Top 30 Marriage Proposal Movie Scenes

Top 30 Marriage Proposal Movie Scenes

Welcome to MsMojo, and today we’re looking at movie marriage proposals that had us all saying, “I do!” There will be spoilers.

#30: Put a Guitar String On It

“A Star Is Born” (2018)

“A Star Is Born” has been retold multiple times over the course of more than eight decades. While each reflects the period it was made, they all center on a whirlwind romance destined to end in tragedy. Jackson and Ally are no exception, but the tear-jerking final destination wouldn’t hit as hard if their love story didn’t stem from a place of sincerity. Jackson’s proposal to Ally is every bit as spontaneous as their courtship, making a ring out of a guitar string. It’s a fitting symbol of their love, for better or worse. Music brought them together, but their relationship is jagged and not made to endure. Nevertheless, the two tie the knot that same day, diving off the deep end.

#29: Proposal in Bed

“My Big Fat Greek Wedding” (2002)

Coming from a big family, Toula isn’t used to subtlety. Even an everyday family gathering feels like an event. So, her wedding will naturally be blown out of proportion, with her family eclipsing the bride and groom. Ian’s proposal is the calm before the storm. It doesn’t come with a grand gesture. There isn’t even much buildup. Lying together in bed after expressing their love, Ian simply pops the question. Toula doesn’t need anything else, joyously accepting. Of course, Ian isn’t just marrying Toula. He’s marrying into her family. For this brief, quiet moment, though, Toula and Ian are the only two people who matter. It’s genuinely romantic and, for a 21st-century PG movie that a lot of kids saw, surprisingly steamy.

#28: Three Carats

“Anora” (2024)

What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas. If only that were true. When wealthy nepo baby Vanya offers sex worker Ani $15,000 and a trip to Sin City, she naturally accepts. As their week comes to a close, Vanya has another proposal: marriage. Vanya needs a green card. Ani is his ticket to staying in the States. While Ani is hesitant, Vanya convinces her that this is the real deal. Going from stripping to sporting a diamond ring and fur coat, Ani’s reversal of fortune seems too good to be true. That’s because it is. This night finds Ani at her highest of highs before experiencing her lowest of lows. Yet, it may put Ani on the path to finding true love somewhere unexpected.

#27: Quarreling While Proposing

“Little Women” (2019)

For all their similarities, each “Little Women” adaptation has differences. Take Laurie’s proposal to Jo in the 1994 version vs. the 2019 one. In the 1994 film, Christian Bale takes a more restrained approach, holding back his heartbreak as he accepts that Jo isn’t his destiny. As well-acted as this scene is, we prefer the 2019 version, where Timothée Chalamet unleases all of Laurie’s emotions. The proposal feels like a more balanced quarrel, with Jo sounding as if she’s talking Laurie off a ledge. Even if she can’t marry him, you can tell that Jo sincerely cares about Laurie, making her rejection harder to accept. Laurie does, although he’s convinced Jo will marry someday. This is where Greta Gerwig cleverly deviates from the source material.

#26: A Heartfelt Proposal

“Braveheart” (1995)

This Best Picture winner is primarily remembered for his speeches and battles. William Wallace isn’t just fighting for the freedom of his people, however. He’s also fighting for the memory of the woman he loves, Murron. Adoring Murron since childhood, Wallace proposes with a few simple yet genuinely romantic words. Murron doesn’t hesitate to accept. The two exchange vows in a secret ceremony under the stars, although their happy life together will be short-lived. Not long after, Murron meets a violent end, and Wallace’s death is even grislier. As Wallace prepares to take his dying breath, he finds solace in two things. 1) He died standing by what he believes in, and 2) He’s finally free to be reunited with the love of his life.

#25: The Balcony

“The Adventures of Robin Hood” (1938)

Errol Flynn and Olivia de Havilland were frequently paired on screen. Their chemistry was at its peak in “The Adventures of Robin Hood,” most notably when our outlaw hero drops by Maid Marian’s balcony. Although initially on opposite sides, Robin and Marian have England’s best interests at heart. They also have each other’s hearts. Assured of Marian’s feelings, Robin asks her to come with him and start a life together, but Marian isn’t ready to accept just yet. She believes she can do more good spying on Prince John, showing that Marian is just as much this film’s hero as Robin. Once King Richard reclaims his throne, marriage bells await Robin and Marian. We also want to give a shout-out to Disney’s animated classic, which has one of the most action-packed proposals you’ll ever see.

