The Knot came up with a list of romantic places to pop the question and I thought it would be fun to add my comments to their favorite locations! My comments are in italic.
Wailua Falls, Kauai, Hawaii
Want to make your fantasy come true? Go to the source: This picturesque pair of 80-foot-tall water falls — Wailua means “two waters” — on Hawaii’s ‘Garden Isle’ of Kaua’i once starred in the opening sequence of the ’70s television show Fantasy Island. Propose at the scenic overlook or navigate the steep path down to its pool to frolic Blue Lagoon-style in the cool mountain water and whisper your words of love. (You know what we mean…the proposal!)
I’ve never been to Hawaii but I’ve had a lot of brides show me their honeymoon photos. It looks so amazing! Chris and I have hit everything in the US except for Hawaii in our travels. And now the American Samoa has been revealed to us by a recent bride so we have to add that to our list, too.
Love Sculpture, Indianapolis, Museum of Art
You’ve seen the stamp, now see the original sculpture. Set on the front lawn of the Indianapolis Museum of Art, this iconic steel sculpture by Robert Indiana is composed of the letters that spell the word “LOVE” stacked on each other. Originally inspired by the saying, “God is love,” the sculpture is near a lovely fountain and nestled against the forest. It’s a great spot to say your piece or start a meandering proposal that ends along the paths lacing through the museum’s gardens.
I thought this was in Philadelphia for some reason? Is there a copy of it there? A very cute idea for a proposal!
Goliath Roller Coaster, Six Flags Magic Mountain, Valencia, California
Propose the plunge — then take it! — at 85 miles an hour on one of the tallest and fastest roller coasters in the world. The Goliath is perfect, because it’s open year-round and has a nice, slow 255-foot-high anticipation-building ascent so that you have time to recount all the things you love about your intended before you pop the question at its crest. Why propose on a roller coaster? It’s a full-body rush if the answer is yes. And you’ll be secured by restraints if the answer is no!
This is too funny! I love roller coasters but my biggest fear would be dropping the ring! Yikes! Oh and if you haven’t been to Cedar Point in Ohio yet you must go if you love roller coasters! Chris and I love it there!
Inspiration Point, Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming
Few things inspire bold proclamations and weak-kneed romance better than an awesome view, and it doesn’t get much more inspiring than Ansel Adams territory in Grand Teton National Park. Catch the boat across Jenny Lake and hike up the Cascade Canyon Trail. You’ll pass Hidden Falls on your way to Inspiration Point, about three-quarters of a mile in, from which you can see Grand Teton (the park’s highest peak), Mt. Owen, and an IMAX-esque view of Cascade Canyon. Afterward, celebrate with a cozy five-course dinner at Jenny Lake Lodge. (Note: Reservations are required.)
I love Jackson Hole and the whole area around it. I went hiking with my dad and uncle years ago just outside of Jackson Hole in Pinedale. We hiked in the Wind River Range and it was an incredible experience. I am hoping to do it again this summer with Chris! I remember we had an awesome meal after the best shower ever (it always is after several days of hiking). I would love to move up there and start doing destination weddings all around the Tetons, Yellowstone and Jackson Hole!
Top of the World Restaurant, Stratosphere, Las Vegas
You really will feel like you’re walking on clouds at the revolving Top of the World Restaurant on the 106th floor of the Stratosphere in Las Vegas, more than 850 feet above the Wedding Capital of the World. Below you, Las Vegas sparkles with possibilities and mountain ranges fringe your view. Bonus activity: the 160-foot-tall Big Shot freefall ride (dresses not recommended!) above the restaurant. Toast your decision with a 2-foot-tall Stratoblaster glass filled with champagne at the casino downstairs, then tie the knot at one of the wedding chapels across the street!
I love Las Vegas and although some people think it is a big tacky I think it is great! I also think in front of the Bellagio Fountains would be a great spot to propose. And in any of the top notch restaurants all over Vegas.
Brooklyn Bridge, New York City
This bridge cuts a classic New York silhouette. Whether you’re strolling along its boardwalk or gazing up from a pier or promenade on the Brooklyn side, the marriage of its majestic heft, the twinkling Manhattan skyline, and the languid East River will make you swoon. Celebrate with a sunset-lit glass of champagne nearby at the upscale restaurant, The River Cafe (and nuzzle in its courtyard garden), or dig in to a brick-oven pie — pizza, that is — at Grimaldi’s, a New York institution and Sinatra shrine just down the street.
And for a more unique NYC proposal I recommend Roosevelt Island. Take the tram right around sunset. When I lived in NYC Roosevelt Island was a ghost town. I’m not sure how much that has changed – I used to go take long exposures at night with film and I never saw anyone the entire time I was there. It sounds unsafe for a young girl to be on an island all alone in the dark – but I really think NYC is so much safer than many people give it credit!
Paris, France (Anywhere!)
And you thought the City of Light had no more tricks up its sleeve. It’s true, this chic city is loaded with cliches, but cozy nooks and crannies are its trump card, forever saving it from static stereotype. Tease your beloved by visiting all the standard pop-the-question spots — the Eiffel Tower, the steps of Montmartre, and Luxembourg Gardens. But surprise them with that question on bended knee when the spirit moves you — along a romantic lamp-lit back street, at the tip of Ile St-Louis, or in the lovely Place des Vosges, the oldest square in Paris.
Another location on our to-visit list – Paris!
Harry’s Bar, Venice, Italy
Once the haunt of luminaries such as Ernest Hemingway, Charlie Chaplin, and Truman Capote, this intimate bar near the Piazza San Marco and Grand Canal in Venice is pure romance. Pull your bar stools close as you sip signature Bellinis, a bubbly marriage of peach juice and Prosecco, then follow up with a gondola ride along Venice’s labyrinth canals.
My aunt and uncle just got back from Italy and they were showing us tons of photos. A trip to Europe is on our list!
The Jefferson Memorial, Washington, DC
Who better to inspire your declaration of love than the author of the Declaration of Independence, Thomas Jefferson? The classical white-marble memorial in West Potomac Park is a quiet haven on the water, the perfect spot for uttering serious words of undying devotion. To sweeten the deal, go at the end of March or in early April when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom.
I agree with the cherry blossom part! I was just talking to one of my brides and she said there are tons of not so touristy spots to view the cherry blossoms all around DC so be sure and scout out a quiet spot!