A wonderland of water, mountainscapes, evergreen forests, parkland, and cutting-edge culture, Seattle draws people in from every corner of the world, especially those who are in love. Whether you’re a local or a soon-to-be visitor planning to pop the question in this famed city, you won’t be disappointed. Seattle is overflowing with stunning proposal locations, so much so that it can be a bit overwhelming. To help you create the ideal proposal moment in this iconic region of the Pacific Northwest — and commence the next momentous phase of your and your soulmate’s lives together (wedding planning) — we’ve scoured the city, sifted through the options, and identified the 13 best places to propose in Seattle.
1. Space Needle
Built for the 1962 World’s Fair and an iconic Seattle structure today, the Space Needle features an observation deck that offers some of the most amazing panoramic views of Downtown Seattle and the surrounding water and mountains. Stand on The Loupe — the world’s only rotating glass floor — for the big ask. From there, head upstairs to the Atmos Wine Bar to toast your upcoming union.
2. Kerry Park
Kerry Park, located on the south slope of Queen Anne Hill, is a small, public park that makes you feel like you’re floating above the city. Don’t forget to hire a photographer to snap photos during the proposal, as this is The Spot to score amazing shots of you and your loved one against one of the most famous skylines in the world, as well as the bold, affecting presence of Mt. Rainier. No wonder it’s one of the best places to propose in Seattle.
3. Washington Park Arboretum
Resting on the banks of Lake Washington, Seattle’s 230-acre Arboretum has an astounding collection of thematic gardens that inspire an array of outdoor proposal ideas if you love Mother Nature. You can choose from the Pacific Connections Garden — which includes some of the most exotic foliage from Cascadia, Australia, China, Chile, and New Zealand — or the Joseph A. Witt Winter Garden which features a central lawn surrounded by tall cedars and firs and highlighted by a variety of smaller trees, shrubs, and perennials.
There’s also a tapestry of ponds, streams, and woodland plants in the Woodland Garden, a community of birds and impressive arbors at the Shoreline & Foster Island, and a storybook-like area of thriving rhododendrons, magnolias, firs, and ferns in the Rhododendron Glen. The most popular site in the Washington Park Arboretum is Azalea Way which showcases azaleas, flowering cherries, dogwoods, magnolias, and companion plants, making you feel like you’ve dropped into Alice in Wonderland.
4. Seattle Japanese Garden
Another stunning proposal location tucked within the Washington Park Arboretum, this 3.5-acre expanse is one of the oldest Japanese gardens in North America—and a fantasyland of granite, tranquil water, glowing lanterns, charming bridges and buildings, and vibrant flora and fauna expertly woven to exude the essence of nature. For those with an affinity for Japanese culture and tradition, plan the perfect proposal at the end of a 40-minute tea ceremony held in the Seattle Japanese Garden‘s Shoseian Tea House and set in a traditional Roji garden setting.
5. Snoqualmie Falls
One of the most romantic places to propose in the Seattle area, this 300-foot tall waterfall will leave you speechless, at least until you remember what you came for. To craft an unforgettable getaway, surprise your honey with a reservation at the Salish Lodge—a luxury resort and spa perched above Snoqualmie Falls—after you propose. Elevate the romance even more by booking one of the many couples’ treatments such as a fireside couples massage, an “Essence of the Earth” experience, or a milk and honey soak.
6. Golden Gardens
Enjoy spectacular views of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains during a stroll in Golden Gardens, an aptly named oasis that includes a short loop trail, 2 wetlands, and a beach. Make your way to the shore at sunset as the water appears to be covered in gold while the sun dips beneath the horizon. Then, pull out that ring box for a picture-perfect moment at one of the best places to propose in Seattle.
7. Bloedel Reserve
Located on the idyllic Bainbridge Island, the Bloedel Reserve is composed of 150-acres of wild forests, rhododendron glens, Zen gardens, lush expanses of grass, and distinctive structural features. As you wander the paths that wind through the 14 landscapes, you’ll be pleased to discover the property is so large that it’s easy to find pockets of privacy perfect for an intimate proposal. With your picnic basket (and ring!) in tow, hop on the ferry from Seattle and get ready for a day trip to remember.
8. Sailing on Lake Union
Few settings are as romantic as a sailboat on serene waters, especially when that setting is the backdrop for a marriage proposal. With the help of Lake Union Charters & Adventures, you can take your sweetheart on a 2-hour sail across Lake Union, utilizing one of its many date night packages. A favorite is the “Oysters & Sailing” package which includes a sampling of oysters and small bites.
9. Chateau Ste. Michelle
Just 30 minutes northeast of Seattle, in the bucolic wine country of Woodinville, is the elegant Chateau Ste. Michelle, a winery known for its premium whites. Before exploring the exquisite grounds and gardens, take the Champagne and Sparkling Literacy class that includes tastings and food pairings. Then, with your nerves soothed, head to the fountain across from the manor and ask those oh-so-special 4 words.
10. Olympic Sculpture Park
If your soon-to-be-fiancé is an art lover, they’ll adore this 9-acre sculpture park that’s shaped like a ‘Z’ and mixes impressive green spaces with soaring sculptures by world-renowned artists. Two of the most popular sites for proposals in Olympic Sculpture Park include sculptures such as “The Eagle” by Alexander Calder, whose work is known for being both pragmatic and poetic, and “Father and Son” by Louise Bourgeois, which sits within a fountain that vacillates between engulfing the father and the son.
11. Market Charm at Pike Place Farmers Market
As one of the most famous locations in Seattle, Pike Place Market is an easy choice for a proposal. It also offers personalized charms that are inscribed and then hung, from the railings surrounding the new MarketFront and down the staircase to the promenade leading to the future Central Waterfront Park. All you need to do is personalize your charm. Then, with your lover in tow, use the Market Charm Finder to locate your proposal medallion. Even sweeter? Proceeds from the charms support local social services such as the Pike Market Senior Center & Food Bank and NeighborCare Health Center.
12. Volunteer Park Conservatory in Capitol Hill
If you’re planning to propose on one of Seattle’s many rainy days, head to the indoor utopia of Volunteer Park Conservatory. This extraordinary, century-old Victorian structure, made from 3,426 panels of glass, is a historic landmark filled with a botanical collection of threatened plants like Venus Fly Traps, Sundews, Pitcher Plants, and so much more. For a perfect proposal spot, you can choose from the conservatory’s tropical Fern House, otherworldly Bromeliad House, rustic Cactus House, or balmy Palm House.
13. VIP Gondola at Seattle Great Wheel
There’s something poignant about proposing in a location that mixes the whimsy of childhood with the grown-up decision of marriage. One of the best places to propose in Seattle, the Great Wheel allows couples to get engaged during 3 full revolutions of this 175-foot tall Ferris wheel located at Pier 57 on Elliott Bay. Because this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, spring for the VIP Gondola tickets which include an escort to the front of the line, a private gondola with leather bucket seats, a stereo system, and a glass floor. The tickets also include a champagne toast at Fisherman’s Restaurant (You can enjoy your drinks in the gondola if you’re both 21+.), special VIP t-shirts, and pictures from the photo booth.
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