A marriage proposal is an important milestone in every couple’s life. It is an event to remember for the rest of your life, which is why if you’re planning to pop the question before 2026, you want to make sure it’s as special and unique as possible.
No pressure, but don’t just go with any old idea. You want to stand out from all the other proposals you’ve seen in movies and on social media!
20 Most Romantic Proposal Ideas To Try Before 2026
1. Propose on a Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Ride
Capture the beauty of the sunrise high above the ground in the silent air on a hot air balloon ride with your significant other. Enjoy a stunning view of the surrounding area, taking a moment to bask in the hushed silence of the early morning hour before popping the question and turning what was already a romantic, once-in-a-lifetime experience into an even more momentous occasion.
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2. Propose with a Secluded Beach Picnic and a Love Letter
Rent or reserve access to a private beach and surprise your partner with an intimate picnic dinner. Set the romantic mood with candles, fairy lights, and a handwritten letter. Recount the time you’ve spent together before popping the question as the sound of the crashing waves adds to the magical experience.
3. Propose in the Underwater Blue
If you both are into the beach or ocean, this proposal might be for you. Prepare for it by taking scuba diving courses and getting certified. Afterwards, surprise your partner with an underwater proposal. It’s breathtaking!
4. Movie Night Surprise
Plan a movie night at home or rent a private theater for the occasion and surprise your partner by slipping a homemade video message into the DVD before the movie begins. Express your love and affection in the video, and when they watch it before the feature film, end it with the big question.
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5. Stargazing in the Desert
Drive your partner out to the desert and enjoy a night full of adventure and exploration, with just the two of you. After an action-packed day, let them rest their head on your shoulder as you watch the stars with a telescope and wait for the perfect moment to ask for their hand in marriage.
6. Romantic Gondola Ride in Venice
Rent a gondola in Venice and board it as the sun begins to set on the waterways. Explore the small canals, passing by ancient buildings and picturesque bridges, and pop the question to your significant other.
7. Scavenger Hunt for the City
Plan a scavenger hunt for your significant other, taking them all over the city before finally bringing them back to the place where you first met or to another meaningful spot. Hide the ring for them to find and make sure it’s ready when they return, so you can pop the question.
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8. Propose at a Luxury Hot Springs Resort
Rent a private cabin at a luxury hot springs resort for two. After a relaxing soak in the naturally heated, warm waters, surprise your partner with a proposal as you sit in an outdoor, private hot tub under the stars.
9. Rent a Private Art Gallery to Propose
If your partner is an art lover, rent an art gallery or museum for a private tour. Have a professional painter sketch a portrait of the two of you and surprise your significant other with a proposal in front of their final work of art.
10. Mountain Hiking
Rent a hiking guide and take your partner on an adventurous trip up the nearest mountain. Upon reaching the peak, propose with a 360-degree view of the surrounding area.
11. Candlelit Forest Trail
Surprise your partner by taking them on a date down a carefully lit forest path. Line the way with candles and fairy lights so they can make their way to the end in the glow of firelight. Hide a ring at the end of the path so you can kneel down and propose when they arrive.
12. Private Yacht Dinner for Two
Rent a private yacht and take your partner out to sea for a night of food and revelry. Have a chef onboard to serve a multi-course dinner for the two of you as you sail along a scenic and romantic part of the ocean or a large lake. Once you get to the perfect spot, slip off to the side for a moment so you can get down on one knee and propose with the vastness of the water around you.
13. Hot Air Balloon Proposal in Africa
Travel to Africa with your partner and enjoy an early morning safari hot air balloon ride. Once you’ve seen all the wildlife below, land back on solid ground and propose at high altitude, surrounded by the African plains.
14. Recreate Your First Date Night
Take your partner back in time with a surprise recreation of your first date night. Take them to the exact same restaurant or street where you met and ate for the first time. Lead them through the same twists and turns you did on your first date, and surprise them by popping the question at the exact spot you made that first connection.
15. Skydiving Marriage Proposal
If your partner is an adrenaline junkie, like you, surprise them with a tandem skydiving session. Rent the gear, take the class, and make sure to have a photographer in the air to capture your proposal on film. As you free-fall towards the ground, pop the question and enjoy the view!
16. Vibrant Flower Garden Proposal
Organize a private garden tour and arrange for a staff member to surprise your partner with a proposal surrounded by a field full of colorful, vibrant flowers. It can either be at a botanical garden or in your own private backyard.
17. Helicopter Ride Over the City
Rent a helicopter and take your partner up for a ride over the city of your choosing or a natural wonder of the world. As you fly, pull out a ring and pop the question so you can make the most of that awe-inspiring view.
18. Ice Skating Proposal
Rent an outdoor ice skating rink and bring your partner out for an evening of ice skating and winter fun. If you’re in a warmer climate, you can arrange for a private ice rink in your backyard or office, complete with ice sculptures or a fire pit in the middle for warmth. When the stars are out, hit the ice rink with your partner and surprise them with a marriage proposal as you glide around.
19. Private Dinner at an Old Castle
Rent an old castle or historical building in your area and surprise your partner by preparing it for a romantic evening, complete with a fancy dinner and elegant décor. Set the mood with candles, chandeliers, and floral centerpieces. Once you’ve had dinner in the private hall of the castle, get down on one knee and pop the question.
20. Northern Lights Proposal
Travel to Iceland or Canada and ask your partner to marry you underneath the Northern Lights. As you look up at the stars, have them admire the natural light show in the sky before you pop the question and let the light in their life make your proposal complete.
Related: Romantic Date Night Ideas at Home
Conclusion
The proposals above are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to thinking up unique and romantic marriage proposals for your significant other. The key is to find the perfect way to symbolize your relationship and build off of something personal or specific to the two of you.
It can be the place you first met, first kissed, or spent time together; or it can be a hobby or pastime that you both share, such as your favorite type of music or a shared love of adventure. No matter what you decide to do or where you choose to propose, by personalizing it, you can ensure it will be a moment neither of you will ever forget.
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