Create a Memorable Moment with These Beach Proposal Ideas

We love a good beach proposal, and it’s the perfect way to celebrate your love story. Golden sand, waves gently crashing, and a scenic sky above while asking your partner to take the next step with you — what more could you want?

If you’re ready to start planning your own romantic beach proposal, you’re in the right place. We’ll take you through how to plan the big moment, as well as our favorite beach proposal ideas — including a charming way to announce the news to your loved ones.

How to Plan a Beach Proposal

Planning any marriage proposal can feel daunting, but especially so when you’re relying on nature and the weather to hold up. Here’s how to plan a beach proposal so you can be ready and excited, rather than worrying about that special moment.

1. Find the Right Location

Before you plan the finer details, you first need to find the ideal location for your beach marriage proposal. Seek out a beautiful beach with natural beauty and white sand, or one with a pier filled with arcade games and bright lights — whatever suits you and your partner the most.

2. Choose the Best Time of Day

The time of day you choose can help create a romantic setting. Go for a walk at sunset and pop the question, or arrive to watch the sunrise together on this monumental day. Any time at the beach is beautiful though, as long as you watch out for the tide.

3. Come Up with a Reason to Be There

If you’re planning a surprise proposal, it’s time to start thinking of a good reason to visit the beach — especially if it’s not something you usually do. Come up with a story as to why you’re going there, or let them in on the secret early if you prefer.

4. Hire a Photographer

Capture the special moment forever by hiring a professional photographer to be there on the big day. Whether you ask them to hide and snap some photos while you ask your beloved to marry you, or join you for a beach photoshoot afterward, you’re sure to get some amazing engagement photos.

5. Check the Weather Reports

A wedding proposal at the beach is romantic, but a thunderstorm or weather warning can turn it from your dream into something else. Keep an eye on the weather reports and, if it’s looking risky, change your plans for a different day.

6. Plan for the Unexpected

The weather isn’t the only thing mother nature can throw at you. Other people having a smoky beach bonfire, a flock of noisy birds, or a jet ski nearby can all become obstacles for your picture perfect proposal moment. Either embrace the idea that the unexpected will happen, or make plans to try and avoid them — like booking a private beach or choosing a secluded spot away from the crowds.

12 of the Best Beach Proposal Ideas

Design: Bonjour Berry

Now you know how to plan the big moment, let’s explore some of the fun and memorable ways you can make it feel special. These are our all-time favorite beach proposal ideas — including how to share the news with an announcement (like this adorable “Yes!” announcement card)

1. Write a Message in the Sand

Ask a talented sand artist to write “Will you marry me?” or a personalized proposal message in the sand. It’ll look even better if you view it from a high vantage point like some nearby cliffs, or take a trip in a helicopter above the beach.

2. Build a Sandcastle

Craft a sandcastle on the beach and decorate it with seashells. Make a special place inside it for the ring box and ask your loved one to go searching for it!

3. Take a Boat Trip

Your beach proposal doesn’t have to happen on the sand. For a different view, hop on a boat and enjoy the scenery sand-free while you propose to your beloved.

4. Choose a Sunset Proposal

Sunset makes the perfect backdrop for a romantic beach proposal. Sit down, talk about your love story, and surprise your partner with a shining engagement ring as the sun sets.

5. Plan a Treasure Hunt

If you love games, plan a fun beach treasure hunt for the two of you to go on together. At the end, reveal the ring box and ask the big question.

6. Go Snorkeling

For an alternative take on the beach proposal, grab some snorkeling or scuba diving gear and head under the water. Pop the question while you’re down there, or when you get back to the comfort of the boat.

7. Hide the Ring in the Sand

Find a spot on the beach, get digging, and hide the ring box in the sand. This is a risky one, but it can be a lot of fun — as long as you remember where you’ve hidden the ring!

8. Plan a Beach Picnic

A romantic picnic is the perfect backdrop for a wedding proposal. Lay out a picnic blanket, sprinkle some rose petals, and invite your loved one to join you for a picnic they’ll remember forever. You could even ask your friends and family to meet you at the beach for an afterparty — take one of our engagement invitations and customize the wording to make it a proposal party! 

9. Put the Message in a Bottle

If you’re planning a long, heartfelt proposal message, a lovely idea is to write it down on a piece of paper and place it into a bottle. Hide it in a safe spot or tell your partner that you found it on the beach earlier, and watch as they read your message out loud.

10. Watch the Sunrise

Another beautiful time of day for a proposal is the sunrise. While it means getting up earlier than normal, the start of a new day is a wonderful time to ask your partner to marry you. It’s one early morning that will always feel worth it.

11. Propose on Vacation

If you don’t have a beach nearby, you might be planning a proposal while you’re on vacation. Make sure you keep the ring safe while you travel, and surprise your loved one with the ring while you’re on a stunning white sand beach. You could even return to that place later on for your own beach wedding or destination wedding, or a future anniversary or vow renewal trip.

12. Share the News with Personalized Proposal Announcement Cards

Design: Maria Hilas Louie Design

However you choose to stage your beach proposal, it’s something you’ll want to announce to your loved ones. Make the moment feel extra magical with a personalized announcement card.

With Greenvelope, you can send digital cards in just a few clicks. Grab a photo from the moment or the day it happened and add it to a photo card. Customize the colors, fonts, and layout to make it feel like “you” and add a heartfelt announcement message for your friends and family members.

We love this rainbow light leak engagement announcement, but there are plenty to choose from. Whether you love boho, retro, modern, classic, or florals, there’s a card to suit your personal style.

Plan the Beach Proposal of Your Dreams

We wish you all the best as you plan your beach proposal. Use these marriage proposal ideas to help you turn your dreams into a reality.

After the special moment, choose one of our engagement announcements to share the good news far and wide, and wait for those excited congratulations to come in from your loved ones.