Welcome back to our “How to Propose” blog series! Last week, Sarah took over and spoke to everyone out there wondering when their partner is finally going to propose. This week, I’ll be helping you think through where to propose! Most of the principles we discuss in this blog apply no matter where you want to get engaged! However, if you’re looking for specific suggestions for where to propose in Charlottesville, then check out one of our most popular blogs: Best Engagement Session Locations in Charlottesville, VA! But before you check out that list, keep reading so we can give you the why behind the where!

 

Now, like we mentioned in Part 3, sometimes you get lucky and the decision of where to propose is already made for you. Maybe an upcoming family vacation or other big life event has presented itself as the obvious time/place to propose. So there’s no need to “decide” on a location. But for many of you out there, you’ve simply chosen a nice date. But now you have nearly unlimited options for where to ask the big question. How do you begin to narrow down the hundreds or even thousands of locations that could make the proposal even more unforgettable?

 

 

Where to Propose: Think Sentimental

When we help our clients plan their proposals, we always start by asking them to consider sentimental value. For those who grew up or went to college in Charlottesville, there are spots that will immediately come to mind. Maybe you met while at UVA, so UVA’s Lawn or gardens is a natural choice. Or maybe you went on your first date on Charlottesville’s Downtown Mall, making that the obvious answer!

 

In the late-Spring of 2019, our guy Matt and his girlfriend Christy dropped off their final assignment during their shared time at UVA Law School. As they walked out of the building and onto the Law School’s lawn, he got down on one knee right there and made their celebration complete!

 

Think about milestone moments in your relationship, and ask if there are any locations associated with those moments. Maybe you asked her out for the first time in a local park, or your first date was to a really beautiful winery. Maybe those special three words “I love you” were exchanged for the first time on a location that would be perfect to revisit as you ask her to marry you! Perhaps it’s as simple as a location that you both love and have visited a lot throughout your relationship.

 

 

Where to Propose: Think Beautiful

Most of the surprise proposals that we plan and photograph are for couples visiting Charlottesville from out of town. They don’t have any particularly sentimental locations in town, so they often ask us for something that simply looks great!

 

If you’re lucky enough to live or get engaged in a city like Charlottesville, then you certainly won’t be short on beautiful locations to propose. Although Charlottesville is one of the largest cities in Virginia outside Hampton Roads and the DC-area, it’s surrounded on all sides by majority-rural counties. At our last count, there are nearly 100 wineries and vineyards in Albemarle County (which surrounds C’ville on all sides) and the eight counties that surround it. That means that for someone staying in Charlottesville, there are dozens of options within a brief car ride, and that’s just considering locations that make wine! We didn’t even count the cideries, breweries, distilleries, farms and other beautiful natural areas.

 

Why do these locations make for such great proposals? Many of them boast incredible views of the surrounding landscapes. More importantly, almost all allow professional photography for free or for a very reasonable fee. However, make sure you contact them well in advance to coordinate your plan with them! Most will ask you to respect their business hours and have professional photographers check in with them before going to their hiding spot.

 

 

More Aesthetic Options for Surprise Proposals

If you still want the natural aesthetic but without the restrictions of a private venue, explore some of the local parks in your area. I asked Sarah to marry me in one of Charlottesville’s many scenic parks!

 

If you and your partner are into a more urban feel, look to your city’s downtown area. Charlottesville’s downtown mall not only features a lot of the architecture that’s characteristic to Charlottesville (think red brick meets more red brick, oh and columns too). But it also lights up each December with beautiful Christmas decorations!

 

If you’re getting engaged somewhere other than Charlottesville, do some research! Look into similar places in your own town or vacation spot. If you will be getting engaged in the Charlottesville area, reach out to us, and we’re happy to give suggestions on some of our favorite spots in town!

 

 

Where to Propose: Think Rain Plan

Something else to keep in mind is the one thing that is 100% out of your control: the weather! The most beautiful outdoor location in the world won’t do you much good if it’s pouring down rain. So as you think about where you’ll be proposing, keep this in the back of your head. Plus, remember that your partner will likely be under the assumption that you’re heading to this location to try some wine/get a bite to eat/go for a walk/hang out for a bit. I your cover suddenly doesn’t make any sense in the rain, they’ll be highly suspicious!

 

Now, our first preference in the event of rain is to reschedule to the following day or another weekend. But we know that isn’t always possible! So if rain is in the forecast and the date and time are set in stone, what are your options? Some vineyards in the area have covered patios that can be reserved for an event like a proposal. Or, you could just break out the trusty umbrellas! As with all things, stay flexible when rain is in the picture and be open to last-minute changes. In the end, location can really enhance a proposal. But it’s really about agreement of two people to spend the rest of their lives together.

 

 

Sarah and I hope that this blog series has been helpful so far! Stay tuned for next time as we finally address the most important section of all: a step-by-step guide to getting down on one knee and asking the big question!

 

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Check out the rest of the series at the links below!

• How to Propose Part 1: “Should I get engaged?”
• How to Propose Part 2: How to pick the right engagement ring
• How to Propose Part 3: “When should I propose?”
• How to Propose Part 4: “When will he propose?”
• How to Propose Part 5: Where to propose (in Charlottesville)
• How to Propose Part 6: How to Propose to Your Girlfriend/Partner
• How to Propose Part 7: How to Plan a Proposal Weekend in Charlottesville

 

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If you want to learn more about our full-service proposal planning and photography services, click here!