8 Romantic Pandemic Marriage Proposals

The COVID-19 pandemic has sent thousands of couples’ plans into complete turmoil but that doesn’t mean engagements and weddings are cancelled — people are just having to get a bit more creative.

To prove that love is still alive and well, we spoke to eight couples who got engaged during the pandemic and fully intend to say, “I do,” even if it’s not quite how they imagined.

From spoiled surprises to cancelled family affairs, these couples prove that a global pandemic isn’t enough to stop true love!

The Scenic Marriage Proposal — Cody & Bryce

We managed to fit in a romantic getaway in the mountains of North Carolina. However, COVID-19 disrupted many of our plans for that trip. With so many places shut down, there wasn’t much to do. Thankfully, there were plenty of scenic trails and nature walks we could explore.

One day, we took a car ride up a mountain and Bryce stopped at a lookout. It was breathtaking and we were all alone with nature. Bryce caught me off guard in the best way when he proposed at the scenic lookout!

Even if we weren’t in the middle of a pandemic, I couldn’t have asked for a better setting or a more perfect engagement ring. My fiancé picked out the ideal ring on his own, and I couldn’t be happier with our engagement story.

The High School Sweethearts — Elise & Colby

Colby and I went to high school together and knew of each other, but we never really spent time together. He did ask me for my number once, but I thought he had a girlfriend, so I declined.

By our senior year, I moved to online classes, so there was no chance of running into him at school. However, Colby had a class with my cousin and saw me on her Instagram. He asked her about me, one thing led to another, and we ended up spending time together.

Within a week, we started dating. A week later, we said, “I love you.” We’ve been together ever since.

I can’t say I was completely surprised by Colby’s proposal, because we talked about it happening this year. However, I never dreamed it would work out like this, and in the middle of a pandemic!

Apparently, Colby had a plan worked out for his proposal – complete with a photographer and full COVID-19 compliance. He even intended to ask my Dad for his blessing first. Unfortunately for him, a few days beforehand, I got wind of something in the works.

We were watching a movie together when somebody texted him about the proposal. Since I was sitting right next to him, I caught some of the text. Even though the text was vague, it included enough information to make me suspicious.

Colby knows me so well that he realized I had an inkling. He practically sprinted to the other room, and before I knew what was happening, he dropped to one knee in front of me with an engagement ring in hand. Colby proposed, and I hadn’t even brushed my hair!

At Colby’s insistence, we went straight to see my Dad. My new fiancé explained the situation, including his intention of asking for my Dad’s blessing before proposing. Naturally, my Dad understood and admitted he would have given his blessing regardless.

I’m still shocked that Colby had the engagement ring, let alone a detailed proposal plan. He even had “Forever and Always” engraved on the inside of the ring. I can’t believe he picked out such a beautiful ring and then threw his whole meticulous plan out the window just to surprise me.

The Double Proposal — Kat & Lauren

Before COVID-19 hit the United States, I had everything planned for a romantic proposal in New Hope, Pennsylvania. My original plans included a proposal on the historic New Hope-Lambertville Bridge, followed by a celebration with our families at a local site. I even rented a nearby farm and arranged for everybody to fly in for the event.

When COVID-19 escalated and everything shut down, I knew I had to cancel my plans. We both take social distancing and the safety of others seriously, so I had our family members cancel their flights and rushed to create a new, quarantine-friendly plan.

I already had the perfect engagement ring, and I didn’t want to wait any longer. So, I didn’t. I asked our families to be on standby for a Skype celebration. Instead of the New Hope-Lambertville Bridge, I chose the Chesapeake Bay, which is just a few blocks from our home.

Since I already ordered flowers for the original plan, I had them redirected to our house and picked up some candles to set the mood on the beach. I convinced Lauren to go for a walk to get some fresh air. I led us to the beach, where I asked her to spend the rest of her life with me.

Little did I know, my proposal story didn’t end on the beach. Lauren had something else in store for the occasion.

When we returned home, Lauren played me a pre-recorded video of her siblings, nephews, and nieces asking me to be a part of her family. Then, she proposed to me.

In light of all the pain and loss brought on by COVID-19, we found love and hope. We didn’t see the point in waiting to commit to our mutual love.

The Vineyard Surprise — Rebekah & Drew

COVID-19 changed a lot of plans, including my plans for a marriage proposal. I managed to choose the perfect engagement ring (thanks to Rebekah’s Pinterest account!) and an idea of what I wanted to do, but the COVID-19 quarantine accelerated my timetable.

With a little help from some friends, I managed to fit my proposal before everything shut down. I arranged to take Rebekah on a day trip to Childress Vineyard with two other couples. Little did she know, both couples were in on the surprise.

We enjoyed the day at the vineyard, complete with a tour and wine-tasting. It was nice to spend time outside on the grounds since we suspected things were about to change.

