Westminster Cathederal is a great place to propose in London.

Westminster Cathedral, London
There are dozens of romantic places in London, but one of the best is the elaborate Westminster Cathedral. It looks far older than it’s 108 years, having been modeled by architect John Francis Bentley on the ancient cathedrals from a millennium earlier. If your gal loves old romance, she’ll love this place. Bentley died about the time the building was substantially completed, but he never got to see his work 100% finished. It would be too bad to work so hard on something, but never get to seethe finished product, don’t you think? For example, the delicate mosaics that are now so beautiful, were yet to be started upon his death in 1902, and actually took until the mid 1960′s to be fully completed. If you choose this as your proposal spot, you’ll get to see them in all their glory.

Northern California
Matanzas Creek Winery, Sonoma County California – Lavender Garden
Gardens can be the perfect proposal spot, and this garden is head and shoulders above many others. In fact, the whole setting is one of the most beautiful and romantic in the whole state of California. Nestled in the scenic Bennett Valley, the winery was one of the first in the area, producing it’s first vintage in the 1970′s. The lavender gardens is unique, because not only is it beautiful, but Mantanzas actually uses lavender to make all sorts of products for your home, from bath to kitchen. Of course, they’ll be only too happy to sell you some when you visit.

One nice thing is that the Sonoma area and the Bennett valley is not over crowded, as the Napa Valley has become. That lets you get a more romantic feeling of seclusion without having to fight the crowds. You can even get a wine and cheese tasting during your visit, something not to be missed, as the folks at Matanzas really know their food / wine parings. Make sure you plan your proposal when the lavender is in full bloom, typically in late spring and early summer.
If you want to contact the Matanzas Creek Winery, here is their contact info:
Address: 6097 Bennett Valley Road
City, State, Zip: Santa Rosa, California 95404
Phone number: (707) 528-6464

City of Sonoma – Sonoma Overlook Trail
If you’re the kind of couple who really values the outdoors, you might think about popping the question to your sweetie

The spectacular view form the Sonoma Overlook Trail above, appropriately enough, Sonoma California. A great place to pop the question to your gal.

while enjoying the scenic wonders of someplace scenic, an not too many places are more scenic than the vistas that await you on the Sonoma Overlook Trail. Sure, you could really step out and take a trek to Yosemite, or board a plane to the emerald island of Kauai. You’ll have to make no treks to the backcountry, or hop any planes if you’re in the northern California area.

Callaway Gardens, GA – Pine Mountain, GA – 60 minutes southwest of Atlanta
If you’re looking for a romantic getaway in the SE United States, check out Callaway Gardens. Only a bit more than a hour from Atlanta, it’s well worth the drive. Once there you can choose from romantic cottages, villas, or rooms at the Mountain Creek Inn. The cottages are 2-bedroom, so they are more for those who really want extra room. A secluded 1 bedroom villa is probably more up your alley, if you’re aiming for a romantic retreat so you can propose to her. At the time of this writing, a 1 bedroom villa starts at about $200 per night. Some visitors indicate that the Lodge and Spa are much better to stay at then the Inn, which is a bit older and more, uh, rustic. Steer clear of the Inn.

There are two azalea gardens, the Callaway Brothers Azalea Bowl, and the Overlook Garden. If you visit in spring the azaleas will be in full bloom. There is little else that can compare to the sight of all the colors and textures. If she has any romance in her body at all, she’ll love it.

There are 8 different nature trails, each offering a different view of the area’s natural  beauty. Most are pretty easy hikes, and are less than a mile and half, so you won’t be exhausted when it comes time to pull out the ring. There are plenty of places to do that on the trails.

What better place to propose than in front of a statue of Cupid himself?

Queen’s Gardens, Nelson, New Zealand – Cupid’s Fountain
There are so many beautiful and romantic places in this island nation it’s difficult to know just where to start. Here is one, if for the name only (but it is a really beautiful place too). You’ll feel on top of the world, even if you’re on the bottom of it, down in New Zealand, proposing to your girlfriend at none other than Cupid’s Fountain. Cupid is, after all, the Roman god of erotic love and beauty. What better place to propose?
Bonus New Zealand Proposal Spot – You could also head to another great NZ location, the little burg of Akaroa, about 80 clicks from Christchurch on the Banks Peninsula. This is a quaint little town with a very French feel to it, due to the preponderance of French settlers there over 150 years ago. The French influence makes it even more romantic. It is a really small town, with something less than 600 full time residents, although form the number of boats crowding the harbor in the summertime, you’d think it was far more than that. In fact. the place is so popular as a tourist destination in sumer, that the population often swells to 10 times it’s normal size.

You’ll find any number of great proposal spots in Akaroa, weather you stay in one of the bed and breakfasts to be found

Imagine proposing to your girl while gazing out at this view of the Akaroa harbor! It looks like something straight out of a movie. In fact, if you've seen movies such as "Lord of the Rings" you'll know why Hollywood has fallen in love with New Zealand.

there, or at the Akaroa Country Lodge just outside of town. You could propose in your room, over dinner, during a romantic stroll through town, or up in the hills overlooking the town and harbor. The views up there are out of this world beautiful!

360 Restaurant, Toronto, Canada – CN Tower
The 360 has won a gazillion awards, including Where Magazine reader’s poll “most romantic”, best of award excellence from Wine Spectator Magazine, and multiple awards for excellence in dining experience from Distinguished Restaurants of North America. Despite all those upper crust awards you don’t have to spend a fortune to eat there, although it seems it’s fairly easy to do so. The 360 nabbed a  Best Value award in the dinner category in UP! Magazine’s 200 Places to Get the Best Bang for Your Travel Buck. However, many people report spending around $200 for dinner (sans wine) and a couple of drinks, so it’s not like stopping by BK for a Whopper on the way home from work.

If you live nearby, or you’re planning on going to Toronto, that makes it a no-brainer as far as proposal locations go. You can’t beat the view, which is natural, as it sits over 1,100 feet in the air. If your girl is afraid of heights, this may not be the perfect place, but for everyone else, it should be worthy of consideration. The view is beyond reproach. Unless you’re a pilot you don’t see a view like this very often. Like the Space Needle in Seattle, the 360 restaurant slowly rotates, delivering a constantly changing view to everyone in the dining room.

Don’t go on a weekend, though to avoid lines, which can be present even if you’ve made a reservation (kind of like your doctor’s office). I almost didn’t include the CNN 360 on this list, as reports have been surfacing that service quality has been slipping lately. However, there are still plenty of folks that report getting good service, the view is so great and the food is tasty, so it deserves mention here. Make sure you confirm your reservation for a view table a couple of times leading up to your arrival, to ensure you actually get to enjoy the wonderful view. The prix fixe menu (currently either $55 or $68 per person for dinner) is definitely the more value oriented way to order. There are more limited choices, but ordering the same items ala carte will set you back substantially more loot.

Franceschi Park, Santa Barbara, CA
If you want a spectacular and romantic proposal location and are on a tight budget, you can’t ask for more than this. After all the view is superb, and it’s free. It’s 18 acres of great city and Pacific Ocean views, and it is filled with exotic plants; fitting, as it is named after a horticulturist. Santa Barbara is already one of the most beautiful little cities anywhere, and this is a little slice of heaven within it. The park has experienced a dearth of funding recently, so there is no telling how long it will still be a great place to go, but for now, the view is fantastic, and even if the greenery isn’t what it used to be, it still makes the list.

Imagine proposing while kneeling on the viewing platform with the waterfall in the background!

La Paz Waterfall Gardens, Costa Rica
Yes, it is private and yes, it is spendy (especially if you spend the night), but if you plan on going to Costa Rica, or just about anywhere else for that matter, you’ll scarcely be able to do better than proposing to your girlfriend next to one of the most stunning waterfall locations to be found on this planet. It’s a luscious, 70 acre wildlife preserve, replete with monkeys, jaguars, wild turkeys, and some of the most exotic wild birds to be found anywhere.

