The 15 Best Places to Propose in North Carolina

If your love story started in the Tar Heel state, or it's simply home for you and your partner, you may be on the hunt for the best places to propose in North Carolina. "North Carolina is a great place to plan a proposal because of its beautiful setting, wide variety of location choices, and great weather," says Riley Canty, owner and CEO of proposal planning company The Yes Girls. "From outdoor beach settings at the Outer Banks to a rooftop with stunning city views in Charlotte, you can't go wrong having your proposal here!"

North Carolina's landscape has everything from beach to mountain to city. The famous Outer Banks sit far east, while the Blue Ridge and Great Smoky Mountains make for a rugged, rustic proposal backdrop. And with major cities like Charlotte, Raleigh, Durham and Asheville, there is no shortage of chic and cultural proposal spots (and future wedding venues) in this state–which makes it hard to choose. (Want to get married in North Carolina? Find a proposal planner, photographer and more on The Knot Vendor Marketplace.)

Canty adds that the perfect place to propose to your partner is completely dependent on what your "vibe" is as a couple. Consider your partner's personality when choosing to propose in public or private. "If you like something a bit more intimate, private, and simple, a gorgeous picnic set up with sea views would be a great option," she notes. "While if you were looking for something a bit more family-centered, a rooftop with the option to have an engagement party after for all of your family and friends would be a great option."

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With so many beautiful places to propose in North Carolina, we've helped you narrow down your search. Keep reading for our picks of the best places to propose in North Carolina.

In this story:

• The Best Time of The Year to Propose in North Carolina
• The Best Places to Propose in North Carolina
• Romantic Places to Propose in North Carolina
• Creative Places to Propose in North Carolina

The Best Time of The Year to Propose in North Carolina

Proposing in North Carolina offers you four seasons to choose from, so it really depends on your weather preference for what time of year is best. According to Canty, she recommends you pop the question when the steamy North Carolina summer is fading out and cooler fall temperatures (and fall foliage) is setting in: August through October.

The Best Places to Propose in North Carolina

With an entire state to choose from, narrowing down the best spots to get down on one knee is no easy feat. But trust us–these are the best places to propose in North Carolina.

Biltmore Estate

Located in Asheville, North Carolina, the Biltmore Estate is the most elegant place to propose. Finished in 1895 by George Vanderbilt, today Biltmore Estate is a National Historic Landmark that is rich in American history, gorgeous architecture and manicured gardens.

Cape Hatteras Lighthouse

The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, located on the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, is the tallest lighthouse in the United States, and truly a beacon of hope and beauty. It's the perfect setting for a nautical proposal.

Fever Tree Rooftop–Antidote at Chemist Spirits

If cocktails are your thing and you're looking for a unique rooftop bar to propose at, consider visiting the Fever Tree Rooftop located in Antidote at Chemist Spirits in Asheville, North Carolina. The 1900s aesthetic is a total vibe, and a special place to get down on one knee.

Museum of Life + Science

The Museum of Life + Science in Durham, North Carolina, offers some of the most eclectic proposal backdrops you can ask for. Pop the question in front of one of many exhibits, like the butterfly house surrounded by magical creatures, or hey–why not in front of the lemurs and tortoises?

Romantic Places to Propose in North Carolina

These romantic proposal spots are almost too pretty. Check out some of the most romantic places to propose in North Carolina.

The North Carolina Arboretum

Who wouldn't want to get proposed to surrounded by the most stunning flowers and foliage in North Carolina? Pop the question at The North Carolina Arboretum in Asheville, North Carolina, which proudly has 65 acres of cultivated gardens.

Dry Falls

If nature is your thing, you should propose beneath a waterfall at Dry Falls. It's a stunning 75-foot waterfall near Highlands, North Carolina, in the Nantahala National Forest.

North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island

Surrounded by sea life sounds like a pretty creative way to propose. Take in the wildlife and make memories in front of the large tanks at the North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island.

Jockey's Ridge State Park

Pack a picnic and grab some kites and take your partner-to-be to Jockey's Ridge State Park in Nags Head, North Carolina. Pop the question on a towering sand dune or while sharing a ham sandwich at a picnic table.

Elizabethan Gardens

Spending time on Roanoke Island, but not looking to propose on the beach? The Elizabethan Gardens in Manteo, North Carolina, have a royal feel. There is a rose bush that was personally sent by Queen Elizabeth II directly from the royal rose garden at Windsor Castle.

Jeanette's Pier

There are few places more romantic than the Outer Banks. Pop the question completely surrounded by seascapes at Jeanette's Pier in Nags Head, North Carolina.

Creative Places to Propose in North Carolina

Want to propose someplace a little more left-of-center? These are some of the most creative places to propose in North Carolina.

Elijah Mountain Gem Mine and Goat Farm

You read that right–this place has gems and goats. Surprise your partner by popping the question while searching for precious stones (or hanging with the goats) at Elijah Mountain Gem Mine and Goat Farm in Hendersonville, North Carolina.

NASCAR Hall of Fame

Have a need for speed? Or just love the rich history of race cars? The NASCAR Hall of Fame in Charlotte, North Carolina, will surely set you on a race to the altar.

Asheville Pinball Museum

The nostalgic arcade game will be front and center in this proposal in Asheville, North Carolina. With 35 pinball machines, the Asheville Pinball Museum also has 35 classic video games to play. The couple that games together, stays together.

Marbles Kids Museum

If you and your partner are kids at heart, you have to propose at the Marbles Kids Museum in Raleigh, North Carolina. With hands-on exhibits to explore together before you pop the question, you both will feel like giddy (big) kids to mark this special day.

Carolina Basketball Museum

If you (or your partner) bleed Carolina Blue, consider proposing at the Carolina Basketball Museum in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Whether you're both sports fans or your partner has vowed to never miss a Tar Heel game, it's the perfect place to honor their (second) love.