The key to any successful and remarkable wedding proposal is unpredictability. This is why you keep the breathtaking ring out of your significant other’s sight until the big day, and why you tell your closest friends and kin to help keep the surprise with you. However, all these efforts might simply go to waste if you randomly suggest a trip to a classic proposal site like the Empire State Building or the Grand Canyon.
If you really want your proposal to be a surprise, here are some destination ideas that are 100% romantic yet underrated enough not to raise suspicion about your plans.
1. Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas
The Hot Springs National Park is the oldest park under the National Park System. It is a place of relaxation and healing and is thus an amazing choice if you want an intimate proposal. The scenery is perfectly IG-worthy too, and the food options are sumptuous enough for such a celebration-worthy occasion.
2. Maroon Lake, Colorado
If you’ve always loved pictures of alpine mountains reflected against pristine waters, this is the place to go. The scenic views from the shores of Maroon Lake make for some of the most picturesque and dramatic engagement ring photos. Get a photographer friend to follow you to the lake on the down-low if you want professional shots taken after you’ve popped the question.
3. Castle Hill Lighthouse, Rhode Island
It’s hard to beat the view of the sunset from this active lighthouse in Rhode Island. Note that the lighthouse itself is not open for visitors, but the cliff face and the shoreline are accessible via several footpaths. This is a good spot for a large celebration, such as when you want both sides of the family to witness your proposal.
There are several ways to reach Rhode Island, but if you check the costs of chartering a bus, you’ll find that it is far cheaper and more convenient than other transportation options, especially if you’re going as a big group.
4. Haleakala Volcano, Hawaii
When you think about Hawaii, you might immediately think your best option would be to propose on the beach. However, if you’re gunning for a unique proposal, why not take the hike all the way to the top of the Haleakala Volcano? Going just as soon as it’s a bit light outside will give you an amazing view of the sunrise from the summit of East Maui, too. As far as ‘Instagrammable’ engagement pics go, you certainly won’t regret it.
5. Sunflower Farms, Northern Illinois
There are a lot of sunflower fields and farms in Illinois. Each one of these privately-owned farms will have respective advisories on what time of the year the sunflowers will be in full bloom, so make sure you do your research beforehand.
6. Nantucket Beaches, Massachusetts
Located about 30 miles from Cape Cod, the Nantucket Beaches provide a wonderful escape from city life. You can ask the big question after feasting on delicious seafood by the beach or even after going all the way to the top of one of the lighthouses in the area. This is also a top choice for surfer couples, as the Madaket and Surfside beaches produce some big waves depending on the time you visit.
7. Brandywine Falls, Ohio
Planning a fall proposal? Then there’s no better place to do it than in Ohio, where you can get engaged with the breathtaking view of the Brandywine Falls as your background. The colors are perfect in the fall, but you can take your proposal hike all year round.
8. Cannon Beach, Oregon
If you really must propose on the beach, then just pick a beach that doesn’t see a hundred proposals on the daily. One such example is Cannon Beach in Oregon one of the best West Coast destinations. The view of the Haystack Rock adds a little more color and texture against its long, dreamy, sandy shore. If you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, you can visit the nearby Hug Point and its sea caves and pop the question there.
Any one of these underrated yet highly romantic spots will give you the perfect vibe for one of the most important days of your life. Simply pick one that perfectly suits your personality as a couple, and you’ll surely get that yes. Good luck!
