Rome Proposal Ideas: Best Places for an Epic Engagement
Rome is a romantic and grand place to propose. The Trevi Fountain still holds the #1 spot to propose in Rome, but there are so many beautiful iconic places full of color and beautiful backdrops. Coming up with great Rome proposal ideas and planning the details may feel like a challenge… there are just so many beautiful places to choose from! But don’t let all the details overwhelm you. The most important thing is that your proposal reflects you both as a couple, no matter how casual or grandeur it is.
Whether your style is uber-romantic, unique and eccentric, or private and intimate, we have some great suggestions to help you pick the perfect (and most photogenic!) proposal spot. Below we list some of our favorite marriage proposal ideas, the best places to propose in Rome, as well as our tips on hiring a proposal photographer to capture it all.
Rome Proposal Ideas
We’ve helped so many couples just like you plan and capture this momentous occasion, so we’d like to think we have learned a thing or two along the way. Allow us to give you some pointers.
Your proposal moment is not the best time to wing it. You want your future fiance to feel like some serious thought went into it – it’s a big deal! You have probably already been stressing about the big moment, but take a deep breath and start with our 4 tips to pulling off the perfect Rome proposal:
- Choose a special location. Our favorite places to propose in Rome are listed below! You have probably already daydreamed about the big moment, and it’s important to imagine the type of proposal you want to have – romantic, intimate, adventurous, unique, or casual. Most importantly, your proposal should reflect you both as a couple. Once you have your proposal vibe in mind, you can start thinking about locations.
- Ensuring that your proposal remains a complete surprise is all about having a solid backstory. If you are going somewhere you wouldn’t normally go, make sure you have a story in place to explain why you are going there.
- Consider hiring a secret proposal photographer to snap professional photos of the special moment. Tell your photographer all your proposal ideas and goals, and they can help you plan the location, where to stand, and the ideal time for the best photos. On the big day, your photographer can be ready at the designated spot to capture the moment, paparazzi-style. If your partner has no idea that the proposal is coming, you’ll capture all the joy, the tears, and most importantly, the yes!
- Practice getting down on one knee beforehand and think about what you will say. You don’t need to have your speech memorized, but spend a little time jotting down what you’d like to say. Stick to an idea, not a script. Of course, don’t forget to finish with: Will you marry me?
Best Places to Propose in Rome
Choosing a gorgeous destination is a great way to start, so you are already on the right track! We see a lot of engagements every week and know the best places to propose in Rome. Check out our list below to start getting some Rome proposal ideas.
Trevi Fountain
We recommend starting at the Pantheon and making your way to the Trevi Fountain. After popping the question, the photographer can capture the post-proposal glow at the Spanish Steps. This short route covers 3 of the most iconic photo spots in Rome, and they are all great spots to propose. We recommend starting early since they can get very crowded, especially in the summer. Check out our detailed guide for a Trevi Fountain proposal.
The Colosseum
This area is the heart of ancient Rome, and it is a breathtaking setting to be in. Also, there is nothing more iconic than taking a picture with the Colosseum in the background. There are some quiet spots up on the hill that are great for a private proposal!
The Vatican & Castel Sant’Angelo
Start at Piazza del Popolo, then cross over the bridge to St. Angelo Castle and walk along the river towards St Peter’s Square. This is one of our favorite routes to walk in town, and you are hitting some of the most romantic proposal spots in Rome.
Roman Forum
Located right next to the Colosseum, the Roman Forum is full of proposal spots. Our favorite place to propose here is the terrace on Palatine Hill that overlooks the forum.
The Pantheon
The Pantheon is one of our personal favorite proposal spots in Rome (and not just because our favorite gelato shop is just around the corner). The imposing structure dominates Piazza della Rotonda, the square in front of it. The inside of the Pantheon is beautiful and well worth a visit, especially for history lovers!
The Pincian Hill & Villa Borghese
The Pincio Promenade (Pincian Hill) is a balcony that looks over Piazza del Popolo from Villa Borghese park. This Rome proposal idea offers amazing west-facing views of the city (perfect for a sunset engagement), and you can walk through the beautiful gardens and fountains.
The setting is very romantic, so it makes for the perfect place to propose in Rome. All you have to say is: Amore mio, will you marry me?
Spanish Steps
Located between the Piazza di Spagna and Piazza Trinità dei Monti are the Spanish Steps. Built between 1723-1725, they have a very unique design and elegance which has made them an iconic landmark in Rome. Climb to the top of the steps and use the magical backdrop to bend the knee.
Gianicolo
This is for someone looking to pull off a proposal with a view. Gianicolo, also known as Janiculum, is a hill is just outside the boundaries of the ancient city. From here you can see the Seven Hills of Rome, monuments, tons of domes, bell towers, churches, and even St. Peter’s. This panoramic view is hard to beat since you will have the backdrop of centuries spread out before you.
Private Places to Propose in Rome
Maybe you are looking for more intimate Rome engagement ideas? Or you may prefer something simple yet creative? Finding a proposal spot in Rome that is private, quiet, and intimate can be challenging, but here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Private picnic in a quiet area of a park.
- Cater a private dinner and celebration at a luxury Airbnb.
- Rent a cute Vespa and drive around until you find the perfect engagement spot.
- Book a private table at your restaurant of choice and get help from the staff to pull it off.
How to Hire a Rome Proposal Photographer
The moment you reach for the ring, adrenaline and emotions start to kick in and you might not even remember the moment! Hiring a secret Rome proposal photographer for your surprise engagement will allow you to capture and relive that moment again and again.
Your marriage proposal is a story you will never tire of telling, so it definitely deserves better than selfies! Capture it with Rome proposal photography that you’ll look back on for years to come.
How does a proposal photoshoot work?
Before choosing a photographer, we recommend having some Rome proposal ideas in mind first! There are two ways a proposal photoshoot usually happens:
- Hire the photographer for a “normal” photoshoot with your partner, but let the photographer in on your secret proposal plan! This is the best way to ensure the photographer captures the moment perfectly, usually at a closer distance and better positioned.
- The photographer can be waiting at the designated spot to secretly capture the moment, paparazzi-style. After the big moment, the photographer can introduce themselves and proceed to capture that post-engagement glow.
After your photo shoot is booked, you will be able to plan and coordinate with your photographer directly.
What’s included in a Rome proposal package?
With every proposal photography package, you’ll get high-resolution engagement photos that are professionally edited and delivered by email in a private online gallery within 5 business days. In your gallery, you will be able to see all the photos from your proposal photoshoot and get to download a certain number of your favorites, depending on your package. It also includes:
- one-on-one planning with your proposal photographer
- photos of the big moment and post-engagement
- private online gallery
- high-resolution photos that are professionally edited
- photos delivered within 5 days
How much does a Rome proposal photographer cost?
We have photographers on our team that specialize in capturing proposals and engagement photoshoots. Check out our list of the best Rome proposal photographers to see pricing, compare portfolios, read customer reviews, and check date availability.
Below are our 3 different Rome proposal packages & pricing:
