The Incredible Moment a Volcano Erupted During a Marriage Proposal
A hike up Guatemala’s Volcán Acatenango became an internet favorite when the nearby Volcán Fuego erupted right as a man proposed to his girlfriend. Justin Lee had planned to propose to his girlfriend, Morgan, during their trip, and he hoped a volcanic blast would frame the moment. They waited near the viewpoint as clouds passed and crowds gathered. When Justin finally went down on one knee, Fuego erupted in clear sight.
The Plan for a One-Of-A-Kind Moment
Justin wanted a dramatic backdrop and timed his plan around Fuego’s reputation for frequent activity. The couple reached Acatenango after a long hike and stayed near a viewpoint where explosions could be seen. For 30 to 40 minutes, nothing happened. Clouds blocked the view, and the volcano stayed silent. Justin decided not to wait any longer and began the proposal once the sky cleared.
As he spoke, an eruption in the background with smoke and red flashes lit up the scene and created an unexpected spectacle. Morgan did not realize what was happening until people around them reacted. The moment looked cinematic on camera, even though it was unplanned. Justin later shared that hiding the engagement ring through airport security had been a bigger challenge than he expected.
The Viral Video and Global Reactions
Morgan posted the engagement video earlier and reposted it again on August 18, which is when it went viral. It gathered more than 40,000 views and thousands of likes. Users reacted with shock, humor, and excitement. The activity shown in the clip was the first visible one the couple saw that day, which made viewers even more fascinated by the coincidence.
A Powerful Setting with Real Risks
Image via Wikimedia Commons/Juan Francisco
The proposal took place near one of Guatemala’s most active volcanoes, Volcán Fuego. Volcán Fuego produces regular Strombolian eruptions that can release ash, smoke, and bursts of lava about every half hour. In local indigenous culture, Fuego holds spiritual meaning and is viewed as a sacred link to the supernatural. Hikers on Acatenango often set up camp to watch nighttime eruptions since the glow is more visible after sunset. The hike itself is demanding, with steep terrain, cold temperatures, and altitude conditions that challenge various travelers.
Guided tours help with equipment, cabins, and food, but the mountain still demands respect. Soon after the couple’s video was filmed, activity picked up and nearby groups, including Justin and Morgan, were moved out for safety. Their timing spared them from worsening conditions, leaving them with a story that’s now part of Fuego’s long record of unpredictable moments.
Warnings Around Fuego
Despite the fact that Volcán Fuego attracts numerous hikers, safety concerns continue to grow. Tour companies often bring groups within 100 meters of the crater. These tours draw people with promises of up-close lava views, yet many participants arrive unaware of the site’s fatal history. The deadliest eruption came in June 2018, when ash and debris from Volcán Fuego buried the village of San Miguel Los Lotes. Official counts listed around 218 deaths, though residents say the true number was far higher, possibly in the thousands.
Consequently, INSIVUMEH, Guatemala’s volcano monitoring agency, has documented over 47 serious eruptions since 2015. The organization issues daily warnings but lacks legal authority to restrict access. Many guides have expressed concern, with some avoiding the site entirely, but others still operate multiple tours each week.
While Acatenango provides safe viewing terraces, the demand for direct exposure to volcanic activity continues to outweigh calls for stricter regulations or safety reforms.