An Industry Insider Shares the Best Places to Propose in Georgia

Whether you want romance and whimsy or a spunky spot for foodies, these are the best spots to get engaged in the Peach State.
Couple at The Atrium Restaurant in Georgia
Photo: The Atrium Restaurant
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by
Lauren Nowack
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Lauren Nowack
The Knot Contributor
  • Lauren is a freelance writer for The Knot Worldwide.
  • While Lauren has been writing her whole life, she began her career by travel writing and reviewing outdoor gear.
  • Lauren is passionate about encouraging people planning a wedding to make it exactly what they want and need it to be.
Updated Jan 05, 2024

So you're ready to spend the rest of your life with someone? Whether your relationship started in Georgia or it's just the place you two want to live, the state is known for more than just peanuts and peaches. Knowing there are proposals on the horizon, we found the best places to propose in Georgia. These spots include world-class museums, stunning farms and estates as well as countless parks where nature shows off her beauty.

To ensure our list covers all the best proposal spots, both well-known and out-of-the-way, we spoke with Katie Hutt, wedding photographer and owner of Katie Hutt Photography in Georgia, to get an expert's insight into the prettiest spots to drop to one knee. If you're looking for a proposal photographer like her, a proposal planner or even an all-encompassing proposal package, head to The Knot Vendor Marketplace to find professionals ready to turn your dream into reality.

In this story:

The Best Time of the Year to Propose in Georgia

Katie Hutt believes the best time to get engaged in Georgia is spring because "everything is blooming, and what better way to have a fresh start in your life than by getting engaged?" This is true, as springtime brings flowers and fresh air after the cold winter where many southerners tend to stay snuggled inside. This timing also avoids the hot and humid days of summer.

Montaluce Winery & Estates, Georgia
Photo: Montaluce Winery & Estates

The Best Places to Propose in Georgia

When thinking up some of the best Georgia proposals, there are a few key spots that come to mind, such as the Georgia Aquarium and Botanical Gardens in Athens. But, these aren't the only two best places to propose in Georgia that made our list.

Georgia Aquarium

The Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta is the largest aquarium in the United States and is renowned for its expansive exhibits that hold thousands of animals within more than 11 million gallons of water. Georgia aquarium proposal packages are available, and you can choose to drop to one knee by the penguins, in the shark tunnel or during a special event like the Peach Bowl viewing or the New Year's Eve celebration.

Montaluce Winery & Estates

Katie Hutt recognizes Montaluce Winery & Estates as one of the best places to get engaged in Georgia, describing it as "a beautiful spot tucked away in the north Georgia mountains" that "just glows at sunset." Between the unparalleled wine and the architecture that transports you to Tuscany, this winery's staff and designers understood the assignment. If you love your engagement here, you can choose to tie the knot in the same spot.

The State Botanical Gardens

The State Botanical Gardens of Georgia, which are run by the University of Georgia in Athens, are perhaps one of the prettiest places to get engaged. With 313 acres of curated gardens, meandering paths and stunning buildings, there are numerous private or public spots to ask your love to be yours forever. Katie Hutt particularly loves these gardens because they have "so many different spots to shoot" so that she can give "clients a photo gallery that's full of different settings."

The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee

Less than ninety minutes east of Atlanta lies the Ritz-Carlton Reynolds at Lake Oconee, a luxury resort with all the amenities a world-renowned brand can bring while holding fast to the cozy feel of a lakefront lodge. Plan a romantic weekend here in the hotel itself with a private firepit on your porch or upgrade to a lakefront cottage. When you're ready to go out, try out some golf, time at the spa, a day out on the lake or simply wandering the gorgeous grounds.

Atlanta, Georgia in the fall
Photo: Sean Pavone | Shutterstock

Romantic Places to Propose in Georgia

When brainstorming romantic proposal ideas in Georgia, unique restaurants, beautiful parks and top-notch getaways might come to mind. We have scoured the state for the best of the best spots that pair romance with innovation and picture-perfect nature with luxury.

Foxhall Resort

Nestled within 1,100 acres of gorgeous countryside is the Foxhall Resort in Douglasville, Georgia. The expansive getaway features numerous recreation activities, from pickleball and archery to hiking and UTV rides. Of course, you can also just stroll by and fish in the lake before heading back to your first-class accommodations as you soak in every moment of a first-class proposal weekend here.

