Planning a proposal is a special moment for any couple, and finding a creative way to pop the question can make it even more memorable. For LGBTQ+ couples, embracing unique and meaningful ideas can add a personal touch that celebrates their love and individuality—just like it can for any couple. Whether you prefer an intimate setting or a grand gesture, there are countless ways to make your proposal truly special. 

In this blog, I’ll cover some creative queer proposal ideas that go beyond the traditional, offering inspiration for crafting a moment that reflects your unique relationship and journey together.

Creative LGBTQIA + Proposal Ideas

1. Hike to A Beautiful View

Hiking offers an intimate and meaningful journey leading up to the proposal. Choose a trail that holds special significance for both of you or explore a new location together. As you reach the summit or a scenic overlook, you get to take in the breathtaking surroundings and feel a sense of accomplishment from your trek. This natural backdrop also provides the perfect moment to pop the question. Whether you prefer a mountain peak, forest vista, or coastal trail, a hiking proposal is a heartfelt way to celebrate your love and commitment, especially if you love the outdoors!

2. Outdoor Picnic

An outdoor picnic is a charming and intimate setting for a proposal. Find a picturesque spot in a park, by a lake, or at the beach, and pack a basket with your favorite foods and drinks. Create a cozy atmosphere with a blanket, pillows, and perhaps some fairy lights or lanterns. As you enjoy the meal together, the relaxed and personal environment will set the stage for the big question. 

3. Sunset Proposal on the Beach

A sunset proposal on the beach offers a super romantic backdrop for this special moment. As the day ends, find a quiet spot on the sand where you can watch the sun dip below the horizon. As the vibrant colors of the sunset create a magical atmosphere, this can be the ideal time to pop the question. You can even take the setting to the next level with a blanket, candles, or even a bonfire (as long as it’s safe and abides by Leave No Trace principles!). The sound of the waves and the breathtaking view make this a downright beautiful way to ask for your partner’s hand.

4. Plan A Special Trip Away

You can choose a destination that holds meaning for both of you or surprise your partner with a place they’ve always wanted to visit. Whether it’s a cozy cabin in the mountains, a charming bed and breakfast in a quaint town, or a tropical getaway, the change of scenery adds excitement and anticipation. During your trip, find the perfect moment to pop the question, such as during a romantic dinner, a scenic hike, or a leisurely stroll.

5. Go Somewhere that Holds Meaning

Proposing at a place that holds special meaning in your relationship adds a deeply personal touch to the moment. Reflect on the locations that have been significant in your journey together, such as where you first met, your favorite date spot, the first place you said “I love you,” or a memorable vacation destination. Taking a trip down memory lane can really highlight the unique bond you share, and this sentimental approach will surely evoke lots of emotions!

6. Photo Memory Lane

Curate a collection of your favorite photos together, from your first date to memorable vacations, and all the everyday moments in between. Arrange these photos along a path, creating a visual timeline of your love story. Lead your partner down this memory lane, and at the end of the path, where the most significant photo is placed, get down on one knee and ask them to marry you. 

7. Make A Video

For all the video-savvy people out there, creating a video proposal is a unique way to express your love and commitment. You can compile clips that capture the essence of your relationship, including memorable moments, shared adventures, and personal messages. You can even involve friends and family to share their wishes or tell funny stories of your journey together. Plan a special viewing, like during a cozy night in, and ask the question as the video ends.

8. Propose At Home

For queer couples who enjoy a more private and quiet approach, proposing at home could be just the idea for you! Your home is filled with shared memories and the comforts of your life together, making it just as meaningful as any other setting for a proposal. You can plan a special evening, perhaps with a homemade dinner, soft music, and candles to set the mood. 

9. Put A Sign On Your Pet

Including your furry friend in your proposal can be a super cute way to keep the moment meaningful and lighthearted at the same time. Consider writing a message on your pet’s collar or attaching a sign to their back. Get your partner to read what the message says, and wait for the right time to pop the question.

10. Proposal Book for Book Lovers

If you and your partner are big book lovers, consider creating an entire book from scratch for your proposal. In this book, you can recount your favorite memories, talk about your favorite things about them, and write about all your hopes and dreams for the relationship. When they get to the end of the book, you can say a little speech or just get straight to it and ask them the big question. You can also take the book theme up a notch and propose in an actual bookstore—with or without the proposal book touch.

