The latest update for The Best Places to Propose in New Jersey is written by Lindsay Podolak.
It’s one of the biggest questions you ask in your lifetime. The moment you ask the person you love to spend their life with you is one to remember forever. We know you want everything to be just right, which is why Best of NJ is here to help. We’re rounding up the places and ideas we think make for a perfect proposal. Without further ado, here is our list of the best places to propose in New Jersey.
Quick Click Guide: Select an NJ Region below to find the Best Places to Propose in your area.
| North Jersey | Central Jersey | Jersey Shore | South Jersey
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North Jersey Proposal Spots
In The Garden
The New Jersey Botanical Garden at Skylands is a picturesque place to take your future fiancée during any season. The sights are breathtaking whether you’re wandering the snowy, winding woods or visiting while the garden is in full bloom. Another great option for a garden-centric proposal is Branch Brook Park. We recommend visiting once the cherry blossoms bloom.
Why I like it: Admission to the Botanical Garden is always free. (Which is helpful after you’ve just spent a large chunk of change on a ring.)
In A Castle
New Jersey has just the place for any prince or princess looking for a fairy tale-worthy proposal. While Paterson’s Lambert Castle is currently closed for renovations, you can still check out Kip’s Castle Park in Verona. This historic landmark resembles a medieval Norman castle and sits on 11 acres of land that offer a picturesque view of New York City.
Why I like it: The grounds are open seven days a week from dawn to dusk and admission is free.
On a Dinner Cruise
Spirit Cruises offers specialty cruises departing from Lincoln Harbor, New Jersey. New York City will be in the backdrop as you get down on one knee. Check out their cruise schedule to see which option best fits you and your beau.
Why I like it: With great food and a gorgeous view, this proposal is the perfect package.
On a Helicopter Adventure
Add a little excitement to the proposal by flying in a helicopter. In fact, you can soar along the Manhattan skyline, up the Hudson River, or near the Statue of Liberty. A helicopter ride is sure to be an experience you will both remember. For example, Helicopter Flight Services, Inc. offers custom tours and charters.
Why I like it: Your unsuspecting partner may think the flight is their big surprise; until you pull out that tell-tale box and pop the question.
Under the Stars
Experience an interactive date at the Alice and Leonard Dreyfuss Planetarium. Learn about astronomy, space, and planetary science as you explore the constellations and visit far away galaxies with your love.
Why I like it: You don’t need to wait for good weather conditions to spend an evening under these stars!
Central Jersey Proposal Spots
Up in the Clouds
If your special someone makes you feel like walking on air, then a balloon ride is the perfect proposal spot; even more so if you book through a planning service like In Flight Balloon Adventures LLC. Once the balloon ascends, a special message asking “Will You Marry Me?” is set on the ground. If all goes well, the pilot will be ready with celebratory champagne. Otherwise, you can surprise your partner with a sky-high proposal during the annual New Jersey Festival of Ballooning.
Why I like it: Who can beat an engagement picture of the happy couple toasting in the sky? You’ll definitely be on “Cloud 9” with this proposal choice!
In Historic Princeton
A day trip to Princeton is full of architecture, culture, and history. Particularly, the Princeton Art Museum or McCarter Theatre Center can be a romantic place to pop the question.
Why I like it: Cobblestone streets and the lush lawns of Princeton University make especially pretty backdrops for the occasion.
In the Park
With its Great Meadow Trail, horse rides, and bike paths, historic Natirar Park has it all. Beauty engulfs the 404-acre property, providing the perfect scenic backdrop to get down on one knee.
Why I like it: Celebrate a “yes” at Ninety Acres, an elegant farm-to-table restaurant on the premises.
At a Baseball Game
Take in a Somerset Patriots baseball game and pop the question during the seventh inning stretch. Maybe you can even get your request on the big screen!
Why I like it: Patriots games are an inexpensive alternative to MLB games for all the baseball-lovers out there.
Jersey Shore Proposal Spots
During a Carriage Ride
Who doesn’t love a horse and carriage ride? Many people think you have to go to a major city to take one, but that’s actually not true. For instance, Dream Horse Carriage Company services the NJ area. Oftentimes, the proposer has the carriage meet them where the proposee is staying. Then, the carriage drives up to the door and takes the couple for a ride during the proposal.
Why I like it: There’s an option to have your carriage drawn by a realistic-looking “unicorn” horse. Talk about a unique engagement story!
Atop a Ferris Wheel
Six Flags Great Adventure amusement park might not be the first place that comes to mind when you consider proposing; but it should be. Our reasoning? The Ferris Wheel. It’s both a classic and adventurous place to pop the question.
Why I like it: Call me crazy, but I always find strolling through an amusement park with my SO romantic. Not to mention, you get to celebrate with carnival food like cotton candy and funnel cake.
In Cape May
If the beach is “your” thing, Cape May has it all; gorgeous bed and breakfasts, a picturesque beach, shopping, sites to visit, and a selection of restaurants. You can ask for your partner’s hand at Sunset Beach, then enjoy romance by the fireside at Congress Hall.
Why I like it: Cape May is home to a dozen wineries and breweries. There’s no shortage of places to go for a celebratory engagement toast after you pop the question!
In a Lighthouse
Climb to the top of Long Beach Island’s Barnegat Lighthouse and have your romantic moment while taking in breathtaking views. Afterwards you can celebrate at one of the island’s many delicious restaurants. Pancakes at Scojo’s, anyone?
Why I like it: The Lighthouse remains open on weekends during the off-season. During the summer it is open daily with just a $3 per person fee.
South Jersey Proposal Spots
In a Boat
If you’d rather propose to your beloved while at sea, but don’t enjoy cruises, there is another option. Drop by the Cooper River Yacht Club and rent a paddle boat or kayak. Just make sure the ring box doesn’t fall overboard in all the excitement!
Why I like it: Paddle boat rentals cost just $20 an hour, while kayak rentals cost only $30 an hour.
At the Drive-In
Go retro and drive your love to the movies, before watching said movie from the comfort of your car. The Delsea Drive-In Theatre is the last of its kind in New Jersey. Of course, they play new releases and classics weekly; but we recommend waiting for a romantic movie screening before planning the proposal.
Why I like it: With an extensive menu that includes everything from pulled pork sandwiches to spring rolls, there’s no need to make reservations for dinner afterward.
Under the Sea
Camden’s Adventure Aquarium is a unique place to pop the question. Whether you stand in the Shark Tunnel or Swim with the Sharks, it’s a memory you will both treasure. After the engagement, you can even return to the aquarium for the wedding.
Why I like it: If you plan the proposal for November, you can catch the annual visit from the Weeki Wachee Mermaids. Who wouldn’t want to see a mermaid show?
On the Rink
It’s always fun to pick the non-obvious choice for orchestrating a secret proposal. Your loved one will never suspect that you’re going to get down on one knee during your laps at the ice-skating rink. Just try not to fall down! Holydell Ice Arena has public skating sessions every weekend.
Why I like it: New Jersey has lots of ice rinks so you shouldn’t have trouble finding one near you.
Hero (Top) Feature Image: © Romolo Tavani / Dollar Photo Club
Additional Images (in Order) Courtesy:
NJ State Botanical Garden at Skylands / Facebook
In Flight Balloon Adventures / Facebook
Dream Horse Carriage Company at Happy Tales / Facebook
Cooper River Park / Facebook