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


Mekai & Gabrielle's Proposal Story in Bari

How did you meet?

School

What is your love story?

Gabi and I met in Biochemistry class and have been thick as thieves ever since. We have been in a relationship for 7 years and have traveled the world together. I knew Gabi was the one from the moment I met her. She is sweet, Loving, and kind and I knew she would one day be my wife.

What made you choose this proposal destination?

We were traveling on a family trip to Italy and I had a desire to propose to her while we were here but wanted a picturesque location. When doing research the Puglia region popped up and we picked Monopoli as our home base due to the proximity to the beaches and great seafood. Monopoli was special to us to do the time we stayed eating and drinking amazing food and drinks and I wanted to cement the memory of Monopoli with a proposal.

What is your proposal story?

We spent the day roaming the beaches of Monopoli and had a great breakfast and lunch. I told Gabrielle that we had a reservation at a fancy place in Monopoli. We then walked to the harbor where I walked her down the steps and popped the question!

Best tip for proposing in Bari

Some areas in Bari are very crowded. I would also recommend a sunset proposal as the morning and early afternoons can be very busy and hot during the summer time.

Proposed in Bari in June

Photo Shoot Location: Historic Monopoli

Paola in Bari for Flytographer


Samuel & Maggie's Proposal Story in Reykjavik

How did you meet?

Work

What is your love story?

After a few dates it was clear she was the one, we connected from the start, and were the perfect balance to each other.

What made you choose this proposal destination?

She had been to Iceland before and talked about it as the most amazing place on earth, and so I surprised her with a trip to Iceland, and an extra bonus with her family.

What is your proposal story?

It took a little bit of an unexpected turn when she fell and dislocated her knee 10 days before flying to Iceland, and Luis helped me adjust the plan, and had amazing alternatives and it created such an incredible memory.

Best tip for proposing in Reykjavik

Take risks, try something new, explore boundaries with nature and trust the photographer!

Proposed in Reykjavik in June

Photo Shoot Location: Custom Route

Luis in Reykjavik for Flytographer


Bryce & Ginet's Proposal Story in Lake Como

How did you meet?

School

What is your love story?

We met in high school during gym class. She was a freshman and I was a sophomore. We didn’t start dating until I was a senior, but we were always best friends. From the moment we met, I knew we were meant for each other.

What made you choose this proposal destination?

I knew it had to be something memorable, and I knew I wanted it to be by the water because that is where we feel happiest. We were heading out on a two-week trip through Italy, and Lake Como immediately spoke to me. Then I came across the villa, and the moment I saw it, I knew it was the one.

What is your proposal story?

After a long day of travel, we finally made it to our hotel. We had just an hour before our boat ride and to make things more stressful, our room was delayed by 30 minutes. That left us with barely any time to get ready. We rushed, got dressed in record time, and made it to the boat. My fiancée thought she knew which villa we were headed to, but I surprised her with a completely different one. We arrived at the villa on a beautiful private boat and walked to the entrance. From there, we made our way to the proposal spot where I got down on one knee and asked the big question.

Best tip for proposing in Lake Como

Nothing

Proposed in Lake Como in June

Photo Shoot Location: Custom Route

Mattia and Maria in Lake Como for Flytographer


Kevin & Chandler's Proposal Story in Berlin

How did you meet?

Friends/Family

What is your love story?

We met through a mutual friend, her childhood best friend who became my college friend. We had met before and had some crushes but we were about 2hrs apart going to school so we never really connected for another 2 years. We finally reunited with some friends and everyone could tell right away we liked each other by our shared nervousness and attempts to impress each other. From there we went on a few dates and the spark was there immediately. I've never known faster and more definitively that Chandler was my person. We dated long distance, still about 2hrs, for almost a year and Chandler got the opportunity to study abroad in Berlin. I decided to go visit here for about a month and from the moment I arrived, we had the time of our lives. We traveled all over Europe and stayed in Berlin where we really got to live with each other for the first time and truly fall in love. That was almost 8 years ago, and we've lived and loved together through a lot during that time. She just finished grad school and we were heading to Europe to celebrate so it was the perfect opportunity to go back to Berlin and reaffirm our love for each other.

What made you choose this proposal destination?