The park’s Peace Lodge has even been showcased on the Travel Channel as a honeymoon hot spot, but it would more than suffice for a proposal. It’s surely romantic enough.. Some of the suites even have bathrooms with waterfalls in them! Hummingbirds will sit on your finger as you feed them (not in your room, though), and you can take a short hike to the resort’s romantic waterfalls. It’s there that you’ll probably want to propose, although between the rooms, view balconies, and  butterfly garden, you should be able to find the perfect, romantic proposal location if the waterfalls don’t do it for you.

Villa San Michele, Fiesole, Italy
Can it get any more romantic than this? After all, it is a 15th century monastery, with a facade designed by none other than Michelangelo, and located in Florence, Italy. The Villa San Michele just reeks of romance. You’ll be rewarded with a view form the hotel that can’t be beat, and it has one of the most beautiful swimming pools anywhere, positioned to take full advantage of the spectacular view.

If you want to propose in a romantic setting, you know that Italy is definitely that, and this hotel, while very expensive,

If you have the (substantial) coin required, the Villa San Michelle is definitely one of the top places to propose.

will give your girlfriend the romance she’s looking for. Asking her to get married while you gaze longingly into her eyes as the sun starts to sink below the horizon will be the icing on the cake. Proposing during a romantic dinner on the balcony at the Loggia Restaurant (be sure to make reservations for a balcony table) is about as good as it gets. If you do have dinner at the Villa San Michele, you’ll be dining on some of Europe’s best food, especially the pasta, which is almost universally praised. For that extra romantic touch, speak to the staff beforehand to arrange a special desert, just for your sweetie.

Get ready to drop some serious coin if you get a room there, especially if you choose a suite, some of which can be over $2,000 a night. The Super Saver, which includes breakfast, is still a teeth clenching 440 Euros, or over $500US!

There is no shortage of recreational facilities either, for those of you that want to enjoy a little more than romance while you’re there. There are some great golf courses, plenty of good tennis facilities, and the locals rave about the mountain biking. Yes, you can rent bikes there, too. Unlike the hotel, some of the recreational facilities are quite a bargain. You can even get an hour long private tennis lesson from a pro for only $40.

Red Rock Canyon in Nevada is definitely one of the most beautiful places to propose in the entire U.S.

Red Rock National Monument, just outside of Las Vegas Nevada
This is quite simply one of the most breath taking pieces of natural beauty anywhere in the world. The different shades of red in the rocks and the plethora of different spots that would be perfect for an outdoor proposal. One that would be great for  proposing is the relatively easy, 1.2 mile trail to the Calico Tanks. It is a bit of a climb, but if you’re even moderately physically fit, you’ll have no problem, and many people take young children on this hike. I took my 7 year old up there and she had no problems, except maybe wanting to get too far ahead! The trail starts past an old sandstone quarry, then meanders it’s way up through a striking red sandstone canyon. There are even sandstone steps through many of the steeper sections to ensure virtually anyone can enjoy the area’s striking beauty.

The 1.2 mile trail ends at the aforementioned tanks, which is really a sandstone basin filled with rainwater about 50

It's a pretty easy hike and well worth the effort. Even kids can do it.

yards across. If you stop there, though, you’ll be missing the hike’s perfect proposal location, a dramatic sandstone promontory jutting out over the valley floor. Just keep going about 150 yards past the tanks themselves, and you’ll reach the vista you’ve been looking for. Go on the right side of the water and up the hill. There, you can propose with the valley and the city of Las Vegas as a backdrop. It’s an awesome vantage point. Don’t do this hike in the summer though, as it can be dangerously hot here.

These are some great places you can propose to your girlfriend. Remember that no matter where you propose, make sure your proposal is crafted specially for her. She’s got all sorts of things that make her who she is. You know her better than anyone, so use what you know to make that perfect proposal.

You can propose to your girlfriend anywhere you'd like, but make sure it's somewhere that she thinks is special. Remember it is her proposal, not so much yours.

After reading so many proposal stories that get sent in you’d think I would be immune, but it never ceases to amaze me the lengths some guys will go to make sure their proposal is memorable. Here is a great one…..

“We have been very happily married for about 7 years now, but here is how I asked her to be my wife. Jenn and I had been dating for just about 3 years, and I was finally realizing that she was the woman I wanted to marry. We’d met when we were both finishing up our senior year of college, and hit it off instantly. There was definitely a heck of a spark right off the bat, but I wasn’t ready to settle down yet and she wasn’t either. There were too many things in the way that could have derailed our whole relationship.

My senior year I had an advertising internship in New York that took up most of the first semester, so I wasn’t around campus very much. She was finishing up a double major in finance and marketing, so she was pretty busy herself. Despite our busy schedules, we still new there was something special going on. I had my share of girlfriends, both serious and the few-weeks-of-fun variety, and I knew instantly that this would be different. Thankfully, she felt exactly the same way.

We both moved to New York after graduation and settled into a schedule that only a medical intern could love. It was brutal for both of us, and we didn’t see each other nearly as much as we’d have liked, but you know what they say “Absence makes the heart grow fonder. ”Thankfully for us, it was definitely true.

Between going to Yankee games with the guys (in the company seats), entertaining clients 2 or 3 nights a week, working out, and watching the Jets play in the winter, it was a wonder I had any time left for Jenn, but she was working so much then; even more than I was. When I was away from her and having a great time, she was still always on my mind in a big way. No matter how much fun I was having (and I had quite a bit), I always thought the time would have been much better spent if she was there, or I was with her somewhere else.

That was when I knew for sure it was time to ask her to marry me, and and started to think of a way to propose that would really show her how much I loved her and how extra special she was to me. It wasn’t easy. I thought of all the traditional ways to propose, you know, the dinner at a nice restaurant, or walking along the waterfront somewhere scenic. None of those really did it for me though, and more to the point, I didn’t think they would for her, either.

I did everything to get ideas. I read books, talked to married and engaged friends, surfed the web, and generally puled in as much info as possible on the subject. Back then there wasn’t nearly as much help available on the web as there is now. There were some great ideas, but nothing exactly like what I wanted to do.

Finally I hit on something that I was sure she would be excited about. She is a pretty cerebral girl. Actually she is pretty and cerebral. Lucky me. One of the things that she loves more than anything is traveling through New England in the fall, when the leaves are just starting to turn. She also loves history and old things. That’s great for me in 50 years, I guess.

One thing that would be right up her alley is art, artifacts, and where they all collect, museums. There are dozens of great museums scattered throughout New England. We’d visited some of them before, since we travel up there once or twice a year. We would have both liked to make it more than that, but our busy schedules precluded too much time off.
Here is how I proposed to her. I told her that we should take off for a long weekend to get away, unwind a bit, and enjoy the sights of New England in the fall. As I expected, she was delighted with the idea.

We left NYC on Friday morning and headed north. It was beautiful. There wasn’t a cloud in the sky. A gentle breeze was blowing, and it was a little chilly in the morning, but soon warmed up into the low 70′s. It made me wish I’d rented a convertible. I kept thinking that things were going almost too smoothly. I had managed to put off a client meeting until Monday, and Jenn was able to get the day off, despite an unusually busy time in her office as well.

First stop was in one of our favorite places, Providence. After stopping up on Federal Hill for lunch, we hit the Rhode Island School of Design Museum of Art. It is pretty fantastic, especially for such a relatively small town. They even had some jewelry on display, which I was sure to get her opinion on!
After spending a few hours at the museum, it was time to head back to Federal Hill for a nice, romantic dinner. I could have just asked her then and there, but that wasn’t the plan. The asking her would have to wait, but I wanted to put us in a few situations that might make her think it was a possibility first, just so she would be even more surprised when I really did pop the question!

