Virginia favors lovers, and it’s a great location for taking your romantic relationship to the next level. Whether you’re planning an intimate picnic or a cultural excursion, you can find the perfect place to pop the big question.
Our guide highlights five of the best places to propose in Virginia.
1. Shenandoah National Park
The Shenandoah National Park spreads over 200,000 acres of protected lands, enabling couples to immerse themselves in nature. You’re also likely to see a wide range of fauna, including deer, songbirds and even black bears.
Plan the perfect proposal by packing a backpack with some energizing refreshments and heading out on one of the many hikes. Once you reach the summit, you can take in the views and ask the love of your life to marry you.
If you want to extend the celebrations over the weekend, there are also numerous places to stay in the park. Book a premium room at the Skyland Lodge or stay in a rustic cabin and cuddle up by the crackling fire.
2. Colonial Williamsburg
Couples passionate about history will enjoy a trip to Colonial Williamsburg. Once the bustling capital of Virginia, this town now features a living history museum, which celebrates the people pivotal in building the nation.
Several activities are available for you and your partner, including visiting one of the historic sites, checking out the art museums or watching a live performance. You can also fully immerse yourself in the period by dressing up in clothing reminiscent of this time. Just imagine how cute you’ll look wearing 18th-century gowns and waistcoats in your proposal photos!
3. Green Spring Gardens
Picture this — the sun is shining, and you’re roaming the beautiful Green Spring Gardens with your partner. You stop along the path with the 18th-century manor house in the background, bend your knee and ask the big question. This scene is sure to inspire a “yes!”
These lush gardens are a great option if you’re thinking of proposing in Northern Virginia. Couples can also look forward to exploring the demonstration gardens, which feature areas dedicated to growing wildflowers, fruit and edible plants. There’s also a newly expanded horticultural center where you can grow your knowledge of native species.
4. Hermitage Museum and Gardens
The Hermitage Museum and Gardens has something for nature and culture enthusiasts alike. It’s also free to the public from Tuesday to Sunday between the hours of 10 a.m. and 5 p.m.
Start the day by touring the early 20th-century house museum. Then marvel at the Sloane collection, which features an array of sculptures, paintings and textiles from all over the world. You can end the day by exploring the stunning grounds — the perfect backdrop for a proposal.
Several events are scheduled at the Hermitage, such as the live music and food truck extravaganza called Sunsets on the River. If you’re planning an evening proposal, this would be a special time to do it.
Couples who get engaged in gardens may also want to return for their wedding! There are several beautiful areas available to book, enabling you to take your love story full circle.
5. Norfolk Botanical Gardens
One of the most romantic spots in Virginia is the Norfolk Botanical Gardens. Different flowers are in bloom each month, making it a stunning location year-round.
After marveling at the flowers, you can purchase food from the rotating food trucks on-site or take along a picnic. Aside from a blanket or some folding chairs, here are some food and drink ideas to take along on your picnic:
- Chocolate-covered strawberries
- Cheeses and charcuterie
- A selection of bread or crackers
- A quiche or pie
- Non-alcoholic beverages
While you can visit the Norfolk Botanical Gardens in all seasons, they are particularly gorgeous around December. The park transforms into a festive wonderland with beautiful light displays at night.
If you plan to propose around the holidays, this would be an ideal spot to pop the question. It’s worth booking tickets online before the event to avoid additional charges. The park also allows dogs on Sundays if you want to bring your furbaby along for the proposal.
Top Tips for the Perfect Engagement in VA
While choosing a romantic setting for proposing in Virginia is important, there are other things to consider when planning the event. Here are key tips for a seamless engagement:
- Choose an engagement ring: One of the most important symbols for an engagement is, of course, the ring! Consider your partner’s style when selecting a beautiful ring to mark the occasion.
- Prepare for the unexpected: If you plan to propose outdoors, check the weather report beforehand. You can always reschedule your hike or picnic for another day if it might rain.
- Capture the moment: Choose a discrete place to set up your tripod and camera and film this special event. Alternatively, you could hire a professional photographer and enjoy an impromptu engagement shoot. You may want to encourage your partner to wear an outfit they love and feel good in beforehand to ensure they adore the photos for years to come.
- Practice your words: You’re likely to feel a bit nervous before proposing, making remembering everything you want to say challenging. Practice your proposal speech before the big day for extra confidence.
- Plan a celebration: Consider how you want to celebrate after your partner has said yes. Whether you want to invite your family to join you for a picnic or enjoy a romantic dinner for two, it’s a good idea to plan in advance.
- Incorporate personal touches: Doing an activity you love or packing a picnic with your partner’s favorite food helps to make your proposal more personal. Take note of your partner’s interests when choosing a venue for your engagement.
- Enjoy the moment: A proposal is a special milestone in your relationship. While focusing on all the small details is tempting, remember to take a deep breath and soak up all the love.
Get the Perfect Engagement Ring From The Vault Jewelry and Loan
Once you’ve figured out where to propose in Virginia, you can move on to finding the perfect ring. Diamond rings are a popular choice for engagements, yet gold, rose gold, or silver rings embedded with other gemstones can be just as stunning.
The Vault Jewelry and Loan has an extensive range of engagement rings for sale across our five branches in VA. Happy customers are our main priority, and our team will go to great lengths to help you find the perfect ring!
Contact our team today for more information about our inventory, or visit one of our branches to see our engagement rings in person.
Jamie Furman
James (Jamie) F., is the manager of our Centerpointe Way location in Woodbridge, VA. With over 14 years in the pawn business, he is an expert in Diamonds, Gold, and Luxury Watches. He is fluent in Spanish and English and enjoys helping customers’ find the item they want at a great deal. Banks and Big Box stores have convinced many that new and expensive is the only way to buy. He aims to change that paradigm and provide exceptional service and quality products at a bargain price to every person who walks through our doors.
