Top 10 Marriage Proposal Movie Scenes

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.

“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 marriageseveral 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.

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.

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.

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.

“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.

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.

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.

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.

Before we get to our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions:

Shooting Star
“A Walk to Remember” (2002)

A Big Fat Greek Proposal
“My Big Fat Greek Wedding” (2002)

Neil Commits
“He’s Just Not That Into You” (2009)

I Want to Be Your Wife
“Think Like a Man” (2012)

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.