Say "Yes!" at One of the 14 Best Places to Propose in Maryland

From Charm City to Annapolis, pop the question in Maryland's most iconic spots.
Park in Maryland, best places to propose in Maryland
Photo: Appalachian Views / Getty Images
Heather Bien - The Knot Contributor.
by
Heather Bien
Heather Bien - The Knot Contributor.
Heather Bien
The Knot Contributor
  • Heather contributes wedding, honeymoon, travel and relationship content for The Knot and WeddingWire.
  • Heather also writes for publications including Apartment Therapy, StyleBlueprint, MyDomaine, HelloGiggles and The Everygirl.
  • She holds a degree in Art History and Architectural History from the University of Virginia.
Updated Jul 31, 2024

You're getting ready to make the most important decision of your life, and, of course, you want to pop the question at one of the best places to propose in Maryland. For a small state, Maryland offers an impressive range of places to plan your perfect proposal. There's something for sports fans, art enthusiasts, hikers, wine lovers and even would-be marine biologists. Find romance, stunning views and historic spots that appeal to everyone from book lovers to avid gardeners.

Want a photographer there to catch all the candid moments and can't-keep-it-in smiles or eager to hit the ground running the minute you hear a "yes"? The Knot Vendor Marketplace has proposal photographers and proposal planners to help you craft a dreamy proposal, as well as wedding planners and vendors to bring your big day to life.

If you need a little inspiration to help you start thinking about the proposal (especially if all your energy is currently focused on the ring!), check out 15 magical places to propose in Maryland.

In this article:

The Best Time of The Year to Propose in Maryland

Is there a wrong time of year to pop the question? Not in Maryland! Propose while surrounded by spring flowers at the botanical gardens or right by the water in Annapolis during the summer. Take a hike up to Sugarloaf Mountain while fall is putting on its most stunning show or cozy up in a romantic inn during the winter. Every season brings with it a different interpretation of romance and it's up to you what suits you two as a couple.

The Best Places to Propose in Maryland

There's something for everyone in Maryland and you know your soon-to-be fiancé better than anyone. Would they love the idea of getting engaged while spending a gorgeous autumn afternoon at a vineyard? Or do they love the idea of a quirky ballgame proposal? Create exactly the type of day you imagine they'll recall to friends and family for years to come.

Annapolis Waterfront

The quaint, historic waterfront is one of the most iconic and best places to propose in Annapolis. "The area offers breathtaking views of the Chesapeake Bay, scenic marinas, historic buildings, top-rated restaurants and vibrant ambiance. A proposal here can be just perfect at sunset or while on a simple stroll along the docks," says Taylor Kohls, lead photographer and co-owner of Whole Heart Studios.

Linganore Winecellars

Grab a glass of wine at Linganore Winecellars and relax in the rolling hills of the Mount Airy, Maryland countryside. This is exactly the type of pastoral, calming scene that you want to set before popping the question. Wander around the 230-acre estate before finding a quiet place to get down on one knee—just make sure your photographer has a stealthy place to hide nearby.

National Aquarium

If your hopeful spouse-to-be loves the magic of the National Aquarium, then make this your unexpected and quirky place for a proposal. Take a stroll by the sharks, check out the Atlantic coral reef then catch them totally off guard by popping the question by the porpoises.

Baltimore Museum of Art

For art lovers, the romance of the Baltimore Museum of Art sets the stage for a vibrant proposal. Tuck away into one of the galleries or find a place to profess your love in the sculpture gardens. Note that if you plan on bringing a professional photographer, that will need to be approved in advance.

Camden Yards

One of the best places to propose in Baltimore is, of course, Camden Yards. There's a bit of kitsch that comes with a ballpark proposal but you know your future fiancé well enough to know if they'll find it charming—or if they'll do anything to avoid the jumbotron.

Knob Hall Winery

There are few sights prettier than the Allegheny Mountains in the fall as the reds, yellows and oranges start to pop. Let those set the stage for your engagement by proposing at Knob Hall Winery. This winery set in the rolling foothills of the mountains is a stunning spot to say "yes!," while offering beautiful views for an impromptu (or planned) proposal shoot.

Rawlings Conservatory

For those who take their love of plants seriously, the Rawlings Conservatory is one of the loveliest, lushest places in Maryland to pop the question. With multiple greenhouses and expansive gardens, plan your proposal to coincide with a favorite flower season. Just make sure to plan ahead if you plan on having a photographer—they ask that photography is cleared 21 days in advance.

Romantic Places to Propose in Maryland

If your ideal proposal includes cozying up with your beloved in a romantic inn or tucking away amidst stacks of books before getting down on one knee, then these romantic places to propose in Maryland will fulfill all your dreams.

Antrim 1844 Hotel

Plan a weekend away and propose at the romantic Antrim 1844 Hotel. This historic inn is a beautiful and intimate place to ask your fiancé-to-be to commit to forever. Stroll through the rose gardens or get lost amidst the 24 acres of manicured lawns. Then celebrate over dinner on the inn's property.

The Ivy Hotel

Plan a city stay at The Ivy Hotel for a romantic and grand place to propose in Baltimore. This Victorian mansion is now a luxurious place to get away, and the property is filled with cozy spots where you can romance your sweetheart and make plans for a lifetime to come. Many of the rooms have fireplaces, which sets the stage for a private proposal.

George Peabody Library

Blend romance with a good story at the George Peabody Library. This historic library is open to the public, and you can get lost in the stacks for a quiet, private proposal that will win over bookworms and history buffs alike. Want to have a photographer? Just make sure you clear it with the library first.

Inn at Perry Cabin

The Inn at Perry Cabin is one of Maryland's most romantic and iconic hotels, and it's just the place for a splurge-worthy proposal. Get engaged while sitting right at the water's edge overlooking the Miles River. Grab a glass of champagne then take a seat in the Adirondack chairs to look out at the view and dream about your big day.

Beautiful Places to Propose in Maryland

Saying "yes" is even easier when there's a jaw-dropping backdrop. From incredible mountain views to lush gardens, these are several of the most beautiful places to propose in Maryland.

Great Falls Park

"The park features dreamy scenery and waterfalls and cliffs along the Potomac River, creating a breathtaking backdrop for a memorable moment," says Billy Kohls, lead videographer and co-owner of Whole Heart Studios. From his artistic perspective, he says there are various vantage points created by the overlooks and scenic trails. "They offer both privacy and picturesque settings. The stunning and serene environment makes it a romantic and intimate location for a proposal," he says.

Sugarloaf Mountain

Hike to the top of Sugarloaf Mountain for a proposal with a view. This privately owned mountain lets hikers (and strollers) explore the property and take in the incredible views of the Maryland countryside. Just make sure to keep the ring tucked safely away until you reach the peak. And, if you want an extra sentimental touch, propose getting married here—there's a historic mansion on the mountain where couples can say "I do."

Cylburn Arboretum

Plan a proposal in spring when the stunning perennial formal gardens at Cylburn Arboretum are in full bloom. You can find tucked-away spots in this beautiful locale just 15 minutes from downtown Baltimore. If you plan on having a photographer present, make sure to get a permit first (hobby photographers are fine, however).

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