Valentine’s Day is just around the corner – and with it, an influx of marriage proposals. Perhaps unsurprisingly, February 14th is comfortably the UK’s most popular date for popping the question, with upwards of half of all marriage proposals taking place on this day.
With just a few days to go, now (or, let’s be honest, a few weeks ago) is the perfect time to start considering where, when and how you’ll be getting down on one knee. Don’t worry if this all feels a little ‘last minute’; the places we’ve chosen don’t necessarily require any advance booking or special planning. Instead, a little romance and a lot of imagination goes a long way!
Today we’re considering 6 of the most romantic places in the world to propose in 2023, helping you make sure this super special day is memorable for both you and your partner.
BOW BRIDGE, CENTRAL PARK, NEW YORK CITY
There’s nothing more in chime with the world’s most beloved rom-coms than getting engaged in the Big Apple. Actually, there is; getting engaged in Central Park, surrounded by the birds and the bees (and the squirrels!).
If you want to make your proposal memorable (which, since you’re here, we assume you do) Bow Bridge could be the perfect location. As one of the most iconic features of Central Park, and with the rowboat filled lake and the Loeb Boathouse as a backdrop, it’s no wonder why so many soon-to-be wedded couples choose to cross the pond (and Central Park Lake!) to pop the question.
IN THE EIFFEL DELUXE SUITE OF THE HOTEL PARTICULIER MONTMARTRE, PARIS
Veux-tu te marier avec moi? Je suis à toi!
If you want to give your partner the opportunity to relive the scenes of Netflix’s Emily In Paris, then proposing in the deluxe suite of the Hotel Particulier in Paris could be the most perfect proposal out there.
The hotel itself sits in the atmospheric, utterly romantic Montmartre district, famous for its cobbled streets, pastel-hued houses, an intimate charm and its proximity to Sacré Coeur. Inside, and accessible only by private staircase, is the Eiffel Deluxe Suite, a penthouse boasting a glass dome roof and incredible views of Paris and the Eiffel Tower.
We couldn’t think of a better place to say “Je fais!”.
As an equally romantic alternative, consider the Hotel Jules et Jim, in the trendy Marais district. Check out our review of the hotel here.
THE SHARD, LONDON
Cue jokes about taking your partner up the Shard…
As one of the world’s greatest cosmopolitan cities, London is a wonderful place to pop the question, ideally overlooking the hustle, bustle and buzz of the place from on high.
Whilst it’s tough to narrow down the ideal places to propose in London, The Shard has got to be up there (quite literally), offering breathtaking panoramic views that can be enjoyed both day and night.
The unique setting makes for the perfect atmosphere to ask for your lover’s hand in marriage, enjoying the sparkling lights of the big city and the romantic effect such views have. You can actually book a Shard proposal package with either The Proposers or The View from The Shard. Both offer personalised packages including finding you a private area to pop the question, organising a photographer, and taking care of any other logistical concerns you may have, too. Unsurprisingly, such a service is going to cost you; prices start in the region of £1000.
Alternatively, you could curate your own proposal, getting down on one knee at one of the building’s viewing platforms and finishing up at one of the best restaurants close to the Shard, which, in our experience, are considerably better than those actually in the tower.
RIALTO BRIDGE, VENICE
Even though the Rialto Bridge is one of the oldest of four bridges spanning the Grand Canal, it is also one of the most magical. Located in the very heart of Venice, one of the world’s most romantic cities, the stunning setting offers the very best views of canal and the colourful houses lining either side. At sunset, with the light twinkling off the water, there may be no better place to propose on earth.
Do be warned that Rialto Bridge gets very crowded, and finding the space (and privacy) to propose can be difficult. That said, the crowds do tend to thin down after 10pm. Alternatively, a little more out of the tourist throng is Tre Arche at the lagoon end of the Cannaregio Canal. The views are still stunning and the atmosphere equally romantic, but the crowds are significantly reduced. Result!
ROCK OF SKAROS, SANTORINI
The Rock of Skaros is one of the most popular attractions in Santorini and it’s not difficult to understand why. Offering breathtaking panoramic views of the island, it’s well worth the climb to the top for the framing and focal point of this majestic location.
The neighbourhood is also full of restaurants, bars and hotels, allowing you to take in the beautiful scenery everywhere you go, not to mention the beautiful sunset that slowly disappears behind the horizon at dusk. What’s more, Skaros boasts views of Santorini’s famous Caldera, the one of a kind, huge sea-filled crater in the centre of the island, caused by a volcano in the second millennium BC.
Peering over a magnificent crescent of sheer cliffs hundreds of metres high and the pooling Aegean Sea below, the Caldera’s backdrop represents something of a metaphor for popping the question, don’t you think? Will you take that leap of faith?
THE LAKE DISTRICT, CUMBRIA, UK
And one from the IDEAL highlight reel, just for good luck. The Lake District has long been associated with romanticism, famous for being the home of (and inspiration for) England’s most famous romantic poet, William Wordsworth.
Here you’ll find privacy just perfect for your proposal. Rather than bang on, we’ll redirect you to our 5 romantic holiday ideas in Cumbria and the Lake District for Valentine’s Day 2022. Which somewhat brings us full circle…