Hollywood has given us a plethora of inspiring love stories. The downside? They’ve set the bar high. These days, a simple Shakespearean poem won’t do it.
Forget going down on one knee and quoting Emily Bronte or Jane Austin while seated at “the best table” at Olive Garden. Ask yourself, how deep is your love? And then multiply that by 10.
These days, proposals are larger than life. They’re all about going big or going home. That’s just the tip of the iceberg. Shopping for an engagement ring will test your patience and your wallet.
Don’t fret. If you want to make your proposal one for the books, we’ve got some great suggestions for celebrity-endorsed destinations to celebrate your engagement.
Seychelles
An archipelago of 115 islands off the east coast of Africa, the island paradise is an idyllic spot for lovers.
It’s no wonder NFL player Russell Wilson chose the spot to pop the question to Ciara. Unaware of their destination, Wilson played “travel roulette” with his singer girlfriend and gave her 30 options to choose from as the winner.
Jewelry experts agree that the consensus on engagement rings is one carat at least. When Wilson proposed, he did so with a 16-carat round brilliant-cut diamond ring. The sparkler was reported to be worth between $2 and 2.5 million due to its clarity and color.
North Island in Seychelles is the epitome of luxury and opulence. The secluded private island is a celebrity favorite because of the privacy and the pristine blue shores.
Once a fruit and spice plantation, North Island hosted former Miss Universe Pia Wurtzbach’s intimate wedding. Affectionately named the “island of love,” North Island is where Prince Harry and his older brother Prince William spent their honeymoons.
Paris, France
You can’t mention top engagement spots without Paris. The City of Lights has provided the perfect backdrop for many celebrity couples taking the next step in their relationships.
In 2022, Mod Sun proposed to Canadian singer Avril Lavinge in front of the Eiffel Tower. In true romantic fashion, she said “Yes, I’ll love you forever!” in French. Showing off her heart-shaped diamond ring on Instagram, Lavigne gushed over her bae’s proposal.
Despite the couple calling it quits, Crisscut Magazine valued the custom-designed engagement ring at $486 million. It featured a large heart-shaped diamond. The carat weight made it more unique.
Leibish states that a custom diamond engagement ring is high in the hierarchy of personalized items because of what it represents.
Disneyland, Florida
There’s something about Disneyland and brings on all the feels. Maybe it’s the nostalgia of childhood and being in a real-life fairytale.
Who wouldn’t want to feel like a prince or princess for a day? It’s no wonder the theme park is literally one of the happiest places on Earth.
Roping in park employees, Pitch Perfect star Rebel Wilson ended the perfect day by popping the question to her then-girlfriend Ramona Agruma.
In a storybook romance, Wilson chose to propose in front of Sleeping Beauty’s castle while covered in pink and white petals. She later revealed she purchased the classic round-cut diamond engagement ring at Tiffany & Co.
Former football quarterback Tim Tebow and his beauty pageant fiancee Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters continued their engagement party at Disneyland surrounded by friends and family.
The loved-up couple married a year later in the 2017 Miss Universe’s native South Africa.
Rome, Italy
Before the Kardashians claimed Rome as their wedding destination, the Italian capital was a special keepsake for lovers who preferred to cherish the big moment, sans paparazzi.
Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian whisked Serena Williams back to the place where it all started for them. He proposed at the hotel where they first met and reenacted their initial meeting, including his claim of sighting a rat.
Perched on the highest hill in Rome, the Cavalieri Waldorf Astoria was the scene-setter for Ohanian’s engagement proposal.
Harking back to a bygone era of Italian opulence and luxury, the hotel played its part perfectly. The hotel also houses a private art collection of more than 1,000 paintings curated by the Terruzzi family.
New York
Award-winning actress Amy Adams met her husband Darren Le Gallo in acting class. The notoriously private couple don’t give much away. What we do know is how he proposed.
After seven years of dating, Le Gallo chose to propose on a horse-drawn carriage ride in New York’s Central Park. Adams didn’t suspect a thing and was completely taken aback when he presented her with an engagement ring.
Time Out magazine had a few other suggestions to sweep your partner off their feet. The Empire State Building topped the list, but there were lesser-known places like Brooklyn Botanic Garden and The Cloisters.
Whichever destination you choose to declare your love, make sure it’s sincere and intentional. All the money in the world can’t buy an authentic proposal. You’ll surely get a “yes”, and make memories for a lifetime as a bonus!
