How to Propose in Florence: Romantic Marriage Proposal Ideas

Colton & Alyssa's Proposal Story in Florence

How did you meet?

School

What is your love story?

My fiancée and I met a few years ago studying abroad in Florence, Italy. Coming from different universities in California we were so lucky to have been sent to the same program! We met on the very first day abroad while taking a tour of the city and I knew she was somebody I wanted to get to know more. The next morning I saw her downstairs and, me being terrible with names and having met soooo many new people the night before, walked up thinking “I’m just going to be brave and tell her I forgot her name” so that’s what I did… her response, “I’m Alyssa… you’re Colton, right?” Instantly I knew I had lost this battle as the person who forgot her name and she remembered mine. Turns out she was playing her own game and wanted to make sure I remembered her name from then on, which of course I did. After that moment we spent as much time together as we could while abroad and continued talking after returning home. We soon started dating, called it official, moved in together after a couple years and now are celebrating our engagement! We couldn’t be happier and we also can’t get enough of telling this story as I’m sure everyone can assume from reading this.

What made you choose this proposal destination?

As mentioned, we met in Florence, Italy so proposing in Florence was the perfect cherry on top of the cake! I did some research on different locations around the city that we could set the proposal and decided that the Miniato al Monte was the perfect place since it over looks the city but also isn’t super busy. She wanted to make sure that our engagement was as special and intimate as possible so I wanted to find a place that felt like we were the only two people who had ever existed. Our Flytographer professional, Emma, confirmed that this was a great place to fit the description and was able to plan all the minor details I wouldn’t have thought of not being a local. With some coordination and a lot of nervousness the proposal turned out perfectly and now we have this story to tell for the rest of our lives!

What is your proposal story?

Leading up to the proposal I wanted to have her sitting around 50% sure it could or couldn’t happen while on our vacation. That way she was surprised when it happened but also not so underprepared that she didn’t have an outfit she liked or her hair/nails done. This balance of deceit and cover-ups lead to a long string of questions like “why are we taking a tour of this church? And why is it three hours long? And why can’t we go back to hotel to change into nice outfits before dinner?” and so on. Eventually, she seemed to have caught on when I recommended she leave her purse (which is not something a boyfriend randomly suggests) and she agreed without questioning. We walked up the hill to our “church tour” where we met with our photographer, Emma. I got down on one knee, so nervous and full of anxiety and excitement I can’t remember a single thing I said, can’t remember how long I was down there for, and can’t remember if she even said yes. She, also feeling similar emotions as I, didn’t give me her finger to put the ring on. This was the moment her and I look back on and are glad that there are photos of and not video. It was the single most incredible moment of my life and I’m so glad to have it saved in pictures because our memories would not have served us so.

Best tip for proposing in Florence

Something to consider is that Florence is a popular place to visit so even in the low travel times there are still people around virtually anywhere but there are always ways to work around people and sort of “phase” them out of the shoot. Times where travel isn’t so busy is nicer. Another thing to note is time of year plays a huge part in the weather. We got SUPER lucky getting engaged in December because the three days leading up to our engagement was heavily windy and the days following was cloudy so we were extremely blessed that our day was perfect.

Proposed in Florence in December

Photo Shoot Location: San Miniato Church & Piazzale Michelangelo

Emma in Florence for Flytographer

Luke & Maria's Proposal Story in Florence

How did you meet?

School

Proposed in Florence in December

Photo Shoot Location: San Miniato Church & Piazzale Michelangelo

Yeleynaya in Florence for Flytographer

Shane & Breann's Proposal Story in Florence

How did you meet?

Sports

Proposed in Florence in October

Photo Shoot Location: San Miniato Church & Piazzale Michelangelo

Emma in Florence for Flytographer

Dennis & Alexa's Proposal Story in Florence

How did you meet?

Friends/Family

What is your love story?

She’s the one because she is absolutely beautiful, has amazing values, and is extremely caring.

What made you choose this proposal destination?

We went to Florence the year before and fell in love with it. One of the most romantic cities out there.

What is your proposal story?

