Best Places to Get Engaged 

Written by Angela Strauman 

We often get asked, what are the best places to get engaged?  Obviously, you’ve spent your time getting to know someone and you’re ready to take that next step! Yay! You’re gonna get engaged! (Don’t worry, we’ll keep it a secret, just say the word so we can celebrate with you when you announce it.) A little piece of advice, make the engagement about you and your soon to be fiancé! The wedding is to celebrate with everyone else, so make sure your engagement is for and about you two. 

In the meantime, we heard through the grapevine that you’re looking for the perfect spot, the creme de la creme, the best places to get engaged. Well, you’ve come to the right spot. We’ve traveled the world (literally – all of our photos are photos from our Clane Gessel and Fine Art and Weddings Studio), and know a few spots we’ll share with you. Here is our list of top 11 places to get engaged, aka the best places to get engaged, in the world. 

Best Places to Get Engaged – Our Top 11 Choices 

1. New York City

Dreamy night lights, hustling bustling people, taxis, subways, street food, skyscrapers, architecture, the whole shabang; the big apple. There’s no place like it in the world. One of the busiest, craziest, most fun places in the world. Whether you’re looking for a big event or small event, this city can cater to both. There are so many locations within NYC to pick from that would be perfect for your engagement. Is your style big, lavish, and fun? Surprise your significant other with a flash mob in Times Square or in a Broadway Theatre. Love the idea of quiet luxury with a view of the city? A rooftop restaurant with the NYC skyline, might be more of the pace for you. Want something in between with a little nature thrown in? Take your proposal to the biggest park on the island, Central Park, propose on a boat! The options are endless in the city where dreams are made of and come true. From big to small, NYC could be the perfect place for your engagement, and is definitely on our list of Top 11 Best Places to Get Engaged. 

2. Yosemite

Next up on our list – a place that is stunning and filled with nature. Expansive mountains, countless waterfalls, towering trees, stunning wildlife, this peaceful nature-filled oasis is the perfect secluded place to get engaged that is away from people. If you’re a hiker and 

you and your partner love the outdoors, Yosemite definitely could be one of the best places to get engaged for you. There are beautiful hikes, fun tours, lovely camping grounds, and fun lodging locations, among other adventures. To note – if you’re looking to have an overnight hike in the park, you’ll need to obtain a wilderness permit. As with any location, make sure you do your research before popping the question.

3. Big Sur (California coast)

For all you nature lovers out there – if you’re looking to keep the nature in your proposal, but add in a little coastal breeze, we’ve got another option for you. Located in Monterey County, California is Big Sur. A romantic getaway, Big Sur offers a plethora of outdoor activities including local self-guided or guided hikes, tours of the coast, beautiful beaches, and a return to the indoors with lavish restaurants that happily greet you at the end of a big day outdoors. If you love the outdoors, Big Sur is definitely on our list of best places to get engaged. 

4. White Sands, NM

One of the off-the-beaten path locations that we think is one of the best places to get engaged away from people, is White Sands, New Mexico. Spanning over 145,762 acres, and 275 square miles, this national park covers the Tularosa Basin. Great sparkling waves of white sand are the staple of this national park and create the world’s largest gypsum dunefield – and make an out-of-this-world backdrop for your engagement! Gypsum sand is a relatively rare type of sand that is reasonably soluble in water. Cool, right? Luckily there are an average of 291 sunny days here – with the national average being 205 days per year – which means the likelihood of it raining or snowing when you’re doing your engagement shoot is quite low! Though if snow is your thing, good for you. Occasionally the road into the park can be closed, so make sure you and your photographer do your research before you go! 

5. Dubai

Located in the United Arab Emirates, Dubai is the perfect place for you city lovers and destination adventurers. If you want to have a romantic getaway for your engagement, this city is full of nightlife, luxury shops, and futuristic architecture. One of the most exciting places to propose here is at the top of a 830 meter tall tower called Burj Khalifa. This tower overlooks the entire city and it’s said, from land, you can see the tower up to 60 miles away. If you really wanted to, you can pay upwards of $70,000 to have a message light up on the tower for 3 minutes. I mean, talk about sending a message! There are many wonderful places to get engaged in Dubai and if you are looking for a destination engagement, Dubai is one on our list of best places to get engaged.  There are also so many activities to do while in Dubai, a sand dunes tour or beachfront proposal might be the best place to pop the question.  Check out some recommended activities in Dubai here.

6. Hawaii

We love the beach, and we know you do, too! You want a romantic tropical place to get married? Hawaii is it. With peaceful water, a walk on the beach, and a secluded atmosphere for you and your significant other, Hawaii could be the perfect place to have your engagement. We know what you’re thinking… you’re wondering if you could get a horseback ride in before you pop that question, and guess what? You can! A lot of places offer horseback rides on the beach, some even offer sunset horseback rides – how romantic. Hawaii is definitely a dreamy place to have your engagement and is certainly at the top of our list of best places to get engaged! 

7. Multnomah Falls

Just a thirty minute drive outside of Portland, Oregon is one of the most stunning places to get engaged, Multnomah Falls. A 611 foot tall dazzling waterfall awaits you that, unlike other waterfalls in the area, can be seen year round! There are also restaurants, hiking info, and gift shops close by, so you can plan your engagement exactly how you want it to be, ending with a splash!

8. Cabo

Cabo is definitely on our list of best places to get engaged. Located on the southern tip of Mexico’s Baja California Peninsula is this beautiful, luxurious resort city. There is a huge lavish nightlife scene, plenty of fun and exciting water-based activities, and incredible beaches. One of the beaches is actually called Playa del Amor, aka Lover’s Beach! A romantic get away and fun place to get engaged, Cabo is definitely on our list of best places to get engaged. 

9. Antelope Canyon

Another one of our top 11 choices of best places to get engaged is Antelope Canyon. One of five separate scenic slot canyons, located in Arizona, Antelope Canyon is a beautiful hike and one the most unique places to get engaged in the world. If you look at photos, you’ll see why. Also to note, there is a lot of preservation that goes into protecting Antelope Canyon and the Navajo Parks. This being said, you’ll need a tour guide in order to enter the canyon, as the parks haven’t been available to the public since 1997. We highly recommend this unique spot to get engaged. 

10. Switzerland

Where to even begin with Switzerland! There are so many absolutely beautiful and romantic places to get engaged here. One of our favorite spots is Lauterbrunnen Valley. A fun fact for all you nerds out there, this is the location where many artists, poets, musicians and authors, like JRR Tolkien, found their inspiration to write. Why it isn’t considered one of the wonders of the world, I don’t know. With 72 waterfalls, SEVENTY TWO, this small town has a magic to it that is unlike any other. If you’re looking for a quiet, intimate Swiss Alps engagement, definitely look in Lauterbrunnen Valley or if you’re looking for something a bit bigger, check out the other valleys and locations in Switzerland. We love Switzerland, and it’s definitely one of the best places to get engaged.

11. Moab, Utah

A beautiful city and fantastic place to get engaged is Moab. Located in eastern Utah, and known for its huge red rock formations, Moab is on our list of best places to get engaged. Because of its beauty and secluded nature it is a popular place for many people to venture, so the best time of year to get engaged here is early spring or late fall. There will be less people here during these times of the year, and you’ll still be able to do everything you have planned for your engagement adventure. 

As you can see, there are many options for the best places to get engaged across the world. And guess, what? There is no “right” answer to where that is. Choose the option that is best for you and your significant other. Remember, the engagement is about you two, no one else. Make it specific and special to you, and it will be perfect.

 

Want to see more images like these?  View our portfolio page here.