Top 10 Places to Propose in Los Angeles: Iconic, Intimate & Totally ‘You’

LA isn’t just for movie premieres and overpriced smoothies—it’s also prime territory for unforgettable, deeply personal proposals.
Whether you're into dramatic vistas, laid-back beaches, or tucked-away gardens, Los Angeles offers the ultimate choose-your-own-love-story. Here are 10 magical places to pop the question in LA—plus ideas to personalize the moment so it feels like you two and not a stock photo.
🌅 1. Griffith Observatory at Sunset
- Vibe: Cinematic, starry-eyed, dramatic
- Why It Works: Griffith is pure movie magic. Overlooking the entire LA basin, you’ll catch one of the best sunset views in the city. There’s something inherently epic about proposing with all of LA twinkling below you.
- Make It Yours: Head up for a late afternoon hike or Uber to the top dressed for a surprise dinner. Once the sun begins to dip and the lights of the city come on, find a quiet overlook or lawn to ask the question. Bonus if you stay for some stargazing through the public telescopes.
- Tips: Avoid weekends—it gets crowded. Weekday twilight is your best bet for a more intimate feel.

🏝️ 2. El Matador Beach
- Vibe: Dreamy, rugged, windswept
- Why It Works: Tucked along the Malibu coast, El Matador is famed for its dramatic rock formations and secluded coves. It feels like a secret escape, perfect for a spontaneous barefoot proposal.
- Make It Yours: Scout out one of the little caves or rocky alcoves ahead of time. Bring a beach blanket, snacks, and a Bluetooth speaker for ambiance. Propose as the tide rolls in and the sky turns gold.
- Tips: Bring flat shoes for the descent—it's a steep walk down. And check tide times so you're not proposing mid-soak.
🧺 3. A Picnic Proposal at Descanso Gardens
- Vibe: Intimate, peaceful, romantic
- Why It Works: These lush botanical gardens in La Cañada offer hundreds of nooks to choose from—rose gardens, oak groves, camellia forests. It’s ideal for nature lovers who want quiet beauty.
- Make It Yours: Sneak in a photographer or plan a post-proposal photo session. Include personalized picnic items—your partner’s favorite cheese, a vintage thermos of something bubbly, and a handwritten letter.
- Tips: Call ahead to check photography and setup rules. And yes, you'll need to buy tickets in advance.
🎡 4. On the Santa Monica Pier (Yes, Seriously)
- Vibe: Whimsical, nostalgic, classic LA
- Why It Works: Sure, it’s busy—but it’s also iconic. The Ferris wheel. The lights. The view. If your partner loves playfulness and sentimentality, this can be pure magic.
- Make It Yours: Time the ride for sunset. Pop the question at the top when you’ve got a quiet moment. If you want to go big, hire a busker to play your song near the end of the pier, then propose by the ocean.
- Tips: Keep it simple—leave the big setups to avoid attracting a crowd. Just your words, the moment, and the view.
🎬 5. In a Private Screening Room or Home Theater
- Vibe: Sentimental, personal, cinematic
- Why It Works: For movie lovers, this is peak storytelling. You’re literally writing your own scene.
- Make It Yours: Create a video montage of your favorite moments together, or a “trailer” of your love story ending in the proposal. Rent a small screening room—or better yet, book a WedBnB property with a home theater and make a weekend of it.
- Tips: Test everything in advance. Hide friends nearby for a surprise celebration afterward.
🌴 6. A Hidden Garden in the Hollywood Hills
- Vibe: Luxe meets secret garden
- Why It Works: Some of the most gorgeous LA properties are tucked into the hills. Think ivy-covered patios, old fountains, citrus trees, and twinkle lights already in place.
- Make It Yours: Rent a garden venue or stay at a WedBnB estate with a dreamy backyard. Propose under the olive trees or during a private garden dinner.
- Tips: Bring bug spray, candles, and soft music. It doesn’t need to be fancy—it just needs to feel like you two.
🐎 7. Horseback Riding in Malibu
- Vibe: Wild, peaceful, adventurous
- Why It Works: Trail rides above the coast are incredibly romantic. You get solitude, views, and the feeling of stepping outside time.
- Make It Yours: Coordinate with the trail operator to plan a scenic stopping point. Pack a small bouquet or love letter in your bag to make the moment more memorable.
- Tips: Go at golden hour. Bring a camera or GoPro mounted to your helmet for that cinematic “ride into forever” footage.
🏙️ 8. Rooftop Proposal in DTLA
- Vibe: Modern, sleek, stylish
- Why It Works: Rooftop views over downtown at twilight are chef’s kiss. It’s the perfect combo of quiet drama and city sparkle.
- Make It Yours: Decorate a rooftop space with string lights, photos, and flowers. Cue the music and the skyline, then ask the question. Book a WedBnB property with rooftop access and turn the whole weekend into a celebration.
- Tips: Watch for wind, and double-check your power source for lights or speakers.
🎶 9. A Surprise Concert Moment
- Vibe: Loud, emotional, adrenaline rush
- Why It Works: If music is your love language, why not let your favorite artist be part of the moment?
- Make It Yours: Reach out to the venue or band ahead of time. Some indie acts will absolutely help you pull it off. Or keep it private and propose after the encore while you’re still on a high.
- Tips: Choose a concert that means something to both of you—your first date artist, a favorite shared playlist, or a band you discovered together.
💍 10. Private Backyard Proposal at a WedBnB Estate
- Vibe: Intimate, emotional, personal
- Why It Works: Sometimes the most powerful moments happen away from the crowd. With your own space, you can decorate, plan, and celebrate exactly how you want.
- Make It Yours: Rent a WedBnB property for the weekend. Plan a surprise dinner or a starlit toast, invite a few loved ones, or keep it just the two of you. Bonus: You’re already at a wedding-friendly venue 😉
- Tips: Use string lights, candles, flowers from the local farmer’s market, and your favorite playlist to set the mood.
Final Thoughts
A great proposal doesn’t need a crowd or a camera crew. It just needs you, your love story, and the right setting.
Whether you’re into Ferris wheels or garden twinkle lights, Los Angeles has the perfect backdrop. And when you’re ready to turn that YES into a full wedding weekend, WedBnB is here to help.
We believe every proposal should feel like a memory in the making. Let’s help you start your forever in a place that feels like home—and maybe even host the wedding too.