A Texas man gave his boyfriend a proposal to remember when he got down on one knee in front of the entire congregation at their local Methodist Church – receiving a standing ovation in the process.

Trevor Harper, 36, and Davis Covin, 30, who live in Austin, have been dating since 2006 and have been proud and active members of the First United Methodist Church of Austin for the past two years.

Mr Harper said the support they have received has been a huge blessing to their relationship, especially as a gay couple in Texas. 'That church has been, for us, really the first time we have really been able to live out loud as a couple,' he told BuzzFeed News.

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Marrying men: When Trevor Harper, 36, (left) decided to propose to Davis Covin, 30, (right), he knew that he wanted to pop the question in front of their church family

So when Mr Harper decided he wanted to propose, he knew he wanted to do it in front of their church family.

He explained on YouTube that he and his boyfriend had been invited to share their faith story in front of their congregation, and he knew that would be the perfect time to pop the question.

Mr Harper admitted, however, that Mr Covin doesn’t really like attention, so he was a little overwhelmed at the public nature of the proposal - luckily, he accepted.

'I knew going into this that I was pushing it,' Mr Harper said with a laugh. Their church immediately got to their feet and gave them a standing ovation.

Touching moment: Mr Harper admitted that Mr Covin gets easily embarrassed, but once the shock wore off he quickly accepted his partner's proposal

Big display: After Mr Harper proposed, the congregation gave him a standing ovation

Showing support: A clearly emotional Mr Harper hugs Reverend John Wright

Mr Harper said that he began planning the proposal a few months ago with the help of his pastor, Reverend John Wright.

He said they thought it was an especially good idea because although Mr Harper and Mr Covin would love to get married in their church, they aren’t allowed.

The United Methodist Church forbids same-sex ceremonies from being conducted in Methodist churches or by Methodist ministers.

Mr Harper said that Rev Wright thought the proposal would be a beautiful way to honor their relationship if they can’t get married at the church.

Loved up: Mr Harper and Mr Covin have been dating since 2006 and are proud and active members of the First United Methodist Church of Austin, Texas

Speaking out: Mr Harper said that he began planning the proposal a few months ago with the help of his pastor, Reverend John Wright

'He agreed that was a great way to let us have that moment in a place that we love,' he said.

Now, Mr Harper is sharing his proposal and story with the hopes that other people may realize that not all churches or religions will shun you because of who you love.

'Your lifestyle, your sexuality, your choices, who you love — they don’t define your right to search out the faith that makes you feel whole,' he said.

He added: 'You cant let your sexuality define your right to walk a spiritual walk.'

The couple is also hoping that by the time they plan to get married in 2016, they will be allowed to marry in their church. 'We would love to walk down that aisle,' Mr Harper said.

Religious rules: Mr Harper thought that the proposal was an especially good idea because although the men would love to get married at their house of worship, The United Methodist Church forbids same-sex ceremonies