14 Super-Sweet Ideas for Your First Valentine's Day as an Engaged Couple

PSA: No wedding planning allowed on February 14!
Boyfriend with small present in his hands looking bashful
Photo: Janina Steinmetz / Getty Images
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by
Wendy Rose Gould
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Wendy Rose Gould
The Knot Contributor
  • Wendy Rose Gould is a freelance reporter based in Phoenix, Arizona.
  • Along with The Knot, she contributes to Martha Stewart Living, Real Simple, Insider, Verywell Mind and others.
  • Wendy has a degree in editorial journalism and a second degree in philosophy.
Updated Jan 22, 2025

Valentine's Day is easily one of the most romantic days of the year—and if you're lucky enough to be spending your first Valentine's Day engaged, then the holiday will likely seem even more special. While traditional gifts like roses or chocolate are certainly appreciated, it makes sense to commemorate this particular February 14 with something that feels, perhaps, a bit more grand. In other words, this is your sign to pull out all the stops and make it a memorable milestone in your journey as a couple.

How you decide to celebrate your first Valentine's Day together as a pre-wedded pair boils down to personal preferences, but we're here to help get the juices flowing. Whether you and bae love a night out on the town or tend to keep things low-key, our first Valentine's Day ideas for fiancés cover all the bases.

What Makes Valentine's Day Special When You're Engaged?

Getting engaged is such a whirlwind, and with all the wedding planning and excitement about the future, it can be tough to just sit back and savor the moment. But Valentine's Day is the perfect time to do that! Depending on when you're tying the knot, this could be your only Valentine's Day as an engaged couple, making it a once-in-a-lifetime occasion to hit pause, celebrate your relationship and truly honor the commitment you've made to each other. It's the perfect opportunity to enjoy the here and now and make the most of the romance before the big day arrives!

    Great Ways to Spend Your First Valentine's Day Engaged

    Looking for some ideas on how to celebrate Valentine's Day now that you're engaged? Whether you want to go all out and splurge or keep things simple and intimate, we've got over 10 unique suggestions for how to celebrate Feb. 14.

    1. Recreate Your First Date

    Look back to the first time you two really connected and recreate that moment. Maybe it was a silly date at a skating rink or perhaps it was a nice meal at a local eatery. Whatever the case, you'll get those warm and fuzzy sparks flying again by thinking back on those earliest moments together.

    "I love this idea because it takes people back to their first meeting," says psychotherapist and certified couples therapist Dr. Lee Phillips. "We hear people always ask, 'How did you two meet?' Returning to that first date shows two people their love for each other and why they decided to get engaged."

    2. Get Permanent Jewelry

    Permanent jewelry is having a major moment right now and matching accessories are a fun and symbolic way to enthusiastically say, "I love you forever and ever!" Select jewelers across the country offer the service, which entails picking out a bracelet, necklace or anklet and having it welded together so it doesn't come off. The pieces are usually minimalist and high quality, so they pair with anything and endure—just like your love.

    3. Plan a Romantic Trip

    Consider planning a special vacation for your first Valentine's Day as an engaged couple. This love-filled holiday presents itself as a great time to plan that little road trip or big adventure you've wanted to book for a while. Where you jet off to doesn't matter, as long as it's a destination you and your partner love equally. Maybe it's wine country, a tropical paradise, a cozy cabin or a big city getaway.

    4. Enjoy a Staycation

    Conversely, your first Valentine's engaged doesn't have to include a flashy or costly trip to a far-flung location. In fact, you can have just as much fun with a staycation close to home. Rent a room at a nearby hotel or Airbnb, or set aside time for an uninterrupted weekend at home. Now's also the perfect opportunity to weave in a local activity that you two have always wanted to experience.

    5. Write "Open When" Letters

    No doubt you've already picked a romantic Valentine's Day card for your fiancé, but go the extra mile by creating a series of "open when" letters for your partner. This free Valentine's Day idea is supremely romantic and is especially fitting for those whose love language is words of affirmation.

