Couples who medal together, stay together.
Updated Jul 16, 2024Pop the Question at One of the 12 Best Places to Propose in Delaware
The First State has lovely locales for beach bums and history fans alike.
When you're ready to pop the question, you want everything to fall into place. The perfect person, the perfect ring and, of course, the perfect location. And, if you have your sights set on the First State, you'll be delighted to find there are a range of places to propose in Delaware that suit every type of couple.
This small state has everything from state park beaches to retro boardwalks to opulent historic gardens, and you can choose the right one to set the stage for your big question. Capture the entire experience on film by hiring a proposal photographer from The Knot Vendor Marketplace (and, if you really want help, consider finding a proposal planner). Once you set a date, start looking for vendors including your wedding planner, photographer, entertainment and more.
Ready to start combing through all of the romantic places to propose in Delaware? Here's a list of 12 of the best spots, from state parks to gorgeous gardens, to get you started.
Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk in Rehoboth Beach, DE
Katie Ogilvie, director of events at Taste Events in Delaware, says her clients typically flock to whatever beach they have memories of early in their relationship or the beach that their family visited growing up. But, of all the beaches in Delaware, Ogilvie says Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk is iconic. Getting engaged with the Dolles sign in the background makes for photos with just the right dose of nostalgia. And the best part? You can get Grotto's Pizza to celebrate afterward.
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Hotel Du Pont in Wilmington, DE
If you imagine yourself getting engaged with the backdrop of a swanky city hotel, then book a room at Hotel Du Pont. This historic hotel has elegant rooms and a sophisticated restaurant, Le Cavalier, where you can pop the question over champagne and delicious French dishes. After your proposal, start planning your grand wedding in the ballroom.
Fenwick Island State Park in Fenwick Island, DE
Delaware is known for its calming, laid-back beaches, and Fenwick Island State Park is a favorite of outdoors lovers. Take your soon-to-be-fiancé on a kayak trip through the inland bays, exploring all of the natural beauty of the undeveloped shoreline. When you find a secluded inlet, make that the place you ask them to spend forever with you.
Brittingham Farms in Millsboro, DE
You may not have plans to go to Provence to get engaged, but you can recreate the lavender field experience right in Southern Delaware. Brittingham Farms is a stunning working farm with fields of lavender that are perfect for a stroll and an all-important question. The farm also hosts weddings, so you can come back to the place where it all started to say "I do."
Brandywine Creek State Park in Wilmington, DE
Blue gneiss stone walls surround sweeping meadows at Brandywine Creek State Park, which is hidden right in Wilmington. This stunning property was once part of the Du Pont family estate and today it has trails, woods and marsh ready for exploring. There's a magical quality here that sets it apart from the beachy state parks, and it's the ideal place to get lost before popping the question with nary a soul in sight.
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Delaware Art Museum in Wilmington, DE
If you and your hopeful spouse-to-be are art enthusiasts, then the Delaware Art Museum is the perfect place to say "Yes!" Stroll through the galleries, check out your favorite exhibits, then get down on one knee and propose a lifetime of artistic memories together. If you want to make art the central theme of your love story, host your wedding in the galleries or the sculpture garden.
Winterthur Museum & Country Estate in Winterthur, DE
It's easy to get lost exploring the 1,000-acre estate that makes up the Winterthur Museum & Country Estate, including the impressive 60-acre garden. There's romance around every corner, with blooms coming into season as each month passes. Take an old-fashioned walk through the lush walking trails and vibrant flower beds, then find just the right place to pop the question.
Indian River Inlet Bridge in Bethany Beach, DE
"Indian River Inlet near the bridge is a lovely place to get engaged, and I find that most of my couples choose to propose at sunset," Ogilvie says. Not only does Indian River Inlet Bridge give you impressive views of the bridge, but there are also panoramic views looking out over the ocean, inlet and bays.
Bethany Beach in Bethany Beach, DE
Bethany Beach is a family-friendly beach that holds memories for generations of Delawareans who spent their childhood playing on its sandy shores. A walk down the beach at sunset sets the stage for a perfect beachfront proposal. Pack a picnic, pop the question then invite your family and friends to meet you for a celebratory toast in the sand.
Nemours Estate in Wilmington, DE
The stunning gardens at Nemours Estate come alive in the spring and summer when the lush green grass and impressively formal setting transport you to another place and time. Take a stroll through the 200 acres of French-inspired gardens and woodland walking trails, before finding a secluded spot to get down on one knee.
Historic New Castle in New Castle, DE
The charming streets of Historic New Castle feel like you've been transported back several centuries. Spend hours exploring the historic buildings, popping in shops and restaurants and marveling at the architecture. Sneak away into one of the gardens for a quiet moment where you can propose, then celebrate in town or in nearby Wilmington.
Cape Henlopen State Park in Lewes, DE
Cape Henlopen State Park has more than 6 miles of coastline, making it the perfect spot for beach lovers to spend a day with their partner before deciding to ask the all-important question. Bike along the trails, check out Deauville Beach and reminisce on all the adventures you've shared together. This is exactly the right way to kick off a lifetime of new memories.
