Virginia’s stunning landscapes create the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable engagement, so when pondering where to propose, narrowing it down to an ideal location can be pretty difficult. From the mountains of Southwest Virginia to the Eastern Shore beaches, we have picked 20 of the most stunning spots to pop the question. Consider traveling to these picture-perfect locations if you’re looking to plan a truly extraordinary proposal.
McAfee Knob—Catawba
Photo credit: Nate Dennison
As one of the most photographed spots on the Appalachian Trail, McAfee Knob tops our list of places to propose. Hike the 4.4 mile trail to the summit, where you’ll get a 270 degree panoramic view of the Catawba Valley on a clear day. The overhang is a popular hiking destination and privacy is unlikely, but on the plus side, you can always ask a fellow hiker to photograph the moment! This is just one of many scenic sites within the region; check out the Top 10 Spots to Propose in Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains.
Cape Charles LOVEwork—Cape Charles
photo credit: Adam Lewis, @adamtlewis
This Eastern Shore LOVEwork utilizes beach materials like sea glass, kayaks, crab pots, and seashells (as well as a tractor tire to represent the agricultural ties of the shore). Located next to the fishing pier on the public beach, the site is a gorgeous place to propose, especially at sunrise or sunset.
Find more LOVEworks throughout Virginia: https://www.virginia.org/love
Stratford Hall—Stratford
photo credit: John Henley
The birthplace of Robert E. Lee, Stratford Hall combines history, scenery, and solitude for a perfect proposal destination. Consider planning your moment near the high bluff overlooking the Potomac River or the beautifully manicured formal gardens.
Cascade Falls—Pembroke
photo credit: Divergent Travelers
Cascade Falls is located within Jefferson National Forest about four miles down Cascades National Recreation Trail. If you are a couple that enjoy the great outdoors and hiking, these 66-foot waterfalls are an ideal destination to pop the question.
False Cape State Park—Virginia Beach
photo credit: Sam Dean, @sdeanphotos
Looking for a secluded beach spot for your big moment? False Cape State Park is one of the few remaining undeveloped areas on the Atlantic coast, providing privacy and unmarred coastal views that set the stage for your proposal.
Luray Caverns—Luray
photo courtesy of Luray Caverns
The cathedral-like Luray Caverns are hauntingly beautiful, creating a unique spot to propose. Check out the worlds-only Stalacpipe Organ, which uses rubber mallets to tap on the stalactites and produce musical melodies.
Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards—North Garden
Photo credit: Jen Fariello
The views from Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards are some of the best in the region, giving you a front-row seat to the Blue Ridge Mountains right from the front lawn. Grab a glass of wine and a bite to eat from their on-site restaurant, then spread a picnic blanket on the grass to complete your memorable moment. If you are undecided on where you plan to tie the knot, the venue is also available for weddings!
Grayson Highlands State Park—Mouth of Wilson
photo credit: Joshua Moore, @jtm71
Grayson Highlands State Park has everything you need for an unforgettable proposal. Experience scenic views from the summit of Mount Rogers, the highest point in Virginia, after a 3.5 mile hike through the park. To reach the summit, take the Rhododendron Trail to the Appalachian Trail connection. If you’re lucky, you may catch a glimpse of the wild ponies that roam the park.
The Omni Homestead Resort—Hot Springs
photo courtesy of The Omni Homestead Resort
In the Allegheny Mountains, the Omni Homestead Resort is a National Historic Landmark with origins that date back to before the American Revolution. The resort has housed a bevy of distinguished guests, from Presidents to princes, and when you pop the question at this famous resort, you’ll have endless activities to celebrate the moment, from horseback riding to falconry.
Assateague Island Lighthouse—Chincoteague Island
photo credit: Bill Crabtree, Jr.
Built in 1867, Assateague Lighthouse provides a stunning vantage point of the surrounding coastal landscape. Climb the spiral staircase to take your love to the top of the brick tower and enjoy the unimpeded views of Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge.
