By Cassidy Nichol
Amazing Marriage Proposals For Nature Lovers
It's no wonder that so many weddings take place outdoors. Nature reduces stress, improves our mood, and even enhances spirituality – that sense of belonging to a greater force than oneself – which could be God or could simply be Love. Nature is a subject of fascination for millennial couples, who are seeking more adventurous, authentic experiences for their honeymoons, as well as their yearly getaways with their partner. If your partner loves nothing more than spending time outside and taking in the majesty of the Great Outdoors, why not celebrate this passion with a unique marriage proposal?
Top of the world
As winter sets in, traveling to a dreamlike mountain destination seems incredibly appealing. Popular destinations for those into skiing and trekking include Aspen, Lake Tahoe, and in Europe, the Bernese Oberland in Switzerland, home to vertiginous peaks and magnificent ski resorts. If you will be in Europe, one particularly romantic ride is the cogwheel train that takes you all the way up to the Jungfraujoch – the highest railway in station, where you can take in views of rolling mountain ranges, and (in the summer) view cows gently grazing on the grassy valleys below. The Jungfraujoch has an observatory deck with an ultra-fast lift that climbs 108 meters in just 25 seconds. When you get to the top, take in the glory of the golden sunset, get down on your knees, and pull out your ring. Ensure your proposal diamond is fair trade; if your partner is into sustainability, they will be curious about the origin of the diamond. Ensure the diamond you choose has the Kimberley Process Certification, and ask for a GIA or AGS certificate. This will ensure you can trace your diamond back to its source.
A couples’ retreat
Spiritual retreats – such as those centered around yoga, meditation, and nature – are growing in popularity, owing in no small part to the major benefits they can have on our well-being. A study by researchers at Thomas Jefferson University found that retreats can actually change feel-good chemicals in the brain, enhancing well-being and enabling stressed-out urbanites to ‘reset’ their mindset. Retreats don’t have to be a solo pursuit; in fact, top retreats are sometimes specifically focused on couples who wish to connect and celebrate their love in the midst of a spectacular natural setting – think a lush forest, majestic mountain range, or azure beach. On the last day of your retreat, something as simple as preparing a romantic picnic, taking your partner to a scenic spot, and dropping their ring in an elegant Champagne flute, can end your getaway on a real high.
Feeling the rush
Not all nature lovers enjoy celebrating the Great Outdoors in a relaxed fashion. For some, it’s all about being part of the world outside and embracing its danger, as well as its beauty, through adventure sport. Canyoning is a sport that can actually be practiced by newbies as well as seasoned climbers. The key is to plan this activity with a trusted, experienced and qualified team, who can recommend the best drop for your fitness level. The biggest reward offered by canyoning is the chance to visit gorgeous bodies of water that are otherwise completely inaccessible. Studies have shown that undergoing slightly risky or adventure-centered activities can really heighten your romantic inclinations, so why not propose in the middle of a turquoise pool after testing your mettle by canyoning down a steep cliffside?
If your partner loves nature and feels like their best self in the Great Outdoors, think about making nature a key part of your proposal. The possibilities are endless. Serene mountainsides and pristine lakes suit those into spiritual practice as much as they do those who love the thrill of adventure. Plan your proposal with heart and soul, rely on trusted providers, and whatever you do, keep it a surprise until the very last minute.
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