Are you ready to propose marriage to the love of your life? There are plenty of ways to propose, and an outdoor marriage proposal is incredibly romantic and memorable. What could make a better backdrop for love than the great blue sky or a lush flower garden? If you get on one knee surrounded by the beauty of nature, you're sure to sweep your love off their feet.
Here in Pennsylvania, you have four breathtaking seasons to choose from as the setting for your proposal whether you want to kneel on a carpet of glistening snow, or atop a colorful mountain on a crisp fall day. To help you decide the best time of year to propose, consider your significant other's favorite season or special memories you share. You'll want to pick a spot that's meaningful to you both. For example, if you both love to go on mountain hikes, you might wait until summer to propose so you can pop the question on a hiking trip.
Fall Proposal Ideas
Pennsylvania is the place to be for a stunning fall proposal. Here you'll find a longer fall foliage season than anywhere else in the world. With brilliantly colored leaves all around and comfortable mild weather, the fall may be the most romantic time to propose in Pennsylvania. Considering proposing in the following dreamy spots:
- At a pumpkin patch: Fall is pumpkin patch season in Pennsylvania, and there are many farms throughout the state where you can take your sweetheart for the big moment. Cozy up next to each other on a hayride out to the pumpkin patch and enjoy the scenery. Once you find the "perfect" pumpkin, get on one knee and present the engagement ring with words of love.
- In a corn maze: If your girlfriend loves the fall, she'll likely appreciate a fun afternoon wandering through a corn maze with you. You might use this as an opportunity for a surprise proposal. When you reach a tucked-away spot, drop to one knee and get ready for tears of joy.
- At an apple orchard: An apple orchard is one of the most romantic settings for a fall proposal, and apple-picking is a pleasant way to spend an afternoon with your honey. Head to a local apple orchard and pop the question when she least expects it as you look for apples. You might bake an apple pie together afterward and enjoy one of the sweetest days of your lives.
- In a hot-air balloon: What could be more breathtaking than a proposal in the sky? If you want your proposal to include sweeping views of autumn colors, consider hopping in a hot-air balloon with your one and only.
- In a forest: Is there a special forest you and your sweetheart visit frequently? Or maybe you shared your first kiss in a Pennsylvania forest? Autumn is the perfect season for an outdoor proposal surrounded by trees. Consider heading to your favorite hiking trail and find a secluded clearing to propose. Aim to propose mid to late October when leaves reach their colorful peak.
- On a camping trip: Fall is the perfect time of year to go camping due to mild temperatures and fewer bugs. If you enjoy going on camping trips together, plan a romantic getaway for just the two of you. Choose your favorite camping location, and plan to bring wine, cozy blankets and goodies to make s'mores. Of course, don't forget the engagement ring! Propose next to a blazing campfire for a dramatic effect.
- After or before horseback riding: If your other half has always wanted to go horseback riding or loves horses, consider planning your proposal around an autumnal horseback riding tour. You might take a scenic guided tour and end the adventure with a picnic, and your proposal, in a nearby park.
Winter Proposal Ideas
To some lovebirds, winter is the most romantic season of the year. After all, it is the most popular season for getting engaged according to the Brides American Wedding Study. If you get the urge to cuddle on a cold day or love to explore the snowy wonderland outside, a winter proposal might be perfect for you and your other half. Here are a few places to pop the question during the winter:
- In the backyard after it snows: You can use your own backyard as a magical proposal spot. For example, if it recently snowed, you can challenge your girlfriend to a snowman-making contest. When it's time to reveal your creation, get on one knee and pop the question. You might hang the engagement ring box from the snowman's nose for a humorous effect. Or, you can write, "Will you marry me?" in the snow using red food coloring and a squeeze bottle.
- At a tree farm: If you and your loved one are ready to upgrade the tabletop tree to a real tree during the holidays, you might plan to propose at a tree farm. Your girlfriend likely won't expect a proposal as you look for the perfect tree, and a tree farm makes a gorgeous pine-scented setting for an outdoor marriage proposal. To make the moment extra special, speak with the tree farm owner ahead of time and see if you can decorate a tree with ornaments that spell out the big question. Plan to lead your significant other to the decorated tree and enjoy the surprise.
- On a horse-drawn carriage ride: There are several horse-drawn carriage companies throughout Pennsylvania which you might use for your proposal. Winter is an excellent time of year to propose while riding a horse-drawn carriage. Imagine cuddling for warmth, taking in the wintry scenery and listening to the sound of hooves clicking on the pavement. You might propose during the ride or plan to stop in front of a landmark along the way so you can get out of the carriage and propose. Either way, you'll make your girlfriend feel like she's in a wintertime fairy tale.
- While sledding: Did your other half love to go sledding as a kid? You might use this bit of information to inspire your proposal. Grab your snow tube, sled or saucer and head to a safe snowy hill, even if it's in your own backyard. After you make it to the bottom, wait for your loved one to reach you, engagement ring in hand.