Proposed near Piazzale Michelangelo, with amazing views overlooking Florence. I told Alexa that we were going to a nice dinner at La Loggia, and then directed her up a path where Yeleynaya was waiting in the bushes to capture our special moment.

Proposed in Florence in October

Photo Shoot Location: Custom Route

Yeleynaya in Florence for Flytographer

Simen & Caroline's Proposal Story in Florence

How did you meet?

Friends/Family

What made you choose this proposal destination?

I have been to Firenze before and love the city, so I specifically booked our trip there for the proposal.

What is your proposal story?

We walked through all my favorite spots in Firenze and ended at the proposal spot overlooking the city.

Best tip for proposing in Florence

Hire Ellie

Proposed in Florence in July

Photo Shoot Location: Custom Route

Ellie in Florence for Flytographer

Christopher & Laura's Proposal Story in Florence

How did you meet?

Sports

What made you choose this proposal destination?

We went on a dream vacation and picked Florence because the beautiful scenery and everything it had to offer

Proposed in Florence in June

Photo Shoot Location: San Miniato Church & Piazzale Michelangelo

Ken in Florence for Flytographer

Jeffrey & Rachel's Proposal Story in Florence

How did you meet?

Social Media

What is your love story?

It didnt take me long 6 years agk to realize Rachel is the most kind, selfless and empathetic person and from the day I met her, she treated my younger autistic brother like he was her own. Shortly after meeting her my brother and I were in a near fatal car accident and Rachel did everything she could to make sure we were taken care of and picked up the slack in our lives without hesitation, ontop of caring for our dogs, her schooling and eventually her teqching job. Without complaint or so much as a stumble I knew She was unquestionably the woman I wanted in my life forever.

What made you choose this proposal destination?

Florence has given me a feeling of tranquility and "Home" from the moment i stepped foot in it back in 2017. There has been a pull to return to this unique pice of paradise. Now with this proposal i have been able to share a piece of my home with the love of my life (my heart) and it will forever be intertwined into our story as a family.

Best tip for proposing in Florence

Early in the morning seems best to avoind the heat and crowds of this beautiful but busy city as it wakes up.

Proposed in Florence in July

Photo Shoot Location: Custom Route

Stefano in Florence for Flytographer

Christopher & Kristen's Proposal Story in Florence

How did you meet?

Hinge

Proposed in Florence in April

Photo Shoot Location: Custom Route

Ellie in Florence for Flytographer

Matthew & Daisy's Proposal Story in Florence

How did you meet?

Friends/Family

Best tip for proposing in Florence

I would recommend finding places outside of the main tourist spots. We had great photos that capture Florence and the Italian architecture but there wasn’t any other people around. This was thanks to our photographer - use them for ideas and suggestions because they know the area!

Proposed in Florence in December

Photo Shoot Location: Custom Route

Ellie in Florence for Flytographer

Andrew & Mara's Proposal Story in Florence

How did you meet?

Friends/Family

Proposed in Florence in November

Photo Shoot Location: Custom Route

Olga M. in Florence for Flytographer

Daniel & Jamie Estinos's Proposal Story in Florence

How did you meet?

Friends/Family

What is your love story?

We had known each other since 2006 through mutual friends but did not reconnect until 2020. I knew she was the one when being with her made me the happiest person in the world!

What made you choose this proposal destination?

Florence was her favorite city in Italy!

What is your proposal story?

I told Jamie that I booked a professional photographer to capture our moments in Italy. It was just a disguise for a surprise proposal.

Proposed in Florence in May

Photo Shoot Location: Duomo & Ponte Vecchio

Emma in Florence for Flytographer

Jayesh & Nikita's Proposal Story in Florence

How did you meet?

Dating App

What is your love story?

First sight

What made you choose this proposal destination?

Her favorite location

Proposed in Florence in May

Photo Shoot Location: San Miniato Church & Piazzale Michelangelo

Emma in Florence for Flytographer

Dominic's Proposal Story in Florence

Proposed in Florence in April

Photo Shoot Location: Custom Route

Ellie in Florence for Flytographer

Ryan & Deanna's Proposal Story in Florence

How did you meet?

