The Best U.S. Cities for Popping the Question

For couples ready to take the next step in their relationship, popping the question is a huge deal. But before you get down on one knee, you need to decide on the perfect location. After all, the proposal will signify a new chapter in your relationship and a memory you both cherish forever.

The proposal location sets the tone for the rest of your lives together, so it’s important to choose wisely. To help inspire you, the team at Shane Co. rounded up the 20 best cities in the United States for popping the question. So read on to find the perfect place to propose!

Proposal Hotspots Around the U.S.

Of the top 20 best U.S. cities to ask for your partner’s hand in marriage, two cities — Las Vegas and Honolulu — clearly stand out from the crowd! Both cities boast abundant fine dining options, jewelry stores, and flower shops with the added benefit of clear skies, so your proposal won’t get rained out.

It’s worth noting that eight of the top 10 cities on our list are located in the Western United States, but no matter where your proposal location might be, Shane Co. has you covered with locations across the country. So whether you’re planning to pop the question in one of the cities on our list or somewhere else entirely, Shane Co. is sure to have the perfect ring for your special occasion.

What Makes a City Great for a Proposal?

Viva Las Vegas! Often called the Marriage Capital of the World, it’s no surprise that Sin City is the number one proposal destination according to our data. After all, getting married in Vegas is an American tradition (with or without an Elvis impersonator). The sheer amount of fine dining restaurants blows the national average out of the water (7.42 per 100K vs. the national average of 1.63), so there’s no shortage of incredible settings for your big moment.

Honolulu, Hawaii, ranks a solid second to Las Vegas. This proposal hotspot boasts beautiful year-round weather and epic ocean views, making it the perfect place to propose outdoors. With no shortage of fantastic restaurants and TONS of florists, Honolulu never disappoints! And with an average of almost 50 jewelers per 100K people (the U.S. average is 14.42), you can bet you’ll find the perfect ring to accompany your proposal.

If the high desert is more your style, don’t overlook Albuquerque, New Mexico! With endless sunny days (280 a year!) and plenty of outdoor activities, this proposal hotspot is perfect for couples who love to spend time together outdoors. 

Los Angeles truly offers would-be married couples the best of both worlds! Of course, it’s a world-class metropolitan area with tons of sun and great vibes, but did you know it’s within a short drive of incredible National Parks that make for the perfect proposal backdrop? For example, Joshua Tree National Park is just a two-hour drive from downtown LA, making it ideal for a proposal among the ancient trees and otherworldly desert landscapes.

Rounding out our top five, Sarasota, Florida, is proposal perfection! Looking to pop the question in a tropical climate? Sarasota boasts mile after mile of epic white sand beaches (like Lido and Siesta Key Beaches). With many high-end restaurants, jewelers, and flower shops, Sarasota definitely has your proposal bases covered.

Popping the Question by the Numbers

Interested in our full ranking? Sort through the full data table below to find out where your city ranks based on our factors.

Closing Thoughts

Whether you’re looking for a classic Las Vegas proposal or something a little more unique, one of these cities is sure to have what you’re looking for! No matter where you propose, be sure to check out Shane Co.’s incredible selection of engagement rings, where you’re sure to find a timeless piece that’s just right for your special someone. So be bold! Go ahead and pop the question in one of these proposal hotspots. Your significant other will be sure to say yes!

Methodology

To determine the best cities to pop the question, we began by creating a list of 100 large U.S. cities and researched individual factors on each that would be important for a proposal. Once we compiled the data, we analyzed it and ranked the cities from 1 to 100 based on how well they are set up for a proposal.

We assigned cities with a score of 0 to 5 for each factor we researched, with a score of 5 representing the most favorable conditions. We determined each city’s total score from the total of its individual factor scores, which were weighted according to their impact on a proposal. Individual factor scores were then added together to give each city a final score from 0 to 100. Higher scores indicated cities are better for popping the question.