As we explored the grounds, I searched for the perfect spot. I suggested that we take some pictures to commemorate the occasion, and my companions were happy to oblige. Thanks to more strategic help from the guys, Rebekah and I went last for the photo session.

After our friends snapped a few pictures, Rebekah turned to walk away. I took her by the hand and pulled her back toward me. She seemed surprised, so I asked if I could have a minute to talk to her. Rebekah said “no” and made it clear that she knew I was up to something. I had to chuckle because she knows me so well.

Undeterred, I told her how much I love her and that I want to spend the rest of my life with her. Of course, I got down on one knee, presented the engagement ring, and asked her to be my wife. She said, “yes!” Thanks to our friends, we had plenty of photos to document the occasion.

The Romantic Backyard Proposal — Amber & Paul

I met my fiancé on Match.com. Our first few dates were embarrassingly awkward, followed by a truly disastrous one. However, we both agreed to give it one more try before going our separate ways. That was two years ago, and I’m thrilled we decided to stick it out.

Initially, Paul planned to propose during a romantic getaway at a bed and breakfast, but then COVID-19 hit and dashed those plans. Paul isn’t one to give up, so when our friends had to cancel their big wedding, he suggested we dress up and have a romantic take-out dinner at home.

It sounded great to me, a way to find some normalcy and romance in the middle of the pandemic. Still, looking back, I should have realized Paul was up to something because he made me go pick up the food. I have no complaints because he put together the most incredible marriage proposal.

Somehow, while I picked up our meal, Paul managed to set up the backyard. Flowers, lights, a photo of us, and a bottle of champagne awaited me. He even set the mood with our song playing in the background.

Shaking, Paul took my hands, told me he loved me and dropped to one knee. My heart raced, and I’m pretty sure I was shaking when he tearfully stumbled through his beautiful proposal.

As we ate, Paul told me about everything he went through to make the proposal work. However, one of my favorite parts of the entire wedding proposal is my engagement ring. It turns out that Paul picked the stone out himself and recruited my Mom to help choose the setting. He even asked for my Mom’s blessing before he proposed!

The Backup Backup Plan — Aquino & Ranny

We are both foreigners living in Hong Kong. Unlike many of our friends, we met the old-fashioned way. Instead of online or through an app, we met at a bar in Wanchai.

I decided in December 2019 that I wanted to propose, but I couldn’t make just any proposal. So, when we arranged a romantic getaway to Thailand for April 2020, I knew it would be the perfect situation. Unfortunately, it didn’t take long for COVID-19 to cancel those plans.

When Hong Kong declared a state of emergency, my fiancé lost her job. With no hope of a romantic getaway, I switched gears and chose to propose during a quiet dinner at a rooftop restaurant we love. Unfortunately, before I could take her to that dinner, I was laid off due to COVID-19.

I couldn’t let the job losses or the pandemic get me down, and I wasn’t about to let any of it destroy my proposal plans. Again, I adapted and took my fiancé for a walk along the Hong Kong harbor. We talked about life and the world and the pandemic.

Alone on the harbor at sunset, I bent down on one knee and proposed. I’m so grateful that she said “yes.”

The Anniversary Proposal — Kimberley & Steve

I started planning my proposal last Thanksgiving. After months of scheming, I narrowed my locations down to the Blue Bridge in St. James Park in London or Montmartre in Paris. Unfortunately, when COVID-19 struck and ended recreational travel, I had to throw those plans out the window.

Instead, I created a marriage proposal plan that met social distancing requirements and take-out only policies. It took some work, but with a little help and creative timing, I landed the venue, Bigsby’s Folly Craft Winery. The winery was the site of our first date, so it holds special meaning.

On the second anniversary of our first date, I took Kimberly back to the winery. A close friend serenaded us with songs from a list I put together (six feet away from us, of course), and I presented Kimberly with the diamond engagement ring.

It wasn’t easy to coordinate the perfect marriage proposal in the middle of a pandemic, but it was worthwhile. I think I impressed my fiancé because she said, “yes.”

The Delayed Wedding — Mayra & William

COVID-19 didn’t affect my marriage proposal, but it did delay our wedding. I’m fortunate that my proposal went off without a hitch.

We took a vacation at a resort in Florida, and I decorated the balcony while she changed her clothes. I presented the ring in a heart-shaped box under the light of the moon. The next day we celebrated with a couples’ massage followed by an engagement photoshoot on the beach.

Our original wedding date was April 4th, but we had to postpone when COVID-19 hit. Originally, we postponed to July only to learn that would not work. We refuse to let this pandemic rain on our parade, and we look forward to our new wedding date in October.

Don’t Let COVID-19 Ruin Your Wedding Proposal

We need stories of love and hope more than ever, and nothing delivers more feels than a romantic marriage proposal. Don’t let quarantine stop you from proposing to the love of your life; just accept the challenge and get a little more creative just like these couples!

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