Proposal Ideas

Since 2013, Flytographer has captured thousands of surprise proposal photos all around the globe. Explore romantic proposal ideas and tips from real couples, enjoy their heartwarming love stories, and discover how their big “Will you marry me?” moment unfolded.


Reilly & Thu's Proposal Story in Dallas

How did you meet?

Friends/Family

What is your love story?

R: I think once you know, you know. I knew I wanted to propose for awhile, and it was mainly a matter of figuring out the best way to do it. We've grown so much as a couple over the past few years, and I wanted to make sure I tried to make a special moment just that.

What made you choose this proposal destination?

R: Flippen Park is a beautiful park with great scenery, in a historic part of Dallas. We had pictures done at this park before for a previous life event, so it was nice to return. I knew I wanted to propose in a more secluded location, and I felt this park was a great place to return to.

What is your proposal story?

T: Leading up to the proposal, Reilly had told me that we were attending a university alumni event. Little did I know, a beautiful setup was waiting for me in the gazebo. Reilly talked about our love story and past memories, got down on one knee, and asked if our future could be one forever together. He surprised me by arranging for our families and closest friends to celebrate together after.

Proposed in Dallas in January

Photo Shoot Location: Custom Route

Ilona in Dallas for Flytographer


Simon & Rebecca's Proposal Story in Kyoto

How did you meet?

We met at a concert over twenty years ago!

What is your love story?

Initially we were childhood sweethearts, however after a few years apart we got back together and have been for the last ten years. Rebecca is my soul mate, my best friend and the love of my life.

What made you choose this proposal destination?

Having both been interested in going to Japan together for many years, when we finally decided to book it I just knew that it would be the right place. Especially Kyoto, somewhere so naturally beautiful and filled with amazing history. It’s a city that reminds me of Rebecca and now it will forever.

What is your proposal story?

On the day I had to act calm and casual, which having known someone as long as I have Rebecca was easy. We’d had a good few days before in Tokyo and Osaka and were already on the holiday of our lives. I just tried to continue that on the day and told Rebecca that we had to visit this shrine. When we booked to go to Japan she had shared a picture of the bridge there, so she was excited for a picture on her phone!

Best tip for proposing in Kyoto

Embrace it! Kyoto is packed filled with fantastic places. Enjoy the city and the culture on every corner and find the right spot. Whilst it can be busy in parts, there are so many wonderful places like this that aren’t as busy. Be clever with your timing and do some research first into how busy the area you are planning is.

Proposed in Kyoto in November

Photo Shoot Location: Custom Route

Yoshi in Kyoto for Flytographer


Serkut's Proposal Story in Kyoto

How did you meet?

School

Proposed in Kyoto in November

Photo Shoot Location: Philosopher's Path

Coo and Yurika in Kyoto for Flytographer


Brenden & Haley's Proposal Story in Edinburgh

How did you meet?

Work

Best tip for proposing in Edinburgh

There are a lot of stairs and hills leading to the area so be prepared for a slight workout.

Proposed in Edinburgh in November

Photo Shoot Location: Calton Hill

Kim in Edinburgh for Flytographer


ARVIE & Camilla's Proposal Story in Tokyo

How did you meet?

School

What is your love story?

Fell in love in nursing school. She was everything I wanted in a partner.

What made you choose this proposal destination?

We love Japan. Have been here many times. This would be our third!

What is your proposal story?

I wanted to propose in a quiet place we could share our moment alone. Found a quiet Japanese garden that dates back 1000+ years. Found a hill that overlooks the whole garden. I wanted to make her feel like she was on top of the world!

Best tip for proposing in Tokyo

Very hard to find a place that is quiet with less people. Consult and request help from your knowledgeable photographer!W

Proposed in Tokyo in November

Photo Shoot Location: Custom Route

Ayako in Tokyo for Flytographer


Shana & Jess's Proposal Story in Galway

How did you meet?

Work

What is your love story?

Jess and I met at work in 2015 and we connected in a way different than anyone else I had ever met. Our first kiss was on Block Island, Rhode Island, amongst the cliffs on the beach. We moved to Colorado together in 2016 and continued to travel and explore the world together. I can't think of a specific moment when I knew she was the one but instead there were lots of little moments that made me feel like "yeah, this is right". We have lived a lot of life together and we still keep learning about each other. In 2020, we bought a house in the mountains and continue to learn even more.

What made you choose this proposal destination?

We had planned to get engaged in Scotland, but Galway was special to Jess' family so I asked her for a single day on our 2 week trip to plan entirely myself and that was this day. I specifically chose this beach because it looked so similar to the place where we had our first kiss.

What is your proposal story?

