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7 Valentine’s Day Proposal Ideas You’ll Love In 2023

January 30, 2023April 10, 2023Engagement Rings, Gift Guides, Proposalcustomer inspiration, engagement rings, proposal ideas, proposal tips, valentine's day, valentine's day proposal

Thinking about popping the question this Valentine’s Day? Keep reading to find out what V-Day proposal trends for 2023 will sweep your significant other off their feet.

Love is in the air, and it’s time to take advantage of cupid’s magic. At James Allen, we know every day is a special day with your someone special, but there’s only one day dedicated to pure romance and sweetness.

If you’re set on proposing on Valentine’s Day, we’re here to offer you some adorable proposal ideas and give you a look at some of our customers’ yes moments! Let their bright smiles and glowing rings inspire you to plan an unforgettable moment for you and your love.

Wine ‘Em And Dine ‘Em

This may be a tad simple, but for many people, being present with your partner with some added yummies is all you need.

Think before you pop the question: is your partner the type of person who would love being proposed to in a crowded restaurant, or is an intimate picnic/ candlelit homemade dinner the better way to go? If you’re both foodies, we suggest either booking a spot at their dream restaurant or cooking their fave dish at home.

It’s All About The View

We call this the double jaw-dropper: a proposal plus a breathtaking view. A Valentine’s Day proposal may call for some extra effort. Let’s start with the most extreme to a simple yet sentimental backdrop.

If you and your partner are fond of traveling, met abroad, or have a favorite destination, we suggest you start making your travel plans now and get that perfect spot for your V-Day proposal.

You could also keep it a little more low-key. Take your someone special to your favorite local hangout, the place you first met, or skip back in time to a key moment in your relationship, like your first kiss.

No matter where you propose on Valentine’s Day, we’re almost certain that no view will be as stunning as the twinkle in your partner’s eye when they say yes. Your chosen picturesque setting will be a bonus for your Insta-worthy engagement shots.

The Cliché That Works

There’s no Valentine’s Day without a box of chocolates, and we don’t think there’s anything wrong with embracing a few of cupid’s tasty clichés. Assuming your partner has a sweet tooth, a hidden engagement ring inside a heart-shaped box of chocolates could be your ticket to a cute chocolate-stained tooth YES!

If you want to make it more personal, you could pick out their favorite types of chocolates and create a customized chocolate box.

There are a few ways you could go about the proposal. Firstly, you could gift them the box, and as they open it, you’ll have time to drop it down to one knee. Alternatively, keep the ring at your side and have them open the box with the words “will you marry me?” written on the inside of the top lid.

It’s sweet, it’s simple, and you’ll have a delicious snack to celebrate in between happy dances, fiancé selfies, and joyful phone calls to friends and family.

Related posts: Valentine’s Day Gift Guide For Her 2023

A Surprise Party

Good at keeping secrets? If yes, maybe a surprise party is the perfect way to propose on Valentine’s Day.

It’s also the perfect way to kill two birds with one stone- a proposal party morphing into an engagement party. You’re also able to celebrate with all your loved ones, and what could be more special than that?

Take your time to plan it perfectly, the food, music, location, and how you’re going to propose. You could get someone to create a video of you and your partner as a pre-proposal intro. If you’re not shy, you could even serenade them or get your family and friends involved in a game that will lead to the big question.

A Scavenger Hunt

Set yourself up for the perfect proposal with a meaningful scavenger hunt. This way, you can hit all those special places that mean a lot to you and your love. It’s also super fun!

You will need to set this up perfectly, so make sure you plan your scavenger hunt well, including who you need to be involved in it.

We suggest you keep your partner on their toes without making the hunt impossible to figure out. Each clue should lead them to a different location (part of your house), and you could be waiting at another place (or room), ready to pop the question.

Want to keep it interesting? Have your partner do it with some friends or family members if you want the proposal to be a complete surprise.

