You Marry Me?” It’s perfect for someone who loves stories—and now they get to live one.

Afshin’s Note: “Some people dream in chapters. This lets you give them a love story with the best kind of ending.”

8. Fireplace or Campfire Proposal

Plan a relaxed evening by a fire, either indoors or outdoors, with blankets, warm drinks, and soft conversation. The glow, the stillness, and the closeness make it feel timeless and genuine.

9. “Your Favorite Things” Night

Create a night filled with their favorite things—food, music, scents, and small surprises—ending with your proposal. It shows how well you know them, and how much you care about the little details.

10. Proposal in a Garden After Hours

Arrange for a private after-hours visit to a garden, greenhouse, or floral space, complete with gentle lights and soft background music. It’s romantic and dreamy, like stepping into your own hidden world.

Afshin’s Note: “You don’t need fireworks when the flowers and lighting already feel like magic. Just let the space do the talking.”

11. Custom Fragrance Proposal

Gift them a custom-blended perfume or cologne with the message or name reading: “Will You Marry Me?” It’s subtle, creative, and completely unique to your story.

12. Couple’s Painting Night Proposal

Plan a painting night—either at home or in a studio—and propose by revealing your finished canvas with the words “Will You Marry Me?” It’s playful, heartfelt, and gives you a keepsake you’ll both treasure forever.

Afshin’s Note: “The best part is that the painting stays with you. It becomes part of your home and your story.”

Creative and Genius Marriage Proposal Ideas

These ideas, with help from Benjamin Khordipour, are perfect for someone who loves surprises, creativity, and one-of-a-kind experiences that no one else could ever copy.

1. Augmented Reality Proposal

Design a custom AR experience where your partner uses their phone to reveal a hidden animation or message, like a floating ring or personalized character. It’s high-tech, interactive, and feels like discovering a secret world built just for the two of you.

Afshin’s Note: “If your partner loves tech or design, this kind of proposal shows effort, planning, and imagination—three of the most romantic things.”

2. “Fake Interview” Setup

Invite your partner to join a casual podcast, mockumentary, or pretend “relationship Q&A,” and midway through, turn the script and propose on camera. It’s clever, surprising, and turns a fun setup into a moment that feels totally spontaneous.

3. Time Capsule Reveal

Tell your partner you buried something sentimental years ago, and take them to dig it up together. Inside the capsule: memories, photos, and the ring waiting for the perfect reveal.

4. Proposal Hidden in a Game You Created

Build a simple game—digital, board, or card-based—that tells your love story as they play. It’s incredibly personal and fun, and the final “win” leads straight to the proposal.

Benjamin’s Note: “A proposal like this isn’t just creative—it’s a reminder that you know how to make your partner feel seen and celebrated in a way no one else could.”

5. Storybook in a Real Bookstore

Create a printed book about your relationship, sneak it onto a bookstore shelf, and casually lead your partner to discover it. They’ll flip through your love story until they reach the last page—and the big question.

6. Proposal Through a “Museum Exhibit” About Them

Design a mini gallery filled with fun facts, little treasures, and artifacts from your relationship, like ticket stubs and notes. It’s playful and meaningful—and turns your love story into something worth curating.

7. 3D Printed Surprise Object

Use a 3D printer to create something unique—like a puzzle, sculpture, or keepsake—that opens to reveal your proposal. It’s inventive, tactile, and adds an extra layer of surprise to the moment.

8. Pop-Up Book Proposal

Craft a handmade pop-up book or hire an artist to illustrate your story, complete with moving scenes and a final “Will You Marry Me?” lift tab. It’s whimsical and romantic, and gives your partner something they can hold onto forever.

Afshin’s Note: “A pop-up proposal is perfect if you’re both a little nostalgic—it feels like something from childhood, but filled with adult love and wonder.”

9. Proposal Hidden in a Fortune Cookie

Design a custom fortune cookie with your proposal inside, and serve it during takeout night or after a homemade dinner. It’s simple, fun, and adds an element of surprise in the most unexpected place.

10. Escape Room Ending in a Proposal

Set up a small at-home escape room or rent one privately, and include clues from your relationship. When they solve the final puzzle, they unlock the ring and find you waiting with the question.

11. Puzzle Box or Cryptex Proposal

Create a custom puzzle box, cryptex, or locked case that your partner has to figure out to get to the ring. It’s tactile, clever, and builds just the right kind of anticipation.

12. Proposal in a Personalized Comic Strip

Illustrate or commission a comic strip featuring you both as the main characters, with the last panel revealing your proposal. It’s sweet, imaginative, and especially perfect for anyone who grew up loving stories or graphic novels.

Afshin’s Note: “I always tell people—if your partner has a favorite medium, like comics or animation, lean into it. The proposal will feel like it came from their world.”