We fell in love in Berlin when Chandler studied abroad there almost 8 years ago. We had the opportunity to finally go back and it seemed like the perfect place to continue that love story and take our relationship and lives to the next stage.

What is your proposal story?

It was great although I was nervous! I kept the proposal as much as a surprise as I could so all Chandler knew was that we had a photo shoot planned which is very unusual for us haha but she didn't seem too suspicious. I bought a ring box that was way too big though and was hard to keep hidden in my pants but I tried to be discreet. We spent the first half of the day walking around the city and made our way over to Charlottenburg Palace were we met our wonderful photographer Irene. She quickly took the reigns and relieved a lot of my tension as we started walking the palace grounds and taking a few photos. The plan she laid out was so detailed I knew exactly what to do and once she gave me the sign, I got down on one knee and tried to get all the words out before I started crying. I'm so glad she did it pretty early on into the shoot so the rest of the time was just stress free and fun as we got to take photos as a newly engaged couple. Such a magical day!

Best tip for proposing in Berlin

We ended up taking the U and S bahns to our location which was great for us but definitely not the most "romantic" experience if that matters to you. I chose to propose at Charlottenburg Palace away from the urban hustle and bustle of the city and main attractions which was perfect for us and led to some beautiful photos with the gardens. I think my advice would be to simply propose here. It's a great city with many beautiful places and sometimes maybe gets a bad wrap compared to cities like Paris when considering proposal spots. But Berlin meant so much more to us that a city like Paris and we found a great location, a great photographer, and ended up having a great proposal story that was perfect for us.

Proposed in Berlin in June

Photo Shoot Location: Charlottenburg Palace

Irene in Berlin for Flytographer


Chris & Kristin's Proposal Story in Positano

How did you meet?

Playing Bingo at a local brewery

What is your love story?

Kristin has brought out the best of me since the day I met her. We share so many values and goals. I have never had more fun in my life than I have since I have been with her. It was the easiest decision of my life.

What made you choose this proposal destination?

We had an Italy vacation planned since December and figured it would be the perfect time to propose and celebrate.

What is your proposal story?

We spent a lovely day at the beach in the morning and enjoyed some amazing pizza. I used the Photoshoot option, so had her convinced it was just an opportunity for us to finally get some nice photos together that were not selfies. After the shoot we had an amazing dinner with an amazing view of the city.

Best tip for proposing in Positano

Don't get sunburned and get those legs ready for all the stairs!

Proposed in Positano in June

Photo Shoot Location: Positano Village

Barbara and Claudio in Positano for Flytographer


Brennon & Morgan's Proposal Story in Lisbon

How did you meet?

Hinge

What is your love story?

We both were able to talk to each other so easily and shared a lot of personal beliefs and views. We ended up seeing each other often after our first date.

What made you choose this proposal destination?

We both have family history and roots that have Cape Verdean heritage that leads back to Portugal.

What is your proposal story?

I had planned this as a surprise for months. She knew about our vacation but had no idea about the proposal. We had arrived to Portugal on Sunday 6/15 and have already gone to several view points in Portugal prior to the proposal date on Friday 6/20. The night before, I had my mother suggest that we should go to a view point again at sunrise or sunset for the lighting. I made it seem like a last minute plan and we all agreed on going to the view point at sunrise the next day. Her parents had arrived that night and the next morning I told her I had invited them to come as well which she believed it was so our families can meet each other. When we arrived everyone was already there talking and mingling. After a few minutes of soaking up the view the photographer texted me that the lighting was perfect for the moment. I suggested that we all take photos, and I acted like I asked a random person to take them, but it was our photographer. After we took some with our family, I asked to get one of just us. After the photographer took the picture on my phone she asked if she could take one on her camera and stated she could send it to us. Once she said the cue “it’s perfect” I turned to her and proposed and she was able to capture the entire surprise and our parents were able to capture it on video. She had no idea the proposal was coming, and she was completely shocked and overjoyed.

Best tip for proposing in Lisbon

Proposing at sunrise at the viewpoint for the lighting and there is less traffic of people around which makes the moment more intimate.

Proposed in Lisbon in June

Ana Lucia in Lisbon for Flytographer


Sean & Carolyn's Proposal Story in Santorini

How did you meet?