    "This takes a little planning, but it's well worth it," says Meygan Caston, a relationship expert and founder of Marriage365. "Write down some encouraging notes and inside jokes, print out some pictures of you two and put them in envelopes. Place a label on each envelope and think of times you would want your fiancé to open it."

    Some ideas for your "open when" letters include:

    • When you need to know how much I love you
    • When you've had a rough day
    • When you need a good laugh
    • When you need encouragement

    6. Schedule a Couple's Photo Shoot

    Selfies are great, but having professional photos taken of you both is the gift that'll keep on giving. You can have these high-quality images framed, post them to social media or share them with your closest friends and family. Since you're recently engaged and likely planning a wedding, you can even use the images for your save-the-dates or engagement announcements.

    7. Plan a Luxe Spa Day

    What says love more than a "treat yourself" gift? This is particularly fitting for a first Valentine's Day engaged since you're both either about to begin wedding planning or are knee-deep in the details and stress already. You'll both appreciate some time to prioritize a little R&R and self-care. Book a couple's session at a local spa for a day of facials, massages and sauna time.

    8. Create a Date Night Jar

    A date night jar is the perfect Valentine's Day gift since it builds excitement about future dates. It can also help you get out of a rut when you can't figure out how to spend a random Friday night or weekend.

    "For this, you will need a mason jar and about 30 small pieces of paper," Caston says. Write an individual date idea on one piece of paper, then fold it in half and place it into the jar. Present the gift to your partner along with 10 blank pieces of paper for them to contribute with the option of letting you fill out the remaining. This way, your partner can be involved as much as they want.

    "The next time you can't decide what to do for date night, pull out one or two pieces of paper," says Caston. "With all of the wedding planning and chaos that life brings, this allows you to keep the fun and connection in your relationship."

    9. Check Something Off Your Bucket List

    Is there something you and your partner have always wanted to do together? Maybe you've dreamed of dining at a Michelin-starred restaurant, learning a new skill like scuba diving or even mastering how to operate a boat. Or perhaps you've been meaning to tackle that garage project to transform it into a home office—anything can be romantic with a little music, great food and drinks and the love of your life.

    10. Write Your Wedding Vows

    While we recommend pausing all wedding planning duties on Feb. 14, writing your wedding vows is less of a checklist item and more of an opportunity for reflection and connection. What better day to discuss all the reasons you love your partner and can't wait to marry them than the most romantic day of the year? Grab a glass of wine, curl up on the couch with a notebook and get to writing! Even if it's just a few ideas, you'll be so glad you did it later—especially with your spouse-to-be.

    11. Spice Things Up

    February 14th is the perfect day to heat things up in the bedroom—especially if it's your first Valentine's Day as a fiancé. Snag a new couple's sex toy to encourage steamy playtime together, purchase some gorgeous lingerie or consider taking boudoir images.

    12. Share Your Dreams

    There's so much in store for you both as you embark on a lifetime together. Valentine's Day offers a perfect time to reflect and share your deepest dreams and aspirations. "We all tend to be dreamers," Dr. Phillips says. "Sharing these ideas on this special day [can be] motivating."

    These aspirations may include places you both want to travel, career ambitions, family-building goals and personal intentions.

    13. Treat Your S.O. to Their Favorite Things

    Show your partner you know them inside and out by gifting them a box of things they absolutely love. Do they always have a book in their hand? Treat them to a new reading lamp and a subscription to a book club. Are they always sprucing up your home with fresh flowers? Surprise them with a bouquet of their favorite blooms. Purchase their favorite snacks, drinks or a gift card to their favorite place. Thoughtfulness and attention to detail never go out of style.

    14. Host a Valentine's Party

    You've got a big reason to celebrate, so why not bring all your favorite people together to share the love? Decorate in pinks and reds, stock up on candy hearts and chocolate, set up a photo booth and plan a fun evening of dinner, drinks and games to enjoy with your inner circle. You could make it a joint engagement party celebration or simply lean into the V-Day theme. Since most couples will have separate Valentine's Day plans, consider hosting your soirée a few days before or after February 14 so all can attend.

    Additional reporting by Shyla Watson

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