Early Saturday morning we headed for Stockbridge MA, where the Norman Rockwell museum is. He is about as all American as you can get, and we both wanted to see some his painting up close and for real. It was definitely worth the drive. After about 3 hours there, it was back on the road for a beautiful, scenic drive up Rte 7, into the Green Mountain National Forrest in Vermont. What a beautiful, scenic drive. I love driving, so it was great to go through some of the most stellar terrain anywhere in the country. We both enjoyed it, and she thought it was very romantic. The plan was working.

We arrived in Ludlow, VT just in time for dinner. I had reserved a room at a fantastic bed and breakfast there; The Governor’s Inn. It is actually the ex governor of Vermont’s personal residence. If you’re going to be in the neighborhood, I highly recommend it. We had been wanting to stay there for quite a while, after getting positive reports from friends and reading really good reviews. We had a great time, and like I had been told, the Inn, the rooms, and the food were just about perfect. Once again, we had a very romantic evening together.

The nxt morning, it was back on the road. This time toward MA once again, and a museum I had been wanting to see for a while, and I thought she would enjoy, too.; the Worcester Art Museum. Not as big as some of it’s contemporaries in larger cities, this little museum nevertheless ahs a pretty good rep and I had a few friends go there, and say good things about it. The best part though, is what it has inside that’s not a painting or sculpture.

The Wocester Art Museum has this really unbelievable old French Chapel rebuilt right inside of the museum itself. It was actually dissembled in France and rebuilt, brick by brick, in the U.S. Actually, it is a chapter house, which is kind of ironic, because it was built for celibate monks!

I had been carrying the ring with me for the whole weekend, and kept thinking I’d lose the thing (or she’d find it). As we got to the museum I checked once more to be sure it was still in my jacket pocket. Relief! It hadn’t moved, and the time was about upon us now, little did she know. We spent quite a while going through the exhibits.

They had an early photography exhibit by Janos Scholz. I’m talking really early, like more than a decade before the Civil War. It was a great exhibit but I could barely contain myself while we were looking at it. She loves photography, especially the old stuff, and I could barely tear her away from it.
I steered her to the center court to look at the exquisite floor mosiacs, and then to the arch of the old, French chapter house. As we stood in the archway that had been built almost a thousand years ago, I told her that my love for her would last for longer than the stone of this magnificent, old church, and how very much she meant to me. When I started in about how I wanted to make sure we could share our lives together forever, I think she began to suspect when was happening.

Right then, I got down on one knee, pulled the ring from my pocket, took her hand, put the ring on her finger, and asked her to marry me. I had practiced taking the ring out of my pocket, opening the box, and removing the ring about a hundred times. I knew my hands would be sweaty, and didn’t want to fumble the whole thing when the time came to do it for real.

Although we were in a public place, there was hardly anyone around right then, so we had the moment all to ourselves. It was perfect.The irony that I had asked my (now) wife to marry me in a place built for celibate monks didn’t dawn on me until later. Thankfully, celibacy hasn’t been part of our marriage up to this point.”

Many have sent in about their proposals. They are a great place to ideas if you aren’t sure about how you are going to ask your girlfriend to marry you. Here are some of my previous posts that can help you:
Romantic Ways to Propose to a Girl That Really Worked
Best Way to Propose to Your Girlfriend – Number 3
Best Way to Propose to Your Girlfriend – Number 2
Best Way to Propose to Your Girlfriend – Number 1
Great Ways to Propose to Your Girlfriend – From the Woman’s Perspective

I Hope these give you some ideas and inspiration on how to propose to your girlfriend.
Don’t forget to write in if you have a great idea and tell how it worked.

Going to the beach can be the foundation for a great, romantic proposal. Check this one out!

Here is the third in the series of romantic ways to propose to your girlfriend. This post is the continuation of 2 weeks ago, where I shared the first two of the three best stories I’ve received recently on romantic proposals.

“Here is how I proposed to my girlfriend. Her name is Tiffany, and she is now my wife. Here is what I did to ask her to marry me. She was still away at college finishing up her senior year, and I was working in DC at the time. It was really tough being separated from her, even by only a few hours, but we did the best we could. She came to see me when ever her schedule allowed and I did likewise. It was difficult for me to leave, with a new job and all, because I was trying to get noticed. She was pre-med, which is pretty time consuming, so her schedule was packed also.

I knew I wanted to do something that would really convey to her how much I loved her, but we didn’t have the time or money to go away on a long vacation or anything. I talked to a few of my friends to see what they did and get some ideas, but most had just asked their girlfriends at nice restaurants.

One of them asked his girlfriend to get married when they were up skiing. That was more along the lines of what I was thinking, but we don’t ski, it’s too expensive, and I didn’t think a learn-to-ski trip would be a great place to propose. I talked to my parents, and my dad had asked my mom after a Rolling Stones concert. While I love the Stones, that wasn’t really what I was looking for either.

I was about pulling my hair out, when suddenly I had a brainstorm. This is how I decided to propose. Tiffany is crazy about the ocean, and it’s not too far away. We could sneak in a trip on a weekend without busting the bank. I found a little bed and breakfast across the street from the ocean in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware called the Light House Inn. From my place in Maryland it’s only about a 2 ½ hour drive.

I told her that I wanted to take her away for the weekend to let her relax before finals started. She had no idea I planned to propose, and that’s just the way I wanted it. We left after I got off work on Friday evening. I had worked for a week putting my plan into action, and was more tired than usual, but I played it off as being really tired after a long week at work. I told her how much I was looking forward to a weekend away for some relaxation.

The room wasn’t booked on Thursday, so I rented it and they had let me come over and prepare it for the next day, when we would be arriving. Let me tell you that working to get the room prepared, in addition to 5 hours of driving was no mean feat when you have to work the next day.

I wanted to lay the ground work for a very romantic weekend. I put vases of roses throughout the room; about 15 in all.. By the time we arrived the next day, the room was filled with the smell of roses. Next, I hid some candles in the bathroom, so I could give her a candlelight bath on Saturday night. I brought up the ingredients for her favorite dinner, so they could prepare it for us Saturday night. She loves romantic poetry, so I brought up some of nicely framed copies of her favorite poems and put them around the room. I scouted out all the nice spots around town for lunches and strolls on the beach, too. All in all it was a busy few hours, but for something as important as proposing to her I wanted it to be really special.

I picked her up after school on Friday and we got on the road. I was pretty excited, and my heart was pounding with anticipation, like I’d had a few too many Red Bulls. I must have fingered the ring box in my pocket about 500 times, just to be sure I hadn’t lost it. I’m kind of a chicken in situations like this, and even though I’ve always been really comfortable with Tiff, and we can discuss anything, the thought of proposing was making me more than a little nervous.

We got there a little after 6 and went to dinner at a place called the Eden Cafe. Cafe is kind of misnomer, because it was a pretty nice restaurant. Not uppity DC nice, but more relaxed nice, and the food was awesome. She’s not a foo foo food kind of girl, so I wanted something nice, without being too over the top. We had a romantic dinner and a bottle of good wine. It’s cool because the booths are all enclosed in curtains, which added to the romance.

After dinner, we went for a walk at the beach to watch the sunset. We talked for a long time, taking in the salt air, and watching the sun sink below the horizon. It’s not like California, where it sinks into the water, but it is beautiful just the same. It was very romantic, and I almost asked her then and there, but I decided to stick with my plan, and build up the romance factor even more.

We went back to the room, and she was really surprised by the vases full of roses everywhere. She started reading the poetry and realized that they were all her favorites, and that really shocked her. She accused me of being a hopeless romantic, something that I cheerfully plead guilty to. It was going just perfect so far, and that made me kind of nervous.

The next morning we took a relaxing shower and went downstairs for breakfast. The breakfast was delicious, and just what we needed to get ready for a day down by the beach. It was forecast to be a really nice day, and it seemed like the meteorologists justified all the money their parents paid for college, because it was the perfect day, about 80 degrees and sunny, with a gentle breeze off the ocean. We just had a great day at the beach, which was one of her absolute favorite things to do. We even ate a picnic lunch at the beach.