Show Your Love Story

We’ve seen this done in the sweetest ways in our favorite family sitcoms and films; this method is foolproof. Take your partner down storybook lane and show them all the places, moments, and memories that have meant the most to you throughout your relationship.

This can be something that you do as a Valentine’s Day getaway, a small road trip around your town, or even in the comfort of your own home. Each particular spot can add to the buildup of your big questions and will only make that final moment all the more precious.

Your proposal doesn’t have to be laced with sentimental Easter eggs, but we’d be lying if we said it wasn’t setting you up for the epitome of romantic proposals. You could even end the entire story off with all your family members and close friends.

Need inspo- grab your tissues and check out episode 19, season 7 of The Office (US), where Michael Scott proposes to his girlfriend Holly using the storybook lane method.

Related Post: Valentine’s Day Gift Guide For Him 2023

With A Book Or Homemade Movie

Are you and your partner creatives at heart? You could propose using that creativity in the cutest way.

Google is filled with customizable love books, and any simple editing app can help you design a homemade love story using your best moments as a couple. You could even rewrite their favorite love story using the two of you as main characters.

Nothing says I love you more than your words and reminiscing over your memories together. So take the time to create your happily ever after chapter one, and leave your big question at the end of your story to start your chapter two with a bang and some new sparkle.

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14K White Gold Three Stone Pear Shaped Engagement Ring

14K Rose Gold Tapered Six Prong Diamond Engagement Ring

14K Rose Gold Shared Prong Marquise Side Stone Diamond Engagement Ring

Need More Valentine’s Day inspiration?

Check out our related Valentine’s Day-inspired posts, and get in touch with our 24/7 customer service if you have any questions about your perfect sparkler!

Looking for inspo? Follow us on Instagram and see how other happy customers have got their proposals right!

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Jessica Thomas

Jessica feels too much anxiety trying to come up with a cool bio. Read her awesome blog post instead.

Urban Glamming: Unique Places to Propose

January 21, 2019April 11, 2021Proposalart deco rings, bezel-set rings, destination proposal, destination proposals, engagement rings, floral engagement rings, marriage proposals, pearl rings, places to propose, proposal ideas, proposal series, proposal tips, proposals, romance, solitaire

Paint the town wed in one of these less conventional, but utterly beguiling places to propose.

places to propose hand-engraved channel-set diamond engagement ring — Hand-Engraved Channel-Set Diamond Ring

Partial to Paris? Nuts about New York? In love with London? If so, you’re not alone. These three cities consistently rank among the top 20 places to propose. However, there’s no rule book that says you have to take the obvious route. There are plenty of other fab cities around the world, a few of which we’ve twinned with equally unique engagement rings.

Whichever side of the Atlantic you find most romantic, you’re sure to find places to propose that, even for a brief moment, will feel like the center of the universe.

Get your glow on the road with these destination proposal ideas and tips.

Places to Propose: Prague

places to propose charles bridge prague — Charles Bridge, Prague

Prague is known for its old-world charm; chic cafés, museums, and art galleries. But there’s more to the City of a Hundred Spires than just hipster hangouts. Take an early evening stroll along the famous Charles Bridge and just as the sun sets over the Vltava River, assume the proposal position. If you plan ahead, you could tip one of the many street musicians to serenade you.

Twinned with: this bohemian-style art deco ring. Czech it out!

Places to Propose: Sorrento

places to propose piazza tasso sorrento — Piazza Tasso, Sorrento

If we’ve seen one proposal by Rome’s Trevi Fountain, we’ve seen them all. For a more original ring selfie, head south to the picturesque Amalfi Coast and Sorrento. The city offers intimate corners and breathtaking lookouts over the Bay of Naples that are perfect for popping the question. A short ferry ride to the neighboring island of Capri is an absolute must; it serves as one of the all-time great places to propose.

Twinned with: this dreamy engraved solitaire ring. That’s amore!

Places to Propose: Dubrovnik

places to propose old town dubrovnik — Old Town, Dubrovnik

Nicknamed the Pearl of the Adriatic, Dubrovnik is truly one of Europe’s best-kept secrets. At least, it used to be until HBO filmed parts of Game of Thrones in the Old Town. Make your proposal extra thrilling by taking your partner on a cable car ride up to Mount Srđ. Just don’t rock the car as you drop down one knee to pop the question!

Twinned with: this fab pearl and diamond ring. It slays… dragons!

Places to Propose: Seattle

places to propose space needle seattle — Space Needle, Seattle

Researching places to propose might seem like looking for a needle in a haystack – unless you happen to be looking in Seattle. At 605 feet tall, the Space Needle is pretty hard to miss. For a high-altitude proposal, head up to the observation deck, where you’ll enjoy glittering views of the city by night and mountainous panoramas by day. Pro tip: Reserve a table for two at the needle’s rotating restaurant, SkyCity.

Twinned with: this landmark bezel-set ring. Don’t seattle for less!

Places to Propose: Stratford-upon-Avon

For lovers of literature, there’s no more romantic place to pop the question than the birthplace of William Shakespeare, Stratford-upon-Avon. It’s everything you’ve ever imagined about ye olde England. From Tudor houses to its pretty parks and peaceful river, the city offers many a quaint and cultured spot for your special moment.

Twinned with: this dramatic floral diamond ring. And scene!

Places to Propose: New Orleans

places to propose french quarter new orleans — French Quarter, New Orleans

Famous for its elegant, old-world mystique and iconic balconies, the French Quarter in New Orleans is the perfect setting to work a little romantic voodoo! Take a wander down Bourbon Street and end up in the stately Jackson Square, where you’ll profess your love amid the lush greenery and historic buildings. Pro tip: Carnival season runs from January through March, so plan accordingly.

Twinned with: this festive French cut ring – designed bayou!

YES! Marks the Spot 📍

Did your proposal require a degree in urban glamming? Let us know in the comments below or over on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, or Snapchat.

Fly back to Sparkle City (Pin it!)

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Jonny Hart

Jonny is passionate about puns, adores alliteration, and finds diamonds positively facet-nating! Since joining James Allen, he has written the word 'sparkle’ 9,732 times and counting.

around-the-world-marriage-proposals-single-row-pavé-infinity-engagement-ring-martin-flyer-cover

Around-the-World Marriage Proposals: The Greatest Glow on Earth!

October 7, 2018May 2, 2021Engagement Rings, Proposalbeach proposal, customer story, destination proposal, destination proposals, engagement inspiration, engagement rings, infinity engagement rings, inspiration, marriage proposals, Pavé, pavé engagement rings, proposal, proposal ideas, proposal tips, proposals, romance, split shank halo engagement rings, summer proposal tips, surprise proposal, surprise proposal story

Love makes the world go round and we’ve got the aw–inspiring around-the-world marriage proposals to prove it!

Somewhere on this big blue marble we call home, a couple is getting engaged right now. By the time you finish reading this article, several hundred thousand more will have put a ring on it. Planet Earth is quite simply the place to pop the question – at least until commercial spaceflight becomes a thing.

In honor of World Post Day, we’ve rounded up our favorite around-the-world marriage proposals submitted by our international customers. Just as their love knows no borders, James Allen offers free shipping to over 30 countries worldwide. You could say we put the glow in global!

Around-the-World Marriage Proposals: Honduran Homebodies

14K White Gold Pavé Halo Diamond Engagement Ring (Cushion , Radiant, Emerald ) — Pavé Halo Diamond Engagement Ring

Our round-the-world trip starts out in Zamorano, Honduras. Hopeful hubby Aaron left girlfriend Maria a note instructing her to meet him by a tire swing in their neighbor’s yard. As she waited obligingly by the swing, her knight in shining amour pulled up in a red vintage truck. He presented her with a bouquet of flowers and an impossible-to-resist pavé halo diamond ring, to which she couldn’t help but say yes. We love the sheer simplicity of this proposal and can practically taste the homemade baleadas wafting through the air! Read more

