Popping the Question? Here are the Best Places to Propose

Engagement season is here. If you're planning on popping the question, a romantic getaway to a destination near or far makes getting down on one knee even more memorable. Choose an awe-inspiring backdrop for the momentous moment, then check off some travel bucket list items to celebrate the occasion. Whether a city escape spells romance for you and your love or you're the kind of couple who would rather be basking under the sun with your toes in the sand, there are plenty of proposal-worthy places to set the scene.

To give us the lowdown on the best places to propose, we called upon New York travel expert and luxury travel agent Sarah Halpern of TravelCouturier. From where to stay with your significant other to where—and how—to pop the question, Sarah serves up some major proposal inspiration. Keep scrolling for everything you need to know about our six favorite destinations for proposals.

Paris

It's no surprise that the City of Light is a top choice for popping the question. One of the most romantic destinations in the world, Paris has plenty of picture-perfect spots for making memories—especially one that is guaranteed to last a lifetime.

Propose

When popping the question in Paris, the sky is the limit. "Perhaps you want Versaille all to yourself so you can propose in the gardens by candlelight or at the Louvre after hours," suggests Sarah. "Maybe your future fiancé is a fashionista and you want to propose during a private styling session with one of her favorite design houses." Whatever you have in mind, Sarah's team can help you create it. For something super intimate, they can arrange a private boat where you can propose while sailing down the Seine at sunset. Or for something more simple, consider a proposal over an incredible bottle of wine at a private tasting.

Stay

Paris is brimming with lovely hotels that are just as romantic and elegant as the city itself. "Get the royal treatment at the recently re-opened and stunning palatial Hôtel de Crillon," says Sarah, who suggests staying in one of the opulent Les Grands Appartements designed by Karl Lagerfeld. Or find classic romance and Parisian elegance at the Four Seasons George V. "The penthouse boasts incredible views of the Eiffel Tower on its multi-level terrace," she notes. "Enjoy a couples massage in the brand new spa!"

Courtesy of the Four Seasons George V.

"Feel like you're staying in your own luxury apartment at the ultra luxe La Reserve Paris in one of their beautiful suites," proposes Sarah. For something more boutique, she suggests the Relais Christine, a unique hideaway tucked away on a quiet street in the heart of the Left Bank—just steps from the Latin Quarter. "Or perhaps the beautiful St. James Hotel, a former mansion turned boutique luxury hotel, is more your style."

New York City

We couldn’t leave the city Ring Concierge calls home off the list. This cultural melting pot has something for everyone—and boasts some of the best restaurants, museums, and theater in the world—so you can tailor your romantic city stay down to the very last detail.

Propose

When it comes to planning the perfect proposal in the Big Apple, the options are endless. "Let us charter a private sailboat for you so you can propose on the water with the Manhattan skyline as your backdrop," offers Sarah. Or, take things up a notch, quite literally, and soar above the city in a private helicopter. "Central Park offers so many romantic places to propose," notes Sarah. "Whether you rent a paddle boat on the Lake to propose or find a beautiful quiet pathway, you can’t go wrong." One pro tip is to venture to Brooklyn for some of the best views of the city. "Head to Dumbo in the evening and propose in front of Jane’s Carousel for breathtaking views of the city and a whimsical ride on the carousel after," recommends Sarah.

Stay

"We love the Greenwich Hotel for a boutique 5-star luxury feel," explains Sarah. "Their Tribeca Suite, with its outdoor fireplace, wisteria canopy and expansive terrace, is the perfect place to have an intimate proposal or celebrate together after." For a fresh take on 5-star luxury, Sarah loves the Four Seasons New York Downtown. "The Royal Suite is especially beautiful," she says. "With a sleek apartment-style design complete with your own screening room, huge soaking tub and fireplace, it’s the perfect place to stay for your proposal getaway."

Courtesy of the Four Seasons New York Downtown.

