After helping hundreds of couples create their custom one-of-a-kind engagement rings—and hearing their memorable proposal stories—we’ve learned one universal truth: the most meaningful marriage proposal ideas are the ones that truly feel like you.
They capture the uniqueness of your relationship—whether it’s through an activity you both love, a location that holds special meaning, a thoughtfully designed custom ring, an out-of-the-box ring box, or even the words you choose while popping the question. The key? Keep it fun, authentic, and unapologetically you two.
Sure, you could go all out with a scuba diving proposal in a deep-sea cave or skywrite your love while floating in a hot air balloon. You could orchestrate a flash mob proposal, organize an elaborate city-wide scavenger hunt, or create an infinite number of elaborate proposal ideas (if your partner loves a dramatic flair, definitely go there). But a proposal can be just as unforgettable in the spot where you first met, while doing something you both love, or even in your living room, pups included.
To inspire you, we reached out a few of our Gem Breakfast couples to share their incredible proposal stories (and pictures!). From Star Wars-themed surprises to seaside sunsets, fairylit full moons, sea turtles,and magical mountaintop moments, each one is as unique and unforgettable as the pair it celebrates. So settle in for some heartwarming reads that'll get all your best proposal ideas flowing.
DYLAN & BECKY
To start, I want to give a little bit of background from the night we met. The first 2 questions she asked me were, “How old are you?” and then immediately followed up with “Well, do you like Star Wars?” Safe to say we hit it off very well from that point forward.
Fast forward a bit to the designing of the ring. She had been sending 100's of Instagram reels of things she liked, things she doesn’t, etc. Then she finds y’all’s account, with a post of the ring that inspired hers. I’ll just attach what she said so you can see.
And then also every time it was posted on your story…
So, safe to say I had my work cut out for me! I worked with Sara to put a little bit of a Star Wars twist on it, but her ring came out perfect! The back piece on hers is the Fulcrum symbol, which is basically a codename for a rebel informant throughout Star Wars Rebels. That was one of the shows we bonded over during our early stages of dating and was a perfect fit for her ring (she actually got it tattooed between when I had gotten the ring and given it to her!). So glad we were able to get it made!
Finally, for the proposal, we had planned to take a trip to Disney as a part of our summer vacation, which also happened so span her birthday. I set it up so that we would be in the Star Wars park a few days after her birthday (so that I didn’t overshadow it, and also to help with the surprise). I got her a “Birthday present” where we both made lightsabers, but I made sure we set the appointment for late in the evening, close to park closing so that the place would be mostly empty. Well, once that time came around, we got them built (10/10 experience for any other nerds out there that haven’t done it yet) and afterward I told her that we should go take some pictures with them in front of the millennium falcon (since its not everyday that we get that kind of an opportunity). She thought it was a great idea and we headed over.
There was one problem with my plan though. The park was a little bit too empty, and it took us about 5 minutes to find someone to take the photos. We did end up finding someone though, and they did a great job! I remember her going from so confused when I handed her my lightsaber, to the look of absolute excitement, and then turned to happy tears soon after. It was such a perfect moment for the both of us, I wouldn’t have wanted it any other way!
ASHIA & DOMINIC
Dominic and I have been high school sweethearts, two young food-obsessed people entwined from the very beginning. Over the years, our love endured the challenges of long-distance as we both pursued our dreams, education, and careers. After finally closing the gap and living together, we knew it was time to take the next step and solidify our bond.
For a long time, I secretly curated a collection of inspiration photos on Instagram—rings that I could not stop obsessing over. Dominic knew about this collection and was eager to design the perfect ring for me based on my preferences. I can proudly say that as much as I wanted him to lead the way, I also wanted to ensure that the ring would reflect who I am—someone who spends countless hours in kitchens, so it had to live up to my lifestyle and match who I am. And Dominic was up for the challenge.
From the very beginning, I knew I wanted a salt and pepper diamond. The black and grey speckles, so effortlessly beautiful and full of character, were a perfect reflection of my aesthetic. To make my ring dreams a reality, Dominic took on a part-time bartending job on top of his full-time role to afford the ring. (We were determined to make this dream come true, but never at the cost of going into debt.)
While I had a sense that an engagement was near, the details remained a beautiful mystery. I was not a part of the ring design process. Dominic found Gem Breakfast and decided to work with them on this mission. And then came March 30th, the day our relationship would take a beautiful step forward. We were in St. Lucia, basking in the beauty of the beaches and the joy of delicious food. That evening, Dominic planned a private dinner by the sea—a moment just for us. As we shared a quiet moment together, he asked me to turn around to take in the sunset. The sky was alive with hues of red and orange, a breathtaking scene that felt almost surreal.
