Ironically, pulling inspiration from a trend might be the perfect way to craft a timeless, personalized proposal for you and your partner. Trends can serve as initial inspiration to craft the best proposal for a couple ready to take the next step. After all, this milestone deserves a thoughtfully curated vibe in a setting that uniquely adds to the gravity of the moment.
Once you find the right setting, it’s easier to focus on the smaller details that will make your proposal unforgettable. Thankfully, in its recently released “Say Yes Spots Index,” the ORIGIN De Beers Group shared the top U.S. locations that can both shape and contribute to your love story. Additionally, the source also shared four trends “shaping how love is being celebrated across the U.S.”
Where Are The Best Proposal Destinations In The U.S.?
According to the index, California, Florida, Illinois, New York, and Texas are ideal destinations for trendy proposals. However, based on the overall scores (out of 100) that each individual location received, the highest-ranked proposal destinations were California, New York, and Illinois.
The factors assessed for each destination were accessibility, traceability, Instagram appeal, exclusivity, uniqueness, cultural impact, safety, amenities, festiveness, and weather stability. The destinations were also considered based on their suitability for both domestic and international lovebirds who are visiting the U.S.
Based on the rankings of overall scores, the five top proposal destinations in the U.S. are:
- Napa Valley – California (78/100)
- Balboa Park, San Diego – California (77/100)
- Santa Barbara Coastline – California (77/100)
- Chicago Botanic Garden – Illinois (75/100)
- Lake Placid Lodge in the Adirondack Mountains – New York (75/100)
What Are The Top Proposal Trends And U.S.-Based Destinations For Each One?
Nature As The New Luxury
The report found that proposals set amid nature, with timeless beauty, have “consistently outranked traditional luxury venues.”
One of the top proposal destinations listed that aligned with this trend is Balboa Park in San Diego, California. In addition to receiving a perfect score in the weather category for its year-round mild temps, the beloved outdoor community and cultural hub also scored highly for accessibility, local significance, “Instagram appeal,” and safety. As an attractive destination for proposals, the index noted that Balboa Park has cafés, museums, and hotels, and is home to festive holiday decor and musical events.
Another proposal destination that would prominently feature nature is the Garden of the Gods in Southern Illinois’ Shawnee National Forest. The scenic hiking area also has campsites. It’s among extraordinary rock formations and showcases picture-perfect views of the Shawnee Hills and surrounding wilderness. The index gave the location a top score for its Instagram worthiness, describing the spot’s “fiery sunsets and rock silhouettes” as “pure grandeur.” The Garden of the Gods also scored highly for its uniqueness and the amount of potential private areas where one can get on bended knee. Though the location ranked in the mid-range of the index overall, it earned a top score for “weather stability” due to its mild seasons.
Cultural And Historical Depth
The meaningfulness of a destination’s past is a trendy consideration for those planning proposals. ORIGIN De Beers Group shared that “locations tied to Indigenous heritage, artistic movements, conservation history, or civic identity scored higher for emotional and spiritual impact.” The source added that those places “allow couples to step into a moment that feels bigger than themselves.”
Destinations that landed top marks for their historical or cultural significance were Yosemite National Park (California’s Sierra Nevada mountains), the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens (Miami, Florida), Millennium Park (Chicago, Illinois), Bow Bridge (Manhattan, New York City’s Central Park), and Enchanted Rock State Natural Area (Fredericksburg, Texas).
The Grosse Point Lighthouse in Evanston, Illinois, scored relatively highly in the overall index. It also ranked highly in the “traceability” category due to its landmark designation on the National Register of Historic Places. As many consider lighthouses romantic, this beauty on Lake Michigan was built in 1872 and still stands. It’s a spot that can evoke one’s hopefulness for a lifetime of enduring love with their partner.
Soft Accessibility
A no-brainer, proposals with balanced accessibility are also on the priority list for many planners ready to pop the question. ORIGIN De Beers Group noted that lovebirds are seeking “soft accessibility.” Essentially, the trend means they’re seeking something close and easy to reach – particularly from large city hubs – but also “far enough to feel removed.”
The Lake Placid Lodge in the Adirondacks was the highest-ranked top proposal destination, considering accessibility and exclusivity. Pfeiffer Beach in Big Sur, California, and the Nachusa Grasslands in Illinois closely followed in ranking. As did San Diego’s Balboa Park and the Miami Beach Botanical Garden.
Visual Storytelling Without Excess
ORIGIN De Beers Group says that though Instagram appeal is important, it’s not everything. The source shared that “the highest ranked locations are visually striking because they are real, grounded, and layered with context – not because they were built to be photographed.”
An ideal location that embodies the charm of that trend is Napa Valley, California’s wine country. The destination ranked with the highest score on the Say Yes Spots Index’s overall list, and for good reason. The description of Napa Valley included in the index spoke to the spot’s balanced appeal for popping the question. It said, “Row upon row of grapevines, world-class hospitality and golden-hour light—Napa offers a refined romance that whispers of both nature and indulgence.”
