Best wedding proposal ideas in Los Angeles

One of LA's most popular date (and proposal) spots, Griffith Observatory offers beautiful views, impressive architecture and all sorts of nooks and crannies for a close moment to get down on one knee. Not to mention a plethora of couple-friendly activities inside the actual building—such as a camera obscura and a seismograph machine (the two of you can cause an earthquake together, literally)—which make for a perfect excuse to get your partner there and in the mood for love. Check the schedule for free nighttime star shows for double the romance.

This rooftop bistro is one of the prettiest in town—patterned tile floors, dead-on view of the Central Library, potted trees full of twinkly lights, not to mention beautiful Downtown locals, plus a hundred of their closest friends. Inside, the eclectic French décor displays a series of tasteful boudoir paintings over the bar and a scattering of plush sofas. It's the perfect place to propose in front of an audience—with celebratory bubbly close at hand.

RECOMMENDED: LA's best bars with views

Small, beautiful and dominated by rocky outcrops, El Matador looks not unlike a European beach (read: super romantic). Six miles north of Malibu and 25 miles from Santa Monica, it's just past Leo Carrillo Beach, accessible via a steep gravelly path. There are no lifeguards or other facilities, so you should be able to find some privacy on the beach; spread your towel near the rocks (just watch out for high tide, no one likes a soggy fiancée). Arriving early or staying late should reward you with a memorable dawn or sunset, which could make the perfect backdrop for a proposal.

RECOMMENDED: Best beaches in LA

UCB offers three or four shows per night across a variety of disciplines: There's stand-up, improv, sketch and off-kilter comedy. Some players invite guests onstage to either provide fodder for the show or to participate themselves; this can be the perfect opportunity to suprise your partner with a double whammy of laughs and love—plus a rock? Ask in advance if you can set up a suprise appearance to make sure the moment goes smoothly.

RECOMMENDED: The city's best comedy clubs and improv spots

Everyone knows about the Venice Beach Canals, but in Huntington Beach—a few beach towns south of Venice Beach—there's a slightly lesser known canal system. Unlike in Venice, you can go on a gondola ride through the Huntington Harbour with Sunset Gondola, which provides you with a blanket, wine glasses and an ice bucket—you're allowed to bring your own food and drinks with you. You can add on various packages to make the event even more romantic, like flowers and chocolate-covered fruits. If you want to amp up your proposal even more, they invite you to call them to get ideas.

Dotted with fountains, picnic lawns, bright pink benches and plenty of nooks from which to sit and people-watch, Grand Park is a bright urban oasis that proves the city has a sense of romance. The park plays host to performances, gatherings and other community events, and has a picture-perfect backdrop—its giant fountain—that makes for a perfect proposal spot.

The bequest of entrepreneur Henry E. Huntington is now one of the most enjoyable attractions in the Los Angeles region. Despite all the cultural glories inside the Library's galleries, the Huntington's most stunning (and romantic) highlights are outdoors in its vast jigsaw of botanical gardens, arguably the most glorious in the entire Los Angeles region. The 207 acres of gardens, 120 acres of which are open to the public, are divided into a variety of themes: the Desert Garden, Japanese Garden, Rose Garden, etc. Find out which your partner likes best, head over on a sunny day and pop the question in one of the most beautiful settings in the city.

Considered the focal point of Santa Monica Beach, Santa Monica Pier includes Pacific Park, a traditional set-up stocked with a Ferris wheel, aquarium, fairground games and cotton candy stands. On warm weekends, the stretch is busy with families, beach bums and gym bunnies, who work out in public at the original Muscle Beach just south of the pier. Lately, the Pier has played host to a number of outdoor film and music events, bringing a hipper clientele to the boardwalk. Still, choose the right spot and this could be an epic engagement spot. Think: top of the Ferris wheel; win at one of the games but instead of a big bear, give her a diamond ring; or just simple walk along the beach and allow for the Pier to make a beautiful backdrop to your proposal.

For over 25 years , Il Cielo has been hailed as one of the most romantic restaurant in Los Angeles. It's a landmark offering fine dining for lunch and dinner, private rooms and twinkly lights, making it the perfect location for almost any occasion, day or night. Il Cielo has established itself as a place to impress... or pop the question.

RECOMMENDED: The best romantic restaurants in LA

Welcome to Paradise. Situated on an oceanside bluff in posh Rancho Palos Verdes, the picturesque resort is a Mecca of relaxation and resort life. The 102-acre resort boasts a nine-hole golf course, spa, three pools (including adult-only), and eight—count 'em, eight—restaurants. And if that isn’t enough to keep you busy, there's also paddleboarding, snorkeling and horseback riding. Pop the question during one of those fun activities, at one of their swanky restaurants, or at any of the nearby overlook points with the Pacific Ocean crashing into the cliffs below you—really, who could say no in such a beautiful place?