- During a ski trip: If both of you share a love of snow-covered mountains and skiing, consider making a skiing trip your proposal destination. You might ask her to marry you while you're high above the world on a ski lift or at the top of a slope before an exhilarating ride.
Spring Proposal Ideas
Springtime is full of romance everywhere you turn. With flowers in bloom, birds chirping in the trees, and days growing warmer and longer, it's hard not to feel the love in the air. Here are a few outdoor spring proposal spots to inspire you:
- In a garden: A lush, fragrant garden is one of the most romantic places to propose, especially if your girlfriend adores flowers. Wait for a moment when she is admiring a fountain or tulips to drop to one knee. Tell her how much you love her and get ready to pop the question.
- Atop a mountain: If you and your sweetheart have always enjoyed hiking together, it's likely you both look forward to hitting the trails once winter passes. Consider heading to your favorite mountain overlook for your big moment. When you reach the top, say you need to catch your breath and use that as an excuse to get on one knee. Your love will be stunned by your proposal and the gorgeous view in the background. You might head there at sunrise for an even greater impact.
- During a picnic: Spring is a wonderful time of year for a romantic picnic. The picnic can be fun and simple, or as fancy as you wish — just make sure to keep the focus on the proposal. You might ask a friend or family member to set up the picnic for you, so you two can "stumble" upon the surprise as you take a stroll. Make sure to choose a quiet place with a lovely view, and you'll be sure to make a beautiful memory.
- Through an outdoor scavenger hunt: You can turn your proposal into a fun outdoor scavenger hunt by setting up clues in the yard or around the town. Use clues that include special notes and lead your one and only to meaningful locations like where you had your first kiss or where you both love to eat. You might meet with business owners in advance to better coordinate the scavenger hunt. Make sure the final clue leads to you, ready to propose.
- On a bike ride: If you enjoy going on bike rides together, you might propose marriage on a sunny spring day as you cruise your favorite bike trails. You can completely catch your girlfriend off guard with this simple but meaningful proposal idea. Tell her you need to take a break or pull over at a scenic spot near a lake or pond before you propose. Let her know you can't imagine riding your bike without her by your side.
- While flying a kite: Springtime is the windiest time of year in the eastern United States and is perfect for flying a kite. Write the question on the underside of a kite, find a large open space to fly the kite such as a park or field, and take your honey out for an unforgettable afternoon. Once she notices your proposal on the kite, it'll be time to get on one knee and open the engagement ring box.
Summer Proposal Ideas
Summer is the prime season for outdoor activities, and it's the second most popular season for popping the question. With warm weather all day long and greenery everywhere you look, you can easily plan a beautiful outdoor proposal. Here are some places you might express your love, engagement ring in hand:
- Under a star-filled sky: Thanks to warm summer nights, you can propose under a starry night sky without getting cold. You might go to Cherry Springs State Park, which is one of the best places to stargaze in the entire country. For something more intimate, choose a remote hill as far from light pollution as possible and wait for a night that's clear and dark. If you own a truck, you can throw pillows and blankets in the bed to make it extra cozy for stargazing, and make sure to bring snacks. Tell your girlfriend you caught a star, and enjoy her reaction when you present a dazzling engagement ring.
- Beneath fireworks: A fireworks display easily punctuates a romantic moment. It's hard not to feel strong emotions under a shower of colors. You might propose on the Fourth of July as you watch fireworks together in a hidden location. Or, if you think your love would appreciate celebrating the proposal with friends and family, consider throwing a barbecue and wait for the right moment to get on one knee.
- On a Ferris wheel: You're never too old to enjoy a Ferris wheel ride, and this can make a fun and romantic proposal. You'll especially want to consider proposing on a Ferris wheel if you fell in love at an amusement park. Ask your sweetheart to marry you while you're up in the air dangling above the twinkling lights below.
- At a baseball game: If you both look forward to watching baseball together during the summer, consider proposing at a baseball game. There are several ways you can propose at a baseball stadium. For example, you might place the engagement ring in a small plastic jewelry bag and hide it in a box of Cracker Jack. If you want the moment to be intense, you can pay the stadium to announce your proposal on the jumbotron.
- While kayaking: Outdoor lovers might enjoy a romantic proposal during a kayak trip, especially if it takes place at sunset when the water reflects an orange glow. Make sure you choose a calm, clear day for your outdoor proposal, and consider packing a picnic to amplify the romance. When you're ready to propose, paddle over to a scenic and secluded spot, and prepare to surprise your sweetheart.
Trust Your Special Moments to Mountz
When you're in love and ready to take the next step, you can find beauty any time of year. Whether you want to propose under a canopy of rust-colored leaves or while paddling down a stream, romance awaits you around every bend. Of course, you'll need a gorgeous engagement ring to make the moment sparkle.
At Mountz Jewelers, we're ready to help you select an engagement ring that's personal, beautiful and fits your budget. If you want to begin your lifelong journey with the person you love, visit us at one of our central Pennsylvania locations, and we'll help you with the most important proposal detail — finding a breathtaking engagement ring.