We spent the night prior at Galway Sea Stays which allows you to sleep on an old boat - a really unique experience. In the morning, we picked up a Celebration Hamper from Gourmet Tart (on recommendation from our photographer). I had contacted them a week prior and they customized the hamper for us. When we showed up at the beach, however, it was high tide! and my entire plan of a beach picnic proposal was squashed. Jess already knew that this was our spot, so we came up with a new plan together, and with Vanessa's support. We ended up finding a spot in the cliffs to climb up where I actually proposed to Jess.

Best tip for proposing in Galway

Check the tide schedule! We showed up at our beach for what was supposed to be a beach picnic and the entire beach was underwater. We still made it work but added in a second location - the Barna Woods - which ended up perfectly supplementing our plans.

Proposed in Galway in October

Photo Shoot Location: Custom Route

Vanessa in Galway for Flytographer


Gareth & -'s Proposal Story in Kyoto

How did you meet?

OKCupid

What is your love story?

-

What made you choose this proposal destination?

She had previously mentioned of her ideal proposal as overseas. Kyoto, Japan seemed like a great location.

What is your proposal story?

We went early at 6am to take photos. There were already a handful of people around the Gion streets but most were very accommodating to allow us to take the shots. Recommend Coo and Yurika - they can fill you in with more details.

Best tip for proposing in Kyoto

(1) Time - 6am is good. Any later and the crowd streams in pretty fast at Gion / Kiyomizu Dera (2) Maruyama park is great for nature shots and just nearby (3) Autumn foliage cuts into late November nowadays, probably cant get much in Oct/ early Nov (4) Check the weather, we had typhoon the next two days post-proposal, so it was a lucky thing for us

Proposed in Kyoto in October

Photo Shoot Location: Higashiyama District

Coo and Yurika in Kyoto for Flytographer


Will & Andrea's Proposal Story in Tokyo

How did you meet?

School

What is your love story?

We met in middle school years ago and slowly watched eachother grow, eventually developing crushes for eachother in high school but never telling eachother. After graduating, I finally reached out to her and we revealed our feelings for eachother, and ever since then we've been together, sharing our lives and love with eachother as we continue to grow together.

What made you choose this proposal destination?

Kiyosumi Gardens in Tokyo seemed perfect as it's both beautiful and less popular than many of the other gardens/parks in Tokyo! After visiting in real life, it did not disappoint!

What is your proposal story?

I took Andrea to the Candy Candy museum in the Katsushiko area. It's one of her favorite childhood shows! Afterwards, we made our way to Kiyosumi Garden (I kept the whole thing a surprise so she had no idea where we were going!). Once we arrived, I felt relieved because it was just as beautiful and peaceful as the pictures seemed! Almost immediately I saw Coo waiting for us while pretending to be an undercover tourist. I slowly led Andrea to the location I had decided beforehand and Coo approached us, pretending to be an amateur photographer so that he can capture my proposal without raising suspicion. When I asked the question, we both cried from happiness and she said yes! Coo then revealed who he was and led us around, taking beautiful shots of us in a perfect one hour photoshoot! It was an absolutely amazing day and everything went as planned thanks to Coo!

Best tip for proposing in Tokyo

If you're looking for a more personal and intimate proposal, make sure to look for locations that don't receive alot of tourists/traffic as Tokyo can often be very busy. These less busy places can usually be found towards the outskirts of the city.

Proposed in Tokyo in November

Photo Shoot Location: Custom Route

Coo and Yurika in Tokyo for Flytographer


Anuj & Carly's Proposal Story in Sydney

How did you meet?

Met at a uni campus

Proposed in Sydney in October

Photo Shoot Location: Mrs Macquarie's Chair

Lenise in Sydney for Flytographer


Raul & Eunice's Proposal Story in Tokyo

How did you meet?

Tinder

What is your love story?

Years of support and really matched my vibe

What made you choose this proposal destination?

I chose Japan because it has been a big trip for us and because I knew it was time

What is your proposal story?

I know I wanted to do it during our short stay in Japan. I wasn’t sure if I wanted to do it in Osaka or in Tokyo. I wanted to do it some time in the middle of our trip so we could have a before and after experience.

Best tip for proposing in Tokyo

Finding a quiet spot will be difficult

Proposed in Tokyo in October

Photo Shoot Location: Shinjuku Gyoen Park

Ayako in Tokyo for Flytographer


Kyle & Grace's Proposal Story in Kyoto

How did you meet?

Sports

What is your love story?

I knew my partner was the one because I can open up to her and I feel so comfortable around her. She honestly understands me better than I do. However, there was no specific day or event that caused me to know. We would spend all of our time together and over time we got to know each other more and more. Now I can't imagine a day without her being in my life.

