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Updated Mar 06, 2025The 10 Best Places to Propose in Columbus, Ohio
Proposing in Columbus? From lush parks to rooftop restaurants, these are the best spots for getting down on one knee.
Are you planning on popping the question in the Arch City, otherwise known as Columbus? If so, we're here to help you with the important details. Let's begin with the obvious: the best places to propose in Columbus, Ohio! It's probably the first item on your proposal checklist outside of hiring a proposal planner. In this article, we've rounded up several popular places to propose in Columbus, from a zoo to a mansion and lots in between. So, no matter how you propose, this pretty city has a place just for you!
Once you've popped the question, you're officially an engaged couple. So exciting! Head on over to The Knot Vendor Marketplace for your one-stop resource for planning your wedding. Here, you'll find a variety of vendors for every need in tons of different locations.
How to Decide Where to Propose in Columbus
When scouting out the perfect places to propose in Columbus, Ohio, consider whether there's a place that stands out as special to the two of you. Did you have your first date in Columbus? Are you and your partner avid art lovers or sports fans? Or maybe you met at a local park playing frisbee or walking your dogs. These special places can all make for a heartfelt and meaningful proposal.
Aside from that, the time of year matters both for weather and daylight. And you'll, of course, want to ensure that you're allowed to propose at your chosen location. Check city ordinances and scout out the crowds for a few days or weeks in advance to get a sense of the best time to get down on your knee.
The Best Time of the Year for a Columbus Proposal
The best time of year to propose is the time when your heart tells you you're ready, and when you think your partner is ready, too. But there are some seasonal considerations to keep in mind when planning your Columbus, Ohio, proposal.
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- Fall: For stunning foliage, choose October or November.
- Winter: Twinkling lights and a good possibility of at least some snow cover can make for an uber-romantic winter proposal. Plus, proposing in the height of proposal season, aka the holiday season, allows enough time to plan for a summer or early fall wedding.
- Spring: Columbus' many outdoor parks and nature preserves are beginning to bloom in springtime, or you could catch an early-season minor-league baseball game. Spring crowds tend to be smaller than summer and fall.
- Summer: Columbus is in full bloom in summer, with warm temperatures and plenty of sunshine. Just be aware that you'll have plenty of tourists to work around, so consider proposing in off-peak hours.
10 Proposal Locations in Columbus
Here, we've rounded up 10 of the best places to propose in Columbus, Ohio. From swanky restaurants to a posh art district and plenty of beautiful outdoor spaces, these should top your list of places to consider if you're wondering where to propose in Columbus, Ohio.
1. Harrison Park
A charming gazebo in the middle of a lush, green park makes for an idyllic proposal spot. Harrison Park is surrounded by manicured gardens and historic architecture in a peaceful setting that's not to be missed. Propose at dusk for a stunning light show as the late-day sun filters through the ornate details of the gazebo. Harrison Park is open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily.
2. Lincoln Social Rooftop
This swanky rooftop restaurant on High Street in downtown Columbus offers sweeping views of the surrounding cityscape. Propose at Lincoln Social Rooftop against the backdrop of twinkling city lights, then enjoy an intimate alfresco meal together. Delicious menu offerings and an expansive selection of beer, wine and mixed drinks help make this rooftop proposal spot an unforgettable experience.
3. Dublin Link Bridge
Located high above the Scioto River that runs along Columbus is The Dublin Link, which holds the distinction of being the only single-tower S-shaped suspension bridge in the world. This footbridge sees plenty of traffic each day, but is a beautiful place for an outdoor proposal if you plan your timing correctly. At dusk, the bridge is illuminated with beautiful LED lights for a super romantic atmosphere. Once you've proposed, your proposal planner can help you set up a walking tour of the city's top sights or you could sit down for an intimate dinner for two.
4. Short North Arts District
If you and your partner are into the arts, you'll love the funky, eclectic vibe of the Short North Arts District. This vibrant district offers countless charming opportunities for an artistic proposal. You'll find tons of boutiques and upscale dining establishments, and there's even a jazz club and a candle company. Your proposal planner can help you set up a whole day of sightseeing, and you could pop the question alfresco in the alley that features romantic string lights and plenty of music.
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5. Columbus Zoo
If you're hoping to pull off an amazing zoo or aquarium proposal, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium could be the perfect place to propose in Columbus, Ohio. Whether it's a special animal you'd like to incorporate or you're looking for a Columbus Zoo proposal package, contact the zoo's event staff and they'll work with you to put together a dream proposal.
6. Franklin Park Conservatory
This gorgeous setting is home to 13 acres of botanical gardens located just 2 miles from downtown Columbus. Franklin Park Conservatory offers a variety of proposal packages and can even recommend a Columbus proposal photographer to capture your special moment. You can propose anywhere on the grounds you'd like, but be aware that the grounds prohibit bringing your own proposal decorations or props. The Conservatory is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
7. German Village
The German Village in Columbus is a can't-miss part of the city and a great place to propose, as well. Check out the charming Germanic homes built by early immigrants for a unique proposal backdrop. Artisan coffee shops, cool art galleries and a fantastic bookstore are other options if you're open to a public proposal. After you pop the question, you and your partner can toss back a beer at one of the authentic German brewhouses or go for a stroll hand in hand at nearby Schiller Park.
8. Jeffrey Mansion
Located in Bexley, a suburb of Columbus, Jeffrey Mansion is one of the city's most popular proposal spots. A perfect combination of natural beauty and historic charm, this castle-like mansion has tons of proposal places to choose from, both indoors and out. It's also a popular reception spot in Columbus, Ohio. With such an abundance of fantastic photo ops, you'll definitely want to bring along a photographer if you choose Jeffrey Mansion as your place to propose in Columbus, Ohio.
9. Hayden Falls Nature Preserve
Photo: Kenneth Keifer | Shutterstock
For outdoor enthusiasts, this 3.5-acre nature preserve is a perfect option if you're wondering where to propose in Columbus, Ohio. Get down on one knee in front of beautiful Hayden Falls for a romantic outdoor proposal your partner won't forget. "To visit, locate the small parking lot (the sign says Griggs Nature Preserve) along Hayden Run Road between Dublin Road and Riverside Drive. Walk down lots of steps and then along the boardwalk," the website advises. Hayden Falls is open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily and offers accessible parking and overlook options.
10. Columbus Park of Roses
If a backdrop of beautiful roses sounds like an ideal way to propose, you simply can't beat the Columbus Park of Roses as your place to propose in Columbus, Ohio. With more than 7,500 different types of roses, it's one of the largest rose gardens in the country. Who needs proposal decorations like balloons or confetti when you pop the question among nature's bountiful floral gardens? Here, you'll have your choice of several different lush landscapes for your proposal, including a formal rose garden, a cottage-core perennial garden or even an arboretum. The park is open daily from 7 a.m. to dusk, and peak rose blooming occurs between mid-June and September.
