60 proposal ideas: how will you pop the question?

You’ve decided you’re ready to propose – now you just need a plan that feels special, personal, and not wildly cringe. No pressure.

To make life easier, here are 60 proposal ideas, grouped into five vibes:

• Romantic proposals
• Adventurous & exciting proposals
• Creative & unique proposals
• Public & spectacular proposals
• Fun & playful proposals

You can absolutely mix and match. Take an idea, tweak it for your partner, and ignore anything that doesn’t feel like you two.

💡 If you’re also worrying about what to say in the moment, have a read of Boutee’s “The ultimate guide to what to say when you propose”: https://www.boutee.co.uk/blogs/boutee-guides/the-ultimate-guide-to-what-to-say-when-you-propose-to-your-girlfriend

Romantic proposals: what are the most heartfelt ways to propose?

1. Stargazing proposal

Head somewhere dark and quiet, spread out a blanket, and spend a while just pointing out constellations (or confidently making them up). When the moment feels right, tell them they’re your favourite star in the sky and pull out the ring. Nice extra: arrange a flask of hot chocolate or mulled wine for afterwards.

2. Proposal at a sentimental location

Go back to where something important happened: your first date, first kiss, or the place you realised you were in love. Take a short walk down memory lane, mention what that day meant to you, and then ask them to marry you in the same spot.

3. “Milestone movie” proposal

Put together a simple video montage – phone clips, photos, voice notes, screenshots of daft conversations – and end it with a slide that says “Will you marry me?”. Play it at home with pizza, at a small gathering of close friends, or even in a rented private cinema if you’re feeling fancy.

4. Photo memories proposal

Print out your favourite photos and turn a room into a mini gallery, with fairy lights or candles (safely placed!) around the edges. As they walk through your story in pictures, lead them to one final photo of the two of you… with the ring ready and waiting beneath it.

5. Candlelit at-home proposal

Cook their favourite meal (or order it in and shamelessly plate it up as your own effort), dim the lights, and fill the room with candles. You can hide the ring in the dessert box, not the dessert itself – no one wants to propose via accidental dental work.

6. Beach-at-sunset proposal

Find a quiet stretch of beach, ideally at golden hour. Suggest a walk, write “Will you marry me?” in the sand, or simply drop to one knee as the sun hits the horizon.

For UK-specific inspiration, this guide is a great starting point: https://www.boutee.co.uk/blogs/boutee-guides/34-beautiful-places-to-propose-in-the-uk

7. “Walk down memory lane” date

Plan a date that takes you chronologically through your relationship: where you met, where you had your first drink together, where you said “I love you”. Finish somewhere new – a rooftop bar, a pretty park, home with a takeaway – and propose there as the “next chapter”.

8. Library or bookshop proposal

For book lovers, hide a note or the ring in a book that means something to you both. You could create a dust jacket that looks normal from the outside but says “Will you marry me?” on the inside flap.

9. Memory box proposal

Fill a box with little mementos: ticket stubs, print-outs of texts, silly notes, dried flowers. As they reach the bottom, they’ll find the ring and a handwritten letter asking them to marry you.

10. Holiday proposal

Christmas tree, New Year’s Eve fireworks, Valentine’s Day, Diwali, Eid, their birthday – weaving your proposal into a meaningful celebration can make the day even more memorable. Just make sure they’re not already stressed hosting a big family event.

11. Time capsule proposal

Create a “relationship time capsule” together with photos, a playlist, letters to your future selves, and tiny objects that mean something. As you add the “final item”, surprise them by putting the ring in the box instead – and ask if they’ll be there when you open it in ten years’ time.

12. Garden-by-candlelight proposal

Whether it’s your own garden or a rented one, hang lanterns or fairy lights from the trees, set up a cosy seating area, and play a soft playlist in the background. A quiet, private, candlelit proposal is romantic and low-pressure.

Adventurous & exciting proposals: how can you propose with a big adrenaline rush?

13. Skydiving proposal

Perfect for thrill-seekers. You can propose just before jumping (“Fancy jumping out of a plane and into marriage?”), or after you’ve both landed, still high on adrenaline.

14. Helicopter ride proposal

Book a helicopter tour over a city skyline, coastline, or national park. As the pilot points out the best view, use the quiet moment to ask the question. You could even arrange a banner on the ground that says “Will you marry me?” if you want to go full drama.

