Make your proposal in Rome memorable and unique

Rome… a timeless city of incomparable beauty, piled high with ancient ruins, cobbled piazzas and world-famous landmarks doubling as perfect backdrops to fairy-tale proposals. So, all you romantics out there, get ready for a memorable moment with your beloved. Follow our step-by-step guide to a perfect proposal in Rome, and your happy future together is guaranteed – just like a scene from your favorite romantic movie!

Rome is crammed with picturesque corners, fabulous vistas and glorious monuments beautiful enough to inspire amore. Here are five popular proposal spots in the city – which one will you choose?

There’s nowhere more beautiful than the rooftop terrace of this gargantuan circular mausoleum turned Renaissance palace turned museum. Spring your romantic surprise at sunset while admiring panoramas of the Vatican City and across the River Tiber to the Monument to Victor Emmanuel II.

Rome’s most exquisite square is also one of its busiest; plan to get there first thing in the morning and request the hand of your beloved in front of Bernini’s epic Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi. Then it’s time for a glass of something celebratory in one of the piazza’s terrace cafés.

Get down on bended knee by the Egyptian obelisk at the top of the iconic Spanish Steps, which look especially beautiful in spring and summer when swathed in a sea of flowers. The area is thronged by day, but after dark it’s well lit and often surprisingly quiet.

This frothy Baroque-era fountain is Rome’s most popular location for declarations of love. Getting it to yourself requires forward planning, so keep it as the day’s last sightseeing spot, when the crowds have departed and it’s beautifully illuminated after dark.

The gorgeous sculpture-and-folly-studded gardens surrounding Villa Borghese offer up not one but two dreamy Rome proposal spots. Choose between a rowing boat on the lake or head for the Pincio Terrace, which overlooks photogenic Piazza del Popolo and the city’s historic core.

This historic city attracts millions of visitors every year. You won’t want to share your big moment with all of them, so here are three unusual venues at which to propose in Rome – still romantic, just without the crowds.

Take the lift up to the landmark 20th-century monument’s Panoramic Terrace for 360-degree vistas over the Colosseum and Imperial Forum as you pop the big question, flanked by the two mighty equestrian bronzes that are much-loved symbols of the city.

Centred on the Appian Way and well off the tourist radar, the park is a fascinating spot for strolls among relics of ancient Roman aqueducts, catacombs and villas. There are also many secluded, shady spots perfect for a Champagne picnic and a surprise proposal.

This historic pedestrian bridge linking the city centre to funky Trastevere has spectacular views over the river to St Peter’s Basilica and is softly floodlit at night. It can get busy on weekend evenings but buskers often play here, so why not ask if they can play ‘your’ song as you propose?

Rome’s major attractions are extremely crowded during the day, so choose your time carefully. For example, plan to visit your chosen spot at dawn or after dark – the morning light is better for those all-important Insta pics, and in the evening you’ll be bathed in a golden glow from the streetlights.

Rome is an all-year tourist destination. However, a fantastic time to visit is between mid-March and May, when temperatures are warm and the summer crowds have not yet arrived.

You’re in one of the most amazing cities on the planet. Make every moment count by incorporating elements of Roman culture into your big day.

Join a cooking lesson and learn to make the city’s traditional pasta dish cacio e pepe with pecorino cheese and ground black pepper.

Depending on your interests, book an exclusive skip-the-line tour of Michelangelo’s sublime Sistine Chapel, classical sculpture in the Capitoline Museums or the Colosseum arena.

Watch the city sights float past as you relax on board an evening river cruise and toast each other with Champagne and fine dining.

Make like a Roman resident and hire a Vespa scooter to zip around the city while revisiting all your favourite spots – and making new memories – together.

You’ll be far too busy proposing to think about taking selfies, so why not hire a professional photographer to immortalise your proposal paparazzi-style? Discuss your plans with the photographer and they’ll offer advice on location, where to stand and what time of day to capture the best pictures. You could go one step further and have an expert team organise your entire proposal, adding in romantic touches like personalised decorations, your ‘special’ song and reservations in a favourite restaurant. As Rome is such a popular destination for lovers, do your research online well in advance of your trip to find the ideal proposal photographer or package for you.

Preparation is key when it comes to proposing, so don’t be tempted to wing it. Plan out every last tiny detail of the day, so your future partner will see how much loving thought has gone into making it special.

Make a Rome hotel reservation your first priority.

An intimate moment in a Michelin restaurant or a cosy trattoria with your ring hidden in a dessert lit by sparklers? A spectacular backdrop of ancient Roman monuments? Your proposal needs to reflect the preferences and interests of your partner, so bear that in mind when choosing a location.

If you want your surprise engagement to remain a surprise, you’ll have to explain why you are visiting Rome in the first place – but with all that architectural splendour and all those wonderful restaurants, coming up with a convincing story should be pretty straightforward.

You don’t want any last-minute delays to spoil your big moment, so find out how to get to your chosen proposal spot, whether it be by Metro, bus or tram, or on foot. If you do use public transport, buy tickets in advance for a smooth journey around the city.

Ensure the seamless running of your big day by booking a celebratory dinner at your favourite Rome restaurant well in advance – the winning combination of gourmet Italian cuisine and stunning views of St Peter’s Basilica makes elegant Settimo Roman Cuisine & Terrace a romantic proposal spot too.

Make your marriage proposal even more special and buy your engagement ring in Rome. Scour the famous shopping street Via dei Condotti for big-name jewellers including Tiffany & Co and Van Cleef & Arpels, or try Via dei Coronari, where you’ll find boutiques selling unusual antique rings.

Know what you’re going to say beforehand but don’t overthink it; it’s much better to sound spontaneous than robotic. Just don’t forget the punchline: please will you marry me?

And now you know how to go about the perfect – and oh-so-romantic – proposal in Rome. We wish you a lifetime full of love and happiness!