What made you choose this proposal destination?

Japan felt like a great proposal destination, since it had a lot of beautiful scenery and we were going to spend a few weeks in Japan. My partner also had hinted that she would like the proposal to happen somewhere scenic, and since my partner grew up in Asia, Japan seemed like a good choice.

What is your proposal story?

We spent the morning at Himeji castle, and then sauntered our way over to Osaka, where Coo was waiting for us at Osaka castle. I was super nervous, and was stressed about trying to get everyone over to Osaka at the agreed upon time, to the point that I forgot most of the speech I had prepared. Luckily, Coo was there to capture the photos and to guide us through an engagement photoshoot, despite my nervousness.

Best tip for proposing in Kyoto

Stores open late at 11 am and close around 6-8pm, though some stores are willing to deliver products (e.g. flowers). There's a lot of tourists, so finding locations can be tricky, especially if you want it to be a bit more private.

Proposed in Kyoto in October

Photo Shoot Location: Custom Route

Coo and Yurika in Kyoto for Flytographer


Shane & Breann's Proposal Story in Florence

How did you meet?

Sports

Proposed in Florence in October

Emma in Florence for Flytographer


Michael & Elizabeth's Proposal Story in Chicago

Proposed in Chicago in October

Photo Shoot Location: Custom Route

Maurice in Chicago 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


Adrian & Elisa's Proposal Story in Tokyo

How did you meet?

Sports

What is your love story?

A mutual friend brought Elisa to one of my soccer matches. We realised we had a lot in common and decided to go out on a date. After some miscommunication on when the date was, we finally went out. It only took a few dates for me to tell my Mum Elisa was the girl I was going to marry.

What made you choose this proposal destination?

Elisa absolutely loves Japan. She speaks Japanese and loves the culture. She has been trying to take me to Japan since before the COVID-19 outbreak. There was no other place I'd rather propose.

What is your proposal story?

We finally made it to Japan. Our amazing flytographer photographer Ayako helped me every step of the way in planning an absolutely perfect proposal.

Best tip for proposing in Tokyo

A local guide is crucial, picking the right photographer will help massively with this.

Proposed in Tokyo in October

Photo Shoot Location: Custom Route

Ayako in Tokyo for Flytographer


Justin & Paige's Proposal Story in Cinque Terre

How did you meet?

Hinge

What is your love story?

I knew Paige was ‘the one’ early on after meeting her. I immediately felt a connection, and as we spent more time together and learned more about each other, I realized that we operated in the same ‘frequency’. We have so much in common and our differences complement each other perfectly. But I knew she was ‘the one’ when I would think about taking the next steps in our relationship (marriage, kids, the rest of out lives) I never had a single ounce of doubt.

What made you choose this proposal destination?

Paige is in her final year of law school and is studying abroad in Lyon, France while I’ve been home in Texas working as a digital marketer. We were planning a trip for me to come and visit her and decided to meet each other in Italy. The trip included stops in Rome, Cinque Terre, and Lake Como. Once we had the destinations of the trip, I just needed to figure out the right time and place to do it. Cinque Terre looked like one of the most beautiful places I’d ever seen and it was a no brainer from there.

What is your proposal story?

We were staying in Corniglia and took a train to Manarola for the Nissun Dorma pesto making class. We explored the shops, drank wine, and took in the sights. From there, we took the ferry to Vernazza. Paige is incredibly smart and I’m terrible at keeping secrets, so I suspect she had an idea of what I might have been planning. But she didn’t know when/how I was going to do it. Once we got to Vernazza, I suggested we take a small hike up the side of the hill to get a few of the town. Once we got up there, I spotted Gaia (our photographer) ready at the proposal spot. When we approached, I sent the signal by attempting to take a selfie of Paige and myself. Gaia then came up saying she was a photographer/tourist waiting for a family to arrive and offered to take a picture and send it to us. At that moment, I pointed up the mountain path and said to Paige that we were going to continue our hike a little further up. When she turned to look up the path, I got down on one knee and asked her if she would marry me.

Best tip for proposing in Cinque Terre

Bring good walking shoes (and an empty stomach)! There are lot of hills and steps, but so many amazing spots to eat great food and drink incredible wine within each town in Cinque Terre.

Proposed in Cinque Terre in October

Photo Shoot Location: Vernazza

Gaia in Cinque Terre for Flytographer


Shawn & Emily's Proposal Story in Kona

How did you meet?

See below

What is your love story?