The Atrium Restaurant

For a true Atlanta proposal, head on down to the Ponce City Market, where you'll find Atrium, an innovative and food-forward restaurant ready to blow you out of the water with its farm to table fair and locally-sourced art. For a couple that is Georgia through-and-through, this spot will reflect your relationship with its ambiance, making it the perfect proposal spot.

Piedmont Park

Photographer Katie Hutt describes Piedmont Park's over 200 acres of greenspace as the "perfect cityscape of Atlanta for all my city couples." With plenty of jaw-dropping, photo-ready spots that give you equal parts nature and city skyline, engagement photos here will not only capture you in beautiful light, but the city you love as well. With plenty of private spots to tuck away, be sure to bring a romantic picnic for two to celebrate the start of your new season.

Anna Ruby Falls

Katie Hutt notes Anna Ruby Falls in the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest as one of the best places to propose in Georgia. There is "a short paved walkway to a beautiful waterfall for those looking for an adventure" without a major hike. Dogs are allowed as well, making this the top-choice proposal spot for couples who want to bring the pup along.

Driftwood Beach

While much of the state is landlocked, a list of the best places to propose in Georgia would not be complete without a beachfront location. Driftwood Beach is located on Jekyll Island and is a one-of-a-kind sandy spot lined with weathered tree trunks and branches. This stunning, picture-ready backdrop is just asking for a romantic stroll to pop the big question. To celebrate, head to the Villas by the Sea Resort nearby to indulge yourself with a sneak-peak into the rest of your lives.

Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum, Georgia
Photo: Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum

Creative Places to Propose in Georgia

In a state as expansive as Georgia, there were bound to be numerous creative places to get engaged. We picked quite a few, including a famous treehouse and a park that will make your family think you took a trip out West to pop the question.

Alpaca Treehouse

Are you and your partner a little quirky, adventurous or love spots with reclaimed antiques and a little bit of fame? Look no further than the Atlanta Alpaca Treehouse, which has been featured on Netflix's Love is Blind. High above a bamboo forest sits the treehouse for two, where each corner has a unique part of Georgia history woven into it, such as century-old stained glass.

Even though this spot has been built from reclaimed items from the surrounding community, it is not without luxuries like a marble tub and silky sheets. To top it all off, you'll hear the sounds of the rescued llamas and alpacas roaming nearby.

Chattahoochee Nature Center

For the couple that just loves being outside, the Chattahoochee Nature Center has over 120 acres of land to explore and surprise your partner with a proposal. From short, accessible walks to trails that will take you deeper into the Georgia wilderness, it's easy to pull off a spontaneous engagement here that is still picture perfect.

Fernbank Museum

If your love is larger than life, get down on one knee at the Fernbank Museum of Natural History. You can pop the question underneath towering T. rexes, on top of limestone fossil floors or even beneath the stars in the romantic fiber-optic Star Gallery.

Providence Canyon State Park

Known as Georgia's "Little Grand Canyon," Providence Canyon State Park gives couples an unusual backdrop to kick off their engagement. Between the deep canyons, unique wildflowers and the varied hues of the soil, this park is known as a haven for stunning photos, which is why we think it's well worth hiring a photographer to capture the moment your partner says, "yes." Katie Hutt shared that for "all my Grand Canyon lovers, this is the place to fake it. It will for sure give you a majestic feel to your gallery."

Decatur Legacy Park

As you plan a life with your partner, you may want a proposal spot that is rich in history, stewardship and beloved by the community. Decatur Legacy Park is just that. While the grounds once held a home for children orphaned by the Civil War, the park is now a beautiful place where the community, including small businesses and nonprofits, come together. With plenty of walking trails, beautiful old buildings and even a pond, this Georgia proposal spot is full of redemption, accessibility and history for those looking for more than just a pretty place.

Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum

One of Savannah's best kept secrets is the garden at the Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum. While the historic ships inside can give an eclectic flair to a proposal, the Scarbrough Gardens outside are a true gem. They are the largest private gardens within the city, and they have been curated with a breathtaking arrangement of native magnolias, azaleas and boxwoods to welcome guests.

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