She became my neighbor before Covid hit and one day as she was doing yard work, I jumped over her fence and offered to help her anytime she needed help. But I would end up doing things like cutting her grass without her asking to!

What is your love story?

I knew she was the one when she when she became the light in my dark world.

What made you choose this proposal destination?

Santorini was the most beautiful destination I’ve ever wanted to visit. I love the Greek culture and history.

What is your proposal story?

Well, I knew it was going to be tricky to do a surprise proposal but I couldn’t have done it without our friends Tiffany and Arni. Long story short, we had planned this trip almost a year prior. But when it was finally time to travel to Greece from the states, our flight got canceled two days in a row and they lost our luggage. It was a complete mess. I also got sick and when it came to proposal day, I woke up and knew I still wanted to propose to Carolyn. Seeing how we handled the crazy situation we were dealt, just made me more sure of asking Carolyn to be my forever!

Best tip for proposing in Santorini

Propose when the sun is going down! If you forget what you were going to say as you propose like I did, the view will come in to save the day!

Proposed in Santorini in June

Photo Shoot Location: Imerovigli Village

Kris in Santorini for Flytographer


Jake & Prerana's Proposal Story in Chicago

How did you meet?

School

Proposed in Chicago in June

Photo Shoot Location: Custom Route

Maurice in Chicago for Flytographer


Troy & Sally's Proposal Story in San Francisco

What made you choose this proposal destination?

Although we live in Boston now, Sally grew up in the Bay Area

Proposed in San Francisco in June

Photo Shoot Location: Sutro Baths & Land's End

Joseph in San Francisco for Flytographer


Dylan's Proposal Story in New York City

Proposed in New York City in June

Photo Shoot Location: Central Park

Monika in New York City for Flytographer


Shaye & Daniela's Proposal Story in Lake Louise

How did you meet?

At our local gym

What is your love story?

Our relationship really transformed once we moved in together and were always around each other. We love and enjoy each other’s presence and also share the same interests and goals that we want to achieve.

What made you choose this proposal destination?

She’s always wanted to visit Banff and surrounding areas since she was a child. I knew I was ready to propose and wanted to make it special for her so once we decided to book a vacation to Banff, I knew there wasn’t going to be a more perfect time & place.

What is your proposal story?

I chose the “Friendly Tourist” option because I wanted up close photos and reduce the chances of other people walking in-front of the camera during the proposal. Darine and I agreed upon a time to meet at Lake Louise (5:30am for sunrise). Daniela and I arrived to the proposal location and began taking selfies. This was Darine’s cue to approach us. Darine offered to take our picture with her professional camera and send to us later and Daniela immediately agreed and did not catch on! Once Darine positioned us in the perfect spot, she said “this is perfect” which was my cue to propose.

Best tip for proposing in Lake Louise

Make sure you’re at the correct proposal spot on the lake in Lake Louise. There’s atleast 2 different locations on the lake that look identical to each other but the main proposal location has pieces of stone on the ground in front of the lake.

Proposed in Lake Louise in June

Photo Shoot Location: Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise

Darine in Lake Louise for Flytographer


Louis's Proposal Story in Florence

How did you meet?

School

Best tip for proposing in Florence

I will repeat the same advice from a previous comment: "Hire Ellie !"

Proposed in Florence in June

Photo Shoot Location: Custom Route

Ellie in Florence for Flytographer


Greyson & Ashlynn Green's Proposal Story in St. Augustine

How did you meet?

Work

What is your love story?

I was in the Army and ended up being stationed at Fort Polk, LA which just so happened to be her hometown where she grew up. After sometime stationed there, ended up meeting her out one night while out having drinks with some friends. It was love at first sight and it’s been the same ever since!

What made you choose this proposal destination?

St Augustine seemed like such a beautiful location and surely lived up to the reputation! She loves history, nature, old architecture and museums so it was the perfect match for a trip all for her!

What is your proposal story?

It was a total panic! She was so caught up in everything else we were seeing in the area. From the wildlife reserve, Lightner Museum and the Fountain of Youth I couldn’t drag her away she was so fascinated with everything. She was getting history lessons while I was freaking out we weren’t going to make it to the proposal shoot in time, but I couldn’t ruin the surprise. Finally got her to the spot, barely on time and so many nerves, but it turned out amazing and will definitely be remembered as one of our best days.