#24: A Token Of Love

“While You Were Sleeping” (1995)

Lucy’s unglamorous life as a fare collector takes an unexpected turn when she rescues Peter, the commuter she’s been crushing on from afar. After Peter falls into a coma, a series of misunderstandings leads his family to believe that Lucy is his fiancée. This is further complicated by the blossoming romance between Lucy and Peter’s brother, Jack. Once Peter wakes up, Lucy nearly makes it down the aisle with him, only to come clean: Peter doesn’t have amnesia, they weren’t engaged, and she’s in love with Jack. Lucy isn’t expecting a happy ending, but she doesn’t just find forgiveness. She finds love, both from the family who welcomed her into their lives and Jack, who drops a ring where it all started.

#23: Like a Comet “A Walk to Remember” (2002)

Landon promises Jamie that he won’t fall in love with her. He fails to honor that pledge, admitting his feelings shortly before learning that Jamie has leukemia. Their star-crossed relationship reaches its emotional apex under the night sky, as Landon brings a telescope he constructed to Jamie’s balcony. He sets it up in time for Jamie to witness a comet. Much like their romance, it flies by. Yet, it’s better to share a fleeting moment than to have never experienced it at all. Landon seeks to make the most of the time he has left with Jamie, asking her to marry him. He soon makes another vow to Jamie. This time, Landon honors it, loving Jamie until death do they part, and even after that.

#22: “Dammit Janet”

“The Rocky Horror Picture Show” (1975)

“The Rocky Horror Picture Show” is unlike any musical you’ve ever seen. It kicks off with a proposal that gives us just a small taste of the insanity that awaits. Brad loves Janet. So much so that he’s compelled to sing and swear while proposing. Having just attended their friends’ wedding, the musical number takes place at a church. Of course, that church is next to a cemetery with a funeral about to occur, hinting at the morbid turn this sweet romance is about to take. In another bit of foreshadowing, a few residents of Dr. Frank-N-Furter’s castle are already watching them in the background. For now, Brad and Janet find themselves blissfully swept up in this naive romance, awkwardly proclaiming their affection.

#21: Mother-in-Law’s Ring

“Crazy Rich Asians” (2018)

On a trip to Singapore, Nick has a few surprises for Rachel. Namely, he comes from money and wants to marry her. Although Rachel loves Nick, she doesn’t feel accepted by his family, especially his stern mother, Eleanor. Rachel thus turns down his initial proposal, but she makes it clear to the family matriarch why she’s walking away from love. She cares about Nick too much to make him choose. Thankfully, he doesn’t have to. Reaching Rachel’s plane in time, Nick proposes again. This time, the ring isn’t just a symbol of their love. Nick presents her with Eleanor’s ring, showing Rachel that she’s been welcomed into the family and is more than enough.

#20: Grow Old With You

“The Wedding Singer” (1998)

What better way to show your love than with a midflight serenade? Adam Sandler shows us his softer side as wedding singer Robbie in this classic 80s throwback, as he falls for the equally sweet waitress Julia, played by Drew Barrymore. When Julia boards a plane to reluctantly marry her awful fiancé Glenn, Robbie puts together an impromptu performance, with the help of a few sympathetic passengers. While he never officially pops the question, it’s clear from the lyrics of Robbie’s song, and the tears in Julia’s eyes, that they’re pretty much engaged at that point, and the next scene is the happy couple walking down the aisle.

#19: I’d Like to Date You

“The Proposal” (2009)

Based on the title, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that a marriage proposal plays a key role in this romantic comedy. When the bossy Margaret faces deportation, she decides to marry her long-suffering assistant, Andrew, to stay in the States. Of course, Andrew abuses his newfound power first. While they get off on the wrong foot, these two eventually come to realize they’re made for each other. It may be a contrived setup, but Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds share such authentic chemistry that it’s hard not to cheer when the panting Andrew proposes to Margaret for real. You know, so they can date.

#18: As We Are

“Jane Eyre” (2011)

Charlotte Brontë’s 1847 novel “Jane Eyre” is one of the most highly regarded works of English literature in history, and also contains a unique and heartrending romantic storyline. This classic tale has been retold on-screen countless times, but the 2011 film starring Mia Wasikowska and Michael Fassbender as Jane and Mr. Rochester perfectly adapts the book’s proposal scene. The script takes many lines from the book word for word, including Rochester’s monologue about the string in his chest binding him to Jane. Their love story may not be a conventional one, but it is certainly one for the ages, building up to an unforgettable proposal.

