The Best And Worst Places To Propose You Need To Know


Portugal | Photo by PEDIPortugal Weddings

When you are planning a proposal it is normal to feel excited but also a bit overwhelming. You want it to be perfect and memorable [check out here my best tips], but finding the right spot can be tricky. In this blog, I’ll guide you through the best and worst places to pop the question. Whether you want a dreamy place that you’ll never forget or want to steer clear of any problems, I’ll help you avoid common pitfalls and find the ideal place to make your moment as magical as you’ve always imagined. Let’s have a look at some tips and ideas I have here to help you make the right choice. 

Best Places To Propose

Where You First Met 

The place where you first met is very special. It’s where your love story started. Where you saw each other for the first time, felt that initial spark, and maybe even felt a little nervous. Proposing here shows that you cherish those first moments together. It also recalls every moment from when you first met to when you chose to be together forever. It’s a way of saying, “From the very beginning, I knew you were special.”

Your First Date Place 

You could think about proposing where you had your very first date. This is where you had your first real conversation, where you laughed, maybe blushed, and started getting to know each other better. Proposing here can bring back those warm feelings from when you first started to fall in love. It reminds you of how far your relationship has come since that first date and how much more is yet to come. Also, it’s a place where you’ve probably made a lot of happy memories, making it the perfect place for a proposal. 

Portugal | Photo by PEDIPortugal Weddings

Under The Stars

The night sky is naturally romantic. The soft twinkle of the stars creates an intimate and peaceful atmosphere that feels just right for such an important moment. It’s a setting that feels timeless, as couples have been looking at the stars together for centuries.

Proposing under the stars can be both simple and memorable at the same time. And you can do it anywhere. You don’t need to spend a lot of money to create a stunning setting.

At The Beach

The beach is one of the most romantic places to propose. Between the sound of the waves and sand between your toes, you can set up a romantic vibe during sunset. Getting engaged on the beach is great for couples who love the ocean, like spending time outdoors, and prefer a chill and natural moment.

The beach is already so beautiful that you don’t need to add much to make it special. You can organise a picnic or a romantic dinner by the sea. Some have beautiful cliffs or lighthouses nearby, which can add a touch of adventure to your proposal. 

Portugal | Photo by PEDIPortugal Weddings

At Home 

Asking someone to marry you at home can be one of the best ideas because it’s personal, intimate, and comfy. You can create a special environment just for the two of you. Maybe you can decorate the living room with candles or organise a romantic dinner. Feel free to relax in the comfort of your own home without stressing about others, disturbances, or the need to rush. Also, popping the question at home lets you just be yourselves, which adds a lot more significance to the moment. Home is where you’ve made tons of memories, and now it could be where you two begin your journey as a married couple!

On A Rooftop 

The rooftops have such good views! You get to see the city skyline, mountains, or ocean. It’s a great spot to create a romantic moment. You can decorate with twinkling fairy lights, and candles, or even have a little picnic. It’s a cosy and magical place where everything feels just right. The view makes it easy to take wonderful photos that you’ll always remember.

You can also have some privacy. There could be other people present, but it’s typically more serene than a busy restaurant or park. Feel free to relax and enjoy without anything bugging you too much!

At The Park

Parks are good for asking someone to marry you! They’re peaceful and beautiful, which makes it just right for a lovely and romantic moment. If your partner really likes nature and being outside, a park is the best spot to pop the question!

They are big enough to make your proposal just how you want it, whether it is a quiet moment with just the two of you or with family and friends. You can have a picnic with your favourite foods, bring a cosy blanket to sit on, or even set up a surprise with things your partner loves. Some parks even have gorgeous lakes or gardens that can really make the moment extra magical.

Parks are also usually free or cost very little, so they’re a great choice if you don’t want to spend too much money. You can still create a wonderful memory without spending a lot. 

Portugal | Photo by PEDIPortugal Weddings

At A Restaurant 

Many restaurants have a cosy and intimate setting where you can enjoy good food and meaningful conversation. Restaurants can set a romantic mood with soft lighting, lovely decor, and sometimes live music. The important thing is to pick a place that fits both your style and your partner’s preferences. 

Since it is easy to plan, proposing at a restaurant can also be a good idea. You are able to book a table and tell the staff of your plans. They can help make it extra special for you. There are even restaurants where they do proposal packages with special menus or private rooms!

