Fishing for a "Yes!" How to Plan a Proposal at an Aquarium

When it comes to proposal locations the options are pretty much limitless. A favorite among proposers is to ask for their partner's hand in marriage at the place of their first date. But what if your first date was at an aquarium? Well, it turns out there's nothing fishy about a proposal at an aquarium!

While at first, this may seem baffling, consider all the cool options here: you can drop to one knee with a playful dolphin looking on or pop the question in front of lazy jellyfish floating majestically through the water. Or you can work with aquarium staff to craft an unforgettable proposal experience. So if you and your partner have a passion for sea life or your first date was visiting an aquarium together, you'll want to read on to learn everything there is to know about proposing at the aquarium.

In this article:

• Can You Propose at an Aquarium?
• 5 Aquarium Proposal Ideas
• 7 Aquariums With Proposal Packages

Can You Propose at an Aquarium?

Yes! In fact—and this may be a little-known fact—proposing at an aquarium has become such a common occurrence (and popular option) that lots of aquariums even offer proposal packages! So if you'd like to pop the question Finding Nemo-style, you basically have two options: visit an aquarium and simply get down on one knee whenever you feel the moment is right or work with an on-site proposal planner who can help you plan and execute the proposal of your dreams.

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5 Aquarium Proposal Ideas

There are lots of ways to propose at an aquarium, whether you want a private moment just for the two of you or a public proposal. No matter which aquatic location you choose, here are some of our favorite ideas for a proposal at an aquarium.

Use a Will You Marry Me Sign

Purchase or design a sign that reads, "Will you marry me?" for your proposal. It serves as a fantastic prop for any pictures you might take together once you've popped the question. And since many aquariums will allow you to propose with the help of an underwater diver holding a "Will you marry me" sign, this is pretty much a must-have for an aquarium proposal.

Hire a Photographer

Whether it's a friend with a knack for capturing special moments or a hired pro, we love the idea of having a photographer with you when you pop the question at an aquarium. In fact, many aquarium proposal packages will include a photographer's admission ticket in the price. Check with your preferred location for details.

Have a Diver Help You Out

This is by far the most popular proposal idea when it comes to popping the question at an aquarium. How romantic is it to get down on one knee in front of an expansive wall of glass displaying colorful sea life, and a diver appears with a sign that makes your loved one's heart skip a beat?

Include Your Partner's Favorite Animal

If your special someone has a particular animal or exhibit they run to first each time you visit the aquarium, consider including that critter in your proposal! Most aquarium staff will work with you to craft the perfect proposal that will be meaningful for you and your partner.

Work With a Proposal Planner

The best way to ensure your aquarium proposal goes off without a hitch is to work with a proposal planner provided by the aquarium of your choice. Lots of aquariums offer proposal packages that come with your own planner to help you navigate the details and regulations.

7 Aquariums With Proposal Packages

The Disney song from The Little Mermaid says it best: "Life under the sea is better than anything they got up there." If the love of your life is dreaming of an aquarium proposal, here are some of the best places to check out.

Long Island Aquarium in Riverhead, New York

Nervous to get down on one knee and ask that all-important question? Have a sea lion do it for you! That's just one of the amazing options the fabulous Long Island Aquarium offers. Other proposal packages include penguins, divers or even a romantic proposal at the on-site butterfly garden. Pricing starts at $195 and you'll have to contact the reservations team in advance to reserve your proposal package.

Price: From $195

Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park in Fort Walton Beach, Florida

This popular aquarium in Fort Walton Beach, Florida, combines excitement with education, offering guests an array of unforgettable animal experiences. Another experience you're not likely to forget? Proposing at the aquarium in sunny Florida! Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park offers three affordable proposal packages for a fun, whimsical way to pop the question. Choose from divers, dolphins or penguins to assist you in requesting your love's hand in marriage, each with a dedicated on-site photographer to capture this sweet moment.

Price: From $80

Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies in Gatlinburg, Tennessee

This hidden gem nestled in the Great Smoky Mountains of Tennessee offers an immense variety of sea life, along with immersive experiences guests rave about, like clear walk-through tunnels. Plan a weekend getaway for you and your love, complete with a cozy Airbnb, a fire pit in the evening and some leaf-peeping during the day (if you visit in the fall). And if you're hoping for a proposal at an aquarium, the friendly staff at Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies is there to help.

The aquarium offers three proposal packages: have a diver hold up a sign, propose while meeting penguins or take advantage of the aquarium's private option. The shark tunnel proposal is truly special, with tea lights and rose petals set up for your very own private aquarium proposal. All three packages offer a souvenir photo and a keepsake gift.

Price: Contact Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies for pricing

Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta, Georgia

The Georgia Aquarium, located in Atlanta, is truly notable. The largest aquarium in the United States, it's one of the only places in the world that has whale sharks in captivity. If you've always dreamt of a proposal at the Georgia Aquarium, you're in luck! With just a bit of advance planning, aquarium staff will help you put together an unforgettable moment for both you and your loved one. If you're both dive certified, this aquarium is perhaps the only one in the US where you can pull off a diving proposal as you're both immersed in the water with manta rays and whale sharks.

Price: Contact Georgia Aquarium for pricing

Newport Aquarium in Newport, Kentucky

The helpful staff at the Newport Aquarium in Newport, Kentucky, will help you pull off the perfect aquarium proposal. Pop the question with the help of a diver at the Shark Ray Bay Theatre or enjoy a private penguin encounter for up to 10 people, complete with original art and a photograph of your special moment as part of your proposal package.

Price: Contact Newport Aquarium for pricing

Seattle Aquarium in Seattle, Washington

While they don't specifically offer a proposal package, the Seattle Aquarium does offer a personalized underwater message experience. Here, a diver will display a sign of your choice or even one you've made. Your proposal will take place during the aquarium's unique Window on Washington Waters diver experience, where divers use specialized masks to answer questions. When the diver reveals your special sign, it's time to get down on one knee and start your proposal speech!

Price: From $500

Daytona Aquarium in Daytona Beach, Florida

Thinking about proposing at the aquarium? Hire a photographer and head to the Daytona Aquarium for an unforgettable proposal. The aquarium offers three different levels of proposal packages, each incorporating a life-like shell ring container for you to present to the love of your life. Pricing includes admission for three, which the aquarium suggests you use for yourself, your partner and a photographer.

Price: From $150