When I turned back around to share the moment with him, there he was, down on one knee, holding a pink ring box. We were both shaking with nervousness. In that perfect, fleeting moment, he asked me to be his forever. Without hesitation, I said yes. Before the waterworks were about to flow, a photographer jumped out from a tree where he was hiding, a hilarious moment that allowed the entire engagement to be captured for us to share later on with our loved ones.
What made that moment even more magical was seeing the engagement ring he had worked so carefully to design with Gem Breakfast (the pear-cut salt and pepper diamond was so special, and I couldn't get over the baguette diamonds.) Knowing that he had poured so much love, effort, and thought into creating something that felt like us was beyond meaningful. It was the most beautiful way to begin the next chapter of our lives together, one we will treasure always.
JAY & SAMANTHA
Meeting and living in Colorado has allowed our relationship to flourish amidst the breathtaking backdrop of nature. Our mutual love for the outdoors has been a cornerstone of our bond, knitting us closer together as a couple. So, when I proposed the idea of climbing Quandary Peak, a majestic 14,271-foot mountain located just outside Breckenridge, my girlfriend eagerly embraced it without hesitation. Mountain climbing is a passion I’ve nurtured for years, long before our paths crossed, and I had summited this peak twice before. However, this expedition was uniquely special as it would be her first ascent.
Our adventure began in the stillness of dawn, around 6 a.m., as we parked and exited our car, the early morning sunlight casting a golden hue over the landscape. The crisp mountain air invigorated us as we started our ascent, eager to conquer the formidable heights ahead. The weather was pristine that day, promising clear skies and warm sunshine. But as we climbed and left the shelter of the trees, the winds began to howl, a stark reminder of the mountain’s unpredictable nature.
About halfway up, we reached a flat area where the winds roared ferociously. My girlfriend hesitated, questioning whether it was wise to proceed. Determined, I reassured her with a smile, claiming that the winds would surely calm as we neared the summit—a hasty promise I had no real basis for. Miraculously, as we pressed on, the winds indeed began to die down, lending an encouraging calm to our hike. We pushed toward the summit, finally standing triumphantly at 14,271 feet, the world sprawling below us in a breathtaking panorama.
Once at the top, we settled down to enjoy our packed lunch, but beneath my casual demeanor, I was consumed by a flurry of excitement and nerves. I could sense she might have caught on to my preoccupation; usually quite chatty, I found myself silently contemplating my next monumental move. The mountaintop, strangely serene, was sparsely populated, and those few who were present were absorbed in their own adventures.
As I surveyed the area for the perfect proposal backdrop, my eyes fell upon a secondary summit nearby. It looked far more picturesque and was less crowded. Anxious yet excited, I suggested, “We should go over there,” and set off ahead with purpose. To reach this picturesque spot, we had to navigate a narrow, snow-covered catwalk about 30 feet long—a daunting passage that made my heart race. Moving briskly, I was about 25 feet ahead when I finally reached the other side.
There, I spotted a friendly couple nestled among the rocks. Summoning my courage, I approached them and said, “Hey, I have a favor to ask. You can’t react when I ask, but could you film my girlfriend and me? I’m going to propose.” They graciously agreed, the man grinning, “No problem, congratulations!” while his girlfriend squealed with excitement, inadvertently blowing my cover.
With everything falling into place, we found a scenic spot that would serve as the backdrop for what was about to unfold. I took a deep breath, dropped to one knee, and poured my heart out, telling her she was the woman I had longed for all my life and I wanted to share my future with her. The moment I presented the ring, her eyes widened in shock and joy, and when she said “yes,” all the nervous energy that had accumulated in me melted away.
The descent from the summit felt longer than the ascent, perhaps because we were both riding the high of our new reality. She was utterly enchanted with her ring, stopping frequently to snap photos and showcase it to everyone we passed. At one point, she even playfully presented her sparkling engagement ring to a curious marmot, who seemed more interested in finding a snack than in our momentous occasion.
That day, filled with love, laughter, and unforgettable memories, marked the beginning of our lifelong adventure together—a climb we will cherish forever.
Maddie & Charlie
When Charlie was done working, the three of us decided to go to dinner. I discovered later that while I was in the shower, Charlie told Bart he was going to propose to me after dinner. The location of the proposal was going to be down at the beach, at staircase 19.
Rewind a little: Charlie had been secretly plotting all day with his brother’s girlfriend, Rachel (who is a professional photographer) to set everything up and capture some really cool photos of the moment. Rachel put a tiny light in the sand, marked by a branch so that Charlie could find it and turn it on before getting down on one knee. Without that additional light, she wouldn’t have been able to get a good shot from where she was hiding in the bushes. This detail is important to the story.
