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The moment you get engaged will surely be magical, but where that moment happens does matter. Here are the best places in every state to pop the question.

RELATED: The best Southern and Caribbean destination wedding locations

Board walk on the beach in Orange Beach, Alabama

Alabama
Imagine sugar-white sand, breathtaking sunsets and turquoise waters that stretch out to the horizon….there is nothing more picturesque and romantic  than getting engaged on the beaches of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama.

The Northern Lights (aurora borealis) as seen from the Taste of Alaska Lodge in Fairbanks, AK in March 2013.

Alaska
The northern lights dancing across the sky can be a magical setting for an engagement. