These days of over the top fantastical proposals can make anyone feel that they aren't doing enough. You can't get down on one knee and ask the love of your life to marry you anymore—flash mobs of acrobats, fireworks, TV cameras, and a horse-drawn carriage are all the rage. What if you want something more intimate and romantic? Consider popping the question in a far-flung destination! You will give your partner a proposal for their dreams, and a fantastic story to tell. Here are the most romantic spots to pop the question around the world.
The Bridge of Sighs in Venice
Venice is one of (if not the) most romantic cities in the world, and there is no wrong place to propose! Are you looking to knock their socks off? Pop the question while sailing under the Bridge of Sighs in a gondola. If you want to learn more about Venice, read our A Perfect Honeymoon in Italy.
Jessie's Tip: Make sure you have a PRIVATE gondola ride set up! Most gondolas aren't, and proposing in front of six strangers lessens the romance factor.
Bow Bridge in Central Park, New York City
Forgo the usual proposal spot, the Empire State Building; it is always bustling with snap-happy tourists. Instead, choose to pop the question at the Bow Bridge in the middle of Central Park. It overlooks the lake and is home to myriad wildlife. It is a picturesque and romantic place to pull out a ring.
Jessie's Tip: Take in the pastoral beauty of Central Park on bicycles to make a whole day of your proposal.
Juliet's Balcony in Verona
While Shakespeare's "Romeo & Juliet" is a work of fiction, you can sweep the one you love off their feet by asking for their hand by recreating the most famous scene in the most romantic play. One hundred years ago, Verona purchased a lovely villa in the heart of the city and declared it to be the House of Capulet.
Jessie's Tip: Stay at the charming Villa Cordevigo Wine Relais for an authentic patrician villa that dates to the 18th Century.
The Wall of Love in Paris
Yes, the Eiffel Tower is iconic, and thousands of couples get engaged at the top of the tower. And it certainly provides the best views of the City of Lights. But if you want a unique place to pop the question, the Wall of Love in Montemarte is the place to go. The Wall of Love has the phrase 'I love you' written 311 times in 250 languages.
Jessie's Tip: Sip champagne in the Eiffel Tower's shadow at the rooftop of the Terrass Hotel. The view is incredible!
Neuschwanstein Castle in Bavaria, Germany
Are you looking for a fairytale proposal spot? Look no further than Neuschwanstein Castle, located in the small village of Hohenschwangau near Füssen in Bavaria. The dense forest surrounds the castle, ensuring a lush storybook backdrop to your special day. Walt Disney was so enamored of this gorgeous castle in the heart of Germany's Romantic Road that he used it for the model for Cinderella's Castle. If you want to learn more about the Romantic Road, read our 7 Perfect Days on Germany's Romantic Road.
Jessie's Tip: Want to sweep your sweetie off their feet? Take them to the Marienbrücke bridge, a mere 15-minute walk away, to discover a spectacular view of the castle. Proposing on the bridge will add to the fairytale feeling.
London Eye, London, England
The London Eye offers stunning views of the city, and it is one of the most popular proposal sites in all of the United Kingdom. The Eye even provides a private "Proposal Pod," ensuring your unforgettable proposal is more spectacular. Sip champagne and nibble on delicious chocolate truffles high above the city streets.
Jessie's Tip: Asking for your loved one's hand in marriage on the London Eye can be tailored to your desires. It can be grand production (think flash mobs, bands, photographers, etc.) or an intimate occasion.
Cliffs of Moher in County Clare, Ireland
The Cliffs of Moher rise out of the Atlantic Ocean reaching towering heights of 700 feet. You will find blissful, tranquil views of the sea below as well as stunning Irish countryside. The cliffs draw thousands of visitors every year. Do you pop the question in relative privacy? Sunrise is the perfect time of day to avoid the crowds. If you want to learn more about Ireland, read our 8 Perfect and Romantic Nights in Ireland.
Jessie's Tip: If you are looking for an adorable and authentic Irish village near the cliffs, I recommend staying in the lovely fishing village of Dingle. It's so cute it should come with a warning label!
Bora Bora, French Polynesia
Bora Bora is so beautiful they named it twice. It is a quintessential honeymoon destination, but it also is the perfect place to propose. I have planned waterfall picnic proposals, proposals with Tahitian dancers, and proposals on private uninhabited islands. And even one diving proposal where we hid the ring in a clamshell lying on the seafloor. Want to learn more about Bora Bora? Check out our Sexiest Honeymoon Resorts in Bora Bora.
Jessie's Tip: As lovely as the beach bungalows are, you need to consider upgrading to an overwater villa. They are the epitome of luxury and romance.
La Sponda in Positano, Italy
Do you want a romantic restaurant with unparalleled views for your proposal spot? You won't be disappointed with the gorgeous La Sponda Restaurant in Positano. Rising culinary star, Gennaro Russo, is the executive chef of this Mediterranean restaurant. This Michelin starred restaurant is a must-do for anyone that goes to Positano. If you want to learn more about Positano, read my Honeymoon Like Reese Witherspoon at Le Sirenuse.
Jessie's Tip: La Sponda is the main restaurant of the Le Sirenuse Boutique Hotel. It is a beautiful base for anyone that wants to explore Positano and the Amalfi Coast.
Lake of Love in Bruges, Belgium
With a name like the Lake of Love, you can imagine that it is a very romantic destination! Bruges is a storybook destination, and the 'Lake of Love' is an enchanting spot surrounded by greenery and turreted houses; its the perfect backdrop for a waterside picnic. Legend says that the lake was after a young girl called Minna, who was in love with a boy from a rival clan. She supposedly died of a broken heart when they couldn't be together. If you steal a kiss as you cross the bridge, your love will last forever!
Jessie's Tip: Bruges is to be a food lover's destination. You'll have a myriad of incredible restaurants for your celebratory dinner. There's even a place that serves pigeon; you might want to avoid that one.
Cappadocia, Turkey
Turkey is at the crossroads of Europe and the Middle East and draws influences from both regions. Istanbul offers tons to see and do, but for my money, Cappadocia is the most romantic place in Turkey. It is simply magical. Its unique and stunning rock formations, called fairy chimneys, will enchant you. Every morning at 5 am dozens of hot air balloons take to the skies to welcome the sunrise. You can pop the question floating over the ancient city or from the balcony of your resort. Either way, the pictures will be incredible.
Jessie's Tip: While in Cappadocia, stay at lovely Argos in Cappadocia. The rooms lie throughout six mansions carved into the rock, and each envokes the feel of a traditional cave house.
Under the Northern Lights in Iceland
Iceland is a magical and mysterious place. They have gnomes and elves running around; you can spot them if you keep a lookout! Try to find a unique and spectacular spot to pop the question. Dropping to one knee under the dancing lights in the sky is phenomenal! Advanced planning is required; the best time to see the Northern Lights is from September to April. I love the prime Northern Light spotting area of Landmannalaugar, which is also home to lovely geothermal pools.
Jessie's Tip: Get outside of Reykjavik. All of Iceland is stunning, and you will miss the best parts if you only visit the cities. Do you want to learn more about Iceland? Read our a Perfect Honeymoon in Iceland and Iceland Sites You Must See to Believe.
You are unique; there is no couple in the world quite like you, so you need a unique and special place to ask the love of your life to commit to a lifetime together. Here are my top 12 Romantic Spots to Pop the Question. Did I leave off any of your favorites?