The 12 Best Places to Propose in Kentucky

You can feel the love in the air and have decided to ask your partner to journey by your side through life. Wonderful! Now it's time to pick one of the best places to propose in Kentucky to pop the question. To help you in your quest, we've selected some of the most romantic and interesting places in the state from which to choose.

In order to be sure we brought you only the best, we spoke to photographer Lila Calie from Lila Callie Photography for some tips and professional insight. She's helped many couples craft special moments together and noted several key spots that would be perfect for a proposal. Get ready to check this task off your wedding to-do list because one of these places will certainly speak directly to your heart as "the" place to pledge your love.

• How to Decide Where to Propose in Kentucky
• The Best Time of the Year to Propose in Kentucky
• The Best Places to Propose in Kentucky

How to Decide Where to Propose in Kentucky

The first thing you want to consider when choosing the best spot to propose is what you like to do as a couple. If you and your partner love the great outdoors, a garden, farm or park might be best. On the other hand, if fine dining or historical landmarks are more your style, consider a grand hotel, museum or restaurant. Is there a place around the state that holds special meaning for you where you want to pop the question? Maybe you want to pick there! Rest assured that no matter where you pick, that place will be forever magical.

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The Best Time of the Year to Propose in Kentucky

If you plan to propose outside in Kentucky, the best time of year to propose is either early spring or late fall, that way you avoid the heat of the summer and chill of the winter. On the other hand, certain parts of the state can see snow. Asking that all-important question while snowflakes fall from the sky sounds awfully romantic. Ultimately, the timing of your proposal is a personal choice because it all depends on what you and your partner like. Spring and fall bring lovely colors, while winter can give you a light blanket of snow as your backdrop. Be sure to gather your team from The Knot Vendor Marketplace to help you plan the perfect moment.

The Best Places to Propose in Kentucky

Kentucky is not only full of culture, charm and beauty but also rich in history and filled with romance. When deciding where you want to pop the question, here are the best places around the state to make your moment one-of-a-kind.

Kentucky Derby Museum, Louisville

If you love horses and live in the state, you probably have a special love for the Kentucky Derby. Located on the grounds of Churchill Downs sits the Kentucky Derby Museum, full of statues, exhibits and memorabilia from Derby's past. This down-to-earth venue has all the class you could ever want for a proposal. It's elegant and charmingly southern, with a climate-controlled interior and an open-air terrace to view the grounds. You can even visit the stables while you're there with your new spouse-to-be.

21c Museum Hotel Lexington

Another museum that Calie brought to our attention was the 21c Museum Hotel Lexington for those looking for an urban feel. This boutique hotel in the heart of downtown offers plenty of natural lighting with its high ceilings and grand historic windows. With a simple yet elegant aesthetic, this spot could be the perfect place to ask your partner to be yours forever. Check with the concierge to coordinate your plans and to see if the venue has proposal packages available.

Natural Bridge in Red River Gorge, Slade

One of the first proposal spots that professional photographer Callie mentioned was the Natural Bridge in Red River Gorge, located within the Natural Bridge State Resort Park. The spot features a wondrous natural arch made of sandstone spanning 78 feet and standing 65 feet in the air. Couples can hike to the bridge along a scenic trail or take the skylift to enjoy the view below. What a romantic place to start your journey together.

Kentucky Bourbon Trail

While this proposal idea might not be everyone's cup of tea, Kentucky is the home of bourbon, so it makes sense for those interested in history to consider proposing along the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. In fact, Calie said it was a popular spot for lovebirds to get engaged. Take a walk through distilleries to learn about the tradition of bourbon-making, sharing in the local culture while pledging your love to your partner.

Treetop Roundhouse in Daniel Boone Forest, Parkers Lake

For nature lovers looking for a unique proposal spot, consider traveling to the Daniel Boone National Forest and renting the Treetop Roundhouse. The space is nestled high in the trees overlooking the beautiful waters of Lake Cumberland. Consider popping the question from the deck of the cabin, with the forest and lake as your backdrop, or hike to Cumberland Falls to declare your love.

Oak Hill Gardens, London

Asking the love of your life to marry you while surrounded by stunning gardens and towering trees while strolling down a winding path sounds like a dream. Oak Hill Gardens in London, Kentucky, can provide all that, complete with fire pits, waterfalls and fairy lights under a vast starry sky. This beautiful and peaceful space would be a magical place to propose.

Louisville Waterfront Park, Louisville

Located right next to the Ohio River, the Louisville Waterfront Park is 85 acres of rolling green lawns and waterfront views, with a backdrop of the city and the Big Four Bridge. Work with your proposal planner or photographer to choose the perfect place to pop the question. There are several spots to choose from at the park to have your moment. Perhaps you could surprise your partner with a picnic on the Great Lawn by the water or the Swing Garden, where you will ask them to be yours for all time.

Bernheim Arboretum & Research Forest, Clermont

Calie said state parks were popular places for lovebirds to get engaged, and we feel like Bernheim Arboretum & Research Forest fits into that category. Situated south of Louisville, this space is over 16,000 acres of nature, with several trails leading you to see the sights. But don't let the size scare you away, Bernheim has 11 easy trails taking you through trees, flowers and past waterways. Any of those areas would be perfect for your heartfelt proposal.

Mellwood Art Center, Louisville

Couples with a deep appreciation for the arts will love the Mellwood Art Center, located in the heart of Louisville. The venue offers a rustic feel with exposed brick walls and incredible lighting with its floor-to-ceiling windows and has interesting exhibits for you to enjoy. Choose the spot that speaks to you the most, get down on one knee and start planning your life together.

The Polo Barn at Saxony Farm, Lexington

Nothing says southern charm in Kentucky like a barn, a stable full of horses and rolling green hills. That's what you'll find at The Polo Barn at Saxony Farm. The rustic architecture and breathtaking sunsets are only a few of the many beauties of the space. The polo barns alone are stunning. This working horse farm would make the perfect backdrop for any outdoor proposal underneath a bright blue Kentucky sky.

The Gatsby, Shelbyville

If you're looking to step back in time to the Roaring '20s, you might want to travel to Shelbyville to pop the question at The Gatsby. The elegant space has ballrooms, grand chandeliers and a double staircase leading to a wrap-around second-floor balcony. The space has a historic and rustic feel with a romantic atmosphere, setting the mood for your special moment together.

The Brown Hotel, Louisville

Pure elegance, excellent lighting and gorgeous city views await at The Brown Hotel. For a century, this landmark hotel has been an iconic destination, and its Crystal Ballroom is Louisville's crown jewel of romance. The space represents everything Kentucky has to offer, from bluegrass and bourbon to those who can't wait for Derby Day. The stunning architecture and rooftop space overlooking the city make this the perfect place to begin the next chapter of your love story.