A while before the sun started to go down, we packed up and went back to the B&B. I had more planned to help get her relaxed. One of the great things about the Lighthouse is that it includes a massage, which seemed like the perfect way to increase the relaxation factor. Boy, did it ever! We were about as loose as you can be when we washed up and went downstairs for dinner.

The dinner was superb, and she was amazed that they had her favorite food as the dinner that night, which of course they didn’t, but she didn’t know that I had arranged the whole thing in advance. They suggested a spectacular bottle of wine to go with it. I’m not a big wine drinker, but this stuff was incredible! It was something white, but I don’t remember exactly what. Anyway, it was a really romantic dinner. After dinner, we went for a leisurely stroll around town. We stopped for a beer in one of the pubs downtown. Before the Saturday night crowd started to flood the place, we headed back to the room. Now I was starting to get really nervous, because the time was approaching fast. I was so excited to ask her, but plenty nervous just the same.

When we got back to the room, I went in a got the bath ready. I put out the candles, and spread rose petals all around the tub. I had the nice towels and thick bathrobes folded and arranged just perfectly. I heated some massage oil over a small candle. She got in the bath and I gave her a hot oil massage. My hands were shaking so badly I could barely give a decent massage.

I had the ring box hidden under a towel. Her eyes were closed as she was enjoying the massage. I pulled out the ring, and started to tell her all the reasons why I loved her so completely. When I started to explain why I wanted to make sure she was with me for the rest of my life, she began to suspect what I was getting at. I was already down on one knee, because she was in the tub, and I was next to it giving her a massage. I pulled out the ring, took her hand, and slipped it over her finger. I don’t know if you’re really supposed to slide it over her finger, or let her do that after she says yes. I was pretty confident she would say yes, but still, it might have been a bit presumptuous of me. Thankfully, when I asked “Tiffany, will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?”, she jumped out of the tub, threw her arms around me, and screamed, “Yes! Yes! Yes!”

I don’t know what the other guests thought was going on, but I was pretty darn excited that she agreed to marry me that night, I’ll tell you what.”

Jason R.
Washington DC

What I like about Jason’s proposal is the extra mile he went through setting the whole thing up, and putting in elements he knew she’d really appreciate. He did it all on a small to medium sized budget, and you could do pretty close to the same thing for even less if you wanted to. Waiting until the second night to ask her was perfect because if she suspected anything, her suspicions were probably gone by the time he actually asked her. An all around, great proposal!

Click to see the 2nd in the series of Best Romantic Proposals now.

Proposing at Sunset in La Jolla is certainly romantic.

Here is another in the series of romantic ways to propose to your girlfriend. This post is a continuation of last week’s where I shared the first of the three best stories I’ve received recently on romantic proposals. Here is the second.

“We were on a 2-week vacation together in San Diego. I’d been with my girlfriend, Heather for about 3 years, although it seemed like we’d known each other our whole lives. I thought before we left that I might propose to her on our trip. I wanted to, but I’d been really busy at work for months wrapping up an important project, and hadn’t the time to plan anything. She made most of the arrangements for our vacation, and I couldn’t very well have her make the arrangements for the proposal too, could I?

The day before we left I talked with some of the friends we were going to meet there and got some ideas, then spent a few hours on the Internet to fill things out even more. I wanted to propose to her in a very special way, but it’s tough to put something like that together in such a short time frame, but I was determined.

I’d gotten the ring months ago, in anticipation of the time when I’d propose to her. I made sure it was packed about g times, just in case I’d forgotten it somehow. I knew exactly what Heather wanted, because we’d done a bit of browsing in a few different jewelery stores. I ordered it off the Internet to save some money (and help pay for our vacation). It was pretty safe to say that she probably had an inkling that I was going to ask her to get married at some point, because we had talked about it, and looked at rings together.

I was pretty determined to keep it a surprise however, so I hadn’t mentioned anything about marriage or weddings for about 2 months before we left. I found out later that she hadn’t forgotten a thing, and was hoping I’d ask her during our trip. As it turned out, she was still kind of surprised, though.

We got to San Diego on a Saturday. We both had quite a few friends there, since she had gone to college there, and I had a couple of close friends who had. Plus, my brother had been there for 4 years in the Navy. Between the three of them, I’d gone there quite a few times. It was kind of funny that Heather and I actually met through our work in New York, though. It’s about as far away from San Diego as you can get, in more ways than one.

The first couple of days we spent hanging out at the beach and going to open air restaurants. We were generally soaking up the sun and getting the New York winter our of our systems. It felt great, because it seems like it takes a while for that east coast, cold to the bone feeling to go away.

The forth day, she went off to spend the day with her friends, and I spent the day formulating a plan of attack. I was more sure than ever that I wanted to marry her, and that this trip was the perfect time to propose to her. After some checking around I found the perfect place to propose, Scripps Park in La Jolla. I took a drive there and my sources were right on the money, it was perfect.

I had to work fast, but I’m a project manager, so it comes naturally to pull all the aspects of a project together. This one was just more important than most.

I hired a 2 piece band (okay, so it was only a couple with guitars, but they were very good) to play at the spot where I planned to ask her, which had the most spectacular view of La Jolla Cove and the beach, with the waves breaking over the rocks.

I told her we were going for a picnic there, which I actually prepared and packed in a proper picnic basket. We went to the park, but we had to park on the street about 2 blocks away and walk in, because there is really not much parking at the park itself.

Once we got there, we went for a romantic walk over looking the ocean. As the sun started to drop toward the horizon, I suggested we have our picnic dinner, which I’d packed. We got to the spot and I spread everything out. We started to eat, and the band came over and began to play some relaxing guitar melodies. Heather was kind of surprised, but she thought that they were just one of those bands that goes around and plays for money at the park.

They began to play her favorite song, Angel by Sarah McLachlan. The woman was an excellent singer, actually. I took a bouquet of roses from the picnic basket and gave the roses to her, one at a time. With each flower I told her a reason why I loved her so much, and why she was to woman for me. As the song was finishing, I got on my knee (I had to actually get up, rather than down, as we were already sitting), pulled out the ring, and gave it to her as I asked her to marry me.

She was overcome, and started crying, but she did manage to say yes through all the tears. It was very romantic. The sun was setting, and the orange / red was painting the sky and the few clouds on the horizon. The band was playing, and she was holding the roses. Her ring was sparkling in the sunset.

We’ve been married for 8 years now, and I don’t regret a single one.”

Alan P – New York, NY

What I like about Alan’s proposal is that it was simple, yet very romantic and tied all the elements together nicely. It proves you don’t have to spend a fortune to give her the romantic proposal she wants. The one rose at a time, while giving her a different reason he loves her was a very nice touch. Music is a very powerful, emotional experience, and having the band playing her favorite song was great. Now, whenever she hears that song, it will remind her of her marriage proposal.

There are so many ways to propose to a girl. Talking a romantic walk on the beach is an old standby, but there are thousands more. With some though, you'll find the perfect way to propose to your girlfriend.

If you’re worried about how to propose to your girlfriend, loosen up a bit. There are millions of ways to propose to a girl, and I’ve posted dozens of them here in previous posts to give you some inspiration. Just in case none of those proposals were exactly what you were looking for, here are some more proposal stories that just might give you exactly what you’ve been looking for. Note that these are ways to propose to a girl that really worked, as told by the girls themselves. Listen and learn.

“We were in my boyfriend’s home town for a long weekend. It’s one of those small towns in the south where everyone knows each other and it has just so much charm. Anyway, we were walking down by the river, talking about where the world was going, our careers (we both just graduated from college last year), and our future.

