Marriage Proposal Ideas That Are Meaningful, Romantic & Unique

22 Romantic, Fun and Adventurous Wedding Proposal Ideas

We asked our wedding team for some help coming up with fun, romantic, memorable and original wedding proposal ideas, and wow were they on a roll. Here are 22 ideas to get you started.

Romantic proposal ideas

1. Wine pairing: To show you’ll be the perfect pair, reserve a wine pairing dinner like the Palettes and Pairings dining events at Wildflowers, a romantic AAA Four Diamond and Forbes Four-Star restaurant at The Lodge at Turning Stone.

2. Winery tour: From the Hudson Valley to the Finger Lakes, New York winery tours are a romantic and fun way to spend the day together. Arrange with the sommelier to serve a final empty glass with only the ring inside.

3. Hire a photographer: Let your partner know you have something special planned and what attire to wear, then how much of the surprise to give away is up to you. You can even have the photographer pretend to be taking pictures of something else, ask if he or she can take yours so it feels kind of spontaneous and fun, then pop the question and let the magic happen.

Don't forget the fun: Adventurous proposals and engagement trips

4. Set-jet to the scene of a favorite show: From Ted Lasso’s pub to the lawn of Downton Abbey’s Highclere Castle to old school classics like Katz’s Delicatessen (and Meg Ryan unforgettable “Yes!”) in When Harry Met Sally, jetting off to a favorite movie or TV set is all the rage in travel these days, and could take your proposal over the top.

5. Choose the right venue: Plan a long weekend or a vacation to a place where you can relax, unwind and have fun together in a way that’s true to you. Someplace like The Lodge at Turning Stone is a more upscale, all-suites getaway with an award-winning restaurant, Wildflowers.

6. Set the stage: If music and dancing are more your scene, Exit 33 is right on property at Turning Stone, letting you dance the night away to celebrate your engagement. If your partner is a little bit country, head to Tin Rooster Dancehall & BBQ for live country music and BBQ. Planning something a bit more glamorous? Check out the Turquoise Tiger, a Gatsby-style cocktail lounge.

Cultural traditions for wedding proposals that borrow from traditions - even if they aren't your own:

7. Blessings ceremony: Many Native American cultures have rituals for the blessing of a couple or their relationship, which are beautiful, timeless ways to show how sacred this union is to you. Often spas that have a connection to Native American tribal traditions will honor rituals like these as part of their services. Don’t see it on the spa menu? Ask the spa manager if they can help you incorporate a cultural tradition.  

8. Celebrate her or his heritage: If your future spouse loves their culture’s traditions, it’s fun to incorporate these into your engagement. Present the ring in a pretty piece of Polish pottery. Check Etsy for trinket boxes from their country of origin, which are often hand-carved or painted.

Hungry for more? Here are some wedding proposal ideas for foodies:

9. Private chef: Set a beautiful table at home and hire a private chef to create a spectacular meal.

10. Cater a small celebration: Hosting a small, catered gathering of your closest friends can be a way to have the people you love most be there to help you celebrate when you pop the question at the end.

11. Engagement cake: have a custom cake designed with your proposal on top – or a pretty bit of bling. Did you know? Opals at Turning Stone Resort Casino creates beautiful pastries, holiday confections, custom cakes and even wedding cakes. 

12.  Head for the top: Choose a restaurant with an incredible view like TS Steakhouse on the Penthouse level at Turning Stone and let your partner know you’ll be on top of the world if they say yes.

13. Bring breakfast in bed. Who doesn't love breakfast in bed? Especially when it's from room service in an elegant hotel. Yes, please! Arrange for it to be delivered along with a bouquet of favorite flowers. Have the ring ready? Order a beautiful box and include it on the tray.

Cute and fun marriage proposal ideas:

14.  Incorporate the holidays – oh what fun: So many people can’t wait for the holidays, and if your future spouse is one of them, this may be the most romantic time of the year to propose. The hint of a surprise hidden on a Christmas tree is a fun way to present the ring.

15.  Sweeten the deal, gingerbread style: The Gingerbread Village at Turning Stone Resort Casino is an absolute delight that combines romance and fun. The annual village has been named one of the best gingerbread villages in the country by Forbes Travel Guide, with more than 700 pounds of gingerbread dough, 2000 pounds of icing and 750 pieces of candy. As the fifth top tourist attraction in New York State, Turning Stone also makes a great engagement trip destination.

16. Strike up the band: Plan a walk in a nearby park and arrange for a string quartet to be there and begin to play as you approach.

17.  Flashmob signs: Plant some reliable co-workers or friends in a park or public place, each with a sign with an individual letter that spells out “will you marry me?” As you approach, have them all hop up, come together and turn over the signs in unison on queue. (And yes, practice ahead of time is a good idea!)

18. Must love dogs: Get your dog in on the job. Who can say no to that face? Have a custom bandana made that says, “Will you marry us?” and teach your pup to shake on the deal.

Design the rings:

19.  Make picking the ring – or creating it – part of the event: Sometimes part of the fun is planning the engagement around the ring. New York City’s Diamond District in midtown Manhattan is home to more than 4000 jewelers and wholesalers, from diamonds to natural sapphires to rare and wonderful stones. Do your homework ahead of time to make sure you’re working with someone reputable, then surprise your partner when the cab lets you out at their doorstep.

Outdoor proposal ideas:

20.  Stadium signs: Many professional baseball stadiums let you purchase a message to show on their jumbo signs. Treat them to a surprise game at their favorite stadium and be sure to get seats where you can get a photo of their face and the message board in the same photo.

21. On par with the best: Marrying a golfer? If they have a favorite number between 1 and 18, pick that hole to propose. Or you can even have a “just engaged” sign ready to put on the back of your golf cart. Turning Stone Resort Casino is home to three pristine 18-hold and two nine-hole courses with beautiful clubhouses to raise a toast afterward.

22.  Arrange a romantic picnic: Did you know? Sylvan Beach Supply Co. at The Cove offers read-to-eat dishes from some of Turning Stone’s favorite restaurants, making it super easy to put together a sure-to-please picnic. In fact, The Cove at Sylvan Beach is a beautiful place to reserve for a week-long retreat, with your own pontoon boat included. Imagine a sunset proposal on the water, how romantic is that!

Asking permission to marry (you've got this)

There are some traditions that endure for generations, and for many people, asking the parent’s permission to marry is certainly one of them. In many cultures, in fact, it’s still considered quite important.

That said, this is one of those instances where you may want to lay your cards on the table ahead of time so that you and your future spouse are on the same page. While you may be well-intended, some partners may feel it violates their own independence.

How long before the proposal to ask the father

If you do agree to ask, parents will assume you have not formally proposed yet, so be sure to give yourself at least a few weeks.