photo credit: Alexandra Scott Photography
When it comes to life’s most memorable moments, a proposal stands out as a heartfelt milestone — and the setting can make all the difference. In 2025, couples are seeking cities that offer more than just a beautiful backdrop, combining charm, convenience and unforgettable experiences.
Cloudwards ranks the 100 largest U.S. cities by analyzing factors that matter most for a romantic proposal. From romantic restaurants and parks to flower and jewelry shops, as well as photogenic spots gaining traction on TikTok and Instagram, we’ve identified where proposals are most likely to
shine.
Whether your vision is grand or intimate, our data reveals the cities best suited for creating memories that last a lifetime.
1. New York City
New York City claims the top spot overall, excelling particularly in photogenic proposal spots (1st) and romantic experiences (2nd), though surprisingly ranking 67th in proposal-related shopping. The city s diverse range of proposal locations spans from the timeless romance of Central Park’s Bow Bridge to the modern sophistication of Top of the Rock, Brooklyn Bridge Park and One World Observatory.
The city s strength lies in its versatility and the sheer number of iconic locations that can serve as backdrops for a memorable proposal. Whether couples prefer the natural beauty of Central Park, the urban energy of Times Square or the elegant atmosphere of high-rise restaurants like those found in Manhattan, New York City provides endless possibilities for creating that perfect moment, enhanced by its high concentration of professional photographers who know exactly how to capture the city s magic.
What is more, couples considering New York City for a proposal can check out the #NYCproposal hashtag for inspiration.
2. Jersey City
Jersey City emerges as an unexpected second- place winner, dominated by its first-place ranking in shopping amenities despite ranking much lower (87th) in romantic experiences. This contrast demonstrates the city’s unique appeal: while it may not have the traditional romantic reputation of its across-the-river neighbor, it compensates with practical advantages like the highest density of jewelry stores, gift shops and chocolate shops.
The city’s proposal hot spots showcase its best features, with Liberty State Park, Exchange Place Waterfront, Newport Waterfront and Hamilton Park all offering stunning Manhattan skyline views as backdrops. These locations combine the advantage of epic city views with generally less crowded conditions making Jersey City an increasingly popular choice for couples seeking a memorable but practical proposal setting.
3. Los Angeles
Los Angeles demonstrates balanced strength, ranking third in both romantic experiences and photogenic spots, reflecting its status as a city that combines natural beauty with urban sophistication. The city’s proposal-worthy locations range from the iconic Griffith Observatory, offering panoramic city views, to the architectural marvel of Walt Disney Concert Hall, the nostalgic charm of Santa Monica Pier, and the scenic Hollywood Bowl Overlook.
What sets Los Angeles apart is its unmatched access to professional photographers and diverse proposal settings. The city’s perfect weather and stunning natural light make it ideal for capturing the perfect moment, whether couples choose a beach sunset, an urban rooftop or a hidden garden. The variety of locations means couples can find spots that match their personality, from glamorous Hollywood settings to laid-back beach environments.
4. San Diego
San Diego impresses with its second-place ranking for photogenic locations — this includes the highest number of TikTok hashtag views — and 10th place for romantic experiences, making it a strong contender for couples seeking natural beauty in their proposal setting. The city’s most popular proposal spots reflect its coastal charm, with Sunset Cliffs, La Jolla Cove and Hotel del Coronado offering stunning backdrops that combine ocean views with architectural beauty.
The city’s year-round perfect weather and abundant outdoor spaces make it particularly appealing for couples planning an outdoor proposal. San Diego’s combination of natural beauty, historic architecture and modern amenities provides a versatile backdrop for proposals, while its relatively
relaxed atmosphere offers a less stressful planning environment compared to larger urban centers.
photo credit: Kelli Boyd Photography
5. Las Vegas
Las Vegas stands out by ranking first in romantic experiences and ambiance, which aligns perfectly with its reputation for luxury hotels and entertainment. The city’s most iconic proposal spots, including the Bellagio Fountains, Paris Las Vegas Eiffel Tower, High Roller Observation Wheel and Red Rock Canyon, offer a range of options from classic Vegas glamour to natural desert beauty.