Bumble

What is your love story?

Deanna and I met at the ripe old age of 27. With almost a decade of real-life experiences under our belts, we were not bashful about who we are or what we wanted. We had such a strong connection right away and almost 4 years later, that connection has only grown stronger! Deanna is the first person I've ever met who I am not afraid to be entirely myself with (no matter how goofy that may be). Even though she's the only person in the world more stubborn than me, I look forward to spending the rest of my life with her :p

What made you choose this proposal destination?

On our very first date, Deanna and I talked endlessly about how much we enjoyed our respective trips to Italy, our love for Italian wine and of course... pasta! As things got serious between us in the subsequent months, we joked about taking our first trip together to this place we'd both already been. Well, then COVID happened so our big travel plans got put on hold. Flash forward 3+ years and I knew there could only be one destination for this big moment... Deanna's favorite city in the world: Florence, Italy.

What is your proposal story?

My goal was to time the proposal perfectly with the sunset to get those glowing panoramic views of Florence. However, I was watching the weather for weeks leading up to this date and it was not looking promising! Apple said there was a 30% chance of rain and Google said it was going to be cloudy all day. When Ellie (the photographer) and I talked leading up to the big day, we devised 2 plans in case the weather wasn't cooperative... Well, luck was on our side!! As if just for us, the sky opened up beautifully in the afternoon of the big day! Once I was on-site at the San Miniato church, the nerves really started to kick in. A reassuring text from Ellie was just what I needed. With Deanna in tow, we took a quick lap around the grounds waiting for the perfect moment. Meanwhile, Ellie was chatting with the group of kids by the proposal location letting them know what was about to happen so she could arrange the perfect framing. We made it back to the proposal spot and took in the scenic view for a brief moment as I gathered my nerves. I took Deanna's hand and asked the big question... She said yes. I kissed her with every ounce of passion in my body when I hear a roar of cheers and applause! The group Ellie had convinced to move over had stuck around to watch the big moment. It was like a scene out of a movie!

Best tip for proposing in Florence

The overlook at the San Miniato Church is a phenomenal location to get engaged. The views are just as amazing as the Piazzale Michelangelo but it doesn't have nearly as many people around!

Proposed in Florence in March

Photo Shoot Location: San Miniato Church & Piazzale Michelangelo

Ellie in Florence for Flytographer

Derek & Katrina's Proposal Story in Florence

How did you meet?

Hinge

What is your love story?

Katrina and I matched on Hinge in the fall of 2017 in Chicago; I was from the area and had moved to the city the prior year, she was in her third year of med school and from SoCal. I think we matched on a Wednesday and it was immediately clear that she was different, one of those people you can’t stop texting and thinking about until you meet up with them. We bonded over a mutual love for Old Fashioneds, so we went out to Scofflaw that Saturday night, meeting at 10 PM with the knowledge that if the date wasn’t great we could at least get free cookies that the bar offered if we made it to midnight. Fortunately, things went well and we went hiking together the following week, then to the zoo, etc, etc. We conquered Chicago’s old fashion scene by hitting all of its staples, and by Christmas of that year I knew she was truly special. We endured various points of long distance due to our work lives over the next few years before finally moving in together full-time in Seattle by the end of 2019. We started our international adventures together in 2018, and our mutual love of travel and adventure has always guided us. It was only natural then that I would propose to her on one of these trips.

What made you choose this proposal destination?

Katrina is a doctor, a surgery resident who has to give her time off requests for the upcoming medical year (July 1-June 30) far in advance. Initially we had planned to go to Italy in March of 2023 as a college graduation present for her youngest brother, and more of her family members, including him, where set to come on the trip. A few months beforehand his university offered him a free trip to Japan during that same week, something he couldn’t turn down. My focus immediately shifted to finding the perfect proposal spot with our given destinations and respective time frames in each part of Italy that we were visiting. I found the spot in January and did my due diligence looking elsewhere but kept coming back to the viewpoint at the Abbazia di San Miniato al Monte and the nearby walk to and subsequent viewpoints at the Piazzale Michelangelo were simply breathtaking and everything I knew she would want.

