It’s one of life’s most important moments—not to mention one of the most romantic. Make it something she’ll forever remember by choosing a perfect spot to get down on one knee at. American wedding engagements can come at any number of wondrous places, from secluded coastlines or dramatic cityscapes, to wild forests or while on top of snowcapped mountains.
Create a moment of pure bliss and utter surprise by asking her to be your bride at these enchanting and not-so-commonplace U.S. destinations. Here are the seven best places in the United States to propose.
Pop The Question In One Of These Amazing Places!
Big Sur is an absolutely gorgeous and unforgettable place to ask the question of a lifetime!
1. Big Sur, California
This ninety-mile stretch of Highway One running from Carmel to San Simeon has some of the most poetry-inspiring scenery in the entire nation. With rugged coastline views sandwiched in between rocky cliffs on one side and those mighty Santa Lucia mountains on the other, it’s the perfect spot to pop the question at—especially while cruising along in a vintage convertible while breathing in the fresh saltwater air from the nearby Pacific.
Get ready for an unbelievable ride. So pop open those champagne bottles and gaze lovingly at your better half over a romantic candlelit dinner somewhere along this classic American roadway. You’ll even have easy access to the isolated sands of Pfeiffer Beach, as well as dining hotspots such Sierra Mar and cozy cliffside stays at the Treebones Resort or Post Ranch Inn, which both offer oceanview suites that’ll have you waking up to supreme views of California's vivid coastline. Alternatively, a vacation rental is an amazing way to have an oceanside home base all to yourself.
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2. New York City
Classic romantics need not head anywhere else—especially those who want to top the romance seen in iconic films such as “Sleepless in Seattle” or “An Affair to Remember,” which both contain some of Hollywood dreamiest love scenes acted out on top of the Empire State Building’s observation deck. Let’s just say that NYC’s 102-story wonder is truly inspiring, offering incredible architecture, tons of history, and all around spectacular views of the city that never sleeps. Your bride-to-be will no doubt adore the special song you request the observatory’s onsite saxophonist to play in order to set the stage for your proposal. They’ll also likely love the all-around scintillating views of Central Park, the Hudson and East Rivers, the Brooklyn Bridge, the Statue of Liberty, and far beyond.
Speaking of Central Park, it happens to be another superb spot to create an unforgettable romantic moment. Mix up sights of the gorgeous Columbus Circle entrance with bites by legendary chef Thomas Keller at Per Se, a Manhattan perch that’ll certainly suit any groom-to-be hoping to win their lover over with ultimate luxury. New Yorkers also love the MoMA, Rockefeller Center, and candle-lit dinners at The River Café for potential engagement spots.
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What better place to propose than right next to a stunning and peaceful Hawaiian waterfall?
3. The Waipi’o Valley (Valley of the Kings), Hawaii
Situated on the northeast shore of Hawaii's Big Island, is was named for the ancient Hawaiian Royals that are buried there and offers so much life-affirming beauty that it would be hard for anyone not to feel the love. Purple fields and lotus ponds dot a lush green landscape, while cliffs etched in with flowing waterfalls cascade brilliantly down the many hillsides. There are also several streams wandering in and around the surrounding valley towards the oceans, as well as a nice array of local farms, ponds, and the longest black sand beach in the entire state of Hawaii!
Another spot to consider would be Kauai, where you and your honey will be gawking over sugary sands, orange and purple-streaked sunsets, and endless ocean views. Create a more than magical moment while relaxing along a sunny stretch of Po'ipu Beach, or while wandering along the Kalalau Trail or the Na Pali Coast. The entire island oozes with utter romance—plus there are plenty of lavish island resorts to choose from.
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4. Orlando, Florida
Lucky for us, fairytales do indeed come true for brides and grooms all across the nation, especially for visitors of Orlando's internationally renowned Magic Kingdom. Not only are there plenty of whimsical fantasy "lands” to explore, but a boatload of classic attractions, magical fireworks, colorful parades, and beloved Disney characters that’ll all be of much help when you decide to ask the ultimate Question. Pop on by Cinderella's Castle or Splash Mountain with your best girl. It’s happily ever after for sure.
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The countryside in Connecticut is a lovely place to plan a special getaway.
5. Litchfield Hills, Connecticut
Want acres and acres of woodlands, tons of fine wine and dining, as well as some gracious New England hospitality? Head on over to a crackling wood fire at places such as Winvian Farm in Connecticut's Litchfield Hills, which is well-known for boasting whimsically-designed themed cottages that make for a perfect custom-crafted weekend getaways.
There’s the “Beaver Lodge” or the “Maritime,” a cottage shaped like a lighthouse and filled with tasteful nautical antiques—even the “Treehouse,” which sits almost forty feet above the forest floor. Why not propose within a sea of leaves, or maybe even up in the air? They’ve even got a guest room tucked inside a 1968 Sikorsky Sea King Pelican coast guard chopper called “Helicopter.” Snazzy.
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6. Indianapolis Museum of Art
The name says it all: L.O.V.E. Yes, the Love Sculpture sitting quietly outside of the Indianapolis Museum of Art has been a more than popular proposal site for many prospective marriages since being obtained by IMA in 1975.
It consists of the letters LO over the letters VE, along with green and blue spaces that back the red lettering—it even got the honor of serving as the official print image for the Museum’s 1964 Christmas card. Nothing says love like the word itself. Make it official by heading on down to this Indiana cultural haven.
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Grand Teton National Park in Jackson Hole, Wyoming is a stunning place to propose!
7. Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Rekindle and reignite all your passion and love by a fire in an outdoor lounge, or by gazing out at the glorious views offered by the snowy Teton Mountains or the Snake River Range. You and your sweetie pie will certainly enjoy hiding away in luxury at spaces such as Amangani Resort—as well as further declaring your love for the outdoors by heading on to those snowy slopes nearby. Pop the big Question after skiing down the hillside with your honey, or maybe slip on that ring while you both take a nice long soak in Granite Hot Springs, a thermal pool with dazzling views of Bridger-Teton National Forest. Bliss.
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This article was written by Pamela Chan.