Cupid will be working overtime on Saturday, February 14, as an estimated 220,000 couples across the United States prepare for one of life’s most unforgettable moments: the marriage proposal.
That single day will account for just under 10% of the roughly 2.2 million to 2.8 million engagements that take place annually — a remarkable concentration of romance that solidifies Valentine’s Day’s status as one of the calendar’s premier proposal dates. In fact, February 14 regularly ranks as the third-most-popular day to get engaged, trailing only Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve.
This year, the holiday’s appeal gets an extra boost: Valentine’s Day falls on a Saturday, giving would-be proposers the luxury of time. With no workday pressures, couples can enjoy full-day celebrations — romantic getaways, leisurely dinners or meaningful experiences — before the big question is asked. Weekend timing also makes it easier to celebrate afterward with family and friends, a factor that often influences proposal planning.
Valentine’s Day also serves as the grand finale of “Engagement Season,” the peak period stretching from late November through mid-February. According to The Knot’s 2025 Real Weddings Study, 47% of all proposals occur during this three-month window, fueled by holiday gatherings, festive moods and a natural focus on relationships and future planning.
So what makes February 14 such a powerful proposal magnet?
For many couples, the romance is already built in. Restaurants glow with candlelight, flowers and chocolates fill the air with symbolism, and the cultural spotlight is firmly fixed on love and commitment. The date itself is another draw — an anniversary that’s virtually impossible to forget. Perhaps most importantly, many couples already have special plans in place, making it easier to create a memorable moment without the pressure of designing an elaborate surprise from scratch.
Despite the cinematic image of a completely unexpected proposal, today’s engagements are rarely spontaneous. Research from The Knot reveals that 57% of couples discuss marriage more than a year before the proposal, ensuring both partners share the same vision for the future.
Ring selection is also far more collaborative than many assume: 77% of proposees are involved in choosing their engagement ring in some way, and nearly three in 10 couples shop for styles together ahead of time. In addition, about eight in 10 proposers report that their partners dropped hints about their preferences.
This Saturday, as countless ring boxes pop open and happy tears flow, Valentine’s Day will once again prove why it remains one of the most meaningful — and sparkling — days of the year.
Credit: Image by The Jeweler Blog, generated by aichatapp.ai.