We recently tackled the potential comeback of lavish proposals–think staged setups with a thousand candles and roses amid a sunset view–but a sub-trend of that is destination proposals. While the latter are clearly considered lavish engagements, destination proposals are an entirely different ball game altogether. It’s a fascinating expression of how luxury plays into modern romance, and more broadly, the many ways globalization shapes our desires.
Here, we dig deeper into the topic through expert insights from our Wedded Network to enlighten lovebirds and businesses alike:
What is a destination proposal?
More than styling a rooftop or beachside dinner, a destination proposal is held in a location far from the couple’s locale. As a result, the place becomes the backdrop of the proposal, and things like decor and flowers are details that revolve around it.
Organic experiences
People are increasingly leaning into elaborate destination proposals, but what experts are seeing is a shift away from staged setups.
Sophie Kobouloff, founder of Très Chic The Agency, shares, “The most important element is setting the scene—creating a breathtakingly romantic ambiance without immediately giving away the surprise. We curate spaces that feel like an exquisite, intimate dinner rather than an obvious setup for a proposal.” Très Chic The Agency specializes in French destination weddings and proposals in Côte d’Azur, Monaco, Provence, and Paris.
Symbolic value
The destination of choice plays a huge role in curating the proposal, as it would hold a lot of emotional and symbolic relevance for the couple. For Martina Hohnjec, a destination wedding photographer, the location becomes a character in the couple’s love story, adding depth to their emotions. Hohnjec mostly covers weddings in Europe and the Middle East.
“Unlike engagement sessions, where couples usually choose a place that already holds sentimental value, destination proposals are often about creating new memories in places that feel like a dream turned into reality,” she says.
What are the key elements of a destination proposal?
1. The setting
Beyond designing flower arches or an aisle of candles, the setting or area alone should be stunning enough to create a romantic ambiance. Luxury events planner Alessio Bof succinctly shares, “The location is the cornerstone.” Bof has over 10 years of experience in the hospitality industry and has planned weddings all across Europe. “Think a secluded clifftop villa overlooking the Amalfi Coast at sunset, a private gondola gliding through Venice’s hidden canals, or a candlelit ruin in Rome.”
2. Exclusivity
What elevates a destination proposal into a luxurious one is having an exclusive place that guarantees privacy, such as renting out a historic castle in Tuscany or a yacht in Capri–or perhaps gaining access to a city landmark.
Kobouloff recalls one proposal they managed at a secluded villa in Èze, a charming hilltop village in the French Riviera with panoramic views of the sea. “We designed an intimate al fresco dinner with subtle, elegant decor—soft candlelight, delicate floral arrangements, and a private chef preparing a Michelin-star-worthy menu… Just as dessert arrived, a musician softly played their favorite song, and the groom-to-be took his moment,” she shares.
3. A balance of grandeur and intimacy
There is a different kind of magic while being on holiday, especially in destinations with rich cultural heritage or natural beauty. Proposals should lean into that otherworldly aura by embracing the locale’s grandeur while maintaining intimacy.
Bof provides a perfect example: One of his clients wanted to propose at a stately villa in Lake Como, so Bof curated an agenda starting with a scenic drive around the lake in a vintage Ferrari. Upon arriving at the villa, a dinner awaited them, adorned with 500 roses in assorted vases and swarmed by candles. A vocalist and an orchestra provided music during the meal. Right before the desserts were brought out, his client popped the question, and fireworks were displayed to celebrate the moment–all synchronized to the melody of their favorite song.
4. Luxurious details
Aside from unforgettable spectacles, destination proposals become all the more luxurious when opulent touches or high-end activities are incorporated. These could be sourcing wine from a rare vintage selection, hiring a private chef, getting a private yacht, or reserving the rooftop of a five-star boutique hotel.
Other examples are hot air balloon rides in Cappadocia, safari lodges in South Africa, or beachside dinners in Bali with a private fire dance performance.
5. Personalization
What makes destination proposals truly memorable is the level of personalization. Fireworks are great, but if it makes sense to do a staycation in the Alps because the couple is adventurous, then that’s more meaningful.
Smaller customized details also help create a more personal moment–custom bouquets, a bespoke engagement ring, a special menu featuring favorite food, are some examples.
What are trending destinations for proposals?
Europe is a top proposal spot with its mix of old-world charm and high-end experiences.
“The French Riviera remains one of the most sought-after destinations, with Nice, Saint-Tropez, and Monaco being perennial favorites,” Kobouloff says.
“However, we’ve noticed a growing preference for more secluded, exclusive spots—like private châteaux in Provence or hidden coves along the Riviera, where couples can enjoy an intimate setting away from crowds. There’s also an increasing demand for ultra-personalized experiences, such as proposals on private yachts sailing along Cap d’Antibes or a quiet vineyard picnic in the rolling hills of the Var region,” she continues.
Meanwhile, Bof mentions Italy as the most popular among his clientele, citing Rome, Amalfi Coast, Venice, Tuscany, and Lake Como as the common destinations due to their colorful scenery and timeless beauty.
He specifically notes Puglia as the rising star: “Alberobello’s trulli (those quirky conical houses) and the Adriatic coastline near Polignano a Mare are popping up more for proposals. It’s less crowded than the Amalfi Coast, offering a fresh, authentic Italian escape with stunning sea views.”
How can businesses capitalize on this trend?
Network of partners
As we’ve always emphasized in Wedded Wonderland, executing destination events is all about having a solid network of local partners. These vendors know their turf best and have the expertise needed to achieve any particular requests. So whether you’re an event planner, stylist, or photographer, keep in mind that local capital is your best friend.
For Kobouloff, it’s important to have partners who have similar ideals. “We work closely with luxury hotels, private chefs, florists, and musicians who share our vision of understated elegance. For example, we often collaborate with boutique Riviera hotels to provide private terraces or hidden gardens that feel effortlessly romantic,” she says.
Communication and discretion
Bof is a master in coordinating seamless proposals and attributes this to strong communication skills and network knowledge. “As a planner, I identify key elements: location, timing, vibe, and budget. This sets the stage for who to bring on board,” he says. For example, if public spaces are required, then liaising with local authorities is necessary.
When it comes to the proposal day, staying on plan is crucial, but so is being discreet. “Staff are coached to stay invisible—photographers blend into shadows, waiters vanish after serving. This keeps the focus on the couple,” Bof shares.
Storytelling
Any business will benefit from understanding the importance of storytelling. These days, clients want concepts that capture their love story and unique personalities. This couldn’t be clearer than in photography.
Hohnjec has expanded her wedding portfolio to include destination proposal photography, and one big trend she’s seeing is editorial-style images: “It’s about weaving a visual narrative that highlights the location, the emotions, and the journey leading up to it.”
When asked about a memorable destination proposal, she recalls one at Aphrodite’s Rock in Cyprus. According to Greek mythology, this was the birthplace of Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty. “It was perfect – raw, emotional, and filled with the magic of that unique place.”
Why should you consider destination proposals?
Destination proposals are a daunting feat to achieve because, unlike weddings, proposals are a surprise shared only between the couple.
While staging an elaborate one seems challenging, it can surely be done with a clear vision and the right partners to translate it. As for businesses, destination proposals are a formidable trend with long-term opportunity given the rise of destination weddings and travel in general.
More than the splendor of majestic landscapes or secluded islands, destination proposals become memorable when the location best represents the couple’s past, present, and future.
