A proposal is an unforgettable moment in a couple’s life together, so make it extra special by whisking your loved one away for a destination engagement. Whether you prefer iconic landmarks, historic sights or breathtaking vistas, Europe is full of locations that offer an incredible backdrop for a proposal. Follow our guide to the most romantic places in Europe to to get down on one knee.
The charming city of Florence makes the ideal setting for a picturesque proposal. The best views can be found in Fiesole, a hilltop Tuscan town just outside of the city. After exploring the charming village, tackle the steep walk up to the Monastery of San Francesco, or ask our Concierge to arrange a private tour of the Bibi Graetz vineyard and enjoy delicious wines accompanied by romantic views that are particularly dreamy at sunset.
In a city filled with history and a skyline simply littered with iconic landmarks, few are more emblematic of the British capital than Tower Bridge. Its graceful, curving beams, spired towers, and the bascule have been admired since 1894. For views of the bridge, select a spot on St Katherine’s Docks or for something altogether more spectacular, hire the glass walkway across the top for complete privacy and stunning vistas.
While visiting a city as impressive as Rome, make a bold statement with a grand proposal at the beautiful Spanish Steps. After admiring the Fontana della Barcaccia fountain on Piazza di Spagna, climb the stone stairway to Piazza Trinità dei Monti. As you reach to the top step, surprise your partner by dropping to one knee against the backdrop of the striking Trinità dei Monti church.
Sicily is home to some of the most impressive Roman and Greek ruins in the world. With ancient temples on one side and stunning views over the island and the ocean on the other, Selinunte is an excellent place for a proposal. With the power of the Greek Gods in the air, the courage to pop the question will come easily.
The largest and most important palace complex in Berlin, Charlottenburg Palace and Gardens is not only a picturesque place for a proposal, but it has rich history, too. Built by Frederick III, Elector of Brandenburg for his wife Sophie Charlotte, it’s considered one of the city’s most romantic spaces. Choose a spot in the landscaped gardens for an outdoor proposal that will sweep your new fiancé off their feet.
Whether in the snow of winter or the bloom of spring, Peterhof, with its incredible imperial palaces, is one of the most impressive places to propose in Europe. Get down on one knee in front of the Grand Palace, next to the incredible cascading fountains with their decorative gold statues, before celebrating your engagement with a stroll through the romantic gardens in summer or a horse-drawn troika ride in winter.
Make a regal statement with a proposal fit for a Princess, or Prince, at Edinburgh Castle. Towering over the city, the castle is an excellent proposal location for lovers of history. Visitors can hire out the historic Minstrel’s Gallery overlooking the Grand Hall for the occasion, and enjoy 30 minutes of private access with Champagne and roses thrown in to celebrate an engagement.
For nature lovers, the towering trees and lush greenery of this sprawling Brussels park make the perfect setting for a peaceful, romantic proposal. Head to the centre to the picturesque lake where you can hire a row boat from Chalet Robinson. Cast off across gently rippling waters and find a quiet spot to pop the question, with only the local ducks as your witnesses. For an extra touch of sparkle, toast to your love with a bottle of champagne, carefully hidden in the boat by Captain Philippe, the ferryman of the chalet.
The countryside just outside of Munich is full of fairy tale Bavarian castles. Make an extra special effort and head into the hills to Linderhof Palace, former home of Ludwig II, King of Bavaria, which is known for its baroque gardens. Alternatively, visit Neuschwanstein Castle, a lavish, colourful hilltop retreat that is said to have inspired Walt Disney’s Sleeping Beauty Castle – an ideal location for a Princess proposal.
From extravagant to personal, let the expert teams at Rocco Forte Hotels help you bring your proposal vision to life. You pick the mood, we’ll handle the rest, down to the very last detail.
You can do a lot in three minutes. Brew a cup of tea. Listen to Golden Slumbers by The Beatles, twice. Or share an unhurried farewell kiss at Waverley Station under the dutiful timekeeping of the Balmoral Clock.
Italy, the birthplace of timeless love stories, offers a backdrop more romantic than fiction. Imagine exchanging vows under endless blue skies, surrounded by captivating landscapes. From incredible weather to indulgent cuisine, the neverending delights of Italy promise an unforgettable wedding experience.
Escape the ordinary and celebrate your love in two exquisite venues in Puglia or Palermo, where the abundant charm and rich history of the Mediterranean abound.
Flowers have carried hidden meanings throughout history, from playful hints of courtship to surreptitious sentiment. Indeed, they have been used to communicate love for centuries; Robert Burns (1794) famously compared romance to A Red, Red Rose, while Edmund Spenser crafted what would become a quintessential Valentine’s cliché, Roses are Red, as far back as 1590.