Around-the-World Marriage Proposals: Canadian Cascade

around-the-world marriage proposals single row pavé infinity engagement ring martin flyer — Single Row Pavé Infinity Engagement Ring by Martin Flyer

Next, we head north to Edmonton, Canada, and the scene of Carly and Roman’s gushing proposal. Roman whisked Carly off on a helicopter ride, stopping below a glacial waterfall for a picturesque mountaintop picnic. Using the Insta-worthy moment to his advantage, Roman pretended to set up the camera’s self-timer, but secretly hit record. The teary-eyed romantic then took the plunge and presented his love with a single row pavé infinity ring by Martin Flyer. Noticing that he was holding the box upside down, Carly quickly turned it right-side up and said yes through the laughter and the tears. Read more

Around-the-World Marriage Proposals: American Dream

18K Yellow Gold Petite Pavé Engagement Ring — Petite Pavé Engagement Ring

The next leg of our whistle-stop tour takes us to the City of Angels via France. Manon from France and fiancé Andrew from Texas were university sweethearts who somehow managed to make their intercontinental relationship work. While on a trip to Los Angeles to realize Manon’s lifelong dream of hiking to the Hollywood Sign, Andrew got down on one knee and proposed with a petite pavé ring. Serendipity may have brought them together, but it was their James Allen sparkler that made it official. Read more

Around-the-World Marriage Proposals: Mauritian Marvel

14K White Gold Diamond Split Shank Double Halo Pavé Engagement Ring — Diamond Split Shank Double Halo Pavé Engagement Ring

All the way over on the other side of the world, a man named Arreytambe was planning an altogether more tropical proposal. He invited then-girlfriend Bessem to visit him on the idyllic island of Mauritius, where he had moved for work. After they’d spent some time enjoying all the island has to offer, Arreytambe arranged a private dinner on the beach, complete with waiter service, hidden photographer, and drone cam. Bessem could barely contain her excitement when he got down on one knee and pulled out that diamond split shank double halo pavé ring. And who could blame her? It is quite stunning! Read more

Get down and sandy with more beach proposal inspo!

Around-the-World Marriage Proposals: Jamaican Joy Ride

14K Yellow Gold Falling Edge Pavé Diamond Engagement Ring — Falling Edge Pavé Diamond Engagement Ring

Our last stop takes us to Kingston, Jamaica and the aptly named Hope Gardens, where churchgoers Karamo and Renee got engaged. Karamo told a blindfolded Renee they were going out for a surprise dinner and drove around in circles to disorient her. In fact, he was planning to pop the question in a part of the sunken garden that he and his friends had decorated. Not even a few brief rain showers could dampen the mood of this joyous occasion. Needless to say, she said yes to him and her falling edge pavé diamond ring (in that order). Read more

Around-the-World Marriage Proposals: Bring It Home

Where (and how) on earth did you pop the question? Map it out for us in the comments below or over on Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat, or Twitter.

Recently engaged with a James Allen ring? Share your proposal story with us and we may feature it!

No matter what time of year you’re planning to pop the question, we’ve got you covered. Choose your season:
Summer Proposals | Winter Proposals

Drop a pin on this international inspiration:

Subscribe to our email list for access to secret sales, practical ring-buying tips, and $100 off your first purchase!

Jonny Hart

Jonny is passionate about puns, adores alliteration, and finds diamonds positively facet-nating! Since joining James Allen, he has written the word 'sparkle’ 9,732 times and counting.

Beach Proposal Stories: Sandals & Sparkle

June 6, 2018April 25, 2021Proposalbeach proposal, customer story, diamond engagement rings, engagement rings, halo, marquise cut, Pavé, proposal ideas, proposal tips, proposals, romance, Round Cut, solitaire, surprise proposal, surprise proposal story

Take a look at customers who went coastal with their beach proposal.

