Whether you met on a dating app or through a mutual friend, you found love. Now, you’re ready to make things official—tell the world your partner is “the one” for life.
And what better way to do that than with a vacation proposal? Many celebs have proposed to their beloved on vacations.
In 2022, Simon Cowell popped the question to his longtime love, Lauren Silverman, while the couple was vacationing in Barbados. When they were walking on the beach, Cowell took Silverman by surprise by getting down on one knee.
This year, Harley Passmor proposed to his girlfriend, 22 Kids and Counting star Millie Radford, during their extravagant family holiday to Disneyland in Florida.
While it’s an incredible idea to propose to your significant other on a vacation, it can be a bit daunting. You would want everything to be perfect—the ideal spot, ring, and the moment.
Don’t worry, though. We’re here to help you navigate it all. Here are some tips that will help you plan a proposal that is not only picture-perfect, but also uniquely yours.
#1 Pick the Perfect Destination
How you ask is important, but when you come down to it, where you go can make all the difference. The location sets the entire tone for your proposal.
Are you both adventure-seekers? You could propose after a thrilling hike, with a mountain vista as your backdrop.
If your better half is a beach lover, a sunset proposal on a secluded stretch of sand would be perfect. As the sun dips into the horizon and waves gently crash in the background, you can pop the question.
Just last month, Jim Bob Duggar’s son, Jason Duggar, got engaged to Maddie Grace, his girlfriend, in a romantic beach proposal.
Don’t just choose any picturesque location, however. Decide on one that resonates with both of you.
#2 Buy the Ring
Going shopping for the engagement ring can feel like a big deal. Sure, it is, but don’t stress too much. Just focus on what your partner would love.
Have they dropped any hints? Good for you. But if they haven’t, casually ask a close friend or family member.
Set a budget, too. The average cost for an engagement ring, Kristina Buckley Kayel, managing director and CMO at the Natural Diamond Council, informs, hovers between $6,500 and $7,000.
Your choice of stone will largely determine the price. Diamonds, among the most expensive of all, are also the most popular gemstones when it comes to engagement rings. A ring with a diamond stone would be a worthy pick if your mate is fond of diamonds.
Diamond engagement rings have adorned the fingers of Hailey Baldwin Bieber, Jennifer Lopez, Paris Hilton, and Kourtney Kardashian.
If you’re looking for something a bit different, colored-stone rings are gaining popularity. Anya Taylor-Joy and Eva Longoria are notable personalities who were spotted wearing emerald and ruby, respectively.
These stones are also more affordable than diamonds. Opt for them if you’re seeking something one-of-a-kind that doesn’t cost a pretty penny.
Prior to choosing an engagement ring, knowing the right ring size is important, says Leibish.
Ask your partner if the proposal isn’t a secret. If your beloved isn’t aware of the proposal, bring a ring that they wear to the jeweler or mark how far it fits on your finger. The jeweler will make a good guess and help you choose the right size ring.
#3 Plan But Don’t Overdo It
You want the moment to feel special, not scripted. Have a general plan—like where you want to propose and maybe an idea of how—but leave room for spontaneity. Sometimes, the best moments happen when you’re not following a strict schedule.
Suppose you’ve picked a spot for sunset, but the weather isn’t cooperating. Instead of stressing, look for another spot where you can pop the question. That could be a cozy cafe or a scenic spot.
Just don’t be so focused on hitting your proposal schedule that you miss the magic of the moment.
#4 Capture the Moment
Hire a professional photographer or a videographer who can discreetly snap the moment without interrupting the magic.
Or, if you’re in a more low-key spot, you can always ask a passerby to snap a quick picture after the big moment.
Either way, you’ll end up with beautiful, candid shots that you can both look back on forever.
In 2017, Daryl Sabara proposed to Meghan Trainor on her 24th birthday in the presence of her friends and family “under a tunnel of beautiful Christmas lights.” Meghan’s brother, Ryan Trainor, captured a video for the couple as well as their followers to watch in a loop.
Proposing on vacation is a wonderful way to start the next chapter of your lives together. It doesn’t have to be complicated, however.
Whether it’s a quiet, intimate moment in a place that holds sentimental value or an elaborate surprise in an exotic location, it’s about making the moment feel like you as a couple.
Once the question has been asked and (hopefully!) the “yes” has been given, don’t let the celebration end there. Plan something special for afterward, like a romantic dinner, so you can revel in the moment together.
After all, you’re about to create a story that you’ll tell for the rest of your lives.
