When it comes to planning your long-awaited proposal, choosing the perfect destination is half the battle. Rather than settle for any generic setting, check out our list of most breathtaking places to pop the question across the globe!

Cr: Ordinary Traveler

15 Of The Most Romantic Places To Propose

1. Cinque Terre, Italy

You know those colorful cliffside villages facing the ocean you see in photos and travel websites everywhere? That’s Cinque Terre, a collection of small towns on Italy’s western coast. Cinque Terre is a coveted destination by old and young, adventurous and luxurious travelers alike — making it a universally perfect place to propose!

Take a row boat out on the water, plan a romantic dinner at an open-air restaurant, or get down on one knee right at the beach; no matter the venue, you can’t go wrong in one of the most picturesque locations in Italy.

2. New York, New York

If you haven’t yet been, nothing calls for a trip to NYC like a surprise proposal. The beautifully lit skyline at sunset makes the backdrop of the Brooklyn Bridge an obvious choice, while the Bow Bridge in Central Park — which makes an appearance in nearly every iconic New York movie — has a serene and magical feel.

You can even find a saxophonist playing atop the Empire State Building after 10pm (9pm in winter) if you’re really trying for a “go big or go home” moment!

3. Santorini, Greece

Santorini is perhaps one of the most unique island destinations in the world — perfect for a truly unique proposal. I’d highly recommend scouting wineries for the perfect spot (Santo Wines Winery and Venetsanos winery are two of my favorites), though private oceanfront villas and suites give you the perfect opportunity to cook a homemade meal and set the mood for an intimate and unforgettable moment.

4. Venice, Italy

Venice might be a bit predictable, but for good reason. With its narrow canals, Venetian Gothic architecture and dreamy lampposts lighting up the streets at twilight, it’s no wonder we couldn’t leave it off our list!

While you may want to opt for the timeless gondola ride, you can also get creative and explore the ideas of St. Mark’s Square outside the Basilica, the entrance of the San Georgio Maggiore church, or a traditional Michelin star Venetian restaurant.

5. Mljet Island, Croatia

Pack a picnic and set sail from Dubrovnik to Croatia’s greenest island of Mljet — an isolated national park rich with opportunities to propose on walking trails and hidden beach coves. You can roam the island by bike (which I’d highly recommend!) and take a dip in one of the two saltwater lakes afterwards.

Any place on this lush, forested island is proposal-worthy, so it might be best not to plan an exact spot and let the perfect spot find you!

6. Geirangerfjord, Norway

Geirangerfjord is something of a fantasy, a place you never really thought could exist outside your dreams; nevertheless, this stunning spot in Norway is easily accessible by hike or kayak and is the ultimate nature-lovers destination.

Getting down on one knee surrounded by the fjord’s birds-eye views and cascading waterfalls would be nothing short of impressive, and so original they’ll never suspect it’s coming!

7. Sunset Cliffs, California

California is an obvious contender in the competition for “Best Proposal Destinations,” though Sunset Cliffs just outside San Diego is one sight that just doesn’t compare to the rest.

Year-round perfect weather makes this a great spot for even winter proposals, and the magazine-worthy panoramic scene overlooking the deep blue Pacific Ocean is about as idyllic as it gets! Its central location also makes it easy to hire a hidden photographer to capture the moment.

8. Cliffs of Moher, Ireland

If you’re going to cross the pond to Ireland, there’s only one way to propose: at the Cliffs of Moher. Whether it’s at the very edge of the seaside cliffs themselves or at O’Brien’s Tower, there couldn’t be a more whimsical backdrop than Ireland’s quintessential coast!

9. Anse Chastanet, Saint Lucia

There’s plenty of tropical islands that would suffice for the special day, but St. Lucia’s enchanting Anse Chastanet beach is the definition of paradise! Scuba or snorkel the reef, enjoy the black sands, and take in lush scenery only paralleled by the likes of Indonesia.

Better yet, book a couple of nights at the stunning Anse Chastanet Resort for a proposal the two of you will never forget!

10. Paris, France

The City of Love got its nickname somehow, right? The language alone is enough to make you melt, but popping the question at a truly iconic location — like atop the Eiffel Tower or in front of the Louvre — is a story memorable enough to retell again and again over a lifetime.

Other equally-worthy ideas could include kneeling under the Arc de Triomphe or aside the storybook, tree-lined Medici Fountain!

11. Kauai, Hawaii

A sunset proposal beneath Hanakāpī‘ai Falls on the jaw-dropping Na Pali Coast? Unbeatable. In a versatile location like Kauai, you have your choice of hikes, swimming holes, or even helicopter rides to choose from for the perfect moment! On the opposite end of the island is Fern Grotto, one of Hawaii’s hidden gems and best-kept secrets — another stunning setting fit for only the best engagements.

12. Grand Canyon, Arizona

The Grand Canyon alone is impressive enough for a spectacular moment on one knee, though Havasu Falls gives you the best of both worlds — the beauty of bright blue waters and the astounding natural wonder of carved canyons.

Note: Getting a permit to camp in the park requires a reservation a full year in advance. Camping without a permit might be tempting, but it’s not worth the high likeliness of getting caught by rangers and facing hefty fines.

13. Barcelona, Spain

This European hub of vibrant culture, art, food and architecture gives you limitless proposal places to chose from; you can also find very affordable airfare to Barcelona from the States, making this an awesome budget-friendly international destination!

A few universally agreed-upon places deemed worthy of such an extraordinary event are Parc Guell — known for its mosaics — the mountaintop Tibidabo Basilica, Magic Fountain of Montjuïc at night, and, of course, Sagrada Familia.

14. Lake Louise, Alberta, Canada

Alberta has become a more popular travel destination in recent years, and understandably so; it only takes one photo to see that its own Banff National Park is truly heaven on earth. For a lover of the outdoors, the elegance of North America’s most scenic lake — Lake Louise, surrounded by snowcapped Canadian Rockies — could be perhaps the most serene place to begin a beautiful lifelong journey.

Whether it’s by aerial-view hiking path, canoe, or ice skating in its winter wonderland, Lake Louise is an all-around perfect locale.

15. Queenstown, New Zealand

A hot air balloon engagement is one for the truly adventurous couple — one that can appreciate wrapping two once-in-a-lifetime experiences into one thrilling ride! There are only a few places in the world you can really pull this off, and Queenstown is arguably one of the best.

The varied landscapes of land, lake and mountain create a surreal atmosphere two thousand feet in crisp New Zealand air, especially in the early morning hours of sunrise!