You’ve got one shot at nailing this marriage proposal, so you better make it count. Before you go stand in long lines for the Space Needle or battle crowds at Pike Place Market (Flying raw fish? Maybe not.), consider the options—and boy, does Seattle got ‘em! From breathtaking views to urban elegance, the hardest part is knowing where to propose—and that’s where we come in. We can’t write the proposal for you (although we can help), so we’ll just point you to 10 memorable spots that’ll help elevate your heartfelt words to the next level. Good luck guys, you’ve got this!
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Best Fresh Air Proposal
The Bloedel Reserve, Northeast Dolphin Drive, Bainbridge Island, WA, USA
Nothing beats the great outdoors. Consider whisking your significant other away to the Bloedel Reserve on Bainbridge Island. Completely worth the ferry trip, the quiet 150 acres offer several scenic proposal spots such as willow trees, bridges, a Japanese garden, and reflection pool (be sure to stay on the trails and observe the reserve’s garden etiquette). Open year-round, an admission ticket ($17/person) gets you in, but the blooms of spring are always a favorite—just be sure to go earlier in the day to beat the crowds.
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Best Secret Proposal
Knee High Stocking Co, Inc., East Olive Way, Seattle, WA, USA
Seattle loves a speakeasy, but we think your future partner will appreciate the exclusivity of Knee High Stocking Co., Capitol Hill’s most intimate bar complete with a secret, hidden in plain view entrance—just arrive at your reserved time and ring the bell. With two proposal options, you can pop the question during a romantic date night in the 1920’s-inspired, lowlit, upstairs over a seasonal cocktail, or surprise your special someone with up to 33 friends and family members in the swank (and rentable, prices vary) downstairs lounge.
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Best Oasis Proposal
Volunteer Park Conservatory, East Galer Street, Seattle, WA, USA
With plenty of gorgeous nature surrounding the city, an outdoor proposal is often a go-to. But let’s be real, this is Seattle, and the weather can often dampen the best-laid of plans. Luckily, for a few dollars you can access a year-round plant paradise: Volunteer Park Conservatory. The Victorian-style glass greenhouse provides a bright and tropical backdrop to your heartfelt question. Keep it sweet and quiet with a trip towards the beginning of the week (note, the conservatory is closed Mondays). For a bigger to-do than just the two of you, reach out to Seattle Parks for permission.
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Best Water Proposal
The Center for Wooden Boats, Valley Street, Seattle, WA, USA
Row, row, row your boat gently ‘round Lake Union for a fun and scenic, on-the-water declaration. The Center for Wooden Boats rents out canoes as well as row and sail boats ($25-$65/hr for non-members; sailboats require a test); perfect for a private proposal, just between you. Step lively, it’s first come first serve, to the South Lake Union livery that ramps up visitors in late spring when the center kicks off their free Sunday rentals to the public. Happy sails to you! And don’t forget this isn’t the only type of setting you’re going to need help with.
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Best Picnic Proposal
Dragon's Head Cider, 107th Avenue Southwest, Vashon, WA, USA
What’s more Seattle than cider? A proposal at a cider farm, that’s what! Pick a sunny weekend to hop the Fauntleroy ferry to Vashon and lead the way to Dragon’s Head Cider. Grab some picnic goods at the local grocery or farmer’s market to pack and share with your sweetheart under the orchard’s outdoor chandelier. Five dollars gets you a taste of four varieties, plus you can keep the glass as a memory of the day.
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Best Vintage Proposal
King Street Station, Seattle, WA, USA
If your bride or groom to-be has a penchant for nostalgia, then look no further than historic King Street Station. Splashed in bright, wedding white, the train station’s glamorous columns and decorative high ceilings make it a charming locale to get down on one knee. Afterwards, stroll the gaslit-lined brick streets of Pioneer Square hand-in-hand or, with a little planning, opt for a scenic train trip right from the station—just don’t forget to pack both passports if you plan to celebrate across the border.
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Best Midnight Proposal
Seattle Great Wheel, Seattle, WA, USA
Ring in the new year with a ring on your beloved’s finger. Located on Seattle’s picturesque waterfront, the Seattle Great Wheel s a flurry of activity during tourist season, but thankfully calms down towards summer’s end. Come winter, jump on the chance to reserve a private gondola ($480) for the 30 minute Midnight Ride on New Year’s Eve. Dazzle them with city lights and Puget Sound views before popping the question at midnight as the sky lights up with fireworks, taking your relationship full circle.
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Best Luxe Proposal
Hotel Sorrento, Madison Street, Seattle, WA, USA
Summer gets a lot of love in Seattle, but we think a cozy winter proposal by the fire sounds just as appealing. The Fireside Room inside the classic Hotel Sorrento is the quintessential chic setting to present a ring. The wood-paneled, octagonal shaped room features a large, always lit fire and is decked out with a grand piano and smooth leather and velvet seating. Keep things intimate with a quiet, daytime proposal (check the hotel’s website to avoid scheduled events) or jazz it up with live music on Friday and Saturday nights.
Bottom line: You get more sparkle for less dough at James Allen, Blue Nile, and Whiteflash.
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Best Champagne Proposal
Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery, Northeast 145th Street, Woodinville, WA, USA
We’d be remiss not to include one of Woodinville’s most romantic wineries on our list, Chateau Ste. Michelle. A popular destination in summer and fall, head 30-minutes northeast of Seattle (minus traffic—we know, we know!) to the Chateau, which offers a variety of tasting experiences in addition to its delightful grounds and gardens. We recommend starting off the event with a Champagne and Sparkling Literacy class ($55/person, includes tastings and food pairings; times vary) then arranging a memorable “Will you marry me?” on a private pathway bench, or more front and center by the fountain across from the manor. Cheers!
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Best Epic Proposal
Seattle Ballooning, 8th Avenue Southwest, Burien, WA, USA
Psst,hey guys! Proposing is kind of a big deal. So don’t be afraid to go big when planning one of the most important moments of your life. Instead of picking one spot, witness the beautiful array of Washington’s countryside by balloon (ideally between May and October) with Seattle Ballooning. Providing a private hot air balloon flight for the two of you plus the pilot (starting at $1400, bubbly and bites included). Ask THE question as you drift by a panoramic view of Mt. Rainier. With flight time at around an hour, you’ll still be floating on air long after you come down—just make sure you and your forever partner are dressed comfortably.