We had talked about marriage before, and I thought he might ask me to marry him at some point, but I sure wasn’t thinking he was going to that day. The river walk is so scenic and tranquil. It’s such a change of pace from Atlanta, where we live. I really feel peaceful and relaxed there, and I guess Michael knows that. We walked for a while, then he led me off the river trail through some woods. We emerged into a beautiful rose garden. I didn’t even know there was such a nice rose garden in his town.

All of a sudden he was talking about how much he loved me, and why I was the perfect girl for him. He always says nice, sweet things to me, but I was kind of in shock as he got down on one knee and looked  into my eyes. He pulled a ring box from his pocket and opened it. It was all kind of happening in slow motion, but really fast at the same time. It was almost like it was happening to someone else, as he proposed to me, right there in the garden.

I managed to spit out a yes, and he stood up and gave me the most passionate kiss. It was so romantic, there amid all the roses. That was 4 years ago, and I haven’t regretted it a day since.”

Holly J – Atlanta, GA

“My boyfriend Jon and I were just out for a trip to Costco in Astoria, OR. Astoria is a great little town in Oregon, right at the mouth of the Columbia River. It has even gotten some write ups in big magazines so more people know about it now. We go into town about once a month, because they have a Costco and some other stores where we can stock up.

Well, one thing they have is this tower in a park on the top of Coxcomb Hill hill they call the Astor column. It is just that, a column that has a spiral staircase inside that leads to the top. It’s pretty old, and has murals painted all over it about Oregon’s history and stuff. The view from the top is so amazing. You can see forever, it seems like. It’s over 100 feet high.

We climbed the stairs to the top, and got out onto the observation deck. It was so gorgeous and sunny. There is a great view of the bridge and you can see all the way out to the Pacific Ocean. It’s so romantic! We got up there and we were just enjoying the view, or so I thought. The next thing I knew, he was taking my hand, and kneeling down. He said how much he loved me and that he loved all the little things about me. I thought Oh my god, he is asking me to marry him! I  had been waiting for this for so long. Of course I said yes. All the people at the top of the column were smiling and clapping. It was so cool.

I barely even remember the climb down all those stairs to the bottom of the column. Now I know what people means when they say they’re floating on a cloud.”

Michelle P. – Astoria, OR

“My boyfriend Charles and I had been going out for about 6 years before he proposed to me. I was beginning to think it was never going to happen, but when he finally proposed, it was definitely worth the wait. We were on vacation in Miami, when he did it. I found out later that he planned our whole vacation around the proposal, but at the time it was such a surprise and seemed like a spur of the moment thing, except for the ring.

First, we slept in and had a delightful late breakfast at a place called the Puerto Sagua in Miami Beach. It was really fun, the food was fantastic, and it set the pace for the whole day. We went for a nice stroll on the beach and dipped our toes in the sand and sea. After freezing our behinds off all winter in Minneapolis, it was so nice to be warm for a change.

After our stroll on the beach, we went on a boat with some friends on Biscayne Bay. We ate on their boat while enjoying the salt air and ocean views. The six of us split a couple of bottles of very nice wine. I thought C was acting a bit strange, but chalked that up to the travel and being on out on a boat. Little did I know then that he something else on his mind.

For dinner we went to a restaurant called Baleen in Coconut Grove. If I knew how much it cost before we went there, I would have probably protested, but he was paying for it, and I didn’t know how much it was until later. It was so romantic, though! We were right on the water. Not only that, but it was the best food I’ve ever eaten. I love seafood, and being pretty well landlocked, we don’t get much from the ocean. I know they fly it in, but somehow it’s not the same as getting it right next to the water.

We were enjoying the view out to the water, there were these little tiki torches all around, and it made for great ambiance. I was kind of lost in a reverie after the excellent dinner, when C started talking about our future, and where were going together. All of a sudden he started talking about how special I was to him, and how he couldn’t bear the though of not spending our lives together.

I couldn’t believe it! He was proposing to me, after 6 years. By then, he was down on his knee on the floor, and was handing me the most fantastic diamond ring I had ever seen. It looked huge, and the way it was reflecting the light was mesmerizing. I couldn’t say yes fast enough. The whole day had been so romantic, and the evening topped the whole thing off.

He really surprised me, what with all the day’s activity and everything. I was having so much fun, and felt so in love and close to him that day. It was the perfect ending to a perfect day.”

- Maholia S, Minneapolis, MN

Use the way these guys proposed to their girls as inspiration, or just pick a few ideas from them. You’ll notice the proposals had some things in common.

1) Their girls were surprised by them. – Women note that surprise is a big element to a successful proposal. Even if you’ve discussed marriage with her, make sure that when you actually propose, you do it in such a way that she’s not expecting at the time.

2) They were filled with romance. It’s true, most women love romance, especially in their proposals.

3) Every proposal is different. There is no “One perfect proposal” for every girl. Your girlfriend is unique and so should her proposal be.

Discover more about how to propose to a girl, check out my previous post on ways to propose marriage.

Proposing on the beach can be just perfect for the two of you, but there are so many ways to propose to your girlfriend. Which is the perfect one for you?

There are many different ways to propose to a girl. Here are 15 great ones. If you want to use a proposal that will leave her overcome with emotion, barely able to utter the “Yes!” that you want desperately to hear, then the ways to propose that follow will surely do the trick.

There’s no question that proposing is one of life’s great milestones. Merely uttering those fateful words “Will you marry me” will completely change the rest of your life, in ways you could never imagine. Are those words the best way to propose? Maybe you should say “Will you be my wife?” or “Would you make me the happiest man in the world and spend the rest of your life with me?” What is the perfect thing to say to her isn’t necessarily the perfect thing for every woman. Every one and every situation is different.

The point is, there are many different ways to propose to your girl, and what you say is only one part of the whole thing. A proposal is an emotional experience, comprised of many different parts, the words you use being but the culmination of the entire chain of events.

What else comprises the perfect proposal? Your surroundings certainly play a large part. Would you rather kneel in a Brooklyn alley, or before the majesty of the Grand Canyon? During the brilliance of the perfect sunset, or in a driving rainstorm? Actually, a rainstorm in the proper setting can be a very romantic way to propose.

While the weather may be beyond your control, you can influence it by choosing the time and place that will almost guarantee the perfect proposal. Remember the perfect proposal for you two is unique. What is perfect for another couple, isn’t necessarily the right way for you to propose.

You want to hear “Yes, oh my God, Yes!”? Well, then you should make sure everything is perfect, although if she’s truly the right girl, and it’s the right time, you’ll probably get the response you were hoping for anyway. Making the perfect proposal is more about creating fine memories and honoring your fiancée to be.

Some ways to propose can be expensive, but you only do it once, so creating a truly unique experience can be money well spent. On the other hand, maybe circumstances or your personalities dictate something a bit more frugal. Don’t worry, there are dozens of ways to propose that are downright inexpensive, but will still have her overcome with emotion.

Here are some great ways to propose to a girl that will ensure it is only the first step in a lifetime of happiness. Creativity is at the heart of many a great proposal, but there are some old standbys that have a lot going for them as well.

1)A Romantic Walk on the Beach. Sure, proposing during a romantic walk on the beach is a bit of a cliche, but with good reason. It flat screams “romance”. There are so many beautiful beaches throughout the world where you can pop the question. You can take a walk at sunset, and as the fingers of purple, orange and gold reach for the sky, the end of the day can be the start of something new for you two. Just don’t lose the ring in the surf.

2)In front of a cozy fire. Grab a glass of your favorite wine (maybe get one for her, too), cozy up in front of the crackling fire, and gaze into her eyes. A bearskin rug can add just the right touch, unless you’re opposed to that sort of thing.

3)At dinner. This can be at a restaurant, or at another location, such as your home. You know her favorite foods, and if you’re a pretty deft hand in the kitchen, you can prepare dinner yourself. On the other hand, you may have bigger things on your mind. In any case, you can take her to her favorite restaurant, you know, the one overlooking the harbor, and get down on one knee in front of all the dinner guests.

4)At a sporting event – Proposing at sporting event can be just the ticket if you are both huge fans of the teams playing or of the sport you are attending. It doesn’t work so well if you drag her along to something she’s ambivalent about, or downright dislikes. For example, if she’s a huge NASCAR fan, a NASCAR race would work very well as the spot for you to propose. If she doesn’t really like baseball, but grudgingly agrees to along with you to a ball game, that probably would not be such a good place for your proposal.

5)Airplane banner – There are many banner companies that would love to tow a banner spelling out your request for marriage. In this economy, you can probably even get a pretty good deal on such a service. If you are going to propose at the beach, you can have the plane fly over the ocean.

6)Proposing on the radio – You can buy an ad, or you can get her favorite radio host to help you out. That works even better, if you can pull it off. The key is obviously to make sure she’s listening. If she listens at work you can try that, but you’re not there to share it, and there’s no guarantee she’ll be listening at the exact moment your proposal airs. It’s better to have it play while the two of you are in the car, where you can be 100% sure she’ll hear it. If you can get the DJ or talk show host to go along, you can have it played right after her favorite song , or that song that’s special to the two of you.

7)On TV – You can have the proposal aired on TV, or you can be on TV yourself, either as a couple, or by yourself. You can get on a local show, and if you’re sure she’s watching, deliver your proposal to her (and the few hundred thousand other viewers as well). You can also both be on a TV show, and you can propose to her in person, but on the air. If you happen to work at a TV station, or for a network, this can be made to happen much easier.

8)At a picnic in a romantic spot. Proposing this way isn’t an old standby for nothing. You can get to one of the most romantic locations around, have her favorite lunch you prepared for her, and pop the question. You can hide the ring in one of your menu items, just make sure it isn’t too well hidden. After all, you want her to put it on her finger, not eat it!

9)At the Cinema, on screen. You can buy advertising that’s shown on the screen before the movie. Have your proposal put into a short video that perfectly suits her personality. Have it shown before the main feature. Let me tell you, that short video will now be the main feature, as far as she’s concerned. You can use text only, but if you put it the right music and make, or have made a short video, it makes your proposal even better.

10)Write a song or poem specially for her. This is better if you have talents in this area, but the fact that you took the time to create something specially for her can often overcome the fact that you’re not the finest writer. After all, you know her better than anyone, and you’ll know exactly what to write that can turn her into a quivering mess, barely able to utter “Yes!”

11)Write a story for her where the proposal is the dramatic or romantic conclusion. Obviously this only works well if she loves to read and you are a good writer. In the right situation however, this is a great way to propose. As an added bonus, you’ll always have the story, and you can show it to your grand kids.

12)Fireworks – Fireworks have long been a companion for romance, and they work great as the backdrop or feature for a proposal. You can propose during a fireworks display of your own or a large, public display. If you have the money, you can have a custom display created just for the special moment, replete with custom fireworks that can really add that something special to the occasion.

13)At an event that you both really enjoy attending. This can be a sporting event, concert, theater, horse race, car race, auction, or any kind of event. If you have the connections, the guts, or the cash, you can even get the participants in on the whole thing. That can really make for a memorable occasion. Not only for you two, who are going to remember it anyway, but for all others in attendance too. Be advised that you really have to know what she likes (by this time, you should) because there’s a fine line between romance and embarrassment in these situations.

14)Propose during an outdoor activity you both love to participate in. Mountain climbing, skiiing, sky diving, mountain biking, base jumping, scuba diving, snowboarding, white water rafting, hiking, or any of a myriad of events that put you in surroundings you both love, in an activity that you relish. You’re could be in some of the most beautiful places in the world, such as waterfall, mountains, or tropical rain forest. Dropping to one knee at the top of mountain, on a brilliant, sunny day can have the world at your feet, both literally and figuratively.

15)Have your proposal announced over the PA at a sporting event, on an airplane, ferry boat, or train. Ferries and trains can travel through spectacular places that can make memorable places to propose. In front of 50,000 people at a Giants game works well, too.

There are some fantastic ways to propose. Some are classic, some are a bit more off the wall. There are endless variations within, too. You can even mix and match. For example, you can arrange for fireworks during your sunset walk at at the beach, or you can read her your proposal poem during dinner at your favorite restaurant.

You can plan the most elaborate proposal, and if your plans go off perfectly, it can turn out better than you could have ever hoped. Remember, however, that the more elaborate the plan, the greater chance that something can go wrong to upset your perfectly planned proposal master piece.

The point is that you can do just about anything to make the proposal the perfect one for the two of you, and that’s really what matters.

When you’re going to propose to your girlfriend, any romantic spot will do, if everything else is perfect. Most cities and towns throughout the world have beautiful, romantic spots, from restaurants, to scenic views of the city lights, sunset, or ocean. If you’re fortunate enough to live in or near the following cities, you really have it made. If not, you can always propose during a trip to one of the places below. They are truly some of the top romantic places to propose in the world. Apologies to any that have been missed. If you have had a spectacular proposal experience in one of them, or want to suggest one that’s been left off the list, please give your comment.

Portland Rose Gardens (not the basketball arena) – Portland OR
Portland, OR is one of the gems of the Pacific Northwest. With majestic Mount Hood keeping watch, Portland has a number of great spots to propose to your gal, but none more scenic or romantic than the Rose Gardens. Located in Washington Park, between the Japanese Garden and Hoyt Arboretum, she’ll be smitten with over 10,00 different rose bushes, each more beautiful than the last. There are more than 550 different kinds of roses, creating a perfect landscape for her to say “Yes!”

Butchart Gardens -Victoria, BC
Another fantastic, and famous Pacific Northwest garden spot, Butchart Gardens in Victoria was once a private, 55acre estate, but is now a National Historic Site of Canada. They didn’t make it one for nothing! A top ranked destination by many different travel publications, the gardens offer numerous little romantic hideaways for you to pop the question.

In the summer, they even have fireworks every Saturday night. Propose to her as the shells are bursting. From the U.S. it is an easy, and super scenic ferry ride from Seattle or Port Townsend (another quaint town she’ll love). For some extra excitement and unbelievable scenery, you can take a 45 minute seaplane ride there from Seattle on Kenmore Air.

London Eye – London, England
Not your father’s ferris wheel. The London Eye is one of the most romantic spots in a city full of great proposal locations. Propose to her at the top of the eye. You just can’t get a better view (on a clear day) and that’s only one of the reasons men from all over Britain and the rest of the world propose to their girlfriends at the Eye. Take their Pimms flight for a glass of sparkling Pimms and priority boarding for you and your girl.

The Trevi Fountain - in Rome, Italy...One of the most romantic places to propose in all of Rome, a city of romance.

Trevi Fountain – Rome, Italy
Rome wasn’t built in a day, and indeed the Trevi Fountain took about 300 years to complete. With a timetable like that, you know that it is something special, and it really is. Spectacular doesn’t begin to describe this wonder of water and stone. The way the water cascades over the rocks at feet of the statues of Oceanus, Abundance and Salubrity, and the light plays through the pool waters is a sight to behold.

One caveat; the fountain is so beautiful it draws quite a crowd, so you may not be proposing alone. Then again, it is a world renowned romantic location, so you’ll get plenty of support from the crowd, if there is one.

Buckingham Fountain – Chicago, IL
The 134 water jets and 824 individual lights that make up Chicago’s Buckingham fountain are just part of what makes the water feature such an amazing sight, and such a great place to propose. If you want to get down on one knee in front of something she’ll never forget, the fountain surely fits the bill. Wowing awestruck Chicago visitors and locals alike since  1927, the Buckingham Fountain has been consistently ranked near the top of the country’s most romantic places since it was completed. If you plan to ask her in the winter though, you’ll have to choose another location. The fountain is only open April through October, weather permitting.

