A comprehensive study of Instagram hashtag data has revealed the most picturesque proposal locations worldwide, with Paris topping almost 800 other scenic destinations.
The study by online casino website Nieuwe Casino analysed the Instagram hashtags ‘#[location]engagement’, ‘#[location]proposal’, and ‘#[location]engaged’ combined with 781 locations worldwide to determine which feature most frequently as the proposal backdrop for couples.
The analysis examined every European country and the three most populated cities in each, every US state and the three most populated cities in each state, a variety of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and TripAdvisor’s Travelers’ Choice ‘Best of the Best Destinations’—including top destinations, honeymoon destinations, trending, sustainable, and nature destinations, in addition to the best beaches, to name just a few.
The hashtag volume for each location was then collated to create the ultimate ranking of all the prettiest places in the world, which will make for the most spectacular setting for the most romantic proposal.
Top locations worldwide:
#1 Paris, France
According to Instagram hashtags, Paris is the most picturesque proposal destination in the world – with over 78,000 posts showcasing engagements in the city. Often affectionately referred to as the ‘City of Love’, Paris is known for its romantic atmosphere.
Steeped in culture, the city provides ample picture-perfect proposal opportunities. Whether set in front of iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, on the banks of the Seine or in one of the city’s charming cafés, Parisian proposals make for a delightfully memorable experience for any couple.
#2 Bali, Indonesia
Boasting a wealth of natural beauty, pristine beaches, and green forests, Bali is one of the most beautiful settings to propose, ranking second on the global list. The study found more than 72,000 Instagram posts celebrating proposals on the Indonesian Island.
Bali is also the reigning number one honeymoon destination worldwide, according to the TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Awards – highlighting the romantic and relaxing experience synonymous with the tropical destination.
#3 Colorado, USA
Colorado ranks as the world’s third most Instagram-worthy proposal destination and takes the crown as the best destination in America. According to the analysis, the state has over 68,000 posts from Instagram users sharing their engagements on the platform.
Colorado’s scenic landscape is a great photogenic setting for proposing. Famous for the stunning Rocky Mountain National Park and beautiful ski resorts, including Aspen, the state offers year-round appeal to those hoping for the ultimate romantic getaway.
#4 New York, USA
One of the most recognisable locations in the world, New York ranks as the fourth-most Instagrammable proposal destination, with over 36,000 related posts.
Arguably, New York City is the most iconic location in the state and hosts countless proposal spots to suit any couple’s style – sky-high atop the Empire State Building, in Central Park, or during an intimate dinner in one of the city’s thousands of dining establishments. Alternatively, for nature lovers, the state is also home to the famous Niagara Falls – bordering Canada – and will surely make an epic background to a proposal picture.
#5 Florida, USA
Rounding out the top five most picturesque proposal locations in the world, with over 32,000 Instagram posts is Florida. Perfect for a romantic proposal getaway, Florida is a popular choice for couples to enjoy the sun. However, most notably, the legendary Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando offers the chance for couples to get engaged in “The Most Magical Place on Earth”.
The state is also the third of ten US locations in the world’s top 15 most Instagrammable proposal destinations. This highlights not only the beauty found across the country but also the enthusiasm Americans and tourists visiting the US have, for sharing engagement news with families and friends on social media.
Top 15 most Instagrammable proposal destinations worldwide:
Rank | Location | Total Hashtags |
1 | Paris, France | 78,788 |
2 | Bali, Indonesia | 72,718 |
3 | Colorado, USA | 68,370 |
4 | New York, USA | 36,440 |
5 | Florida, USA | 32,123 |
6 | Charleston, SC, USA | 29,005 |
7 | Hawaii, USA | 28,933 |
8 | Dubai, UAE | 28,478 |
9 | London, England | 27,093 |
10 | Arizona, USA | 26,822 |
11 | California, USA | 25,413 |
12 | Melbourne, Australia | 25,169 |
13 | Michigan, USA | 23,812 |
14 | Utah, USA | 22,615 |
15 | Los Angeles, CA, USA | 20,944 |
Top European Cities:
Reigning as the most Instagram-worthy setting in the world, Paris is the perfect European backdrop for a proposal. However, with the vast variety of culture, architecture, and natural beauty found across Europe, plenty of other destinations would be a hit with any soon-to-be fiancé, too.
London ranks second, with over 27,000 posts tagging new engagements in the city. However, Italian cities make up four to the top ten cities across Europe – finding Italy is perhaps the most romantic country in Europe, based on its popularity for proposals.
Top 10 most Instagrammable European cities for a proposal:
Rank | European Cities | Total Hashtags |
1 | Paris, France | 78,788 |
2 | London, England | 27,093 |
3 | Venice, Italy | 12,651 |
4 | Rome, Italy | 10,186 |
5 | Barcelona, Spain | 5,998 |
6 | Prague, Czech Republic | 4,376 |
7 | Dubrovnik, Croatia | 4,009 |
8 | Naples, Italy | 2,975 |
9 | Budapest, Hungary | 2,807 |
10 | Florence, Italy | 2,780 |
Top US States:
Instagram engagement posts featuring hashtags such as ‘#ColoradoProposal’ and related tags referencing the Centennial State is more than a staggering 68,000 – almost equalling the combined total posts tagging New York and Florida, which rank as the second and third most Instagrammable states for proposals.
Along with other states ranking in the top ten known for their dramatic, natural landscapes, such as Hawaii, Utah, and Virginia, those getting engaged in the US clearly value the beautiful backdrops these states have to offer.
Top 10 most Instagrammable US states for a proposal:
Rank | US States | Total Hashtags |
1 | Colorado | 68,370 |
2 | New York | 36,440 |
3 | Florida | 32,123 |
4 | Hawaii | 28,933 |
5 | Arizona | 26,822 |
6 | California | 25,413 |
7 | Michigan | 23,812 |
8 | Utah | 22,615 |
9 | Virginia | 19,598 |
10 | Oregon | 19,444 |
Valentijn Bakker, Editor of Nieuwe Casino commented: “For modern-day couples, posting an engagement announcement on social media has become a social rite of passage. With the hashtag ‘#proposal’ featuring on more than 4.7 million posts on Instagram, newly engaged couples are clearly eager to take to the platform to share their exciting news.
“So, when it comes to planning a showstopping proposal, not only does the proposal itself and the ring need careful consideration, but the location can make all the difference in creating the perfect engagement.
“The study identifies the ultimate inspiration for the most showstopping proposal settings, no matter where in the world you are. Whether you’re lucky to have one of these destinations on your doorstep or planning a spectacular trip away, these destinations will surely make your partner swoon – and make the perfect picture background for your announcement photo.”