#17: ‘Jackson’

“Walk the Line” (2005)

“Walk the Line” was a truly loving tribute to the lives of Johnny Cash and June Carter, even if certain elements were romanticized. After asking June for her hand in marriage several times, Johnny asks her once again on stage. June tries to move on with the show, but Johnny refuses to continue until hearing her answer. Coming to terms with her feelings, June accepts the proposal and the two engage in a crowd-pleasing kiss. While it’s been said that Cash’s proposal to June wasn’t quite as dramatic in real life, this scene is pitch perfect from a storytelling standpoint, offering a charming final curtain.

#16: The Perfect Proposal

“About Time” (2013)

This underrated film from the director of “Love Actually” tells the story of a young man who learns that he has the ability to travel through time - or at least through his own lifetime. That means he can fix mistakes that he has made by going back and reliving moments again. Tim, played by Domhnall Gleeson, uses this power to make sure his proposal to the woman of his dreams, Mary, is just right - though their ensuing wedding is practically perfect in just how terribly it goes.

#15: Say Yes, Scarlett

“Gone with the Wind” (1939)

After Scarlett O’Hara loses her second husband, Rhett Butler wastes no time proposing to the bawling widow. Scarlett is reluctant to marry anyone, let alone the conceited Rhett. Nevertheless, Rhett remains 100% confident that he’ll get a “yes” out of her. After laying a passionate kiss on Scarlett’s lips, she gives Rhett the answer he’s been waiting to hear. Mixing great humor with great romance, this scene sums up why these two are among cinema’s most iconic star-crossed lovers. Since Scarlett still holds a torch for Ashley, though, her marriage to Rhett doesn’t exactly have a storybook ending.

#14: A Predestined Proposal

“The Time Traveler's Wife” (2009)

Audrey Niffenegger’s hit novel, “The Time Traveler's Wife,” features one of the most bittersweet love stories we’ve ever read. When we found out it was being turned into a movie, we knew it was going to be a tear jerker. The story is about a man, Henry, who unwillingly time travels, and his relationship with the woman who will eventually become his wife. Henry sweetly slips a diamond ring onto her finger and her initial reaction is to blurt out “no,” just to prove that she even can, though her life is already predestined.

#13: Is It Still Raining?

“Four Weddings and a Funeral” (1994)

Just as he’s about to marry Henrietta, Charles realizes two things: marriage just isn’t for him and he’s truly in love with another. Despite never wanting to tie the knot, Charles still wishes to spend the rest of his life with Carrie. Sharing the same outlook, Carrie accepts Charles’ earnest proposal to not marry him. While their kiss in the rain may be a cliché, this declaration of love is anything but conventional. Complete with honest, humorous, and heartfelt dialog, it demonstrates that lovers don’t always need to follow the old-fashioned romantic route, but rather do whatever works for them in order to find happiness.

#12: Happily Ever After

“Ever After” (1998)

This creative retelling of the well-worn Cinderella story is one of our favorite 90s romances, featuring one of our favorite movie proposals. Drew Barrymore plays Danielle in “Ever After,” and takes on the role of a real world Cinderella. This proposal is great because at this point in the story Danielle thinks that she has disappointed her prince by hiding her real identity from him, so she is just as surprised as the audience is when he gets down on one knee and tenderly places her shoe on her foot, asking for her hand in marriage.

#11: A Big Proposal

“Sex and the City” (2008)

While Carrie and Mr. Big officially ended up together in the final episode of “Sex and the City,” they wouldn’t reach the altar until this feature film. Of course their wedding doesn’t really go according to plan, as Big gets cold feet and leaves Carrie heartbroken again. The two get yet another shot at romance later down the line, however, upon being reunited in a walk-in closet. It took almost ten years, but shippers finally got the moment they had been waiting for. The filmmakers delivered with a proposal that may seem small on the surface, but is actually pretty big.

#10: Ring Pop

“Deadpool” (2016)

This movie stands out on our list for not being a conventionally romantic movie, and definitely not being a conventional proposal. 2016’s “Deadpool” is above all else an action film, but behind all the witty jokes and special effects is a simple romance between Wade and Vanessa. These two are far from sappy, so we could have guessed that there wouldn’t be a standard scene where someone gets down on one knee with a diamond ring. The alternative is laugh out loud funny, and definitely not PG.

#9: The Language of Love

“Love Actually” (2003)

“Love Actually” may not be the most realistic film, but it never fails to make us feel all warm and fuzzy inside. This scene is a clear romantic highlight, as Jamie professes his love for Aurélia, the Portuguese housekeeper who’s mended his aching heart. In order to propose, Jamie learns Aurélia’s native language and unleashes his true feelings. Even if he doesn’t speak perfect Portuguese, we feel all of the sincerity in Colin Firth’s delivery. The cherry on top is that Aurélia has been learning English to communicate with Jamie, agreeing to marry him. It just goes to show that love is a universal language.