Lyon Street Steps – San Francisco, CA
A walk up San Francisco’s Lyon Street steps encompasses just about everything, from affluent, urban to wilderness. Known to San Francisco locals as a killer workout spot, you’ll probably not want to run the stairs, but instead just admire the beauty of the view from the top. As the marina stretches out before you,  the Presidio birds sing, and the forest lays at your feet, you can drop to one knee, safe in the knowledge that you’re asking her to marry you at one of the most breathtaking (in more ways than one) spots in one of America’s most beautiful cities.

Land’s End Park  – San Francisco, CA
If anyplace is more romantic in San Francisco than the Lyon Street Steps, it’s got to be looking out over the Ocean at Land’s End Park. What’s the end of the continental U.S. may be the start of a whole, new relationship for the two of you. A spectacular view of the Golden Gate Bridge only ands to the beauty of this wonderful spot. Head to the Seacliff side, for a vista not to be missed. It’s about 500 feet down to the Pacific ocean, and an eternity from the city you just left. Go ahead, ask her….

Dallas Arboretum – Dallas, TX
Partake in a home made desert in the DeGolyer Mansion cafe’, surrounded by one of the finest examples of urban landscapes anywhere. After your desert, head out to McCasland Sunken Garden into the Arboretum Gazebo. Adjacent to the huge mansion, and nestled in the McCasland Sunken Garden, The Gazebo is also the site of many weddings throughout the year, so you know it is steeped in romance. She’ll enjoy the Arboretum’s many individual gardens, and you’ll relish the fact that the girl of your dreams finally agreed to marry you.

High Museum of Art – Atlanta, GA
The High hosts many different, world class art exhibitions from around the world, and is getting a well deserved reputation as one of the premier art galleries on the East Coast. They have a great selection of modern art exhibits, if that’s what floats your boat. The High is renowned for their exhibits on loan from other museums as well. Currently they have an exhibition on loan from The Louve in Paris. At least if you can’t go to the romantic bastion of Europe, you can get a taste of it here in Atlanta. Be aware that the High sometimes has rather large crowds, so if you’re looking for something secluded, avoid the peak times.

Hay-Adams Hotel rooftop terrace – Washington DC
Right on the Lafayette Square, at 16th & H Streets NW, in Washington DC, the Hay-Adams is pinnacle of traditional luxury. You can propose at the place frequented by visiting dignitaries and heads of state. The location is fantastic, and up on the rooftop terrace you’ll be treated to spellbinding views of the White House, our national monuments and the Capitol building. Top top it off, the restaurants at the Hay-Adams are renowned for terrific food.

Mulholland Drive lookout point(s) – Los Angeles, CA
In LA? Do you want to propose at a place with unparalleled views of the city? Then take a drive up the road that’s immortalized in legend, song, and screen. To get there, take the Mulholland Drive turnoff heading west off Cahuenga Boulevard (near the Hollywood Bowl).

Trying to find the Mullholland drive exit off Highway 101 is an exercise in frustration. As you head up into the hills, you’ll find numerous “perfect spots” to pull over and pop the question as you gaze out over the city. Hint: Do it at night and you’ll be rewarded with a spectacular view of the city lights, unencumbered by the oft-present smog of LA. You’ll also avoid the hellish LA traffic by waiting until after rush hour to make your trek.
An aside: If you’re a fan of sports cars and driving, you could hardly do better than this road.

Vizcaya Museum and Gardens is the best place in the South Eastern U.S. to propose.

Vizcaya Museum and Gardens  – Miami, FL
“a Must See”, “Fantastic”, and “an Oasis” are just some of the comments left by awestruck visitors to the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens in downtown Miami. Located on the bay, directly across from Key Biscane, you’ll find it a sight to behold. It is a spectacular mansion that was once the winter home to James Deering of International Harvester.

The Vizcaya cost a reported $20 million to build in 1914, so imagine what it would cost to duplicate today?  The answer, of course, is that it is impossible to replicate today at almost any cost. The artisans that made the exquisite interior just don’t exist any longer. The gardens surrounding the old mansion are as beautiful as the home itself, and originally encompassed 180 acres.

You could hardly find a more breathtaking setting for a marriage proposal, so if you’re in Miami, or plan to be, that’s the pick of the south east for proposing. You’ll just have have to take the guided tour through the inside of the unbelievable home if you want all the details (if you want to just wander through, sans guide, you can do that as well), but sneak away outside and pop the question while enjoying the view of Biscane Bay.

Lumahai Beach – North Shore, Kauai, HI
Nestled between  Haena and Hanalei Bays on the North Shore of Kauai, this spectacular beach is one of the world’s most beautiful, and the perfect place to propose to your future wife. In fact, it is so spectacular it was chosen as the location for filming parts of the movie South Pacific.

The beach is unprotected bey reefs, so you see some truly spectacular wave action, but swimming here can be extremely dangerous. The way the emerald forest rises abruptly behind the beach, and the expanse of sand, bordered by rock outcroppings that frame it like a gorgeous painting make this one of the best, and most romantic places to propose. Be advised, there are no facilities, and the road in is dirt, so be prepared.

The view from the Puu Ualakaa State Park Lookout. The view of Giamond Head is even better.

Puu Ualakaa State Park  Lookout – Oahu, HI
If you’re staying in Honolulu and what a spectacular proposal spot just minutes from downtown, this is a great candidate. Not only do you get a fantastic view of downtown, Waikiki  Beach, and the Pacific Ocean, but the sight of Diamond Head jutting out into the ocean is spectacular from this lookout too. To get there, take Round Top Drive off Makiki Street. You’ll be there in a flash and she’ll never know what you have up your sleeve (or in your pocket!). Take her out to the viewing platform off the wayside. As the two of you gaze out over one of the country’s best vistas, you’ll find it’s the perfect time to ask her to marry you.

Makalawena Beach,  Kekaha Kai State Park   – The Big Island, HI
One of the last unspoiled wonders left on the big island, the white sand beach here is true beauty. There are plans afoot to turn this into a condo development one day, so get here while you can, you’ll be glad you did. Thankfully few people do get there, thanks to the 20 minute hike required.

You can ditch the hike and rent a Jeep, which is a great way to have a bit of fun and exhilaration on the way to your proposal site. She’ll be hanging on for dear life, so when you ask, it will be totally out of the blue. Actually the drive in is a bit more than most people will be used to unless they’re from Alaska or Montana, but it’s sure a lot easier to bring in the picnic basket by Jeep than on foot.

Once you make the journey, you’ll be happy you did. Beautiful, warm, unspoiled beaches are so rare these days, you owe it to yourself to propose at this one. The way the beach is formed by a series of sandy coves and the solitude you’ll find there is nothing short of awe inspiring.

Lanikai Beach, Oahu, HI
On the windward side of Oahu you’ll find this gem. Not only do you get a fantastic beach, you also get views of two islands just offshore. This beach is nestled away behind the dunes, and  has the softest, white sand you’ve ever felt between your toes. That, and the beach’s sheer beauty makes it well worth the trip. You’ll find it at Kailua Beach park, and many who have come there claim it is the best beach they’ve ever been to. Really, it is that good!

Unfortunately, even with the less than straightforward access (but only about ½ hour from Honolulu), and complete lack of facilities this beach’s attributes have made it extremely popular. It used to be a  little less traveled, but now, on many occasions you’ll find it full of people. Such is the price for success. It is a great place to get engaged. Even if you weren’t asking her to marry you there, you’d never forget it.

Empire State Building – New York, NY
What can you say about this? Since it was built in 1931 it has been one of New York’s most popular landmarks. For years it was the tallest building in the world, and the observation deck has seen it’s share of proposals. Once you go up there you’ll know why, too. Can you ask for a better view of the city? No, you really can’t, and  even if you could, you wouldn’t find one.  If it’s good enough for King Kong……..