Peaks of Otter—Bedford
photo credit: Lovicarious, @lovicarious
Hike any of the three mountains of Peaks of Otter to reach a picture-perfect proposal site, but the best scenery can be seen at the summit of Sharp Top Mountain, which gives you 360 degrees of panoramic mountain views. The trail leading up to the summit is only 1.5 miles long and the scenic vista is best experienced at sunrise, so plan to wake up early to catch the best light.
Libby Hill Park—Richmond
photo credit: Adam Lewis, @adamtlewis
Virginia’s capital city was named for the view from Libby Hill Park, where William Byrd II gazed down at the James River and remarked that it reminded him of Richmond, England and the River Thames. This quiet, peaceful park offers a bit of scenic beauty at the heart of a historic urban landscape.
Alexandria Waterfront—Alexandria
photo credit: Carol Stulan
Although it is just across the Potomac from bustling Washington, D.C., Alexandria’s historic brick streets and boutique shops create an entirely different atmosphere, and the charm is most evident on the waterfront. This area has a proposal site for every couple, whether you plan a romantic walk along the Mount Vernon Trail, book a sunset boat cruise down the Potomac, or make a reservation at one of the upscale restaurants along the water.
Upper Shirley Vineyards—Charles City
photo credit: Creative Dog Media, @creativedogmedia
Upper Shirley Vineyards is an estate, winery, restaurant, and wedding venue, all in one prime location on the gorgeous James River. This rural wonderland is only about five miles from Richmond, making it a convenient getaway for a little scenery, wine, and of course, romance.
USS Wisconsin – Norfolk
photo credit: Fred DeSousa
One of the largest battleships ever built by U.S. Navy., the USS Wisconsin at Norfolk’s Nauticus Museum is an ideal place for history lovers to get engaged, and at sunset, the skyline colors over the water craft an amazing backdrop for that big moment.
Powell Valley Overlook—Big Stone Gap
Powell Valley Overlook, accessible from Route 23, provides striking views of Powell Mountain, Little Stone Mountain, and Powell River. This one is best experienced at sunrise or sunset, but since it is directly off the road, the site offers easy and quick access for those that love the mountains but aren’t looking for a long hike.
LOVEwork at Humpback Bridge—Covington
Constructed in 1857, Humpback Bridge is the only covered, curved bridge left in the United States. Referred to as the “kissing bridge”, this structure is beautiful year-round, and with a LOVEwork on the bank of the water below the bridge, you can take a sweet post-proposal picture to commemorate the special moment.
Find More LOVEworks throughout Virginia: https://www.virginia.org/love
Lake Gaston—Bracey
If you’re looking for total privacy in a scenic location when you pop the question, kayak out on Lake Gaston to one of the numerous coves. The lake straddles the Virginia/North Carolina border and spans through miles of pristine countryside.
Natural Tunnel State Park—Duffield
photo credit: Scott K. Brown
Called the Eighth Wonder of the World by William Jennings Bryan, the limestone formation at Natural Tunnel State Park is an awe-inspiring venue for your proposal. You’ll find plenty of activities for your visit, including cave tours, canoe trips on Clinch River, and hiking on the Lovers Leap Trail to a summit with scenic views.
A Virginia Music Festival—Locations Throughout Virginia
Attend a music festival with your significant other this year for an unexpected proposal. Floydfest is a 4-day celebration of music and art nestled in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of Southwest Virginia, the perfect place for a proposal for music lovers. Bonus points if you propose in front of the site’s LOVEwork!
Check out our music page for more festival ideas!
More Ideas for Proposal Location In Virginia
Mountaintop Sunrises and Sunsets
Wintergreen Resort is a four-season resort with snow sports, golf, and more, but it’s the view we’re interested in right now. Let the photo to the right speak louder than any of these words can.
Besides a photographer or hiker looking to get an early start, you shouldn’t encounter too much traffic at a Skyline Drive or Blue Ridge Parkway overlook. If you feel like hiking to have a truly unmatched experience, these are great views:
- Whitetop Mountain is Virginia’s second highest peak and has stunning panoramic views of three states on a clear day. The highest peak, Mount Rogers, would also be an excellent choice for hike lovers.
