20 Classic Wedding Proposal Ideas Your Partner Will Love

Getting married is one of the most meaningful days of your life and a key part of your love story. You want to put plenty of thought into the special moment you present the love of your life to spend the rest of your lives together; not only will if fill your partner with joy, but once you pull out the ring box, give them their engagement ring, and hear “yes,” it will give you a proposal story to share with friends and family for years to come.

If you’re not sure how you want to pop the question, not to worry! We’ve rounded up some of the best proposal ideas to help get your creative wheels turning:

1. Surprise Wedding Proposals

Even though your significant other may sense you’ll be getting engaged soon, it’s still exciting to arrange surprise wedding proposals. Some couples go all out and have an elaborate setup for a surprise proposal; others decide on something a bit more modest for the big moment. No matter how you present the big question, do it in a way that shies away from suspicion.

Tip: Make your proposal a surprise to heighten the excitement of the moment you pop the question. Keep the timing a complete secret from your future fiance to ensure they remain unaware.

2. Private Proposal Ideas

Propose in a secluded area with just the two of you to make it especially memorable. Privacy also allows for real emotion to shine through and is a romantic proposal idea that will never go out of style. Whether you go on a walk, are on vacation, or steal a solitary moment, private proposal ideas persevere. Just be sure that your significant other is ok without pomp and circumstance. And be sure to have your smartphone on hand to record the moment, so you can share a selfie with family and friends.

Tip: Private proposals are some of the most romantic around. However, please don’t feel that they always need extensive planning. Even an impromptu secret moment can be a cause to ask, “Will you marry me?”

3. Adventurous Proposal Ideas

Exhilarating activities, such as skydiving and bungee jumping, can heighten the excitement of getting engaged. Just be sure that your partner is on board with thrills and up for the challenge of tackling something new. If you choose to incorporate adventurous proposal ideas, make sure to keep the ring safe and secure. Chances are, if you drop it during a dangerous activity, you won’t ever see it again.

Tip: Make both proposing and the activity of choice once-in-a-lifetime events. You’re spending your life with the one you love, and you may never want to skydive again.

4. Outdoor Proposal Ideas

The open air has a beauty all its own, so use it to your benefit. Marriage proposal ideas include asking near a waterfall, proposing at sunrise or sunset, and hiking to a stunning vantage point. Nature provides the perfect backdrop for a perfect proposal. It’s no wonder that folks have been asking outside for ages.

Tip: Do a quick weather check before you make your final plans. You don’t want to get caught in a thunderstorm or miss the sunrise.

5. Simple Proposal Ideas

Many couples prefer to get engaged in an understated yet meaningful way. Asking when the mood strikes is perfect for the duo that likes to fly under the radar. Don’t let anyone make you feel bad when it comes to asking straightforwardly. Not all couples enjoy the spotlight and popping the question elaborately with a public proposal. Taking advantage of a romantic moment can be unforgettable for you both.

Tip: If you enjoy being spontaneous, keep the wedding ring with you when you’re ready to pop the question. Wait for the perfect time, and when it feels right, propose.

6. Holiday Proposal Ideas

Long-distance couples may only see each other during the holidays. And others may want to take advantage of an abundance of loved ones being in town. If you want to take advantage of the holidays, head to a Christmas tree farm, take a carriage ride, hide the ring in an ornament, or place it in your SO’s stocking.

Tip: Wrangle your family to get involved in your proposal. Have them help surprise your partner, take photos, or set a romantic scene.

7. Marriage Proposal Ideas With Kids

Whether you have children or work with kids, getting the little ones involved is an adorable way to ask. Your own youngsters or nieces and nephews can keep a surprise better than you may think. If you or your significant other works with children, have the kids make signs and help with the proposal. It will be memorable for you, your partner, and the kiddos.

Tip: Even if your only kids are fur babies, they can help in their special way. Tie the ring on your pet’s collar, or have them wear a cute proposal sign.

8. Fun Proposal Ideas

Laughing and enjoying time with each other is part of a relationship. The adage “couples who play together stay together” reigns true, especially when it comes to marriage proposal ideas. To include an element of fun, add a bit of playfulness. Organize a scavenger hunt, or pop the question at an amusement park. Head to a carnival and ask under the big top. No matter which way you propose, there’s bound to be laughter and tears of joy.

Tip: Orchestrate a proposal during a comedy show or after a live theatre performance. What an unexpected way to ask and the audience will cheer you on with good wishes.

9. At-Home Proposal Ideas

Sometimes the easiest way to ensure privacy and keep things a surprise is to propose at home. Doing so can be as simple as cuddling on the couch and asking, “Will you marry me?” at just the right moment (for example, with your special song playing in the background). Or you can take the day off work, so that you can organize an elaborate, decoration-filled proposal (complete with string lights and rose petals) when your SO gets home. You could start the morning by cooking breakfast in bed, complete with all the favorite foods your partner loves. or you could set up an at-home photo booth so you can capture the moment you ask your partner to marry you in an impromptu photoshoot. (Not only will the photo make for a great keepsake for you and your partner, but it can also be a great way to announce your engagement on social media!).