One important note; Be sure to check the forecast. You want to enjoy the view, not get showered with rain or enshrouded in a fog bank, although at this altitude, they call them clouds. Aim for a clear day, so you can make sure she’s taken in by the view. The elevator is open from 8:00am until 1:15am, and don’t even think about taking the stairs.

Carriage Ride in Central Park – New York, NY
Nothing says romance like a carriage ride, and how could you imagine a more romantic one than through New York’s Central Park? What this lacks in originality, it more than makes up for in romance. There’s a reason it’s been used as a proposal spot by thousands of guys before you, isn’t there? If you’re in, or going to be in New York, in autumn, when the leaves are turning their beautiful shades of orange, yellow and red, grab a carriage and head into your future. You don’t even have to reserve one. They’re lined up like taxis, along Central Park South, between 5th and 6th Avenues.  Bring $35 for the ride, plus tip.

Ferris Wheel at the Tuileries  – Paris, France
Sure the Eiffel tower is a great spot, but every would be groom brings his girl there. You’re different, aren’t you? Sure, so why not try this spot for your proposal? Paris is the city that is known more for romance than any other, and there are many terrific places to propose here. The Ferris Wheel at the Tuileries though, is notable because it is not there all the time. The place is like a carnival, with the wheel rising majestically above it, and delivering spectacular views of the city. In winter, it’s gone, so you’ll have to find a different place to propose, which isn’t altogether difficult in Paris.

The Tower isn't one of the most romantic places in the word for nothing. Look at this!

Jules Verne Restaurant, Eiffel Tower, Paris, France
One such place would have to be Eiffel Tower, Paris’ most famous landmark. The tower is an amazing piece of engineering, especially consider when it was constructed. It is positively huge! You could fit an entire football stadium between the 4 base posts.

One thing you’ll notice is lover’s graffiti on the tower from all over the world. People come from just about anywhere to visit the tower, and many people propose there every year. The views are stunning.  It seems most of Paris is made up of buildings only 9 stories tall, and this stretches for miles. You have a real sense of being above it all, which in fact you are for the most part.

The 2nd level houses the Jules Verne Restaurant. Although from pictures you may not think it is high enough for a spectacular view, rest assured it very much is. The food is very good, but not the best. It is the view and the setting you’re there for. Make sure you confirm your reservations multiple times, since reports abound of them getting lost.

Il Cielo Restaurant  – Beverley Hills, CA
If you don’t want to travel to Paris, you can find plenty of romantic restaurants in which to propose right in the U.S. of A. one of the finest must be this favorite in Beverly Hills. Diner comments include “one of the most romantic restaurants in L.A.“, “Not sure I’ve seen a more romantic restaurant in LA “, and “Charming and romantic setting, the food was excellent, and the service was outstanding “. Reviewers have heaped lavish praise on the Il Cielo as well. As noted it is the height of romance and has been visited by countless Hollywood royalty. If she’s a romantic and loves Italian food, you’re almost assured of a big yes by taking her here. Eat outside on the terrace, under the stars for the perfect, romantic place to propose.

Horse Drawn Carriage Ride, Gaslamp Quarter – San Diego , CA
If you want an exciting, fun place to propose that’s romantic at the same time, get to San Diego’s Gas Lamp Quarter ASAP. The early Victorian architecture is fairly rare in a west coast city. If you enjoy this style of architecture, you’ll really appreciate the old buildings, many of which date to before the turn of the 20th century. The Gas Lamp Quarter district is geared more toward young people and those who love to eat and be entertained.

There are many fantastic eateries and a vibrant night scene, with a great variety of restaurants and clubs throughout the district that ensure you’ll never lack for something to do. If you like jazz and blues, there’s a House of Blues that showcases acts from around the country. For a taste of Ireland without getting on a flight across the pond, check out the Dublin Square Pub.

When it comes time to ask her the question of the evening, go on over and catch a carriage ride. It has all the romance of a ride through Central Park with a bit more vigor and excitement.

Williams Tower and Waterfall – Houston, TX
Actually the Williams waterfall is a fountain, not a natural waterfall at all. This 65 foot high horseshoe, with water cascading over it like a miniature Niagara falls. Like the famous New York Landmark, the Williams Tower and Waterfall is a perfect place to propose to her, especially if you’re in Houston when the mood strikes. There have been weddings there too, so when she says yes, maybe you can make arrangements for the ceremony as well. The magnificent, 64 story Williams Tower is a pretty spectacular sight also.

Hotel del Coronado – Coronado Island, CA
Enchanting doesn’t even begin to describe the setting for this 120 year old hotel. Known by locals as simply “The Del”, the Coronado may be the most romantic hotel on the west coast, never mind California. You feel like you’re in another country when you set foot on this magical island property. There is an impressive stretch of broad, white sand beach fronting this hotel and a beautiful marina behind it.

If you plan on staying at the hotel, be prepared to cough up some serious coin, as rooms start at about $300 per night, and that’s for the no view variety. Rooms with a view and suites can cost multiples of that figure. Enjoy a sunset dinner at the 15oo Ocean Restaurant, the views as the sun sinks into the Pacific are out of this world. That would be the perfect time to pull out the ring.

Whitefriar Street Carmelite Church, Dublin, Ireland
Dublin has many great attractions. If you’re there you should see as many as possible. However, if you’re there to propose, the Whitefriar Street Carmelite Church Church is your destination. Why, you ask? Well, because the Church houses the relics of St. Valentine, and what could be more romantic than that?

Hotel de Paris, Monaco
Monaco is one of the most beautiful seaside locations in the world. It is tiny, at only 485 acres, but don’t confuse quantity with quality. The Casino, built in 1878, and a sight to behold. To give her the perfect proposal however, you’ll want to head for the Hotel de Paris. It has unparalleled harbor views.

Take the elevator up to the LeGrill restaurant on the hotel’s 8th floor. The views are amazing, and the food is a gastronomic experience not to be missed; pure culinary excellence. Is it the romantic place you’ve been looking for to propose to your girlfriend? Well, once she sees the gorgeous harbor views under the night sky (the roof slides back to leave you two alone under the stars!) she’ll almost have to say yes!

The Space Needle, Seattle, WA
Tis world famous symbol of the 1960 World’s Fair has a lot going for it when it comes to romantic proposal locations. It gives spectacular views of one of the world’s most beautiful cities, the surrounding mountains (on 2 sides), Elliot Bay, and Lake Union.

The restaurant is one of the city’s best in a city of great culinary treats.To ensure you see all those sights and more, the restaurant actually rotates, but don’t worry, it goes so slowly that you barely notice it, unless you set your drink on the railing! You can choose the perfect backdrop for your proposal, just wait for the dining room to get around to it.

The Fairmont Olympic Hotel, Seattle, WA
This hotel was operated by the 4 Seasons, but is now the Fairmont. This is considered by many to be the finest hotel in the Pacific northwest, and possibly the entire west coast. It fairly drips of old world luxury, and if you didn’t know better, you might think you were in one of Europe’s or the Eastern U.S. Best establishments. It originally opened in 1924, and has occupied a prominent place in the Emerald city ever since. The Italian Renaissance theme takes you way to another place. Actually, for the price of some of the rooms at the Olympic, you could get a flight to Europe. The service is beyond reproach at the Fairmont. Once you pamper her there, she’ll be spoiled for life.

One guest even said she finally had her wedding fantasy here. Now, that’s romance. If you’re in Seattle, this is a perfect place to propose.

Lover’s Key State Park, FL
With a name like Lover’s Key, you know it is a romantic location and this western Florida park certainly doesn’t disappoint. Once you could only enjoy this spectacular wildlife habitat by boat, but now there is a gorgeous board walk that gives access to the beach for romantic walks at sunset (it faces west). She’ll love it. If you don’t want to walk to the beach, there is now a tram shuttle as well. However you get there, the beach is just the spot for your proposal.

If you know of some great spots I missed, please  leave them in the comment section. If you asked her at one of these, drop a line too.