What makes Las Vegas unique is its ability to combine luxury with accessibility and its unmatched concentration of romantic hotels and experiences. The city’s expertise in creating magical moments means couples can find professional help with proposal planning, from photographers to special packages at major hotels. The contrast between the glittering Strip and the serene desert landscape means couples can choose between spectacular shows or intimate natural settings.
6. Chicago
Chicago shows particular strength in romantic experiences (5th) and photogenic spots (5th), though it struggles in the shopping category (73rd). The city’s architectural beauty provides an impressive backdrop for proposals, with popular spots including Cloud Gate (“The Bean”), Lincoln Park Zoo and Navy Pier, each offering unique perspectives on the city’s grandeur.
The city’s seasonal changes add an extra dimension to proposal planning, with each season offering distinct romantic possibilities. Winter proposals can take advantage of magical snow-covered settings and cozy indoor locations, while summer offers vibrant park and lakefront options. Chicago offers a perfect blend of urban sophistication, natural beauty and a strong cultural scene.
7. Miami
Miami displays remarkable consistency, ranking in the top 15 across all categories, with impressive showings in romantic experiences (6th) and shopping (8th). The city’s array of proposal spots reflect its diverse character, from the scenic South Pointe Park and historic Vizcaya Museum & Gardens to the lush Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden and modern Brickell Key.
The city’s year-round warm weather and vibrant culture create an energetic yet romantic atmosphere perfect for proposals. Miami’s combination of natural delights, cultural attractions and luxury shopping options means couples can plan elaborate multi-part proposals that might start with a morning beach visit and end with a sunset dinner at a rooftop restaurant, all while enjoying amazing weather and stunning photo opportunities.
image credit: Cloudwards
8. Santa Ana
Santa Ana offers an interesting contrast with its second-place ranking in shopping despite ranking 50th in romantic experiences. The city’s charm lies in its historic downtown area and cultural attractions, with notable proposal locations including Bower’s Museum Gardens, Santiago Park and the Downtown Artist’s Village.
What makes Santa Ana unique is its combination of historic architecture, cultural attractions, and modern amenities, all while maintaining a more intimate feel than larger cities. The high concentration of specialty shops and services makes it practical for proposal planning, while its diverse array of locations means couples can find spots that reflect their personal style, from historic buildings to artistic urban settings.
9. Anaheim
Anaheim ranks strongly in shopping (3rd) and photogenic spots (9th), with romantic experiences ranking 27th. The city’s proposal hotspots reflect its unique character, led by Disneyland’s iconic castle, which provides a fairy-tale setting for countless proposals each year. Other noteworthy spots include Adventure City, Pearson Park and the charming Center Street Promenade.
Beyond its theme park fame, the city’s high ranking in shopping amenities means couples can easily find everything they need for the perfect proposal, from rings to flowers. Its relatively compact size makes it possible to plan elaborate proposals incorporating multiple locations, while still maintaining the intimate feel that many couples prefer for their special moment.
10. San Francisco
San Francisco rounds out the top 10 with remarkably balanced performance across all categories, ranking 9th in romantic experiences, 11th in shopping, and 12th in photogenic spots. The city’s iconic proposal locations include the majestic Palace of Fine Arts, the world-famous Golden Gate Bridge, the scenic Crissy Field and the serene Japanese Tea Garden, each offering unique views and atmospheres.
What sets San Francisco apart is its combination of natural beauty, historic architecture, and urban sophistication. The city’s famous hills provide countless spots for panoramic views, while its diverse neighborhoods offer everything from elegant gardens to urban parks. The moderate
climate means outdoor proposals are possible year-round, though clever planners will always have an indoor backup plan ready for the city’s famous fog and misty days.
data provided by Cloudwards
