Many people, men and women alike, are looking for new and unusual ways to propose marriage to their loved ones. In fact, proposals have almost become as important as diamonds in the engagement process, and some have created outlandish ways of doing it.

There may be one predominant reason for the new rash of unusual marriage proposal ideas: like beautiful diamonds, the proposal is a way to tell your intended that you consider him or her the most special person in your life. Even in a tight world economy it is possible to create a memorable engagement experience that you will talk about fondly forever. Here are a few ideas to get you started.

Unusual Places

First of all, remember that the traditional bended knee proposal can be performed anywhere. This means that the unique feature of your proposal may be in the choice of place. Anyone who frequents news pages on the internet has likely read stories of unique marriage proposals on mountain tops, world landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, and even skydive jumps.

The key here is the element of surprise. A proposal on a mountain hike is not expected, which is how a proposal should be. A proposal on a cruise ship is more likely, so if you are trying to create a bombshell, this may not work. Shopping is also a giveaway; if you’re out shopping and linger around jewelry stores looking at diamonds, it is just too much of a tip-off.

What You Say is Important–So Is How You Say It

If you want to leave an impression that will last forever, leave the standard “I love you” speech and poetry at home. There are many other ways to pop the question. Think about these general ideas when you are considering how to communicate:

These are just a few ideas, but they all center around what your partner likes to do. This is important for a memorable proposal, and is a recognition of his or her desires in life as well as your wish to be part of those.

The Ring

Although many couples pick out engagement rings together these days, some still prefer to choose for their partners. You can make an original proposal just by having an original ring or specially-cut diamonds. Progress in jewelry-making techniques has made handling gold and other metals much easier, and the diamonds these days are of many unusual shapes. Consider having a ring made that fits your intended’s style to the letter. For instance, if your partner is a geology buff, you might consider turquoise or lapis lazuli or local colored stones as an addition to the diamonds.

There are many ways to say “I want you to spend your life with me,” and if you carefully consider your partner’s tastes you will find the right way to say it. In any event, you are about to embark on the greatest journey you have ever been on; bon voyage!

One of the great things about proposing marriage is the fun you’ll have coming up with a creative place to pop the question. If you live in California or are considering a visit, here are 7 fun places you might want to consider for your marriage proposal:
1. Ferris Wheel – Santa Monica Pier
The Santa Monica Pier is a great place to pop the question. You can spend all day soaking up the sun on the beach, then, when the sun starts to set, take a ride on the Ferris wheel on the Santa Monica Pier where you can propose to a spectacular sunset, then head on over to Ocean Ave. Seafood for dinner and champagne.
2. Sunset Gondola Rides – Huntington Beach
Huntington Beach is another beautiful place to propose marriage. And, there’s no better spot to do that than on a Sunset Gondola Cruise through the canals of Huntington Harbour and Sunset Beach. They encourage you to bring the beverage of your choice, where your gondolier will be happy to uncork it and provide cups. Your gondolier can also sing for the two of you. Gondola Cruises are available 7 days a week from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. for two to six people. Call them at 562-592-3295 to book a gondola.
3. Top of Splash Mountain – Disneyland
What better way to ask your sweetheart to take the plunge with you than on the 5-story Splash Mountain plunge ride at Disneyland, where you can pop the question right before the 52-feet drop. Be sure to purchase the photo before you leave, so you’ll always have a picture of the moment you proposed.
4. Catalina Island
Celebrate your romance on the “island of romance,” Catalina Island, located 26 miles from the coast of Los Angeles. You can propose in any number of picturesque spots, or you can go for the fun spots like a glass-bottom boat, your own private peddle boat, on a submarine tour, while snorkeling “Lover’s Cove,” or, if you don’t mind the expensive tab, on your own private jeep tour of the island, where you can stop at any number of spots and propose.
5. Hot Air Balloon – Temecula, Del Mar and Napa
Tell her your love is reaching new heights by proposing during a hot-air balloon flight over some of the most beautiful California landscapes. Many of the popular locations include flights over Temecula, Del Mar or Napa Valley. Many locations offer sunset as well as sunrise flights, with a champagne brunch or toast upon landing. Hot Air Flyer offers in-flight champagne service while on their sunset flights over Temecula and Del Mar. Call them at 714-369-5757 for more information.
6. Helicopter Tour over Los Angeles
See the sights of Los Angeles from a helicopter which will take you on a tour of all the Los Angeles sights – skyscrapers of downtown Los Angeles, Dodger Stadium, Staples Center, and the Sunset Strip. Let her know she’s the real star by proposing while flying over the Hollywood Sign. You can also have the helicopter land at the Santa Monica Airport for dinner at the fabulous Typhoon Restaurant.
7. Dodger Stadium – Scoreboard Message
If the two of your are Dodgers fans, you might consider asking for her hand in marriage with a scoreboard message on the Dodger Stadium Ribbon Board behind 1st and 3rd bases during a Dodgers home game for a cost of $50.00. A Dodger Dog, beer and a proposal, what could be more perfect?
These are just a sampling of some of the creative ways and places to propose marriage in California. There are probably a million other ways and places, each as unique as you.