Climb the Round Tower on an evening it opens late, or take the golden spire at Vor Frelsers Kirke if she has a head for heights. Rosenborg’s gardens are calmer.
Get Engaged
Everything you need to set the scene. Where to propose, the ring, who can help, and how to actually pull it off.
Where to Propose
All location guidesThe place does more work than anything else. Somewhere that means something to the two of you beats somewhere that just photographs well. Start here.
Propose in Chicago on the Riverwalk under the Wrigley Building, in Millennium Park before the selfie crowds, or warm inside the Lincoln Park conservatory.
Half of Barcelona’s best proposal spots are a climb, from the Bunkers del Carmel at sunset to Park Guell. The Gothic Quarter hides the flat option.
Orlando isn’t only theme parks. Lake Eola glows after dark, a dawn balloon clears the sprawl, and Disney will set up a private proposal if that’s her.
Victoria Peak clears out once the day-trippers head down. That’s the hour to propose in Hong Kong. Or the Tsim Sha Tsui promenade at the nightly light show.
The Ring
All about ringsReal rings readers were given, to start you off. Then the buying guide for what moves the price, and the brands worth buying from.
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No. 11
Tiana, Napa
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No. 10
Katie, Scarborough
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No. 9
Teal, New York City
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No. 8
Alexis, Kansas City
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No. 7
How to choose an engagement ringBrowse ring brandsSee all on the registerLet fate pick your diamond
Proposal Advice
All adviceThe parts nobody warns you about. When to do it, what to say, and how to keep your nerve.
Blanking on the words is the most common regret. What to say when you propose, how long to make it, and what to leave out.
Planning your proposal? Avoid the seven most common mistakes, from proposing too soon to getting the setting wrong and putting pressure on her to say yes.
The ring, the sizing, the location, the words, the photographer hiding in the bushes. Everything to have sorted before the night, in one checklist.
Inspiring Engagement Stories
More storiesRead how other couples actually did it. Take what fits, skip what doesn't.
From the moment I first met Nicole, she knocked my socks off and I knew that I was a lucky man to have the opportunity to sweep her off of her feet.
I began planning about one month prior. I searched for a place that sells real rose pedals and I found one that would give me 700 rose pedals.
It was Saturday, April 26, 2014. I knew that it was the big day! I started off that normal Saturday by taking Kate to one of her favorite restaurants in California: P.F.
Proposal Vendors
See all proposal vendorsIf you want a photographer hidden nearby to catch the moment itself, or a planner for something bigger, here are the proposal specialists worth knowing.
The questions you're already asking
How do I keep the proposal a surprise?
The more people who know, the more likely one of them slips. Tell almost no one, and handle the ring, the venue, and asking her dad while she's at work. Clear your search history, hide the paperwork, and act normal. Nothing tips her off faster than you suddenly behaving out of character.
Full guide: Keeping it a secret →What do I actually say?
Don't wing it, and don't over-script it. Beforehand, think through what she means to you, how she's changed you, and the future you want together. Keep it about the two of you, not a speech, and keep it short. The nerves will do the rest.
Full guide: What to say →Should I ask her dad first?
There's no universal answer, and anyone who says there is doesn't know her. It comes down to three people. Would she find it respectful or infuriating? Does her dad lean traditional? Are you asking out of real respect, or just going through the motions? If you do ask, make it a blessing, not permission.
Full guide: Asking her dad →