15. Mountain-top proposal

Hike to a viewpoint you’ll actually enjoy (this is not the day to drag them up a sheer cliff they’ll hate). When you reach the top, ask if they’ll keep climbing life’s hills with you.

16. Underwater proposal

On a scuba or snorkelling trip, you can use a small waterproof sign or a slate that says “Will you marry me?”. Just keep the ring safely on the boat or shore and present it properly once you’re both back on dry land.

17. Hot air balloon proposal

As you float quietly over fields, villages, or coastlines, wait for a calm section of the flight and propose with the world spread out below you. Very romantic, slightly surreal, and brilliant for photos.

18. Adventure-activity proposal

Think rock-climbing, zip-lining, indoor bouldering, white-water rafting, or even a high ropes course. Propose at the end of the activity – muddy, windswept, laughing, and very much alive.

19. Bungee jumping proposal

Either ask them before the jump (“Will you marry me – and also jump off this bridge with me?”) or wait until you’re safely back on the ground. This one’s for couples who genuinely love that level of chaos.

20. Snowy proposal

On a ski trip or UK winter walk, you can write “Will you marry me?” in the snow, propose on a quiet ski run, or build a snowman holding the ring box.

21. Proposal in the clouds (skywriting)

If your budget stretches, you can hire a skywriting service to spell out a message. As they look up reading it, turn to them with the ring.

22. Tandem skydive proposal

If you’re doing a tandem jump together, propose on the ground right after you land, while hearts are still racing. You’ll both remember that feeling forever.

23. “Thrill-seeker day” proposal

Plan a whole day of thrills – roller coasters, go-karting, axe-throwing, indoor skydiving – and end it with a quiet moment at home or at a viewpoint where you propose.

24. Cliffside viewpoint proposal

Find a safe, fenced scenic cliff or viewpoint over the sea or countryside. Pack a small picnic, wait for a quiet moment, and propose with a dramatic backdrop (and very sensible footwear).

Creative & unique proposals: what if you want something truly personal?

25. Romantic treasure hunt

Create a clue trail that leads them around meaningful places in your home, neighbourhood, or city. Each clue can reference an in-joke or memory. The final stop? You, with the ring.

26. Personalised jigsaw puzzle

Order a custom puzzle with a photo of you both or a design that says “Will you marry me?”. Plan a cosy at-home evening, do the puzzle together, and watch the penny drop as the message appears.

27. Custom book or photo album

Make a mini “book” of your relationship – chapters for how you met, your first trip, your favourite weekend. The last page simply reads: “Will you marry me?”

28. “Magical forest” proposal

On your usual walk, secretly set up a small woodland clearing with fairy lights, photos, and a blanket. Bring them there “by chance” and propose in your own little fairy-tale nook.

29. Artistic proposal

Commission a local artist to create a piece that quietly includes your proposal – maybe hidden in the background of a painting or as text on a print. Reveal it at home, or during a gallery visit, and let them spot it.

30. Interactive museum proposal

Chat to museum staff in advance and see what’s possible. Some interactive or immersive museums will help you tweak an exhibit to end with a personalised message or audio.

31. Virtual reality proposal

Create a simple VR world (or commission one) where they walk through key moments of your relationship… until they reach a final scene with “Will you marry me?” floating in front of them.

32. Projection mapping love story

Use a projector at home or on a rented wall to show your love story in photos and short clips. Finish the video with your proposal, then turn around and be there with the ring.

33. Custom puzzle or escape-room game

Design a mini escape game at home – padlocks on drawers, hidden codes, silly riddles about your relationship – with the final code revealing the ring box or message.

34. Time capsule “future us” proposal

Create a time capsule specifically for your future wedding day. Include predictions, hopes, and photos. As you’re sealing it, tell them there’s one more thing you’d like to add – and propose.

35. Surprise weekend getaway

Plan a surprise UK cottage, coastal escape or city break. Propose on a sunset walk, in a cosy cabin with a fire, or at breakfast in bed when you’re both relaxed and off your phones.

36. “Relationship tour” proposal

Book a private driver or map out a route that takes you through several meaningful spots in one evening – with a final stop at somewhere new where you propose and celebrate.