For those looking to stay uptown, Sarah suggests splurging on the Ty Warner Penthouse at the Four Seasons Hotel New York for your proposal. "Perched on the 52nd floor—the entire floor—with 360-degree views of the city, the penthouse will definitely take her breath away," assures Sarah. "We love the bar and salon at The Baccarat Hotel for a celebratory bottle of bubbly after a proposal!" declares Sarah. "Then, head up to the Baccarat Suite with its sparkling Baccarat Crystal beautiful dining and living area and luxe bedroom. La Mer products and a deep soaking tub add an extra layer of luxury." For another uptown option, relax by your own cozy fireplace or enjoy the beautiful blooms at the famous Majorelle restaurant when you stay at The Lowell Hotel. "You’ll feel like you’re staying in your own Upper East Side townhouse," promises Sarah.

Savannah

This quaint coastal city feels like it was designed with romance in mind. From its cozy cobblestoned squares to its horse-drawn carriages to its ancient oak trees covered in Spanish moss, every element of this mini-metropolis is picturesque—and the perfect setting for a proposal.

Propose

"There are so many beautiful places to propose in Savannah," assures Sarah. "Perhaps you want to propose along the mile and a half tree-lined drive leading up to the Wormsole Historic Site, or perhaps propose on a sunny day in the cool shade of the acres of beautiful trees in Forsyth Park," she suggests. "If you prefer the waterfront as your backdrop, head down to the charming cobblestone River Street."

Stay

"For luxury stays in Savannah, we like Perry Lane Hotel, the Andaz Savannah, and The Brice," says Sarah. "For smaller venues that are classic Savannah, we love Ballastone and Hamilton-Turner Inn."

Courtesy of Perry Lane Hotel.

St. Barts

If white-sand beaches, designer shops, and high-end restaurants are your vibe, St. Barthélemy has it all. "This amazing island is a slice of French chic in the middle of paradise," describes Sarah.
Yacht-filled harbors, designer shops, and historical attractions live side by side in this idyllic destination.

Propose

"Let us charter a private yacht for you to propose over a crisp rosé as you enjoy the sunset, or, for something even more intimate, sail to a secluded beach for the proposal," offers Sarah. "Take a private guided hike to enjoy stunning views of the island and propose when you reach the mountain top."

Stay

Stay at one of the many luxe properties from Eden Roc to Cheval Blanc or Le Barthélemy. "Enjoy world class dining, stunning beaches, luxury shopping at Hermès and other high end boutiques, or a boozy brunch at Nikki Beach," suggests Sarah.

Courtesy of Eden Roc.

Turks & Caicos

Another beachy getaway we consider a must on anyone’s bucket list is this tropical archipelago. Start your engaged life with a sun-kissed glow on white sand beaches when the two of you get on island time in Turks & Caicos.

Propose

Home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, these islands boast an endless supply of breathtaking scenery—perfect for popping the question. "Let us arrange a private candlelight dinner on the beach or charter a beautiful catamaran for the day for the ultimate tropical proposal," suggests Sarah.

Stay

Discover the natural wonders of your gorgeous surroundings in an open-air pavilion or intimate villa, with direct access to the sea, at the luxe and secluded Amanyara. Or indulge in the splendors of Como Parrot Cay, situated on its own private island.

Photo courtesy of Amanyara.

Charleston

If you and your partner are looking for a domestic destination where you can enjoy beautiful stretches of beaches, rich architecture, and renowned seafood, Charleston is the place for you. South Carolina’s coastal city offers plenty of proposal-worthy locales.

Propose

"Pop the question beneath Wisteria trees in Hampton Park, or head just a little ways outside of the city to the lush Magnolia Plantation—one of the oldest in the world—with acres of beautiful grounds that definitely inspire romance and beauty," describes Sarah. "Head out to Folly Beach at sunset for gorgeous water views and a beautiful ocean breeze."

Stay

"For classic luxury, Belmond is a great option," assures Sarah. "For a more modern take on luxe, we love The Dewberry Charleston." If you're looking for something more boutique but just as luxe, Sarah says to "check out Zero George or Wentworth Mansion."

Courtesy of the Dewberry Charleston.

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