Best tip for proposing in St. Augustine

Find someone knowledgeable of the area. Make sure it’s not during an event where there are huge crowds. Most of all, plan ahead and make sure you leave time to find parking!

Proposed in St. Augustine in June

Photo Shoot Location: Downtown St. Augustine

Sydney in St. Augustine for Flytographer


Yvon & Claire's Proposal Story in Santorini

How did you meet?

School

What is your love story?

She has bin my best friend in the entire world for 9 years!! We are high school sweethearts, and I couldn’t imagine a life without her!

What made you choose this proposal destination?

We were going on a beautiful Greece trip before officially moving in together, so it seemed like the perfect timing!

What is your proposal story?

I had told her we would be going to a look out to see one of the most beautiful spots in Greece, she had no idea. It was a beautiful surprise for her and Stathis made it sooooo much better than it ever could have bin

Best tip for proposing in Santorini

Not really much I would have changed. Only thing would just be a better clear understanding of the exact spot it was planned.

Proposed in Santorini in June

Photo Shoot Location: Imerovigli Village

Stathis and Christina in Santorini for Flytographer


Drew & Taylor's Proposal Story in Banff

Proposed in Banff in May

Photo Shoot Location: Custom Route

Maia in Banff for Flytographer


Patrick & RaeChelle's Proposal Story in Banff

How did you meet?

School

What is your love story?

I let her in at the dorms for a mutual friend of ours and that was that:)

What made you choose this proposal destination?

We like nature and hiking so this was a no brainer

What is your proposal story?

We were all tired and sore from hiking the previous day, so we had to convince everyone to go out again for another hike that turned out to just be a proposal

Best tip for proposing in Banff

Make sure you don’t get altitude sickness if you are from a low altitude environment

Proposed in Banff in June

Photo Shoot Location: Bow Falls

Marie-Christine in Banff for Flytographer


Jesus & Jancy's Proposal Story in Rome

How did you meet?

Work

What made you choose this proposal destination?

Jancy and I love to travel, and this year we chose Italy. She would always mention that she would love to get married in a small city in Italy. There's something about the history, culture, and love that radiates throughout the country.

What is your proposal story?

Oh man, it was a crazy adventure full of emotions! I had everything planned for Jun 1st, and on May 30th I lost my bag with the RING on the train to Rome. I chased after the train but was unable to make it in time. I just remember looking at the distance as the train left for Napoli with my ring, and the emotions started erupting. It was a surprise proposal, so I tried my best to keep calm and not raise any alarms, but deep inside me, I was screaming. I immediately contacted TrenItalia staff and let them know about the situation. It was kinda hard to communicate with them since they barely spoke English, but thankfully I also speak Spanish and they understood me well enough. We filed a report, and they got to work trying to recover the bag, but they couldn't assure me of anything. The day came, and I was ringless and dejected. I let Francesca know my situation, and she worked with me to reschedule, but I still didn't have a ring. I thought about proposing without a ring. I thought about buying a prop ring and letting Jancy know the situation. I thought of a lot of things in the moment. But ultimately, I didn't give up hope and stuck to the plan. That same morning, I rushed back to the train station to check on the status of my bag. By sheer luck, they were able to locate it and told me they would put it on the next train to Rome and have it there for me that same day! I didn't want to get my hopes up until I had the bag in my hands and I could check that the ring was still there. But thankfully, when they finally returned my bag, everything was untouched. I immediately confirmed my appointment with Francesca and proposed the next morning!

Best tip for proposing in Rome

Stay away from the crowds and choose a more relaxed and tranquil place. Early morning works great, with low traffic, and good lighting. Make sure to ask your local photographer for advice on this!

Proposed in Rome in June

Photo Shoot Location: Trastevere

Francesca V. in Rome for Flytographer


David & Tamara's Proposal Story in Lake Como

How did you meet?

Hinge

What is your love story?

We met on Hinge in November 2024 and had our first in-person date on Black Friday. It was supposed to be a quick meet-up for drinks and appetizers, but after getting kicked out of the restaurant at closing, we stayed in her car just talking—until 1 a.m. The connection was immediate. I knew right away I wanted to see her again, so I got to work planning our second date. Since that night, we’ve been inseparable. We’ve traveled together to Washington, DC, Huntington Beach, Panama, and most recently, Milan, Italy—where I proposed. Every step of this journey has confirmed what I felt on day one: I can’t imagine spending a minute without her. We’re getting married in May 2026, and I couldn’t be more excited to build a life together.

