The Surprising Ways These 12 Stars Popped the Question

George Clooney was once so content in his singleton status that he made a $10,000 bet with both Nicole Kidman and Michelle Pfeiffer, vowing to stay unmarried and child-free until he was 40. He won the battle, but not the war: Clooney married human rights attorney Amal Alamuddin in Italy, and recently said that after a romantic home-cooked meal, he got down on one knee for what turned out to be an extended negotiation. It took 25 minutes before Clooney finally pleaded to be let up because of his bad back (we’re guessing Amal said yes shortly thereafter).

With access to all the riches and jewels in the world, Prince William decided to surprise Kate Middleton with simplicity and a family heirloom. He proposed at the remote Rutundu Cabins in Kenya, which are so private that the luxuriously rustic resort is only accessible by air, horse, or 15-kilometer hike. It’s like glamping for world’s most elite travelers. Who needs electricity when you have a roaring fire and priceless diamond and a monarchy?

While we may always associate Tom and Katie's courtship with Oprah’s couch, there was at least one private moment that happened away from the cameras. After dating for a few months, Tom took Katie to the top of the Eiffel Tower and proposed. He noted the romance and magnificence of Paris as inspiration. They didn't last, but that part was at least nice.

Public proposals can be a bit tricky, but Pink pulled off a spontaneous and refreshing moment when she surprised boyfriend Carey at one of his motocross events in 2005. On his 3rd lap, she held up a sign that said, “Will you marry me?” Hart continued on with his race, which prompted her to change the sign to, “I’m serious!” That was enough to get him off his bike.

Chavril fell in love while making music together, so it’s only fitting that Chad chose a recording studio to present Avril with a 17-carat diamond a mere month after they started collaborating. The details are more Pinterest than rock-‘n’-roll; Chad sneaked stickers spelling out "will you marry me" into a scrapbook Avril was keeping. They got married in France but, sadly, they divorced on this side of the pond.

Before their divorce, Heidi and Seal were dedicated to renewing their vows every year—perhaps because the proposal was so spectacular? Seal had Heidi whisked to a glacier atop Whistler and proposed in a custom-made igloo.

The details of Johnny and Amber’s actual proposal may have never been revealed (unlike their messy divorce). What we do know though, is that like most couples, Johnny chose a ring that was too big for her finger and instead of having it sized, he chose to wear it himself. Sounds extravagant, but what’s another diamond ring when you own a private island?

The original Bennifer was a pop culture phenomena — flashing expensive gifts for paparazzi, starring in critically panned films, and making a music video that will live on in sunscreen history (unlike their engagement). On a trip to Ben's beloved hometown of Boston, he (with help from his mom) filled his childhood home with candles and flowers, where he proposed with a pink sparkler to end all sparklers.

Subtlety is not part of Kim and Kanye’s repertoire, so why would their engagement be any different? As a 33rd birthday surprise, Kanye rented out an entire baseball stadium in San Francisco, complete with a full orchestra, fireworks and camera crew to capture the moment. Instead of the traditional question, Kanye went with the polite and straightforward, “PLEEEASE MARRY MEEE!!!!” flashed on the Jumbotron. As she said yes, 100 family and friends revealed themselves in the dugout.

There are public proposals and then there are proposals on late-night talk shows while Elton John looks on. When Angie visited The Tonight Show, she clearly had no idea what was in store – she wouldn’t even reveal her boyfriend’s name as Jay Leno gently grilled her. Little did she know that Sehorn was waiting in the wings with an engagement ring. He got down on one knee on national television, while Jay offered some colour commentary. They have since divorced but that proposal was as big as they get.

Like many people, Seth had a detailed evening planned, but got so freaked out by carrying around the diamond ring, so he marched up his girlfriend and proposed. The unfortunate part was that she was getting dressed in a walk-in closet and happened to be topless. By the time he realized his timing wasn’t ideal, he had already started. Points for spontaneity, though.

Kauai, on Christmas Eve, at sunset – sure Joe Manganiello knows how to choose the perfect time and place for a proposal. But more important, he learned how to express his sentiments to Sofia in her native tongue of Spanish.