How to Plan a Surprise Proposal in Toronto

If you’re researching how to plan a surprise proposal in Toronto then you must be so close to asking the love of your life to marry you. Congrats! I am so excited for you and hope you find all the answers you need in this article. I’ll go over choosing the time and day, location, hiring a photographer and so much more.

Your To-Do List

  • Pick out the ring
  • Choose the big day
  • Pick a beautiful location
  • Hire a Toronto proposal photographer
  • Pick a romantic time of day
  • Create a convincing cover story
  • Make notes for your proposal speech
  • Plan your celebratory dinner
  • Consider inviting close friends and family
  • Hire a proposal planner
  • Add cushion time in case of lateness

Pick the Ring

If you’re planning on proposing to your partner then you’ve probably already picked up an engagement ring they’ll love. However, if you haven’t yet done so now is the time. Wondering what type of ring they like? Think back to a time when they may have dropped a hint. If nothing comes to mind, make up an excuse to go to the local mall and just happen to wander into the jewellery store.  If getting engaged is on their mind they will naturally gravitate to that corner of the store. Subtly ask “See anything you like?” If this still doesn’t work I’m sure the young men and women working in the store will be able to help you pick out a stunner.

how to hide en engagement ring before proposing

Choose the Day

So for starters, you have to decide which day will be the day. The day you went from boyfriend/girlfriend to future spouse. If your partner is a lover of tradition then you can choose classic proposal days such as Valentine’s Day, Christmas, or New Years. All these holidays have an aura of romance so you can’t go wrong. However, if you think that your special someone will appreciate something more unique you can go with the day you met, your anniversary or their birthday. No matter what the day you proposed you will forever be a special one. If you chose a completely random day they’ll be less likely to see it coming anyway!

Pick a Location

The most important tip about how to plan a surprise proposal in Toronto is to choose a beautiful and romantic place to pop the question. You can go somewhere sentimental like where you went on your first date, where you asked them to be your girlfriend/boyfriend or your favourite date spot. You could even do it in your living room or backyard if that’s how you two roll. However, if you want to really wow them you can propose at one of Toronto’s classic proposal spots or from a view of the amazing skyline. Below I have made an extensive list of all the amazing Toronto proposal locations that I could think of.

how to plan a surprise proposal in toronto

Places to Propose in Toronto

Classic + Beautiful Toronto Proposal Locations:

  • Distillery District
  • High Park
  • University of Toronto
  • Casa Loma
  • Osgoode Hall
  • Allan Gardens Conservatory
  • Nathan Phillips Square
  • Scarborough Bluffs
  • Edward Gardens

Proposal Locations with Skyline Views:

  • Thompson Hotel Rooftop
  • Trillium Park
  • Polson Pier
  • Riverdale Park East
  • Toronto Islands
  • Humber Bay Park
  • Toronto Music Garden
  • CN Tower
  • Ashbridge’s Bay

Hire A Toronto Proposal Photographer

Proposing to your significant other is one of those things that creates an incredible emotional reaction. Whether they saw it coming or not they will be over the moon excited. This moment will go by in such a blur for both you and your fiancé(e) with so much nervousness and surprise. Your partner will be so happy to realize that you had a photographer capture it all for them to look back on through the rest of your lives together. Don’t forget that you can share the news with friends, family and on social media with a stunning image. After they say yes you can start creating same-day engagement photos too! When thinking about how to plan a surprise proposal in Toronto I definitely recommend consider bringing along a photographer.

planning a surprise proposal toronto

When Hiring a Photographer:

When it comes to hiring a photographer all you’ll really need is a one-hour session that costs approximately $349+HST. You want to make sure that you hire a proposal photographer that is experienced and has photographed many marriage proposals. If you want them to be stealthy ensure that they have a zoom lenses that allows them to get up in the action even though they’re across the park hiding in the bushes.

What You’ll Need to Provide:

You will need to provide your proposal photographer with a selfie of you and your partner. You most likely won’t be meeting them in person beforehand so you want to make sure they know who you are when they see you. Exchange phone numbers so that you can keep in touch on the day of. You want to make sure that they’re on location and have spotted you before the big moment happens. When you have picked your Toronto proposal spot you want to tell them exactly where you’ll be planting the knee. Remember you want to be positioned in such a way that your photographer can capture both of your faces!

Time of Day

Nothing sets a romantic mood like a sunrise or a sunset. Think about what time of day you want to propose so that the light is flattering for photography and so you’ll still have time to do a little low key celebrating with loved ones afterword. Of course, with every season comes different sunset times. I have listed the best times of day for a proposal based on my experience as a Toronto proposal photographer. You’ll want at least an hour of sunlight for your photography session.

Perfect Times to Propose:

  • Summer: 7:30 pm go time as sunset is at 9:00 pm.
  • Fall: 5:00 pm go time as sunset is at 6:30 pm.
  • Winter: 3:30 pm go time as sunset is at 5:00 pm.

how to propose in toronto

Create a Cover Story

Unless you are going to propose at a location that you two frequent on the regular you’ll want to come up with the best excuse you can. Why exactly are you two going to this particular place at this time? Remember that they want to be engaged and will be on the lookout for telltale signs. Women especially have spidey senses. The easiest way to go about doing this is saying that you’re going out for a dinner date. Telling them you want to check out this new fancy restaurant sends your girlfriend/boyfriend the signal that they should dress up for the occasion. Try to come up with your best plan so that they will have no suspicion whatsoever.

Find the Right Words

Leading up to the day, think about all the sweet things you want to say to your love before you ask “Will you marry me?”. What is it you love about them, when did you know they were the one, what are you excited about in your journey together? Tell them how much they mean to you!

Plan A Dinner

After getting a very happy “Yes!” go out and have a little celebratory dinner or dessert. You deserve it for all your amazing planning that’s finally come together. They’ll also want to chat about everything from how long you’ve had the ring, who you’ve told and how you managed to pull everything together without them knowing.

distillery district surprise proposal photos
Surprise Proposal at Pure Spirits Oyster Bar in the Distillery District

Invite Close Friends and Family

If you two have a tight-knit group of family and friends your partner will be so happy, and surprised yet again, to show up to your dinner reservation to see the most important people in their lives waiting for them. This puts the cherry on top of an already amazing night.

Hire a Toronto Proposal Planner

All of this seem like a lot to do on your own? There are proposal planners for that! If you want to take your proposal to the next level with tons of decor, music, and romance these ladies will be able to pull together something truly amazing. Just give them a few details about your relationship and they plan everything for you. You just have to show up with your partner!

You’ll Probably be Late

One of the most difficult things when it comes to how to plan a surprise proposal in Toronto in getting to the spot on time. Getting your soon-to-be spouse out the door exactly when you need them to will be hard to do without coming across as suspicious. Try to compensate for this or any troubles by grabbing an Uber so that you don’t miss out on the sunlight or time with your photographer.

Toronto Proposal Tips for the Big Day

  • Try to act normal and breathe through the anxiety
  • Hide the ring box in your sock
  • Take your time and speak from the heart
  • Hold and put the ring on their left hand

planning a surprise proposal ontario

Check out more: Toronto proposal photography!

I hope this article about how to plan a surprise proposal in Toronto has helped you so much!