In The Mountains 

The mountains are just so beautiful that you feel like you’re on top of the world with perfect views. Absolutely perfect for taking pictures. The calmness of the mountains makes them feel very special and romantic. The quiet place and pretty scenery can make your proposal even more magical!

If you and your partner love adventure, proposing in the mountains can be very fun and exciting! Whether you like hiking or skiing, the tranquillity of being close to nature is something amazing, far away from our busy world below. 

Portugal | Photo by PEDIPortugal Weddings

Hot Air Balloon 

The adventure and experience that a hot air balloon ride gives is a great reason to go. This is such a wonderful moment with the serene, calm journey and the stunning views all around you. The perfect setting for your special time! Also, it’s a wonderful way to break away from your usual routine and create a memory that’s just for the two of you.

Helicopter Ride

One of the most exciting ways to ask the big question is while riding in a helicopter and looking at all the awesome views! You can have a private, intimate moment with a dash of adventure. It’s just you, your partner, and the pilot. You two get to have a romantic moment with yourselves, no interruptions, the perfect time to pop the question!

To make it even better, pick a helicopter service that has special packages for proposals, including things like champagne and a photographer to capture the moment.

On A Boat

Proposing on a boat is especially charming. You have the whole place to yourselves, away from the craziness of everyday life. It’s only the two of you, with water all around and fantastic sights to see! Whether you are on a sailboat, a yacht, or a simple rowboat, this is going to be an amazing experience. You can also make it more special if you decorate the boat with flowers or candles, play your favourite song, or bring a yummy picnic to share together.

Portugal | Photo by PEDIPortugal Weddings

Worst Places To Propose

At Work

The workplace can sometimes be busy and stressful, not exactly romantic. If you propose at work your partner might feel uncomfortable or embarrassed, especially if it’s done in front of colleagues. They might feel like they have to say “yes” just because everyone is watching. You want your proposal to be a beautiful memory and work isn’t usually a place associated with romance.

There’s always something popping up at work, such as phone calls, meetings, emails and people passing by all the time. All these things can make it hard to focus on your moment. And if your partner is busy with their work, it’s going to be difficult for them to pay attention to what you want to say.

Also, work is a place for business, not personal affairs. It can get pretty awkward when you mix professional and personal life.

At Someone Else’s Event

When you choose to propose at someone else’s event, like a wedding, birthday, or graduation, you make everyone pay attention to you instead of the person being celebrated. It’s their time to shine, so turning it into your proposal spotlight could come off as rude or selfish. Not to mention that your partner can feel pretty awkward at that moment. In the end, your proposal will just seem like it is an extra part of their celebration. 

Besides, the hosts and guests can also feel a bit awkward. They might not know how to react or simply feel like they have to be happy and celebrate.

On Social Media

Sharing this special moment with the entire internet is very impersonal or even lazy. Everyone, including people you don’t know well, will be able to see it and comment on it. You could get advice and opinions you didn’t ask for that might ruin the moment. Your partner could feel pushed to say “yes” because everyone is watching, even if they’re not ready or don’t feel the same way.

Social media is full of distractions. Notifications, comments, and likes can distract from the main point of the proposal. It becomes more about the post than the actual commitment.

In addition, on social media, it’s hard to capture the real emotion of the proposal. The magic of the moment can be lost in a sea of emojis and comments.

In A Place That Has Special Memories For Someone Else

The moment should be all about you two, not about someone else’s history. If the place reminds your partner of someone else, it might bring back memories that have nothing to do with your relationship. This might cause the proposal to seem less personal and somewhat awkward.

In addition, your partner might compare the moment to those old memories. If the place was important to them for another reason, it could overshadow your proposal. Instead of creating a new memory together, you could be stepping into someone else’s story. 

It can feel like you’re not being creative. Proposals should be special and show how much you care about your relationship. If you pick a place that has someone else’s memories, it might look like you didn’t really think about it or didn’t make any effort.

To sum up, it is very important that you pick the right spot to propose because it helps you make the moment even more special.  The best places are usually romantic, with a beautiful background, and with a special meaning for you both. But the worst places could be really noisy, chaotic, or simply not what your partner likes. If you follow these tips, you can find the best place to ask the big question and make a memory you’ll love forever.

I am so grateful that you came on this journey with me. If you liked what you read and are interested in more of my work, please check my portfolio here. I want to know what you think. Thank you very much for your valuable support!

Pedro Cruz

Wedding photographer and videographer from Lisbon, Portugal. Here is Pedro Cruz's short bio.

Recent Posts