What made you choose this proposal destination?

We chose Lake Como for our proposal because of its undeniable romance and breathtaking scenery. We had dreamed of something intimate, magical, and unforgettable—and Lake Como delivered. The weather was perfect, the views were surreal, and the air felt full of possibility.

What is your proposal story?

On the big day, we made our way to Villa Monastero in Varenna. I had a speech prepared, and as we walked through the gardens and down to the lakefront, I started with, “Well, the reason why I brought you here…” Tamara immediately began tearing up with joy. I barely made it to the end of my words before getting choked up myself. It was emotional, raw, and everything I hoped it would be.

Best tip for proposing in Lake Como

Advice for anyone proposing in Lake Como: If you’re hoping to take photos inside a villa or private property, book well in advance. Coordinate directly with the villa and clearly communicate your request. The locals in Varenna were incredibly kind and welcoming, but having your plans in order makes all the difference.

Proposed in Lake Como in May

Photo Shoot Location: Varenna

Gabriele in Lake Como for Flytographer


Chris & Denise's Proposal Story in Amalfi Coast

How did you meet?

Work

What is your love story?

She shares my Mom’s name that is in Heaven. When we first met, God and my Mom’s light shined upon her, identifying clearly she was the one. It was not up until years later that our opportunity was created for each other, and the moment it was, we took each other’s hands and never looked back.

What made you choose this proposal destination?

It has been on my bucket list my whole life, we were coming to Italy for a friends wedding extending our trip to Positano and absolutely had to propose to the love of my life here.

What is your proposal story?

It was her birthday, staring at De Ferdinando beach club, making our way back to our airbnb to get ready for drinks before dinner. We went up the road for a drink and I “forgot” her “small birthday present” so we had to stop back before dinner. Upon arrival, we were greeted with rose petals leading to our terrace, where lied rose petals in the form of a heart, many candles, LED light ”Love” signs, and a massive bouquet of flowers where I began my speech to ask her to marry me.

Best tip for proposing in Amalfi Coast

Don’t stress! Also, if you are wearing a tux like I did, have an extra hanker chief for sweat, it is hot and humid with the sunshine, walking and climbing steps. Breathe, drink water, and stay positive.

Proposed in Amalfi Coast in June

Photo Shoot Location: Positano Village

Pasquale and Peppe in Amalfi Coast for Flytographer


Mason & Caroline's Proposal Story in Cancun

How did you meet?

We met a bar named Grand Central in Washington DC 2018

What is your love story?

Back in 2018, Caroline and I physically bumped into one another by accident at a bar in Washington DC where we were both studying for our undergraduate degrees. A “sorry” quickly transpired into instant chemistry and that night we got acquainted and agreed to meet up soon for a date. That date came and while we both privately held reservations on anything meaningful coming from it, we were surprised to find a never ending stream of topics to discuss and contribute to. Life, media, politics, history, Philosophy. Hours talking with her felt like moments, and I think this is when I first had an inkling that pure luck had brought me together with someone who would change my life forever in the most beautiful and unexpected way. We continued to meet up for dates, hangouts and would text and talk for hours. Soon, we started dating officially and through life changes such as moving back home after college (to separate states) and the covid-19 pandemic, long distance while finishing our post grad degrees, and many more….our love persisted and grew, until it became an irresistible conclusion that this was the woman I wanted to spend the rest of my life with.

What made you choose this proposal destination?

Caroline and I love to travel and go on many international trips together. I had been to Mexico before (though never Cancun) and felt the unique blend of beach and history would make for a great location to propose!

What is your proposal story?

I did some research about trying to book a photographer and was overwhelmed by the prospect of having to reach out and vet photographers myself. I came across flytogropher through a Google search and liked the prospect of them facilitating some of the logistics. I looked through the choices and chose Tati for her experience and pricing and she helped me come up with the perfect plan.

Best tip for proposing in Cancun

Book through Flytogropher and chose Tati!

Proposed in Cancun in June

Photo Shoot Location: Custom Route

Tati in Cancun for Flytographer


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