Just propose in a way that feels true to you, your partner, and your home; the familiar surroundings will make the request relaxed and genuine.

Tip: Asking at home can be elaborate or simple. Gauge what would work best for you and your partner, and be prepared to pop the question where you live.

10. Unique Proposal Ideas

We’ve all heard some pretty far-fetched marriage proposal ideas that fall into the realm of extravagance. A helicopter ride to a romantic dinner for two on a private island is quite impressive. However, unique doesn’t have to equal expensive. Write a poem. Sing a song you wrote just for your partner. Organize a flash mob. Couples that have extraordinary proposals have amazing stories to tell about their engagement.

Tip: With a unique marriage proposal, you can either wow your partner with lavishness or creativity. Just be sure that your partner will appreciate the time, effort, and possible expense. Some couples prefer modest proposals over flashy ones.

11. Recreate Your First Date

Your first date is the first time you and your partner spent time together in a romantic way. So revisiting it to ask them to marry you is a great, sentimental way to pop the question.

Recreate your first date from beginning to end. For example, did you meet for dinner on your first date? Take your partner back to the same restaurant. Did you have a game night? Bust out the jigsaw puzzles and trivia and challenge them to the same games you played on your first date. Did you go for a walk on the beach? Grab your sandals and head out for a romantic stroll.

Then, at the end of your date, instead of ending it the way your first date ended, wrap things up by asking them to marry you.

12. Involve Your Closest Friends and Family

If you and your partner are close with your friends and family, it can be fun to get them involved with the proposal.

How involved they are in your proposal is up to you. If you want them to be there for every minute, you can propose to your partner in front of all your family and friends. Or, if you prefer your proposal to be a private moment between you and your partner, you can pop the question on your own—and then surprise your partner by meeting up with friends and family for a celebration afterwards.

13. Disney Wedding Proposal

If you and your partner are Disney Adults, what better place to propose than in the parks? Get down on one knee in front of one of Cinderella or Sleeping Beauty’s Castle, as you “travel the world” in Epcot, or right before or after you enjoy your favorite ride. (Bonus points if you can get your favorite Disney character involved in the proposal!)

14. Go Stargazing

Nature can provide the perfect backdrop for a romantic proposal. On a clear night, grab a few blankets, lay down outside, and gaze up at the stars. Then, gaze at your partner—and ask them to spend the rest of their life enjoying the stars (and everything else!) with you.

15. Plan a Treasure Hunt

If you create a super fun proposal experience for your partner, consider putting together a treasure hunt. Put together a set of clues based on your relationship (for example, “Go to the first place we ever had coffee” or “This song was playing when we met; go find the record in our record collection”)—and in the end, have the clues lead to you, waiting to ask them for their hand in marriage.

16. The Best Hot Air Balloon Ride Of Your Lives

If you want your proposal to be, quite literally, a bit over the top (and you’re not afraid of heights!), popping the question on a hot-air balloon ride is one of the most romantic ways to ask your partner to marry you.

(Just make sure, before you go with the hot-air balloon, that it’s something your partner will feel comfortable with. You don’t want them in a full-blown panic in the minutes leading up to your proposal!)

17. The Luckiest Fortune Cookie to Be Received

If you’re looking for a cute way to pop the question, consider writing “will you marry me?” on a slip of paper and slipping it inside a fortune cookie. Then, order takeout and make sure she ends the meal by cracking up that fortune cookie and receiving your message.

18. Go on a Romantic Ferris Wheel Ride

There are few places that will give you a better view than the top of a ferris wheel. If you have a scenic ferris wheel in your city, consider hopping on with your partner—and proposing at the top, with the cityscape as your backdrop.

19. Fill a Hotel Room with Romantic Rose Petals

If you want to go classic with your proposal, you can’t go wrong with roses! Rent a fancy hotel room; then, before your partner arrives, fill the entire space with rose petals and dim lighting. Then, when they come in, ask for their hand in marriage amongst all the petals. (And make sure to have a bottle of champagne waiting to celebrate!)

20. Plan a Getaway Marriage Proposal

If you and your partner love to travel, a getaway marriage proposal is sure to be unforgettable. Love the mountains? Head to Colorado or Utah and pop the question as you get off the ski lift. More on the market for beach proposal ideas? Plan a trip to your favorite beach and pop the question at sunset.

No matter where you go, try to propose at the beginning of the getaway; that way, you have the rest of the trip to celebrate your engagement!

Are you ready to pop the question with one of our marriage proposal ideas? No matter where, when, or how you pop the question, our take on classics will help create the perfect ask. These suggestions showcase the longevity of standard ideas, while giving you hints on how to personalize your proposal. Now go and get that, “Yes!”