Love is a universal language – it unites people from all over the world and knows no bounds. Whether it’s your family, your friends, or even your partner, there’s nothing quite like celebrating the people that you love.
 
For some of us, finding true love can be quite the adventure. But there is one particular milestone that is extra special… the proposal! Once you have found that special someone and you know you simply couldn’t live without them, it could be time to pop the question. Proposing is one of the biggest moments of your life, and what better way to make memories than to travel to unforgettable destinations across the world?
 
As Instagram is often the go-to place to announce engagements, we set out to find out which destinations around the world are the most popular places to propose using popular engagement hashtags. To do this, we analyzed the top mentions of proposal locations from Google and cross-referenced this with ‘#location’ and ‘#engaged’ Instagram hashtags to determine the popularity of each destination.
 
Let’s find out the go-to locations for proposing…

As we reveal the top 20 most popular locations to propose, some may come as a surprise while others are widely renowned for romance. The top destinations to propose around the world are as follows:

It’s just as the movies would have us believe! Paris is the most popular place to propose. With over 136.9 million hashtags on Instagram, Paris is a popular destination for tourists, as well as those looking for a romantic backdrop for their engagement.
 
Widely regarded as one of the most romantic cities in the world, Paris is commonly referred to as ‘the city of love’ and it’s easy to see why. As you explore the city and take in the gothic architecture and the heavenly smell of local bakeries, you are spoiled for choice with beautiful places to propose, such as the Palais de Chaillot and the Eiffel Tower. So, how many people said ‘yes’ in Paris?
 
Our data revealed that there were 49.7k successful proposals in Paris, with partners saying ‘yes’ against a selection of quintessential Parisian backdrops. Could this have something to do with the language? French is often considered as the language of romance, and is one of the four love languages that originate from Latin. Immersing yourself in the French language and culture can help set your romance alight!

When you think of Las Vegas, it’s easy to think of Elvis impersonators and wedding chapels. But would you consider popping the question in Vegas?
 
Commonly nicknamed ‘Sin City’, Las Vegas ranks in second place in the leaderboard for the most popular places in the world to propose, with 18.7k people saying ‘yes’. Las Vegas is a tourist hot spot, with 38.8 million people visiting the city in 2022 alone, so it’s no surprise that it’s also a popular destination for proposing. From the famous Bellagio Fountains to the Eiffel Tower in The Paris Hotel, there are a whole host of options available for a romantic proposal in Vegas.

In third place is Rome, which is home to a history that spans millennia and a rich culture that attracts millions of tourists each year. With over 29 million hashtags on Instagram, it’s little surprise that Rome is a popular location for proposing. In fact, more than one in 400 Instagram posts with the hashtag ‘#Rome’ is a proposal!
 
Italy’s capital city is full of picturesque locations for the perfect proposal, some of which include; the Colosseum, Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, and Piazza Navona. It’s the perfect place for a beautiful and colorful backdrop, so make sure you have the camera ready! But the big question is – how many people said ‘yes’ in Rome?
 
According to our data, 19.5k happy couples got engaged in Rome – 800 more than in Las Vegas. Rome has always had a romantic appeal, and is often referred to as the ‘Eternal City’ because it was believed that the city would live on forever. This enchanting city, with its ancient ruins and authentic cuisine, is treasured by all who visit and its classic phrase ‘When in Rome’ encourages lovers to throw caution to the wind.

Other popular destinations for proposals include Colorado, Cape Town, Dubrovnik, London, and Madrid. Colorado in particular welcomed over 84.2 million visitors in 2021, with the Rocky Mountains attracting couples from far and wide for the ideal location to pop the question. Stretching across 4,828 km, the Rocky Mountains – also known as the Rockies – is the largest mountain range in the U.S. So, it's no wonder the incredible landscape has witnessed over 2,000 ‘yes’s’.

Whether you are asking for their hand in marriage in your home country or abroad, proposing is a momentous occasion. It’s one of life’s big experiences that you will never forget, and the location is at the heart of that memory. So, which continents are the most popular places to pop the big question?
 
(Ranked by the number of Instagram posts that tag location and ‘#engaged’)

Ranking in first place is Europe, which has more #engaged location posts on Instagram than every other continent put together! With over 6,529 posts, Europe also happens to feature some of the most popular locations for popping the question.
 