We were both interviewing for PT school at the University of Miami. We ended up in the same Uber Pool after the interview and hung out after the interview. We kept in touch after that day and a couple of years later ended up in NC and SC for PT school where we were close enough to drive to see each other. We survived a couple of years of long distance and then became travel PTs which we are still doing today!

What made you choose this proposal destination?

It was recently our 5 year anniversary and we've always wanted to take a Hawaii vacation.

What is your proposal story?

We planned to go to the Fairmont Orchid for drinks one night of the trip around sunset. We walked to the beach and "took a photo". At that point our photographer offered to take a photo and then after Shawn proposed. Emily had already figured out that Shawn was going to propose but decided to play along. It was an easy yes!

Best tip for proposing in Kona

Weddings or other photography shoots happen at the Fairmont so make sure to be flexible as your photo destination may change.

Proposed in Kona in October

Adriana in Kona for Flytographer


Kaitlyn & Angela's Proposal Story in Rome

How did you meet?

Hinge

What is your love story?

It may be cheesy but Angela is the woman who made me believe in love at first sight. Angela is my soulmate and I’m so thankful and lucky to have her as my future wife. We hit it off instantly because we share the same values and ideas. Both of us realized early on that way can be who we are with one another and we couldn’t love one another more for who we are.

What made you choose this proposal destination?

Angela has never been to Rome. With her and I having Italian roots, it seemed like the perfect destination as Rome is beautiful and we get to make wonderful memories here.

What is your proposal story?

The big day was initially going to be at the Trevi Fountain but luckily, our wonderful photographer, Roberta, talked me out of that as it would have not been as wonderful as it turned out. I proposed at the Roman Forum and it was absolutely stunning and special.

Best tip for proposing in Rome

I recommend staying away from the high traffic landmarks and going for a more private and intimate setting. There will be plenty of time to see the sights, so go where you can enjoy your future spouse and their reaction more than what’s going on around you.

Proposed in Rome in October

Photo Shoot Location: The Roman Forum and Colosseum

Roberta in Rome for Flytographer


Andy & Michelle's Proposal Story in Kyoto

Proposed in Kyoto in October

Photo Shoot Location: Higashiyama District

Coo and Yurika in Kyoto for Flytographer


Thomas & Cheyenne's Proposal Story in Banff

How did you meet?

Bumble

What is your love story?

Cheyenne and I met during the beginning of the pandemic on bumble. Because of restrictions in place, we had to stay in touch until we could meet in person when they were lifted which was 3 months later. We hungout and instantly clicked where we stayed up until 3 AM talking and made plans to go on our first real date at Orso's in Chicago. I knew she was the one when we had our first dinner date there and when they brought out the bread baset as an appetizer, she dove right in and asked me if we should get another before we even took a bite of the first basket.

What made you choose this proposal destination?

Lake Louise has been on her bucket list for a long time. I wanted the location to hold more significance to her than just being a special place we traveled to.

What is your proposal story?

Our photographer and I setup a surprise proposal. My fiancé brought a tripod because she didn't trust anyone else taking our pictures. Little did she knee! I was searching for Darine as I pretended to looked for a spot for us to take pictures. Thankfully she saw me put the ring in my back pocket as we walked by and tailed us but from a distance. My fiancé tried to stop multiple times at different spots but I continued to lead her to the predetermined spot. I asked her to take a selfie with me which was our photographer's cue to approach us and offer to take our picture. She then asked if we wanted to take a professional one on her camera and my fiancé thought she was trying to get money from us but she said it was for free. When she set us up, I got down on one knee and popped the question with Lake Louise in the background at sunrise.

Best tip for proposing in Banff

Get there early and make sure you have a signal to get your photographers attention! There is a lot of people there always so you want to make sure they recognize who you are since it'll be the first time you're seeing them in person.

Proposed in Banff in August

Photo Shoot Location: Custom Route

Darine in Banff for Flytographer


Raymond & Madelyn's Proposal Story in Nice

How did you meet?

School

What is your love story?

We met at University in 2018 and instantly clicked! We've been together ever since.

What made you choose this proposal destination?

I wanted to choose somewhere that we had never been to -- we love to travel and explore new places together. I wanted a location in Europe with beautiful coastal scenery. Nice, France fit the description!

What is your proposal story?

It is a long story with some funny hiccups along the way. It is written in my review of our photographer Jeremy. It includes some unplanned rain and the park being closed among other things. I will write it for Flytographer if they reach out and want me to.

Best tip for proposing in Nice

There are lots of locations to choose from. Some will charge you outrageous amounts for permission to take photos -- I was able to find a free alternative that turned out perfect.

Proposed in Nice in September

Photo Shoot Location: Castle Hill

Jeremy in Nice for Flytographer


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