Romance is a beautiful thing to behold. Die-hard romantics go crazy for the mushy stuff, the number one winner being marriage, the ultimate romantic gesture. Historically speaking, marriage hasn’t always brought love into the equation and some modern marriages still don’t include consideration for the parties involved. That said, marriage has grown to become the ultimate symbol of love and commitment.
With Valentine’s Day approaching, it’s only appropriate that everyone’s inner romantic come out. There’s nothing better than watching a couple get engaged. From extravagant proposals like those of celebrities to just a simple question being asked, proposals are undeniably fun to watch. Whether you see marriage in the cards for yourself or you’ve already tied the knot, seeing a proposal is a satisfying view for every romantic. These are the best movie marriage proposals.
8 Love Actually
Love Actually is a cherished Christmas romance film that many keep close to their hearts. Probably one of the most iconic proposals on this list is that of Aurelia and Jamie. Despite the couple’s inability to communicate through a language barrier, they still manage to catch feelings for each other, proving further that true love can conquer any task ahead of it. Jamie goes to Aurelia’s workplace where he proceeds to give a romantic speech confessing his feelings for her, most of which she doesn’t understand, and proposes to her in broken Portuguese. This is a must-watch for any Valentine’s Day.
7 Pride & Prejudice
In the Jane Austen classic, five girls are on the look-out for husbands to save themselves from destitution, but Elizabeth meets her match when the eligible and wealthy Mr. Darcy comes to town. While there is more than one proposal in Pride & Prejudice, the best of the bunch is Mr. Darcy’s final proposal to Elizabeth. Out in the early morning, with the sun rising over the hills, Mr Darcy meets Elizabeth in the fields. After he confesses his feelings for Elizabeth yet again, rather than tear him apart like she’s done in the past, Elizabeth accepts his proposal, finally acknowledging the feelings she’d been trying to deny for so long.
6 A Walk to Remember
Nicholas Sparks’ A Walk to Remember is one of the most romantic tales of all-time as bad-boy Landon is forced to be a part of a school play, and he finds himself falling for the simple Jamie who is dying from Leukemia. Jamie and Landon’s young love is made whole when Landon asks Jamie to marry him, so she can achieve her number one goal on her bucket list and get married in the Church where her parents got married. His proposal comes when the two are on Jamie’s balcony, looking up at the stars through the telescope he built for her. Landon’s words come from his heart as his only wish is to make the love of his life as happy as possible.
5 My Big Fat Greek Wedding
Toula and Ian’s proposal story is not a large gesture, there is no music, no serenade. The proposal is simple as Ian pops the question while they’re in bed together. From the wedding to the food to the invitations, My Big Fat Greek Wedding is full of extravagance and over-the-top preparation for the wedding. The opposite is true of the proposal. Simple and intimate, Ian proposes to Toula and she accepts, the couple promising to spend the rest of their lives together. The fact that the proposal is done in private without anyone around is a stark contrast to the rest of the film stuffed with a plethora of Toula’s family. This private proposal may be the most romantic moment in the entire film.
4 The Wedding Singer
Being serenaded is one of the most romantic gestures possible. Adam Sandler proves this in The Wedding Singer when he serenades his one love with the song Grow Old With You. After finding out that Julia is going to get married to scumbag Glenn, by a stroke of luck they end up on the same plane. With the help of Billy Idol, Robbie sings to her through the PA system over the plane. While Glenn may try to intervene, the other passengers stop him and watch Robbie’s performance and Julia’s reaction in awe. It’s hard not to cry tears of joy at this heart-felt gesture which is the epitome of love.
3 Sweet Home Alabama
In Sweet Home Alabama, we have one of the most extravagant and heartfelt proposals between Reese Witherspoon and Patrick Dempsey. After a long journey of confronting her past, Melanie is brought to New York City’s Tiffany & Co. after hours when dreamboat Andrew tells her to “pick one”. She looks around in shock and disbelief as Andrew gets down on one knee and asks her to marry him. While Melanie is reluctant at first saying it hasn’t been long and asking “Are you sure?” Andrew reassures her in the most charming manner, and she can’t help but say “yes”.
2 Mamma Mia!
Mamma Mia! is the ultimate wedding musical, with an amazing ABBA soundtrack to support every twist and turn in the movie, it follows Sophie getting ready for her wedding and inviting the three men who could be her father. At a turn of events, when Sophie reaches the altar, she changes her mind and no longer wants to get married as she feels it’s not meaningful for her, and she doesn't need to be married to be happy with her boyfriend. Mother Donna (Meryl Streep) receives a proposal from her old flame and Sophie’s possible father, Sam (Pierce Brosnan). While at the church, Sam begins to sing I Do, I Do, I Do to Donna who eventually says yes, unable to deny her feelings for Sam any longer.
1 When Harry Met Sally
When Harry Met Sally is iconic for its “I’ll Have What She’s Having” scene in which Sally realistically fakes an orgasm. But that’s not the only scene in the film that fans remember. At a New Year's Eve party, Harry arrives and locks eyes with Sally. Without hesitation, Harry expresses his feelings for her and the two have a tumultuous argument. He says that all the things he loves about her, most of which are seen as flaws by most saying he wants “the rest of his life to start as soon as possible”. After Sally complains about what he’s said and says “I hate you”, the two share a kiss and show that love is not all about the honeymoon, but love is about seeing the beauty in the ugly.