Public & spectacular proposals: how can you make a big, bold statement?

37. Flash mob proposal

If your partner loves a bit of theatre, coordinate with a local dance group or helpful friends to break into a choreographed routine in a public space. Join in at the end and propose.

38. Live music performance

Hire a musician to perform their favourite song in a park, pub garden, or café. When the song finishes, step forward and pop the question.

39. Fireworks proposal

Plan your proposal to coincide with public fireworks (New Year’s Eve, Bonfire Night) or book a small private display if you have the budget and outdoor space. As the sky lights up, ask the question.

40. Sports match proposal

If they’re obsessed with a particular team, some clubs offer proposal packages with a big-screen message or on-pitch moment. Only do this if they genuinely love that sort of attention – not if they’d rather disappear into the ground.

41. Concert proposal

At a gig, you can propose during “your” song, or simply in a quiet moment before or after. Some smaller artists are surprisingly happy to give you a shout-out if you contact them in advance.

42. Projection proposal on a building

With the right permissions, you can project “Will you marry me?” onto a wall or building you walk past together. Even a rented projector onto your own house wall can feel spectacular.

43. Theatre or cinema proposal

Book a private screening or see if your local independent cinema will play a short “trailer” you’ve made before the main film. For theatre lovers, you might arrange for a message in the programme or a subtle shout-out at the curtain call.

44. Public library proposal

Turn an ordinary library trip into something special. Hide a note in a favourite book or ask staff if they can put a faux “reserved for [their name] – will you marry me?” slip inside.

45. Historical landmark proposal

Propose at somewhere iconic: in London, Edinburgh, the Lake District, or your local castle or monument. Just double check any permits required if you want photographers or decorations.

46. Fairytale park or garden proposal

Set up a little “fairytale scene” in a public garden – maybe a picnic with storybooks, a toy crown, and a handwritten “Once upon a time…” note that ends with your proposal.

47. Aquarium proposal

Book a time at an aquarium and propose in front of a huge tank, surrounded by shoals of fish and calming blue light. Ideal if they love marine life and dislike being outdoors in the cold.

48. Zoo proposal

Arrange a behind-the-scenes animal encounter and propose there, or pick their favourite animal enclosure as the backdrop. Many UK zoos offer proposal or experience packages.

Fun & playful proposals: how can you keep it light, silly and “very us”?

49. Dog (or pet) proposal

Attach the ring (securely) to your dog’s collar, a tag that says “Will you marry my human?”, or a tiny bandana. Call the dog over and let them deliver the biggest question of their career.

50. Photo booth proposal

Find a photo booth (or hire one for a party), hop in, and as the countdown starts, bring the ring out. Their changing expressions will be captured frame by frame.

51. Karaoke proposal

Queue “your” song or a love ballad, then tweak the lyrics to include “Will you marry me?”. Just make sure they’re the type who enjoys a bit of public silliness.

52. Gaming proposal (IRL)

Design a custom board game or card game that ends with a proposal card. Alternatively, hide a message under the board or inside the box.

53. Birthday gift surprise

Wrap the ring box inside several larger boxes, Russian-doll style, as their birthday present. When they finally reach the smallest one, you can get down on one knee.

54. Personalised movie trailer

Create a fake rom-com trailer starring the two of you (phone clips are fine). Play it “by accident” before a film night, then switch off the TV and propose.

55. Fridge magnet proposal

Spell out “Will you marry me?” in fridge magnets and wait to see how long it takes them to notice. When they finally shout your name from the kitchen, stroll in with the ring.

56. Puzzle or quiz night proposal

If you love quizzes, create a final round where every answer spells out “Will you marry me?”. Or make the last crossword clue something only they will understand.

57. In-game (video game) proposal

For gamer couples, you can design a custom level, build a sign in Minecraft, rename an item, or create a modded area that spells out your proposal. Then hand them the controller.

58. At-home fairytale proposal

Turn your living room into a storybook: fairy lights, a blanket fort, candles, and a “Once upon a time…” story you read out loud, ending with “…and then they asked: will you marry me?”

59. Amusement arcade proposal

Head to the arcade, win a silly prize together, and then hand them “one last prize” – the ring. Or use the flashing lights of the 2p machines as your very glamorous backdrop.

