Top 10 Romantic Places To Propose To Your Girlfriend

By Chinelo Ngene

Everyone is looking for the perfect place and time to pop the question. Clichés are fine, yet everyone wants their moment of proposal to be special, unique and most of all - romantic. In no particular order, these are the top 10 ultimate proposal locations.


The Pont Neuf, Paris

Paris is one of the most cliché places to propose, but it’s cliché for a reason – it works. The beauty of this city never seizes to amaze, and it’s possibly more famous for proposals than any other place. But, just because you’re doing it in Paris doesn’t mean it HAS to be at the Eiffel Tower.  The Pont Neuf (the “New Bridge”) is the oldest standing bridge on the Seine, and we couldn’t think of a better symbol for the union of two loved ones. Want to increase your chances? Visit at sunset when the buildings by the river are bathed in the setting sun’s golden rays.

The Waipi’o Valley (Valley of the Kings), Hawaii

The Waipi’o Valley, named for the ancient Hawaiian Royals buried there, is on the northeast shore of Hawaii’s Big Island. The beauty of this valley will absolutely take your breath away – lush green landscape with taro ponds and lotus fields, waterfalls cascading down the hillside, streams cutting through the valley, snaking their way towards the ocean, and the longest black sand beach in the state. It’s almost impossible not to find a romantic spot for proposing here. Nature has pretty much done most of the work where mood is concerned. You can take a ride through the valley or get a room at the Waipio Wayside Inn where you have a bird’s eye view of the valley.

Overlooking Big Sur, California

It may not seem very romantic, proposing on a stretch of highway, but it’s all about perspective. Being on the open road in itself is a great way to really set the mood. You have your music, rocky cliffs on one side, the magnificent Santa Lucia Mountains on the other, each other, and a tank full of gas. There are quite a few spots where you can pop the question here – at a cliff-side yurt or ocean view suite – but I’d rather you opt for the more dramatic option and propose at one of the lookout points seemingly set aside specifically for monumental proposals.

A Sunset Sail in Bora Bora, Tahiti

French Polynesia is most certainly on the ‘should visit’ list of love-struck couples, and with good reason. Why not make the trip even more memorable by proposing here? A sail around the Motus of Bora Bora is a unique way to ask the woman you love to spend the rest of her life with you. The Le Meridien, Bora Bora can actually arrange a sunset tour of the lagoon for couples, complete with complimentary champagne, with a guide as your only other companion so you can watch the sun dip behind the Otemanu Mountain and pop the question in private.

Giudecca Venice, Italy

We have a soft spot for this one because we think Italy is just the most beautiful place in the world. How can you not fall (more) in love in a city where you have narrow cobblestoned streets lined with graceful buildings, stalls and shops, and can enjoy a moonlit ride through the city on a gondola? Giudecca in particular is the ideal setting for a proposal, with its panoramic views of the lagoon and a lagoon-front hotel with amazing views of the water.

A Hot-Air Balloon Ride Above the Masai Mara, Kenya


Ever since HRH Prince William of Wales’ very romantic proposal to Kate Middleton in Kenya, safaris and adventures can be combined when popping the question. Just imagine this – You’ve enjoyed a week-long safari with the lover exploring, taking awesome pictures, and enjoying drinks overlooking the savanna. All that’s left is making the trip unforgettable. When you’re floating over the Masai Mara at the break of dawn, and can see the trees just below you and the mist rising from the river, you’ll know the time is right.

Vertigo Restaurant, Bangkok

Some locations speak for themselves, and the Vertigo Grill and Moon Bar is one of such places. The restaurant is what used to be a helipad on the 61st floor (yes) of the Banyan Tree Hotel. Here, you’ll have a shock-inducing view of the city’s lights spread out below you, and the breeze dancing around you. Specific details like flowers, special wine, a private table et al can be arranged with the concierge. Just try not to drop the ring.

Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada

Waterfalls are just majestic and wonderful to behold and secretly very romantic. You can enjoy a moonlit stroll along the illuminated falls at night, or have a romantic dinner in the revolving restaurant on top the Skylon Tower. Plus, it’s undeniable that the falls would make an amazing backdrop in your pictures when they come up in the slides on your wedding day.

Jamaica

We like to think people love Jamaica because it’s a picturesque island with gorgeous beaches, waterfalls, and mountains. Here, the setting is always right - Citronella Cottages, Mayfield Falls, Couples Tower Isle, Ocho Rios, Negril’s Seven-Mile Beach, East of Eden Villa, to name a few romantic spots -  but that’s not the only reason why it made it to our top ten list. Jamaica is a great place for those looking to elope. You can propose, get married and start your honeymoon in as little as two days.


Chinelo Ngene writes for Jovago.com