PARIS - The luxury marriage proposal business is booming in Paris with international clients happy to pay thousands to pop the question in the most romantic way possible in the City of Love.
Fuelled by social media, some of the city's most famous landmarks are being used as backdrops for the lavish "American-style" proposals.
On the banks of the river Seine proposal agencies arrange scenes calibrated for the internet: giant letters spelling out "Marry Me", massive flower arrangements and heart-shaped balloons.
A photo session with the set-up can set clients back anywhere from 300 to 700 euros ($350 to $830).
"There were three agencies five years ago -- there are 25 today, with options for every budget," said Florian Perrault, the founder of Paris Proposal Agency.
Perrault's specialties are rooftops and private boats, which cost around 1,800 euros.
Luxury hotels like the Shangri-La also reserve terraces with views of the Eiffel Tower for their clients.
"We arrange everything for them: flowers, candles, photographer, dinner with a private butler," said Melanie Tessier, its guest relations manager.
The spectacular staging builds loyalty, with clients returning later for anniversaries or family stays, she said.
For particularly affluent clients, high-end agencies create fully tailor-made productions.