60. Zoo (or aquarium) “day out” proposal

Plan a playful day out somewhere full of animals, rides or interactive exhibits – then pick a quieter spot (a bench by the penguins, a tucked-away corner) for your actual proposal, away from the crowds.

Practical bits: what else should you think about before proposing?

How can you propose in a way that feels “you”, not cheesy?

Think about three things:

Your partner’s comfort levels – Do they love being centre of attention or hate it? Would a flash mob make their year or their worst nightmare?

Your shared interests – Books, mountains, theatre, dogs, gaming, pub quizzes, Sunday roasts… build around what you already genuinely enjoy.

Their ideal story – If you’ve ever heard them talk about “dream proposals” (or watched them react to someone else’s), take notes.

If you want more general proposal-planning advice, this step-by-step guide from Hitched is very helpful: https://www.hitched.co.uk/wedding-planning/organising-and-planning/how-to-propose/ Hitched

How do you stay calm when you’re about to propose?

It is completely normal to feel sick with nerves – even if you’re 99% sure they’ll say yes. Simple breathing exercises can really help steady you beforehand. The NHS has a short, easy technique you can do anywhere: https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/self-help/guides-tools-and-activities/breathing-exercises-for-stress/ nhs.uk

Try it in the days leading up to your proposal so it feels familiar, then again just before you ask.

If your anxiety is more about the relationship, it can also help to talk things through with someone neutral. UK relationship charity Relate offers resources and counselling for couples at every stage: https://www.relate.org.uk/get-help Relate

What should you propose with?

Traditionally, people propose with an engagement ring – but you absolutely don’t have to. Some couples:

• Propose with a placeholder ring so they can choose the real one together
• Use a different piece of jewellery, like a necklace
• Skip the ring entirely and focus on the question

If you’re not sure about budget or how much to spend, Boutee has a guide that breaks it all down in plain English: https://www.boutee.co.uk/blogs/boutee-guides/how-much-should-i-spend-on-an-engagement-ring

Do you have to get down on one knee?

Short answer: no. Traditionally, people kneel on the left knee, but there’s no law that says you must. Some people propose sitting on the sofa, lying on a picnic blanket, or mid-hug on a cold walk.

If kneeling feels right to you, do it. If it doesn’t – don’t. The important bit is the question, not the choreography. If you’re curious about where the whole “one knee” tradition comes from, this Boutee piece digs into the history: https://www.boutee.co.uk/blogs/boutee-guides/the-history-meaning-of-proposing-on-one-knee

Can you propose without a big surprise?

Definitely. Some of the happiest couples treat the proposal as something you both talk about openly first – then one person still plans a special moment. If you’re wondering when to ask, this guide might help you sense the right time: https://www.boutee.co.uk/blogs/boutee-guides/how-to-know-when-to-propose-based-on-22-tell-tale-signs

And if you’re in the UK and thinking ahead to the legal side of things, GOV.UK has a clear overview of how marriage and civil partnerships work here: https://www.gov.uk/marriages-civil-partnerships GOV.UK

What happens after they say yes?

First: celebrate. Call people you love, have a drink, eat something comforting, and take a million photos while you’re still squeaky with happiness.

Then, when you’re ready to think about the ring itself, it might be worth going bespoke rather than straight to the high street. Bespoke rings are often better value than people expect, and working with an independent jeweller means you get something truly one of a kind.

Boutee is a UK platform that:

• Matches you to an independent jeweller based on your partner’s style
• Helps keep things within your budget and demystifies the process
• Connects you with vetted jewellers, so you’re not just picking a random name off Google

So once you’ve chosen how you’re going to propose, you can start thinking about the ring your partner will be wearing for the rest of their life – and get some expert help along the way.

And if you’re still stuck for a location, ring box decision, or proposal script, you might also like: • Where to propose in the UK: https://www.boutee.co.uk/blogs/boutee-guides/34-beautiful-places-to-propose-in-the-uk • Whether to actually use a ring box (yes, this is a whole thing): https://www.boutee.co.uk/blogs/boutee-guides/to-box-or-not-to-box-for-your-proposal • Exactly what to say when the moment comes: https://www.boutee.co.uk/blogs/boutee-guides/the-ultimate-guide-to-what-to-say-when-you-propose-to-your-girlfriend