Aussie man’s epic proposal at one of the world’s busiest landmarks – minus the tourists

When it came time to pop the question to his long-time girlfriend, this young Aussie came up with a wild idea – and somehow made it happen.

Cooper Weldon’s girlfriend had always made one thing clear – if or when he wanted to propose, she didn’t want it to happen in a busy public place in front of loads of people.

So, naturally, the 22-year-old digital marketing executive chose one of the world’s most-visited landmarks in peak tourist season.

But to ensure Maria Almeida’s wishes were honoured, he spent almost a year hatching an incredible plan to pop the question in a spectacular setting with huge significance to her family.

In a nutshell, Mr Weldon hired out the famed Christ the Redeemer statue, perched high on a hill overlooking Rio de Janeiro – one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

“The statue is managed by a local Catholic church, so I got in touch with them to ask if it was possible to have it to ourselves for a while,” he told news.com.au.

Amazingly, it soon became clear that it could indeed be possible … but definitely not simple.

“There was a lot of back-and-forth because they didn’t speak English, and I don’t speak Portuguese. Thankfully, I have some Brazilian friends who were able to help translate for me.”

Eventually, after months of negotiation, a price was agreed upon – and then abruptly hiked by a fairly hefty amount.

Fair enough, perhaps, given about two million people come to see the 30-metre tall Art Deco-style marvel each year.

On a standard day, several thousand tourists cram shoulder-to-shoulder to get up close to the engineering marvel and spiritual treasure that was built between 1922 and 1931.

Cooper proposed to Maria after hiring out Brazil’s famed Christ the Redeemer at dawn.

The nuns wouldn’t budge and a mate acting as translator feared the worst, suggesting Mr Weldon come up with a more realistic – and economical – Plan B.

“I don’t know, I just couldn’t imagine it not happening there. I couldn’t think of a Plan B – I only had the one and I wanted to make it happen, no matter what. It was the dream.”

Ms Almeida, 25, was born in Brazil but immigrated with her family to regional Queensland when she was a child.

She and Mr Weldon, who played soccer with her brother, met in Rockhampton and have been together for five years.

Christ the Redeemer is a hugely significant symbol for Brazilians. In Mr Weldon’s mind, it was the perfect – and only – spot to propose.

He scrimped and saved to make it happen.

Cooper and Maria celebrating with her family.

Cooper used some of his grandma's gold in the custom-made ring.

Two weeks before the couple flew out of Brisbane, Mr Weldon received confirmation – his grand proposal plan had received the blessing of the church.

“The hard part then was convincing Maria to get up at 4am to go on a tour,” he laughed.

“I told her there was this special tour you could do without anyone else, to go up and watch the sunrise. You got a photographer too, to take some photos.”

But as the big day approached, wild weather struck Rio and the city experienced flooding and landslides, forcing the plan to be put on hold for a week.

It all turned out in the end.

The newly engaged couple taking in the view from Christ the Redeemer.

On February 6, as dusk turned to dawn on a picture-perfect day, with the statue’s 28-metre arm span outstretched above them, the couple posed for a photograph.

Then, Mr Weldon dropped to one knee and asked Ms Almeida to marry him. She said yes.

“She was so shocked,” he said.

“It was pretty special. There wear tears. She had no idea it was going to happen. She couldn’t believe I’d already had a ring made too. A local jeweller in Brisbane, Vin Moulds, melted down some of my grandma’s gold for it, so that’s extra nice.”

Cooper popped the question at one of the world's most-visited tourist attractions – minus the tourists.

Ms Almeida also couldn’t quite comprehend the lengths her husband-to-be had gone to.

So, how much exactly does it cost to shut down a global tourism hotspot?

“I can’t say,” Mr Weldon said, somewhat sheepishly. “Maria doesn’t know.

“Let’s just say, it wasn’t a small amount, but it was absolutely worth it. For Brazilians, it’s a very special place.

“It was this crazy idea I’d had a year before that I thought would be cool if it ever happened. It doesn’t matter how much it cost.

“I managed to pull it off in the end, and that’s all that matters.

“And it was essentially a donation to the local church, so hopefully it does some good in the community.”

After spending a few hours watching the sun rise over Rio and celebrating the special moment with her family, the couple received a blessing by a priest in an intimate ceremony in a small chapel beneath the statue.

“The nuns were very happy for us,” he added. “They were very interested in Australia and hearing about our lives. They were very supportive and wished us well for our future.”

Now back home in Australia, they’re still basking in the glow of engagement bliss, so wedding planning is in the very early stages.

But more than a few friends have pointed out the fact that Mr Weldon has set quite a high bar for the big day.

“And a few mates have also thanked me for putting the pressure on them for their own proposals,” he laughed.