12 Romantic Surprise Proposal Decoration Ideas (2024)

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Event venues on Peerspace typically cost $50 — $350 per hour.

Looking for surprise proposal decoration ideas to set the mood at your secret proposal spot? A proposal is already a hugely exciting event, but you can make it an even larger surprise with the right venue and decor. And Peerspace is here to help you out with both!

As the largest online marketplace for hourly venue rentals, we offer you access to insanely romantic and otherwise fresh and exciting event venues ideal for a surprise proposal. We also love to help you plan out your creative endeavors by providing surprise proposal decoration ideas, like the ones below.

So if you’re considering planning a surprise marriage proposal and want to make sure everything goes perfectly, you may be thinking about decorations for the space where you plan to propose. If so, Peerspace has 12 romantic surprise proposal decoration ideas to help you get started with planning – just keep reading!

1. Inspire a sense of awe by surrounding yourself with art

Beautiful Art Gallery - Blocks from the Liberty Bell philadelphia rental
Source: Peerspace

Whether that means going to an outdoor sculpture garden, proposing in front of a big outdoor mural you both love, or renting out an art gallery for your proposal, ensuring the presence of beautiful art is one surprise proposal decoration idea that is pretty much foolproof.

If you’re looking for an art gallery you can rent for your proposal and you happen to be near Philadelphia, this beautiful art gallery near the famous Liberty Bell is a fabulous choice. It boasts rustic brick walls, wooden floors, and warm lighting for a romantic ambiance. And since it’s in Old City, it’s also close to some of Philly’s finest restaurants for a champagne toast following the proposal itself.

Another perk that comes with using Peerspace? You can read genuine reviews from past renters before booking! To quote one reviewer who rented this Philly gallery: “I reserved the space for a surprise engagement for my girlfriend (now fiancé!) and it couldn’t have gone better. The staff was so nice and accommodating to every detail and really made us feel welcome. The space was beautiful, highly highly recommend.”

2. Hang an aesthetic proposal banner to make their heart pound

Instagram Location Ideas in Miami
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Instead of having to ask it outright, if you hang a proposal banner or sign when you do the big reveal, you won’t even have to speak – your soon-to-be-fiancé will see the banner and know exactly what’s going on. This little extra bit of planning adds an element of excitement and drama that will make your proposal ultra-memorable.

You can find proposal banners and other signs to purchase on sites like Etsy, so check it out and choose one that suits both of your aesthetic tastes. We particularly like this wood-like proposal backdrop by VintageBellsAndCo and this proposal banner by ThePaperPropShop. Both are completely customizable and sure to delight your partner.

We think a proposal banner would be especially effective when set up in a natural light photo studio courtesy of Peerspace. One beautiful example is this all-white, minimal, natural light studio in Miami, FL. When your partner walks in and sees you in this chic setting with your proposal banner, it will be game over!

3. Have a unique blanket fort at-home proposal or book a tent

mountain top olive ranch in escondido
Source: Peerspace

There’s nothing cozier than a blanket fort, and it’s really easy to make. Just spread some pillows and blankets on the floor and hang some sheets to make a tent, adding whatever additional decoration is needed to make it optimally cozy and atmospheric.

You can also opt to book a prviate tent to use as your own makeshift blanket fort in a gorgeous outdoor setting, like this mountain top olive ranch and vineyard in Escondido, CA. This outdoor olive tree-laden paradise offers everything you need for a tropically-inspired romantic proposal under the stars.

Love the idea of celebrating en plein air? Then you should also check out our sweet backyard engagement party ideas!

4. Hang photos of your best moments together

chic warehouse loft in hackney
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As you prepare to begin a new chapter of married life together, it’s also the perfect time for reflecting on your relationship history and your past, and how you two got to the present moment. Decorate wherever you’re proposing with photos of the two of you together over the years.

5. Create a lush environment with plants, plants, and more plants

Surprise Proposal Decoration Ideas
Source: Peerspace

Another can’t-go-wrong surprise proposal decoration idea is to situate you and your beloved in a lush space filled with plants, whether indoors or out because being surrounded by greenery and flowers is an automatic ticket to fantastic vibes.

If you like this idea but would prefer to propose indoors, a location like this urban jungle space in Phoenix, Arizona is a perfect option. You and your beloved can enjoy all the gorgeous plant life and take pictures posing on the exotic wicker furniture.

