The world’s most romantic places to propose
Somewhere traditional
No list of romantic settings is complete without Paris, the city of love. Try this for romance: Make reservations at
If all goes well, your sweetheart will spy the ring, blush and say “Yes.” If, however, she swallows the truffle whole without looking, you may be proposing on the way to the emergency room.
Sandra Smith, a honeymoon specialist for
Somewhere tall
The London Eye resembles a giant Ferris wheel, but the British call it a cantilevered observation wheel. It’s 443 feet tall with views of the Thames River, Big Ben and the Tower of London.
Though it was built to celebrate the millennium, veteran travel writer Laura Powell says it has become a place to celebrate romance. You can arrange a private “capsule” and have chilled Laurent-Perrier Champagne and roses on hand when you pop the question. Prices begin at $383. (Daniel Deme / EPA)
Somewhere really tall
Another time-honored setting for starry-eyed romantics is the observation deck of the
The deck stays open until 2 a.m., when the city that never sleeps continues to shimmer. You can also get married on Valentine’s Day at the same spot.
Since 1994, more than 220 couples have been married atop the Empire State Building in an annual Valentine’s Day wedding event. An express ticket to the top costs $41.52 plus tax, per person. Naturally, you’ll need two tickets. (Michel Porro / Getty Images)
Somewhere aromatic
The Keukenhof Gardens, southwest of Amsterdam, is a 79-acre estate that boasts 7 million spring-blooming flowers. Unless she has pollen allergies, she will think she’s in aroma heaven.
The site was originally used in the 15th century for hunting and herb collecting for the estate of Jacoba van Beieren. Since 1949, it has been open to the public. This year, it is open from March 19 to May 21. Tickets may be purchased online and in advance for about $17 per person. (Gail Fisher / Los Angeles Times)
Somewhere Hawaiian
The Hawaiian Islands are blessed with many romantic spots, but Smith of Directional Strategies Travel thinks the best spot for a proposal is atop the dormant, snow-covered volcano Mauna Kea at 13,796 feet.
She once helped arrange for a client to propose at the peak, during a trip that included a helicopter ride and a bowl of chocolate-covered strawberries on a table at the summit.
From the peak, the couple could see the steam rise as lava from the Kilauea volcano and the Puu Oo crater poured into the ocean. To arrange a similar setting, go to Directionalstrategies.com. (Tim Wright / Associated Press)