- Dan Ingalls Overlook in Bath County affords a breathtaking view complete with benches to enjoy your time together. Or catch her when she falls. *smile*
Waterside Sunrises and Sunsets
Pick a beach, any beach! You’ll find privacy on the Eastern Shore or at Sandbridge Beach, just south of the resort area of Virginia Beach.
Lighthouses are often a go-to for proposals as well, and Virginia has a number to choose from.
There are amazing sunrises and sunsets at Virginia’s lakes. Kerr Lake, Smith Mountain Lake and Lake Anna are the three largest lakes and have the most shoreline to situate yourself for the perfect opportunity.
Rivers offer yet another waterfront option for your perfect proposal. Three of the most popular rivers in Virginia are the James River, Potomac River, and Shenandoah River. Find a great spot for your proposal anywhere on the hundreds of miles of Virginia riverfront.
Stargazing
staunton river state park. photo credit: Mark Hamilton @markhamilton.photos
What about a quiet place where there is little to no light pollution? How romantic! Spread a blanket and be amazed at the night sky. When the time is right (you’ll know it!), ask that one question.
- Hungry Mother State Park, Marion
- Grayson Highlands State Park, Mouth of Wilson
- Sky Meadows State Park, Delaplane
- False Cape State Park, Virginia Beach
- York River State Park, Williamsburg
- Staunton River State Park, Scottsburg
Maybe it’s not about the dark and seeing real stars, but about a memorable star. If so, there’s only one: the Mill Mountain Star in Roanoke. And yes, we want to see a selfie afterward!
Historic Sites
Virginia is full of history, but here are several locations that excel at combining the charm of the past with the passion of the present.
Mount Vernon – Why not get engaged at the home of two of America’s most famous sweethearts, Martha and George Washington? Stroll in the backyard of Mount Vernon and propose along the banks of the Potomac, or choose a spot in the manicured gardens with the historic greenhouse in the background.
Natural Bridge – This incredible natural arch in Rockbridge County towers 215 feet over the pathway underneath. Take your beloved to marvel at this awe-inspiring piece of natural history while also writing your own history.
Monticello – Propose at Thomas Jefferson’s famous home in Charlottesville for backdrops that inspire everlasting love. In the warmer months, the grounds are abloom with thousands of beautiful blossoms.
LOVEworks Art Installations – With over 40 installations and counting all over the state, Virginia’s LOVEworks project has become a popular sighting for Virginians. For even more romance, plan your proposal at the LOVEworks installation beside Humpback Bridge in Covington. The artwork sits right beside the covered bridge—also referred to as a “kissing bridge”.
Gorgeous Gardens
A lush, blooming garden is a great place for a spring or summer proposal (minding your allergies, of course). These gardens come to mind when considering beautiful backdrops and settings to await a “YES!”
maymont
Eyre Hall Gardens in Cheriton on Virginia’s Eastern Shore include canopies of crape myrtles with sweet wooden benches tucked beneath, the ruins of an 1819 orangery, and plenty of other paths and beds of beauty.
At the Edith J. Carrier Botanical Gardens in Harrisonburg you’ll find a duck pond with an arched bridge. Work with a photographer (and the Garden itself) to arrange to have the moment captured forever at this magical spot.
If you love cherry blossoms, we have great news! You don’t have to go to Washington, D.C. to walk among them. Head to Red Wing Park in Virginia Beach where there are rows of these dainty pinkish-white lovelies to stroll between and drop to a knee. It’s also another great engagement portrait location.
Gigantic trees with branches so low you can sit on them, a waterfall and other water features, flowering nooks, architecture … you can find these at Maymont in Richmond.
With so much natural beauty, there are countless destinations to consider when planning how to pop the big question, but we hope this list will get you started. Did you propose (or get proposed to) in an unforgettable Virginia location? Share your love stories below!
Check out “Hapua at Quarry Run”, an hour from DC and one of the most unique, private and beautiful places to propose (it’s on Facebook and Instagram)
Hi Patricia, all nice venues, but you missed the boat……ask me and I’ll tell you a little secret…..
You have my curiosity piqued! What is your secret romantic spot to propose?