The Best Places to Propose in Virginia for a Romantic Engagement
If Virginia is your home state (or your partner's), you may be starting your search for the best places to propose in Virginia. One of the original 13 colonies, Virginia is a state with rich history and stunning scenery, from beaches to mountains to rolling hills–perfect backdrops for a romantic proposal. You can find the perfect proposal photographer, proposal planner and proposal package on The Knot Vendor Marketplace.
"Well, all in the slogan, 'Virginia is for lovers'," Yolonda Smith, lead planner and designer of By Love Events & Design says. "For anyone planning to propose to their significant other, Virginia is an amazing location to consider. Whether the perfect setting includes coastal beaches, mountainside views or city sights, all are accessible and available within our beautiful state."
Besides deciding where to propose in Virginia, you may also be thinking of the perfect timing to pop the question. "The most desired proposal setting will ultimately determine the best time of year," says Smith.
If proposing at Virginia Beach, she suggests March through May and the fall as the best times to avoid excessive traffic posed by tourists.
"For proposals near Charlottesville, be careful to consider seasonal foliage colors and transitions as they'll add or diminish value from the experience pending personal preferences," adds Smith. "For city proposals, the summer always feels amazing, I recommend evening hours to accompany magnificent views and avoid unbearable daytime heat."
With timing in mind, keeping your proposal a secret can also add lots of 'wow' factor–while still involving those closest to you and your partner.
"If you decide to involve family and friends, it's important you're confident they value your preferences to keep the proposal a surprise," says Smith. "If unsure, keep them clueless to what's happening outside of the meeting details. Let them know you'd like them to meet you for something important."
She adds that you can hire a proposal planner or have a trustworthy friend/family member onsite that knows the plan and is able to explain everyone's roles ahead of time.
"This liaison should also help minimize outside contact that could draw suspicion from your partner on the day of the proposal (phone ringing more than usual, etc.)," says Smith.
Keep reading for our picks of the best places to propose in Virginia. (Planning a wedding in Virginia? Find amazing Virginia wedding venues, photographers and more on The Knot Vendor Marketplace.)
- The Best Places to Propose in Virginia
- The Best Places to Propose in Northern Virginia
- The Best Places to Propose in Virginia Beach
The Best Places to Propose in Virginia
The state of Virginia has so many unique places where you can propose to the love of your life. These are some of the best places to propose in Virginia.
Maymont
Maymont is the perfect proposal location for an outdoor proposal. "Maymont Park in Richmond has provided the perfect location for proposals in the past," says Smith. "The park is expansive with several ideal settings depending on what you think your partner would best appreciate. Early spring, summer and fall are all great times for a Maymont proposal."
Hermitage Museum & Gardens
Spend an afternoon exploring the 12 acres and art collections that span over 5,000 years of history at the Hermitage Museum & Gardens. Whether your partner loves art or you both enjoy horticulture, it's a proposal location that has the best of both worlds.
Williamsburg Winery
Wine lovers can spend a day tasting the best wines of the Williamsburg Winery before getting down on one knee. With over 400 acres of woods, the property has endless scenic areas for a romantic proposal.
Military Aviation Museum
Learn about all things aviation at the Military Aviation Museum in Virginia Beach before (or after) your proposal. With aircrafts from WWI and WWII, it has the largest collection of airworthy vintage military aircraft in the world–which anyone obsessed with aviation will eat up.
Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center
Located in Virginia Beach, the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center is a unique place to pop the question to your partner. With over 800,000 gallons of water and over 300 different species of ocean-faring creatures to learn about, it's a magical (and educational) place to start your future together.
The Best Places to Propose in Northern Virginia
Northern Virginia is home to some gorgeous cities, including Alexandria and Fredericksburg, and is considered a suburb of Washington, DC Check out some of the best places to propose in Northern Virginia below.
The Salamander Resort
Plan a stay at this stately resort, proposal included. "The Salamander Resort in Middleburg is a beautiful location that provides an inclusive experience for couples," says Smith. "Their on-site restaurant, Harrimans, would be a great location for dinner and the outside terrace would provide a phenomenal setting during sunset."
Mount Vernon
Mount Vernon is the former home of America's first president, George Washington. Located outside of Alexandria, it's an estate filled with American history and excellent exhibits surrounded by 500 acres of land, offering you endless options for where (and how) to propose.
Silver Fox Lavender Farm
One of the greatest smells (and prettiest flowers) in the world is lavender. Spend an afternoon picking your own at Silver Fox Lavender Farm in Nellysford and pop the question in the middle of the purple fields.
The Cultural Arts Center at Glen Allen
There are endless things you and your partner can do at the Cultural Arts Center at Glen Allen before you get down on one knee. Catch a concert, take a pottery class or explore an art exhibit together.
Potomac Point Winery & Vineyard
The Potomac Point Winery & Vineyard in Stafford is a gorgeous European-inspired winery where you and your partner can enjoy delectable food and of course wine together. Plan a day or nighttime date to get down on one knee and soak up all things good at the epicurean proposal venue.
Lansdowne Resort
Located in Leesburg, the Lansdowne Resort offers pretty much everything you and your partner will enjoy—from a stunning golf course to an incredible spa. With 500 acres of land, it's the perfect getaway for a romantic proposal.
The Best Places to Propose in Virginia Beach
These are some of the best places to propose in Virginia Beach.
Cavalier Resort
This stunning resort has some pretty incredible beach views and access. "Cavalier Resort in Virginia Beach is a beautiful location with a variety of available settings," says Smith. "Couples can easily whisk away to dinner at the Cavalier and 'stumble' across a phenomenal proposal setting. The staff is incredible and we've enjoyed our time there in the past. I also love that the Cavalier provides accessible beach, terrace and indoor options that can be customized for your desired experience."
The Mariners' Museum and Park
Did your love story start on the water? Plan your proposal at the Mariners' Museum and Park, dedicated to all things maritime.
Inner Banks Inn
Located just across the border from Virginia in Edenton, North Carolina, the Inner Banks Inn was ranked the #1 Bed & Breakfast by TripAdvisor. Spend time soaking up the sun on the beach and enjoying the beautiful grounds, where you can pop the question at any time during your stay.
Colonial Williamsburg
For American history buffs, Colonial Williamsburg is a no-brainer for a fabulous proposal location. A living-history museum that takes you straight back to the 18th century, it has incredible historic architecture and scenery for stunning proposal pictures.
Chrysler Museum of Art
Located in Norfolk, Virginia, the Chrysler Museum of Art has some of the most impressive assortment of art in the United States. With over 50 galleries, you and your partner can explore the endless art before you propose.
Norfolk Botanical Garden
If your partner is obsessed with flowers, the Norfolk Botanical Garden has 60 themed gardens to explore. With 175 acres of land and 14 acres of trails to stroll, it's the perfect place to plan a proposal filled with blooms and happy memories.
Virginia Living Museum
Does your partner love animals and Virginia? The Virginia Living Museum has more than 250 species of animals found in Virginia that you can learn about before proposing.