Anyone planning to propose to their partner hopes to make the moment special. Overseas proposals offer the perfect opportunity to pop the question in a once-in-a-lifetime setting. And, of course, many are now sharing their happy news on social media.
More people than ever are deciding to pop the question at stunning locations in all corners of the globe and sharing the moment on social media, with proposal-related hashtags up a massive 556% compared to last year.
To pinpoint the most successful places to propose around the world, our friends over at Celebrity Cruises have looked at a year’s worth of Instagram data of positive proposal-related hashtags such as #shesaidyes, #hesaidyes and #isaidyes. Over a million posts in total were analysed to reveal the landmarks around the world that people are flocking to in order to pop the big question, and the results reveal some of the most romantic spots in the world, from here in the UK to far-flung destinations such as India, Australia and South Africa.
Interestingly, Central Park in New York has come out as the number one place in the world to successfully pop the question – in the past year 1,789 posts of proposals in Central Park have been posted to Instagram, knocking the Eiffel Tower in Paris to second place.
The USA is seemingly the most romantic country for proposals, four out of the top 15 landmarks are from the States, with Central Park being joined by Brooklyn Bridge in New York, Grand Canyon in Arizona and the Griffith Observatory in LA.
The top 16 list includes some of the most stunning places around the world, from the here in the UK to South Africa, the US and India.
1. Central Park, New York, USA
Central Park is a peaceful haven of green nestled amongst the skyscrapers and bustling streets of Manhattan, making it a popular spot for Big Apple proposals. Iconic Bow Bridge and Bethesda Fountain are some of the most romantic parts of the park, offering views across the lake and a truly classic New York experience.
2. Eiffel Tower, Paris, France
It makes sense that the city of love would feature highly as a popular proposal destination, and where more iconic in the French capital than the Eiffel Tower? The top of this landmark grants brave visitors outstanding views across Paris and impressive sunsets to match. If your amour doesn’t have a head for heights, the bottom of the Eiffel Tower still makes an incredible backdrop for any proposal. Even better, many hopeful proposers will wait until after sunset and time the big moment for when the the tower starts to twinkle (this happens on-the-hour).
3. Brooklyn Bridge, New York, USA
The skyline of Manhattan is one of the most iconic and breath-taking cityscapes in the world, so it’s no surprise that the Brooklyn Bridge is a popular spot for romantics. Some take a stroll across the bridge and go down on one knee half way over the water, while others choose to propose once they’ve reached the Brooklyn waterside, taking in the view of the bridge with all the landmarks of the city as a backdrop. At night the silhouette of the bridge against the lights of Manhattan makes for a particularly romantic view.
4. Grand Canyon, Arizona, USA
Where better to get engaged than one of the most amazing geological landmarks in the world? Many loved-up couples choose to say ‘yes’ perched (safely) on the cliff edge, with the world’s largest canyon and one of the world’s seven natural wonders stretching as far as the eye can see (some 277 miles!).
5. Oia, Santorini, Greece
With its steep coastal cliffs, whitewashed buildings and iconic blue domes, Oia makes an undeniably beautiful setting for any proposal, which explains its popularity with lovers. Sundown in particular, with the oranges and pinks of the sky contrasting with the clean white walls of the town, creates a perfectly romantic ambience for this important moment.
6. Colosseum, Rome, Italy
It’s not just history lovers that flock to the Colosseum in Rome – hopeful proposers regularly pick this favourite spot to declare their dreams of marriage, making this impressive Roman structure one of the most romantic parts of the city. The curves and arches of this ancient site have drawn visitors for thousands of years and, at night, the Colosseum’s lights create a hauntingly beautiful setting that’s primed for proposal perfection.
7. Tower Bridge, London, UK
The lights of London have been the backdrop of many an Instagram proposal pic, with Tower Bridge serving as the most popular London landmark for lovers. From the banks of the Thames, the bridge is a beautiful sight, and overlooks some of the city’s most iconic attractions.
8. Sydney Opera House, Sydney, Australia
With its white curves standing out against the blue of the harbour, Sydney Opera House is one of Australia’s most famous spots and serves as a stunning scene for a huge number of Instagrammed proposals. Whether couples choose to pop the question from beneath this incredible building, gazing across the bay or viewing the Opera House from a boat on the waves, this unmistakeable edifice’s appeal is undeniable.
9. Louvre, Paris, France
Popular with lovers, the Louvre Museum in Paris is another of the city’s most iconic proposal spots. The contrast of the reflective glass angles of the entrance pyramid works beautifully against the 13th century surrounding palace walls, adding a touch of historic romance that couples can’t resist.
10. Lake Louise, Banff, Canada
Nature fans flock to the Rocky Mountains to soak up some of the world’s most remarkable scenery. It’s no surprise then that Lake Louise is one of the most popular places to propose – the surrounding snow-capped mountains, Victoria Glacier and the turquoise water of the lake make a backdrop that’s hard to beat. Many couples choose to hike to the Fairmont Viewpoint for their big moment – a wooden platform raised on a hill, overlooking the lake from above.
11. The Shard, London, UK
Offering some of the best views of the city, The Shard is another of London’s most popular proposal destinations. Towering 95 storeys above the Big Smoke, this modern skyscraper offers bars and restaurants, with the lights of the city stretching below; that the perfect setting for that celebratory bottle of champers.
12. Spanish Steps, Rome, Italy
Another favourite for proposals in The Eternal City is the Spanish Steps. From the top couples can soak up views across the whole of Rome, while the steps themselves create a beautiful setting for dropping to one knee. Surrounded by bars and restaurants, couples can enjoy a celebratory meal for two to toast the happy news.
13. Taj Mahal, Agra, India
Agra’s Taj Mahal is an astounding structure built as an immense white marble mausoleum by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his favourite wife. The Taj Mahal’s romantic past, teamed with its stunning domes reflected in the iconic pools that sit below, has loved-up couples travelling from all over the world to propose in front of this famous landmark.
14. Griffith Observatory, Los Angeles, USA
Perched high above the city of LA on Mount Hollywood, the Griffith Observatory is one of Los Angeles’ most popular attractions. Not only does it offer incredible views of the city (particularly at night) but it also provides an opportunity to learn about astronomy, so serves as the perfect place for couples to swear their love on the stars.
15. Trevi Fountain, Rome, Italy
In joint 14th place is another iconic Rome landmark. The Trevi Fountain, with its impressive cascade of clear blue water and carefully sculpted figures, has long been one of the city’s most popular proposal spots. However, couples hoping for that perfect romantic moment need to get here early in the morning… its popularity make it a busy spot every day.
16. Table Mountain, Cape Town, South Africa
Rising spectacularly above the Cape Town, Table Mountain offers incredible views across both the city and the ocean. Whether it’s moodily draped in clouds or boasting clear blue skies, couples regularly choose this as an ideal proposal spot thanks to its lofty position.
Full details of the findings and information on each location can be found here: https://www.celebritycruises.co.uk/discover-magazine/explore/proposal-location-inspiration/