Santorini in Greece is a popular choice for those looking to propose surrounded by attractive scenery, from the multicolored cliffs to the contrast of the whitewashed buildings against the azure Aegean Sea. It’s hardly surprising that Santorini ranked fourth in the most popular places to propose with its romantic sunsets and volcanic-sand beaches. Our data revealed that more than one in 200 Instagram posts featuring Santorini is a proposal. So, if you’re looking to impress your partner, Santorini is definitely a location to consider.

North America comes in behind Europe with an impressive 4,466 proposals on Instagram. Home to five of the top 20 most popular places to propose, North America offers a range of beautiful locations to make your special moment one to remember. One particular destination that is often posted on Instagram is Yosemite, California, with over one in 126 posts featuring a proposal. And, it’s little wonder that Yosemite is such a popular destination choice. Majestic views, dramatic waterfalls and stunning cliffs – what’s not to love?

Following behind in third place is Asia, the most populous continent in the world accounting for nearly 59.5% of the world population. Asia is home to Bali, the ninth most popular place to propose, which is more commonly known as the ‘Island of the Gods’ – a fitting nickname for such a breathtaking location. Bali provides the perfect setting for couples to begin their journey of eternal love, with over 5,020 people saying ‘yes’. Its pristine beaches, lush green landscapes and vibrant culture create an enchanting atmosphere that captivates the hearts of visitors from all over the world.
 
Known for its natural beauty, from volcanic mountains to rice fields, Bali is a popular destination for those looking for peace and serenity. Its spiritual culture is great for reconnecting with Mother Nature and participating in holistic rituals. The Uluwatu Temple is believed to provide spiritual balance to the country and is regarded as one of the six sanctuaries of the world. Featuring over 68.2 million Instagram hashtags, there’s no denying that Bali is a favorite destination for those seeking a spiritual oasis.
 
But you’re probably thinking that Bali is too expensive for a proposal and is best saved for the honeymoon. The average trip for two people for two weeks in Bali costs around $3,000 USD, which includes flights, accommodation, food, and activities. So, your dream proposal in Bali may not be as unattainable as you think.
 
Another popular destination in Asia is the Philippines, which offers a whole range of picturesque locations that are perfect for a proposal. The magical Siquijor Island offers enchanting beauty in its lush forests and pocket beaches. Unlike many other destinations in the Philippines, Siquijor attracts very few crowds, so it provides the ultimate romantic retreat.
 
If you’re looking for something different, but would still like to propose in Asia, why not try India? Jaipur is well-known for Rajasthan's forts, palaces, and lakes – but have you ever wondered what it looks like from above? See everything that Rajasthan's landscape has to offer in a romantic ride in a hot air balloon. It’s a trip of a lifetime!

Whilst not mentioned in the table above, South America is one of the best kept secrets for proposals. With flourishing rainforests, cavernous ravines and clear blue oceans, you won’t be short of ideas. For those who are looking for a little more luxury, Mexico is a great option. Receiving over 65 million international tourists in 2022, Mexico has a robust tourist infrastructure with numerous options for flights, hotels, and things to do.
 
For those looking for a cheaper option, Brazil offers a wide range of natural beauty including national parks, canyons, rivers, and waterfalls. So, you can still have the proposal of your dreams, even if you did splurge on the cost of a ring! Brazil is ideal for couples who are looking for a reasonably priced destination, with an average 7-day trip for two costing $2,637.

Whether you’re planning to propose in the near future or just considering the idea, it’s important to remember that the proposal should reflect your relationship and values as a couple. Some immigrants may wish to get engaged in their home countries, while others may choose to propose in their adopted country. No matter what your preferences are, an engagement is a special time for you to celebrate with your family and friends.
 
Think about what makes your partner unique and what they would appreciate most in a proposal. It could be a grand gesture, like a surprise trip to Paris, or a more intimate moment that celebrates your shared history together. Don't be afraid to get creative and personalize your proposal to make it truly special. Good luck and happy proposing!

Remitly analyzed the first five pages of Google search results for “Best place to propose” and “Most popular place to propose” to determine the most popular locations. We then collated the total number of Instagram posts containing hashtags with the location and ‘engaged’. Finally, we searched for these hashtags in Google Search and counted the number of social media results using the aforementioned hashtags within each location. The hashtags used includes: #hesaidyes, #shesaidyes, #isaidyes and #theysaidyes. Specifically, we searched for these hashtags in Google Search and counted the number of search results using the aforementioned hashtags within each location in the list. This included social media sites only (Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest for example).
 
From this data, Remitly has statistically ranked the top 20 most popular places in the world to propose using a combined score according to each destination’s ranking across these data points.
 
Data correct as of June 2023.