Now back to the present. Dinner ends and we head down to the beach at staircase 19. Me, Charlie, and Bart are sitting in the sand, waiting for turtles and watching the full moon peek up over the clouds. Charlie asked if I wanted to walk down the beach, and we went maybe 10 feet before he stopped suddenly, bent down, and turned on the light that Rachel had planted. I did not grow up in Florida, and I had only learned about turtle nests earlier that day, so I thought maybe the nests came with motion activated lights so people would avoid stepping on them at night? This is not a thing. But that’s what my brain put together. So when that light came on, I gasped and said, “TURTLES??” Charlie laughed and said, “No baby, not turtles.” Then he got down on one knee and asked me to marry him on his mom’s beach, under her full moon.
But what’s a good fairytale without a comedic plot twist?
As we sat there under the twinkle lights, soaking up the magic, the cops pulled up.
During turtle nesting season, you’re not allowed to have lights anywhere near the beach because when the babies hatch, they rely on the light of the moon to guide them towards the ocean. Any other lights could confuse them and lead them in the wrong direction. So, in addition to the incredible photo Rachel took of the proposal, I also have a funny photo with a cop who was very excited for us, but ultimately asked us to take the lights down and wrap it up. Talk about a grand finale!
All your Proposal Questions Answered
How do you propose uniquely?
The most unique and meaningful wedding proposal ideas integrate your shared interests. So, if you both love Star Wars, why not stage a Star Wars-themed proposal at Disney’s Galaxy’s Edge, or if you're both readers, create a bookstore scavenger hunt, or if you can't resist a good golden hour, plan a sunset picnic with a view of your favorite city landmarks for the perfect surprise proposal.
How to make an engagement proposal special?
The key to a special proposal lies in the thoughtfulness behind it. Choose a location or activity that’s meaningful to your relationship. Incorporate unique details like a custom ring with hidden details, a nod to a memorable moment, or an inside joke the two of you share. However you decide to propose, don't forget the proposal photographer (this could just be a friend) to capture the moment!
Which knee do you propose on?
Traditionally, you propose on your left knee, but don't get too caught up in the 'should's - do what feels right and authentic to you in the moment and it will be perfect!
How to propose creatively?
A few creative and romantic proposal ideas depending on your interests and overall couple vibe:
Adventure COUPLE Proposals
- Underwater proposal while snorkeling or diving - don't forget the waterproof sign!
- Hot air balloon ride at sunrise/sunset- make sure they're not scared of heights!
Creative & ArtISTIC Proposals
- For the puzzleheads: create a custom puzzle that reveals your proposal once all the pieces are in place.
- Street art proposal: commission a local artist to paint a mural with a meaningful design and your proposal message.
- For the movie lovers: create a movie trailer about your relationship and screen it at home or at a nearby theater.
Nature-Inspired Proposals
- Sunset kayak proposal: propose in a serene setting while kayaking together at sunset. Or swap out the kayaks for paddleboards or beach blankets for any number of beach proposal ideas that feel most like you.
- Glamping proposal under the stars: plan a cozy, romantic getaway in a glamping tent or dome with fairy lights and a surprise proposal by the campfire. An outdoor proposal without the roughing it.
- Hiking proposal: arrange for the ring to be hidden in a spot along a hiking trail you both love. Make sure someone's keeping an eye on the ring until you get there!
Quirky & Fun Proposals
- Escape room proposal: work with an escape room company to include a proposal clue in your puzzle.
- Board game proposal: design a custom card or piece for a board game you love to play together that pops the question.
- Pet proposal: attach a message or the ring to your pet’s collar and let them deliver the surprise. One of our favorite private proposal ideas for just you two and your fur family.
Crowd Proposals
- Flash mob proposal: Organize a flash mob with friends and family to create a rom-com-worthy proposal moment.
- Sporting event proposal: Have your proposal displayed on the jumbotron at a game you both enjoy.
DIGITAL proposals
- VR proposal: use virtual reality to create your proposal experience, like standing atop a simulated mountaintop or beneath virtual fireworks.
- Video game proposal: for gaming couples, design a custom level or mod that includes your proposal.
READY TO DESIGN YOUR ONE-OF-A-KIND ENGAGEMENT RING?
Book a free virtual consult to chat about cooking your own custom creation with Gem Breakfast! Learn more about the custom engagement ring design process here and browse our custom gallery for more proposal inspiration! There's no upcharge to creating custom, so if you see a ready-to-ship engagement ring you love on our site, we can usually recreate that recipe for around the same price with the stone of your choosing.
Want to start from scratch with a never-before-seen ring idea that exists only in your mind? Or have a fuzzy idea that you'd like help bringing to life? You've come to the right place! We specialize in the unique and unexpected, and there's no limit to what we can create.