For many, beach season means hitting the gym and going on crash diets to get the beach bods they’ve always wanted. Here at James Allen, we like to ring in the summer by sifting through customer beach proposals while filling our faces with soft serve ice cream. Hey, different strokes!

Beach Proposal: Islands of Inspiration

It’s not the size of the stone, it’s the emotion by the ocean!

We’re always in awe of how creative our customers are with their proposals. Some of the most romantic proposals we’ve seen have taken place along the Earth’s sandy shores. I mean, where else can you bare your heart and soul to your SO while simultaneously topping up your tan?

Amy & Sean

Platinum Six Prong Knife Edged Solitaire Engagement Ring — Six Prong Knife Edged Solitaire

Take Sean from Hong Kong, China, for example. He chose to propose to his workplace sweetheart, Amy, while they were vacationing in the Maldives. Their fairytale moment took place inside a huge heart in the sand strewn with flower petals. As the newly engaged couple watched the sunset, the heart lit up with fairy lights in a beautiful display of romance. Disney execs, take note! Read more

Orlagh & Mike

Platinum Round Split Band Diamond Halo Engagement Ring — Pavé Halo Split Shank

Combining business and pleasure, Mike from Manchester, England decided to pop the question while on a work trip to Hawaii. He sent girlfriend Orlagh onto their hotel balcony to admire the Honolulu sunset while he set the stage for the proposal. And what a proposal it was! A timeline of their 9-year relationship surrounded by rose petals and a video of all their friends singing their favorite Jason Mraz song. Needless to say, she was quick to utter the words, “I’m Yours.” Read more

Nathan & Nayia

beach proposal stories french cut petite pavé engagement ring — French Cut Petite Pavé

When embarking on a beach proposal, the sky’s the limit for our adventure-loving customers. This was certainly true for pilot Nathan from British Columbia, Canada. He hired a private plane and flew his girlfriend, Nayia, over Copalis Beach off the coast of Washington, where the words “Marry Me Nayia?” were emblazoned across the sand in 10ft letters. After revealing the oversized message to her, he landed on the beach and proceeded to get down on one knee. Read more and watch the video

Char & Rob

18K Yellow Gold Cable Solitaire Engagement Ring — Twisted Cable Solitaire

Char and Rob from Parker, Colorado were visiting their family’s beach house in New Jersey when it happened. Walking along the beach, Char discovered a glass bottle in the sand that Rob had carefully planted there (good thing she wasn’t barefoot!). Inside the bottle was a rolled up note with the message: “To my angel…” The next thing she knew, Rob was down on one knee, offering her the perfect ring. Read more

Fiona & Jake

14K White Gold Petite Pavé Engagement Ring (Flush Fit) — French Cut Petite Pavé Flush Fit

It was a dog day afternoon for Fiona and Jake from Melbourne, Australia, who got engaged at their local dog beach. Accompanied by their best friends, canines Archie and Louie, they found a quiet spot with an amazing view of the skyline. But it was the cable solitaire engagement ring Jake presented her with that took Fiona’s breath away. Who knew that taking the dogs for a walk could be such a life-changing experience? Read more

Beach Proposal: Sand and Deliver

Of course, some customers need a little help when it comes to the logistics of their beach proposal — specifically, receiving the ring without their SO finding out. Having a mysterious box show up at your door is likely to arouse suspicion, no matter how discreetly packaged it is. Luckily, our Customer Service reps can help you create a cunning diversion while you slip away to bag your bling.

Beach Proposal: In Summery

Did your beach proposal go swimmingly? Let us know in the comments below or on Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat, or Twitter.

About to take the plunge? Get swept away by the romance of this waterside proposal.

Pin this image to inspire your summer crush:

Subscribe to our email list for access to secret sales, practical ring-buying tips, and $100 off your first purchase!

Jonny Hart

Jonny is passionate about puns, adores alliteration, and finds diamonds positively facet-nating! Since joining James Allen, he has written the word 'sparkle’ 9,732 times and counting.