Ready to Pop the Question? These Are the 15 Best Places to Propose in Michigan
If you're looking for the best places to propose in Michigan, we've compiled a list of a mixture of scenic and romantic places where you can pop the question. In addition to our online research, we tapped Michigan-based proposal photographer Jarrett Timmons, owner and lead photographer of Alice Heart Photography, for location recommendations and additional proposal ideas in Michigan.
Once you've selected the venue where you want to ask your partner to be by your side forever, you can review The Knot Vendor Marketplace to find proposal photographers, proposal planners and additional vendors who can help you get organized while making your way through your proposal checklist.
In this story:
- The Best Time of the Year to Propose in Michigan
- The Best Places to Propose in Michigan
- Romantic Places to Propose in Michigan
- Scenic Places to Propose in Michigan
The Best Time of the Year to Propose in Michigan
The best time of year for a Michigan proposal will depend on the couple. However, "Right before the holidays is a popular time," says Timmons. In addition to the period before the holidays, the fall and spring are popular. He notes that the fall is a nice time since Michigan's beautiful leaves are noticeable. Similarly, Michigan's beautiful flowers can be seen blooming in the spring when the weather starts to get warmer. Although the summer can be a good time to propose, he adds that the temperature can get quite hot which is why many people avoid summer proposals
The Best Places to Propose in Michigan
Michigan is a big state filled with many great places that can help bring a memorable proposal to life. Since we're unable to list every single one, we narrowed our list down to the best of the best ones that you should consider when creating your list of options.
Vinology in Ann Arbor, Michigan
Treat your partner to an award-winning meal at Vinology before presenting them with the ring. If you plan on popping the question on a Sunday, make sure to note that you won't be able to make a reservation after 3 pm as that's the restaurant's closing time. You can opt to share a three-course dinner or keep things casual by sharing some brunch light bites with your partner before popping the question–either way, you can rest assured that the ring will be accompanied by some delicious food.
Michigan Theater in Ann Arbor, Michigan
Theater lovers will appreciate a Michigan Theater proposal. Whether you take your partner to see their favorite musical or movie at this Ann Arbor theater, your proposal will be show-stopping. We'd recommend contacting the theater to see if they could write "Will you marry me?" on the marquee for when you arrive or when you're getting ready to leave the theater for an extra touch.
Detroit Institute of Arts Museum in Detroit, Michigan
If your partner is a fan of all things art, take them to the Detroit Institute of Arts Museum. With more than 65,000 pieces of artwork and a plethora of changing exhibitions, it's unlikely that you'll have a difficult time finding a picture-perfect location for when you tell them just how much of a masterpiece you think they are before opening the ring box.
Ford House in Grosse Pointe Shores, Michigan
History buffs will enjoy a proposal at the Ford House in Grosse Pointe Shores Michigan. "It is really beautiful, especially if you like history," says Timmons. If you want to get creative for your moment, Timmons suggests that you and your partner could dress up. Although it's not a requirement for a proposal at the Ford House, we think it would elevate your experience.
Detroit Foundation Hotel in Detroit, Michigan
Plan a luxurious proposal at the Detroit Foundation Hotel. Timmons recommends heading to the hotel's restaurant, The Apparatus Room (which used to serve as the Detroit Fire Department headquarters) where you can ask your partner for their hand and do so in an elegant setting that will create an elegant backdrop for your proposal photos.
Romantic Places to Propose in Michigan
If the most romantic places to propose in Michigan are what you seek, we have options for you. Continue reading for a few of our favorite beautiful spots in this Great Lakes state.
Grand Hotel in Mackinac Island, Michigan
If you've dreamed of a grand proposal filled with Old World sophistication, the Grand Hotel in Mackinac Island is the perfect location to make your proposal dreams a reality. You can pop the question on The Grand Hotel Front Porch or from the privacy of your room depending on which best suits you and your partner's proposal style. Regardless of which option you choose, you'll feel as though you've been transported back in time.
The Cadillac House Inn and Tavern in Lexington, Missouri
You can celebrate the next chapter of your love story at The Cadillac House Inn and Tavern. This hotel has a rich history as it was first opened in 1860 and was newly renovated in 2016. With that said, this venue has kept its romantic charm and fireplaces in rooms. You can ask them to be your life partner in front of the fireplace or over dinner at the inn's tavern–just make sure to make reservations ahead of time to ensure your visit goes as smoothly as possible.
The Whitney in Detroit, Michigan
If you're looking to pull off a romantic proposal in Michigan, The Whitney can help you do that. As soon as you pull up to the mansion, you and your partner will be impressed by the restaurant's three floors and mix of outdoor and indoor dining areas. If you don't want to propose over dinner, you can make a reservation for an afternoon tea session on the weekend and pop the question there. If you plan on hiring a photographer to capture your moment, acquire permission from the restaurant first.
Amway Grand Plaza, Curio Collection by Hilton in Grand Rapids, Michigan
Ask for their hand in the heart of Grand Rapids at Amway Grand Plaza, Curio Collection by Hilton. Spend a day by the pool and present the ring as you make your way to the hot tub. Or, ask them to be your life partner at one of the 10 eateries on the property.
Scenic Places to Propose in Michigan
Michigan is home to gorgeously breathtaking places, including those we've listed below.
Cranbrook House & Gardens in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan
Nestled in the heart of Bloomfield Hills sits the Cranbrook House & Gardens. Timmons recommends a proposal across the garden's 40 acres in the spring as "there are gorgeous gardens with lots of art and beautiful stairs and fountains." Although you can roam freely until you find a spot you like, you can also reserve a spot on a tour to guide your way through your proposal day.
Highlands Detroit in Detroit, Michigan
Pop the question on the 71st or 72nd floor of Detroit's "The GMRenCen" at Highlands Detroit. This restaurant offers sweeping views of the Detroit River and city skyline from its floor-to-ceiling windows which you can position yourselves against for your meal (and proposal photos)–however, make it a point to contact the restaurant ahead of time with your table request to guarantee everything will go according to plan.
Stony Creek Metropark in Shelby Township, Michigan
Get down on one knee at Stony Creek Metropark. Although this park is a park, it's not your average park. "The park has tall and gorgeous trees in straight lines which form an aisle," says Timmons. You could send your partner on a scavenger hunt through the park which ultimately leads them down the aisle towards you and the ring.
Frederik Meijer Gardens in Grand Rapids, Michigan
The Frederik Meijer Gardens is the best place to propose in Michigan if you're proposing to a sculpture lover. Although the gardens house a variety of flowers, they also house more than 50 different sculptures from Auguste Rodin and other well-known sculptors. It is more than likely that your partner will point out at least one of the statues that they like in front of which you can propose. We recommend asking your photographer to follow behind so they can watch to be aware of when they should start gearing up to start photographing.
Matthaei Botanical Gardens in Ann Arbor, Michigan
For an indoor proposal, Timmons recommends Matthaei Botanical Gardens at the University of Michigan. If you (or your partner) are alums of the University of Michigan, a proposal at this indoor garden area would be all of the more meaningful.
SkyBridge Michigan at Boyne Mountain Resort in Boyne Falls, Michigan
Take a trip with your partner up to walk across SkyBridge Michigan at Boyne Mountain Resort. Not only is it the world's longest timber-towered suspension bridge, but it also is covered in lights during the holiday season if a holiday proposal is what you seek.