11. Pride Proposal

A lot of couples love to propose around the time of pride month. It’s often a symbolic way to celebrate your love and identities all at once. There are so many ways you can take this, like incorporating classic pride elements (flags, pins, imagery), proposing at a pride parade, or any other pride event that you and your partner hold near and dear to your heart.

Tips for A Smooth Proposal for Queer Couples

Talk About It Before You Do It

The last thing you want is to propose to your partner and have them say no. To avoid this, it’s important to talk about what you both want long in advance. Is marriage something you both want? When will you both be ready to pop the question?

The key is to take intentional steps together and come to a decision as a couple. This will make proposing less stressful and more enjoyable for everyone, especially because you know you’re both ready to take this next step with each other.

Talk About Dream Proposal Scenarios

While this is not a mandatory step, it can be a good idea to talk about what you dream of when it comes to a proposal. For example, do you want friends and family there? Do you want a private spot away from the public? Is there a specific setting you envision for this occasion?

Having a general idea of what you both want can be a great way of making sure that when the question is popped, you’ll both be happy about where and when it happens, and who’s around to witness it.

Choosing Rings

With LGBTQIA+ proposals (or any proposal, for that matter), you have many different options when it comes to choosing rings:

1. You can propose with one engagement ring (one partner gets a ring).
2. You can have two rings (both partners get an engagement ring).
3. You can forego rings altogether and choose something else more meaningful, like a necklace, charm, or literally anything else under the sun.

Couples going the ring route also take many different approaches when it comes to picking the right style:

1. Purchase your rings together, that way you know both of you will love what you receive.
2. Propose with a family ring or heirloom.
3. Send each other ring inspiration boards so you have an idea of the style they prefer.
4. Enlist the help of a friend or family member to help figure out the best ring for your partner.

If you choose the first option, keep in mind that buying rings together will mean that you’ll both likely start to expect a proposal coming in the near future. But, that doesn’t mean you still can’t have an element of surprise! If you keep your plans and the exact date of your proposal a secret, you can still achieve the same effect as if you proposed completely out of the blue.

Here are some places to consider buying engagement rings:

• Anna Sheffield
• Brilliant Earth
• Etsy—it’s a popular online marketplace for many couples!

Hire A Photographer

If you want good-quality photos for your proposal, I recommend hiring a professional photographer. While it’s possible to have family and friends capture the moment, there’s no guarantee that they’ll get the shots you hope for. They’ll likely be just as excited as you, and the possibility of getting distracted and forgetting to capture the moment or capturing a blurry image is so much higher!

Frequently Asked Questions About LGBTQ+ Proposals

Who proposes to whom?

While you can do anything you want no matter the relationship, this is especially true for queer couples. Traditional social roles of the man proposing can go out the window.

To decide who will propose, I recommend having a conversation with your partner. Is one more comfortable proposing than the other? Do you both wish to propose? Having these conversations will make sure that both of you get a say in how the proposal goes down.

Read more: Who Proposes in a Gay Relationship?

Can I plan a double proposal?

Some couples are just so in sync that they happen to plan a proposal at the exact same time. However, that might not be the case for everyone, If you’re both looking to pop the question, you can discuss how you might want this to look.

For example, you can decide on who should propose first and agree that once this happens, the other person will propose shortly after in their own time. This tends to be a popular method for LGBTQIA+ couples—I even did it myself!

What do I say when I propose?

You can say anything you want to say. Some people might prepare something ahead of time, other people might wing it. Some people might just jump straight to asking the question, while others might give a speech before asking the question.

The key is to say something that is meaningful to your relationship. It can be funny, heart-warming, tear-inducing, or anything else in between.

Should I ask my partner’s parents for permission?

This is entirely up to you. Some couples like the idea of involving parents in this momentous occasion, especially if they feel close to them. However, for many queer couples, parents might not be excepting of the relationship to begin with. So, as a couple, it’s important to talk about what feels right for you.

For example, you can formally ask for permission or you can simply tell your partner’s parents about your intention (not framing it as a question). Or, you can forego asking for permission altogether if it feels too traditional.

Read more: Do You Have to Ask Your Partner’s Parents for Permission to Marry?

Booking A Photographer to Capture Your Proposal

As I said earlier, hiring a photographer to capture your proposal can ensure you get good-quality shots of such a pivotal moment in your life. And that’s where I come in! Whether you’re at the proposal stage or are planning an elopement or small wedding, I have you covered. I can’t wait to meet you at whatever stage you’re in, learn about your journey, and, of course, capture epic photos that you can look back on for life.