What is your proposal story?

We continued our drive through Tuscany the morning of, arriving in Florence a few hours before the photoshoot for the proposal was supposed to begin. I had told her all throughout the trip that I had booked a tour of the catacombs at the Abbazia and that we would be able to take some photos from the respective viewpoints if we arrived a little before this ‘tour’ began. We also had a reservation at La Loggia at the nearby Piazzale Michelangelo that we would be going to when it was done. I hadn’t been nervous at any point about the proposal itself, since I was asking my best friend to continue the amazing journey we’ve been on together. I didn’t realize how emotional I would be in the moment, however, as she immediately started crying, then laughing when that immediately caused me to do the same. Our brilliant photographer captured this beautifully and we were able to collect ourselves for an amazing photoshoot that commemorated one of the best days of our lives.

Best tip for proposing in Florence

The spots that I picked and the route that we took were fantastic, and I would highly recommend them. I researched many different sites in Florence and Italy throughout the path that we were taking (Napoli, Rome, Siena, Montepulciano, San Gusme, Orvieto, Cinque Terra) and the sweeping views of Florence and its Duomo proved to me that it was the spot. Ponte Veccio was always packed when we were there and it would be difficult to find a time when there wouldn’t be a whole lot of people around taking photos if you were planning on doing an engagement shoot there.

Proposed in Florence in March

Photo Shoot Location: San Miniato Church & Piazzale Michelangelo

Emma in Florence for Flytographer

Sarah & Nitesh's Proposal Story in Florence

How did you meet?

Coffee Meets Bagel

Proposed in Florence in June

Photo Shoot Location: San Miniato Church & Piazzale Michelangelo

Ellie in Florence for Flytographer

Jeremy & Shannon's Proposal Story in Florence

How did you meet?

Bumble

What is your love story?

I knew Shannon was the ONE right away. We had so much fun together every time we were together, it was like it was just us in the world.

What made you choose this proposal destination?

We had been planning a trip to Italy in May of 2020 and were incredibly excited about it, but had to cancel due to COVID. Our friends then planned their wedding two years later in Tuscany and we got finally got our trip back. We had always talked of Florence, and after two years of lockdown and going through so much together, it was the perfect place to propose.

What is your proposal story?

After a week in Italy with friends, we broke off on our own and took the train from Siena to Florence. The day we arrived, we immediately went to the Duomo and climbed to the top. From there, we settled into our beautiful AirBnb apartment and decided to have a "chill" night, going to see the sunset at Piazzale Michelangelo. We were tired and it was HOT, but we made the climb up the hill. Shannon knew something was up when we went from the perfect look out down to a more discreet area to "take a selfie", when Ellie popped up and offered to take a picture with her camera. From there, I proposed and Ellie ran a wonderful engagement shoot. We then sat on the steps of the San Miniato church, watched the sunset, drank wine, ate cheese, and tried to FaceTime friends and family with spotty service. It was amazing.

Best tip for proposing in Florence

Trust your photographer and do your best to avoid crowds.

Proposed in Florence in May

Photo Shoot Location: Custom Route

Ellie in Florence for Flytographer

Kevin & Courtney's Proposal Story in Florence

How did you meet?

School

Proposed in Florence in April

Photo Shoot Location: San Miniato Church & Piazzale Michelangelo

Emma in Florence for Flytographer

Sumeet & Jasmine's Proposal Story in Florence

How did you meet?

Social Media

Proposed in Florence in April

Photo Shoot Location: Custom Route

Emma in Florence for Flytographer

Rajan & Chandni's Proposal Story in Florence

How did you meet?

Work

Best tip for proposing in Florence

San Miniato church is beautiful and the pictures are stunning! It is a busy spot particularly later in the day as sun sets, but in my opinion a perfect picture for a proposal.

Proposed in Florence in November

Photo Shoot Location: San Miniato Church & Piazzale Michelangelo

Emma in Florence for Flytographer