The 14 Best Places to Propose in South Carolina
South Carolina is a stunning place to plan your proposal. The Palmetto State spans over 32,000 miles, from the Blue Ridge Mountains in the west to the Atlantic Ocean on the East Coast. If you or your partner call it home, or you both love to spend time there, you may be looking for the best places to propose in South Carolina.
From the scenic shorelines and coastal charm of Charleston, Myrtle Beach and Hilton Head to Columbia and Greenville, South Carolina has endless places to plan a stunning proposal. "South Carolina's natural beauty, romantic attractions and warm hospitality make it an amazing place to plan a marriage proposal that will be remembered for a lifetime," says Laura Garvin, half of mother-daughter duo Laura and Rachel Photography. "The state's reputation for Southern charm and hospitality can help create a warm and inviting atmosphere for your proposal, ensuring that your special moment is met with the love and support it deserves."
If you're looking for proposal planners, proposal photographers or other vendors to help turn your dream proposal into reality, check out The Knot Vendor Marketplace. You'll also find plenty of proposal ideas below.
- How to Decide Where to Propose in South Carolina
- Best Time of Year to Propose in South Carolina
- The Best Places to Propose in South Carolina
- Romantic Places to Propose in South Carolina
How to Decide Where to Propose in South Carolina
With so many famous cities, it can be overwhelming to start your search for the perfect place to propose in South Carolina. One of the first things to consider in your decision is the aesthetic you want.
"Look for popular locations such as beaches, parks, gardens or historic landmarks that are known for their beauty and romantic atmosphere," says Garvin.
Since South Carolina attracts lots of tourists, there are also other things to keep in mind when deciding where to propose. "When selecting a proposal spot, we must consider several factors, such as the time of year, the appearance of certain locations during different seasons, any ongoing events and the time of day for the proposal," says Emma Allen, wedding photographer and owner of Emma Lili Photography. "They should also consider the budget, including whether to hire a photographer, the cost of using the location and whether to set up anything on the spot."
Best Time of Year to Propose in South Carolina
One of the biggest things to consider when planning a proposal in South Carolina is the weather. "South Carolina has a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters. Consider the time of year you plan to propose and choose a location that will be comfortable for both of you," says Garvin. "If we had to choose our absolute favorite, it would be March to mid-April in spring, when everything is in bloom and has come to life with vivid colors and fruitful fragrance, and the weather is perfect."
However, she notes that fall is the runner-up. "Nature's orange and yellow hues are in abundance, afternoons are mild and evenings are crisp," adds Garvin. "Avoid outdoor locations during extreme weather conditions like summer (late June through September due to humidity), and be mindful of hurricane season, June through November, and thunderstorms."
The Best Places to Propose in South Carolina
Start searching the Palmetto State for the perfect place to pop your question. There are some of the best places to propose in South Carolina.
Hampton Park, Charleston
Planning a Charleston proposal? This is one of the best places to propose in Charleston outdoors. "Hampton Park is one of the City of Charleston's largest parks and is an enchanting location with beautiful gardens and scenic walking paths, providing a remarkable setting for a proposal. Charleston's historic charm adds an extra layer of significance to the special moment, creating a timeless memory that you and your partner will always cherish," says Garvin. "This park boasts the most extensive floral display of any park in the city, a beautiful gazebo (white is always a great rainy-day backup option), all while nestled in a residential community known mostly by locals. It's super private, all while just on the outskirts of town. It's truly unforgettable."
Falls Park, Greenville
If you are looking for an outdoor place to propose in Greenville, check out Falls Park. Surrounded by lush trees, it's a secluded part of the city where you can enjoy fresh air and tranquility together before you pop the question.
National Steeplechase Museum, Camden
Equestrian lovers will cherish time spent at the National Steeplechase Museum together. Learn about all things steeplechasing (a long distance horse race) and check out the historic Springdale Race Course before you propose.
Wild Dunes Resort, Isle of Palms
Planning a beach proposal near Charleston? Head to Wild Dunes on Isle of Palms and propose seaside to your love. "Charleston also has beautiful beaches that serve as a perfect proposal backdrop," says Jen Clem, founder of Propose Charleston. "One of our favorite beach proposal locations is Wild Dunes.
Riverbanks Zoo & Garden, Columbia
Looking for places to propose in Columbia, SC? You don't have to be an animal lover to plan your proposal at the Riverbanks Zoo & Garden. Spend time in the botanical gardens once you've seen all the exhibits, where you can get down on one knee surrounded by gorgeous flowers.
Columbia Museum of Art, Columbia
The Columbia Museum of Art is another great place to propose in Columbia. With 26 galleries to explore, you can get your art fill together before you get down on one knee.
Kaminski House Museum, Georgetown
The Kaminski House Museum was built in the 18th century, and is a stunning Georgian-style mansion that sits on the Sampit River. Loaded with history, it's a beautiful place to start your love story with a proposal.
The American Theatre, Charleston
Step back in time and take in a show together at The American Theatre in Downtown Charleston before asking for your partner's hand in marriage. This preserved theater was also featured in The Notebook, so fans of the movie will appreciate the nod.
Sea Pines Resort, Hilton Head Island
A weekend getaway to Hilton Head is the perfect way to propose. A stay at the Sea Pines Resort will set you up for the ultimate proposal thanks to the sprawling 5,000 acres of the Sea Pines community where you can stroll with your love and check out Harbour Town Lighthouse.
South Carolina State Museum, Columbia
If South Carolina is truly near and dear to your hearts, a trip to the South Carolina Museum to learn more about its history is a thoughtful place to pop the question. Spend time in the planetarium or soaking in the natural history exhibits together.
Romantic Places to Propose in South Carolina
South Carolina has no shortage of romantic spots to plan your proposal. These are some of the most romantic places to propose in South Carolina.
Morris Island Lighthouse, Folly Beach
There are few places more romantic than a lighthouse. "I highly recommend the Morris Island Lighthouse, where you can enjoy the jetty rocks, driftwood and dunes with beachgrass," says Clem. "Additionally, the sunset view from the beach is breathtaking and adds to the romantic ambiance of the proposal."
Middleton Place, Charleston
The historic landscaped gardens of Middleton Place will make for a stunning backdrop for your proposal. "The serene and peaceful atmosphere of the grounds creates a sense of intimacy and privacy for such a special moment," says Garvin. "Looking to elevate your proposal? They have a horse-drawn carriage on site as well as a shepherd that can arrange to have roaming sheep in the pasture for your proposal or portraits afterward. Middleton also has an equestrian center for those horse lovers. A guided trail ride turned ultimate proposal…what a dream! Your partner will be swept away by the beauty and charm of Middleton Place, making it a truly memorable location for a proposal."
Sullivan's Island Beach, Sullivan's Island
Sullivan's Island is a small island (it's two-and-a-half miles long) right outside of Charleston that has sprawling beaches known for its land preservation. Beat the crowds and plan a romantic sunset proposal under cotton candy clouds.
Jones Gap State Park, Marietta
Propose by hiking to the Jones Gap Falls under flowing water, or enjoy a meal sitting next to the Middle Saluda River before you get down on one knee. Located in Marietta, it has 17,000 acres of mountain woodlands that any hiking (or nature-loving couple) will love.