13. Proposal Built Into a LEGO Scene

Design a LEGO build of a favorite trip, moment, or place—and include mini versions of yourselves with a hidden proposal message. It’s lighthearted, fun, and lets your creativity do the talking.

14. Proposal Through a Custom Candle Melt

Give your partner a candle that, as it melts, reveals a hidden message or capsule inside with your proposal. It’s slow and subtle, and the moment builds naturally without needing a big setup.

15. Proposal Hidden in a Personalized Map

Design a custom map with landmarks from your relationship and little notes or symbols. At the bottom, include the phrase: “So… where should our next chapter begin?”

Afshin’s Note: “There’s something poetic about maps—when you propose with one, you’re saying, ‘Let’s chart the rest of our lives together.’”

What to Know Before You Plan Your Proposal

A couple of vital things to consider when planning your proposal.

1. Will your SO appreciate a public or private proposal?

This is crucial to work out before you choose how to propose, and it really comes down to how well you know your future (hopefully) wife. Some might absolutely love the idea of being surrounded by family and friends or attention from passerbys. For others, all they want is to share the experience with you alone, and anything that involves anyone other than the two of you will spoil the intimacy of the moment. So, give it some thought and choose carefully before you start planning.

One other thing to keep in mind is if you’re keeping it private but still want photos of the moment. You’ll need to do some strategic planning so that you have a camera ready to catch the moment without needing another person there.

2. Does she want to be ready for the proposal or caught off guard?

Again, this will vary greatly depending on personality type. For some, it’ll be really important that she’s all dressed up and looking her best with a photographer capturing the scene. If she generally enjoys the process of creating a perfect ensemble and getting ready for big occasions, or if she likes getting good photos for events, that might be a good indication that she’ll want to look the part when the proposal happens.

Additionally, here’s a detail that she might really care about, specifically because proposals usually involve a ring. If you know she likes having her nails done, she’ll likely not want to be trying the ring on for the first time and taking photos of it with chipped polish or undone nails.

That doesn’t mean it can’t be a surprise, but you’ll need to choose a setting where it would make sense that she’d be dressed up anyway, such as dinner at an upscale restaurant.

If your girlfriend tends to be low maintenance and prefers comfort and spontaneity, you can probably choose any setting, even if it means she’ll be in leggings and a t-shirt when you pop the question.

3. Does she want a classic or more out-of-the-box proposal?

There are a few elements to consider here that, once again, she’ll either find incredibly corny or be nothing less than what she expects for her proposal. We’re talking about things like getting down on one knee, already having the ring, giving her a bouquet of flowers, toasting with champagne, etc. The down-on-one-knee part, in particular, can really go either way. You’ve got staunch advocates and firm haters, so you really need to know what she’ll want. Talk to her close friends or sister to get a better sense, or pick a cheesy romantic comedy to watch with a classic proposal scene to get her reaction.

Remember that some women have been dreaming about the traditional proposal for years, and for others, it can come off as cliché and overdone. They’d much prefer a creative idea with thought put into it or something personalized for the two of you. So, think it over before deciding which elements to incorporate.

4. Does she want you to pick the ring or to choose one herself?

This one’s kind of a biggie because if your fiancée has a very particular taste, she’ll most likely not appreciate a ring that’s not her exact style. If you know that to be the case, you’ve got a few options.

Firstly, you can do some research to see if she has a Pinterest board or follows jewelers on Instagram. Try to get the best sense of what she’s looking for, and then find a jeweler who’ll work with you and has a solid return and exchange policy. Discuss with the jewelers beforehand and choose a piece you think she’ll like, but with the expectation that you’ll be back to the showroom to let her exchange for her exact preference. Then, once you propose, you can let her know that you picked something you think she’d like, but it’s just a placeholder, and you’re heading to the jewelers within a few days so she can choose herself.

Alternatively, you could plan your proposal around the actual jewelry showroom. So think of maybe asking her to accompany you for some fictitious errand or appointment. Then, when you get to the showroom or jewelry store, that’s where you propose.

Again, you’ll want to plan this carefully with a jeweler who can provide the right setting and experience (so not the Macy’s jewelry counter). Preferably, it would be a jeweler who isn’t in an actual storefront because that would be a dead giveaway, but if that is the case, it can still work. You’ll need to come up with a valid excuse, like getting your watch battery replaced.

Lastly, you could propose without the ring, but if you do, at least get an empty box as a placeholder.

Talk to an Engagement Ring Expert

So, now that you’ve hopefully chosen a direction for your marriage proposal, are you ready to look for a ring? Contact one of our expert jewelers here at Estate Diamond Jewelry. We’ll help you find a ring that perfectly fits your style and budget. We can also help you plan an NYC proposal from our 5th Ave. showroom.