Ten Ideas for a Perfect Proposal
A short overview of ten fun and romantic proposal ideas.
Some of the very best stories I hear– not just as a wedding photographer but as a friend to many people who have gotten married– are the ones from proposals. Things gone beautifully as planned (rarely); things gone hilariously awry (often); and things just gone totally off the rails (thankfully–again– rarely).
Speaking of proposals, be sure to check out my collection of elopement ideas in my complete guide:
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Proposal Highlights
Here are some highlights from the“proposals reel” just off the top of my head:
A friend’s partner had to be on oxygen during their VERY easy hike in Aspen because he just couldn’t relax enough to remember how to breathe before kneeling in the snow
A friend’s partner who, in a misguided attempt to calm his nerves, devoured THREE McDonald’s BigMacs before boarding the ferris wheel upon which he planned to propose– only to be sidelined by (big shocker) stomach troubles before he even had the chance to ask his big question
Family members who got in a rather animated fight on what was supposed to be a lovely autumn walk to an outlook (where he was going to propose) because it was a) freezing b) raining and, c) the wrong trail. He may have also left the ring back in the car.
You want this moment to be immortalized in your hearts and minds for time without end– and for the right reasons!
10 Fun & Romantic Proposal Ideas
In the spirit of the upcoming ‘engagement season’, here are some super-fun and outside-the-box ideas for how to ask your sweetheart the biggest and most important question of all:
Plan a romantic picnic.
This one can be lowkey (in your backyard, maybe with some fairy lights) or more elaborate (on a soaring mountaintop, after an epic hike). To make it super easy, get help! There are some excellent companies that provide curated picnicking experiences. Check out my friends at Terrene for some inspiration.
First Date Do-Over.
Did you two have a memorable first date? Why not recreate it, except with an unexpected twist at the end: a ring!
Surprise Party.
Maybe your partner loves a big shindig and the spotlight. If so, throwing a surprise party for him or her, with all your beloved friends and family there to celebrate your love, is a super-unexpected and happy way to propose.
Serenaded by Your Favorite Band.
I know lots of couples who first bonded over a shared love of music. Get tickets to a great band and find just the right moment to pop the question. (Side note: I live out close to Red Rocks, Colorado, and I kind of can’t imagine a cooler place to get engaged!)
Scavenger Hunt.
This one, admittedly, takes a good deal of forethought, creativity, and planning. The gist is, you set up clues that your partner follows to an endpoint, where, of course, you propose. Ideally, you will incorporate places that have meaning and resonance for you two specifically (i.e. your favorite bakery; the park you walk through every weekend; the baseball stadium where you cheer on your favorite team; the restaurant you went to on your first date; etc.)
Custom Puzzle or Game Night.
You can order a custom puzzle in which the words “Will You Marry Me” appear or craft a game (pictionary or trivia, perhaps) in which the answer is a ring or “Marry Me”... You get the idea! Friends can be invited to be in on this one in a fun way, too.
Skywriting.
Your love was written in the stars, right? Declare your devotion in a BIG way by hiring a company to skywrite your proposal in the sky. Truly epic!
Hot Air Balloon.
Take your partner’s breath away by proposing on a dreamy hot air balloon ride. I recommend a sunrise or sunset ride for added romance, wonder, and awe.
Scuba Diving– or Just Under a Waterfall.
If you guys love the water (and are daring and brave), these are two fun and memorable ideas.
A Holiday Proposal.
I LOVE the holidays and cherish the idea of a proposal during that time of year. The options are pretty endless: A ring tumbling out of the cornucopia on Thanksgiving; a ring as an ornament on the Christmas tree; a ring in the gingerbread house; a ring as the 8th gift of Hanukkah…. Or no ring at all, just a sweet snowy sleigh ride followed by a question…
Proposal Planning Advice
Whatever you choose, just make sure it resonates with who you are and what you value as partners. The perfect proposal is one that feels true to who you all are– one rooted in your shared history and memories, and in your deep love for one another.
Does it all feel overwhelming? I can help! I can work with you to plan it all out or just be there (discreetly, of course) to capture that sweet, tender moment with photographs that you will cherish forever.
Ready to Celebrate Your Day Your Way?
Elopement Photographer Andrea Enger (Portrait by Realm Studios)
Find out how I can help make that happen!
If you’re ready to get the ball rolling to secure your photographer, that’s great!
You can do that by filling out the form below, by emailing me directly at andrea@andreaengerphotography.com, or by calling/texting me at (720) 739-0784. I look forward to hearing from you!
If you’re still in the research phase, I hear ya! Here are some more resources that my couples have found helpful. I hope you do, too!