There is one person in the world who has loved you so well, that you know you want to spend the rest of your life with them. But knowing you are ready to propose doesn’t mean you know exactly how to do it. Proposing is a huge step, and an exciting one at that! There are so many decisions to make about how your proposal should go. Should your fiancé-to-be know that it’s coming, or should it be a complete surprise? Do you use a family ring, or pick out a new one? And what location would provide the best setting for such an important life event, bringing the most meaning to the moment you ask the love of your life to be yours forever?
Jacksonville, Florida is a beautiful coastal city that is known for stunning sunsets. There are plenty of great spots in and around the city where you can enjoy a fun, romantic date and even get down on one knee (if that’s your style). As a Jacksonville wedding photographer who works with couples from the moment they propose, until they say “I do” and beyond, here are some of my favorite proposal spots in and around Jacksonville, Florida.
Huguenot Memorial Park is located on the northeast side of Jacksonville and offers stunning views of the St. Johns River. The park is a popular spot for fishing, boating, and swimming, but it’s also a great place to watch the sunset. The park has a large beach area where you can lay out a blanket and watch the sun dip below the horizon. As the sun sets, the sky turns into a beautiful array of oranges, pinks, and reds, making for a memorable sunset experience. If you want to watch the sunset with your fiancé-to-be, there’s no better place to do it. Just be sure to reserve a campsite at the park and plan on staying the night. Otherwise, you may have to rush out of the park before the gates close for the night!
Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park is located on the Atlantic Ocean and is one of the most popular parks in Jacksonville. The park has a large beach area, hiking trails, and bike trails. The park’s beach area offers a wide-open view of the horizon, which makes for a spectacular sunset experience. As the sun sets, you can watch as the sky transforms into a beautiful array of colors, reflecting off the water below. This may be a theme with my picks for proposal spots, but I think there is nothing more romantic than a sunset on the water for a marriage proposal!
The Jacksonville Beach Pier is an iconic landmark in Jacksonville and is a great option for proposals. You may encounter other people on the pier while you’re there, but it’s not typically over-crowded either. The pier extends out into the ocean, offering a unique perspective of the Atlantic and creating a natural stage as you pop the question. The pier is also a great spot for fishing, so you can make a day of it and keep the love of your life guessing on when the big moment might occur!
The St. Johns River runs through the heart of Jacksonville and is one of the best spots to watch the sunset. The river offers stunning views of the city’s skyline, which makes for a beautiful backdrop to your proposal moment. You can take a boat tour down the river or simply find a spot along the riverbank to express your love. The river snakes through the city, so if you want to make dinner reservations to celebrate together afterward, you should be able to find a spot along the river that’s not too far from anywhere you would like to end up for the night.
Interested in a river backdrop but not sure exactly where to start? Try the Riverside Arts Market! It’s a popular spot in Jacksonville for live music, food, and shopping on Saturdays. But it’s also a great spot for a romantic date during the rest of the week. The market is located along the St. Johns River and offers stunning views of the river and the city’s skyline. There’s a walk along the river and plenty of shade from the intense Florida sun.
If you or your partner are into art, consider proposing at the Cummer Museum. It houses more than 5,000 works of art, spanning from 2100 B.C. through the 21st century. Also on the property is a breathtaking sculpture garden. The museum has fairly limited open hours, but Tuesdays and Fridays you can plan to stay through the afternoon and into the evening. This is my favorite option if you are ready to propose but are seeing weather conditions that would make an indoor location best for your big question.
Whether you live in Jacksonville or will be visiting with your fiancé-to-be, this city offers some of the most beautiful and easily accessible locations for a romantic proposal. If you’re having a hard time deciding on where to pop the question, your Jacksonville wedding photographer or engagement photographer will be happy to help you plan the proposal of your dreams. Working with a wedding photographer on your proposal will mean that you have the memory of the moment captured forever.
Copyright © 2023 Caia Grace Matthews
Nashville TN | Washington DC | Kansas City MO
hello@goodbirdmedia.com | 571-606-6568