6. Add string lighting for warmth and welcoming vibes

Outdoor Photoshoot Locations In Oakland
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This idea is not only effective, it’s truly affordable, and it works both indoors and outdoors (but keep in mind that if you’re proposing outside you might have to choose a different kind of string lighting that’s rated for the outdoors). Whether you choose regular string lights, lanterns, or something else entirely, you can get LED, remote-control lights for as little as $10 at some stores.

You can also opt to book a Peerspace gathering venue that already boasts plenty of beautiful string lights gracing its space. This adorable mid-century boho large outdoor deck in San Francisco, CA has exactly the ambiance we love for surprise proposal decoration ideas like this.

7. Get festive and incorporate Christmas decorations

snow photoshoot ideas
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This is a really adorable surprise proposal decoration idea that also doubles as the proposal idea itself. It’s simple but romantic. If you and your significant other decorate a Christmas tree every year, this is a cozy and truly swoon-worthy time to pop the question. Buy a proposal ornament that has text asking something along the lines of, “Will you marry me?” What a surprise when your partner sees it!

Need a venue rental that celebrates Christmas year-round? Then you need to see this Christmas-themed bar in Chicago, IL’s Wrigley neighborhood. It is a fun and cheery space covered in Christmas lights, ornaments, ugly Christmas sweaters, the works!

8. Use interesting lighting to create a magical atmosphere

Indoor Photoshoot Locations in Toronto
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Colored lighting can transform a space from everyday and normal to something entirely different, and because you can change the color of the lights, it’s super customizable to your liking.

You can actually rent an event space with colored LED lights in downtown Toronto. Its multi-color LED lighting is controlled via iPad, making it easy to choose the right color. The space also has a living wall, five large windows that let in tons of natural light, 10-foot ceilings, and 1,100 square feet of multi-purpose space.

As a Peerspace reviewer shares: “The space is gorgeous! The lighting, the set, everything. Darwin is an excellent host, communicative, caring and kind. Book this place!”

9. Put it on a cake (or another baked good)

20th Birthday Photoshoot Ideas
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What is your significant other’s favorite dessert? Use this as the base for your wedding proposal, and make it a beautiful piece of decor as well. If your S.O. loves chocolate cake, the only thing that will make them love it, even more, is if it says “Will you marry me?” on top. Not great with cake decorating? No worries; simply buy a cake topper that already expresses the sentiment to ensure your cake looks irresistible.

Congratulations on your pitch-perfect proposal! Time to check out our romantic pre-wedding photoshoot ideas!

10. Opt for an aquarium proposal as a ready-made space

Multi-purpose Event Space - Aquarium Showroom - Uptown houston rental
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Let the fish do the decorating for you! Take your future fiancé to the aquarium and ask them to marry you with an otherworldly backdrop of water and stunning marine life. This is an especially great idea if you and your S.O. have fond memories of past dates at the aquarium.

11. Home away from home

Campbell Dome House kansas city rental
Source: Peerspace

For this surprise proposal decoration idea, it’s all about finding a space that feels home-y and welcoming, yet new, luxurious, and special. Otherwise, you might as well propose at home. Decorate this new “home away from home” to your liking, perhaps even using some of the other surprise proposal decoration ideas on this list.

An example of the kind of home we’re talking about is the Campbell Dome House in Overland Park, Kansas. It is a stunning mid-century, modern masterpiece built by Bob D. Campbell in 1968. The home features classic MCM furnishings as well as a tropical courtyard with an in-ground pool. It’s definitely a one-of-a-kind space for a one-of-a-kind proposal!

12. Paint your proposal message on the walls

Indoor Photoshoot Locations in London
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Perhaps there’s a room in your home that you and your S.O. have been planning to paint a different color for a while now. Take advantage of these plans and paint “Will you marry me?” (or a variation thereof) on the wall before you paint it over. This is a dramatic gesture that is sure to surprise your beloved!

Surprise proposal decoration ideas: conclusion

Rent A Mansion in Miami
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We hope these surprise proposal decoration ideas prove helpful when it comes to planning one of the biggest moments of your life!

Remember to take things to the next level and make the whole experience even more thrilling and meaningful for the person you’re proposing to by booking a sensational celebratory venue through Peerspace. As you have already seen, many already offer the perfect ambiance, making decorating an unnecessary step. After all, you have other things to focus on, like getting that ring ready!

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