#8: Imperfect Perfections

“Emma” (1996)

Jane Austen adaptations abound in cinema and television, and there is something magical about the sweet simplicity of this scene from “Emma.” Gwyneth Paltrow plays the titular character who is a proud matchmaker that spends much of the story arranging love connections for those around her. It takes her until the end of the movie to realize who it is that she wants to be with, but when she does the timing is just right.

#7: By a Thread

“Stepmom” (1998)

In the ‘90s, Julia Roberts reigned supreme as America’s Sweetheart. While her big proposal in “Runaway Bride” certainly tugged at our heartstrings (xref), this scene from “Stepmom” gets extra points for originality. Where most marriage proposals in movies are big and flashy, this one is subtle and surprisingly honest. In bed together, Luke presents his girlfriend, Isabel, with a ring box. Instead of finding a ring inside, Isabel uncovers a spool of thread. Luke, who’s already had one failed marriage, then delivers a meaningful speech about what commitment means. Sliding the ring onto her finger, they promise not to break the thread that connects their hearts.

#6: Open Me

“Serendipity” (2001)

Most of the proposals on our list take place between a film’s two romantic leads, but even though this one features “the other guy,” it’s so cute that it had to have a place. Sarah and Jonathan are meant to be together, but while fate is keeping them apart, Sarah has a relationship with Lars, a new-age musician. While his character is pretty cringe-worthy for much of the film, he manages to surprise Sarah with a proposal that anyone would be jealous of. Even though they didn’t end up together, we still think of this one fondly.

#5: Will You Marry Me?

“Bridget Jones: Edge of Reason” (2004)

Although Bridget Jones’ follow-up film isn’t up there with the original, this long-awaited proposal hits just the right note. While their rapport isn’t romantic in the traditional sense, Bridget comes to the realization that her relationship with Mark is still romantic nonetheless. Mark then prepares to ask Bridget a question. Before he can ask, though, Bridget kind of ruins the moment by opening her mouth too soon. Caught off guard, she hits the reset switch and Mark finally proposes. This scene is as awkward as it is tender, which is only fitting for Bridget Jones.

#4: Mrs. O'Brady-Callaghan

“Leap Year” (2010)

“Leap Year” is a movie all about the concept of women having a chance to propose to men, so we expected a heart-warming proposal scene - and did the 2010 film ever deliver. After Anna travels around Ireland hoping to propose to her longtime boyfriend on Leap Day, she realizes that maybe they weren’t meant to be after all. She ultimately decides that she wants to be with Declan, the man who helped her while she was there. She goes back to his pub to ask him to be together, and he doesn’t give her an answer. He finds her later on, though, and offers her his mother’s Claddagh ring, and his hand in marriage.

#3: A Breakup & A Proposal

“Moonstruck” (1987)

Loretta doesn’t believe in true love, but she doesn’t want to die alone either and thus accepts Johnny’s marriage proposal. Things get complicated, however, when Loretta reluctantly falls head over heels for Johnny’s brother, Ronny. Matters seemingly work out for the best when Johnny calls off the engagement out of superstition. Since he made her a promise, though, Loretta hilariously gives her former fiancé a piece of her mind. She throws the ring to the ground, which Ronny subsequently borrows in order to propose. Confusing everyone else in the room, Loretta shifts from being infuriated to being overwhelmed with affection.

#2: Daffodils

“Big Fish” (2003)

2003’s “Big Fish” is all about parsing the difference between fantasy and reality, so it goes without saying that the proposal in this film is the stuff of dreams. Edward falls in love with a woman he barely knows, and proposes to her several times to no avail. After finding out that her favorite flowers are daffodils, he collects thousands and thousands of them and places them all outside her house. This grand romantic gesture seals the deal and convinces her to break off her engagement with her fiancé.

#1: You Have Bewitched Me

“Pride & Prejudice” (2005)

A woman ahead of her time, Elizabeth Bennet refuses to marry just any potential suitor. Despite her initial animosity toward Mr. Darcy, she soon finds true love in the most unlikely of places. As the sun rises, the two at last come together and express their love, ushering in a new day. Even if you’ve read Jane Austin’s classic novel time after time, this scene from the 2005 adaptation will make you fall in love with “Pride & Prejudice” all over again. Everything, from the elegant music, to the lovely scenery, to the genuine performances, is simply bewitching, delivering a cinematic proposal for the ages.

Which movie proposal do you find the most irresistible? Let us know in the comments.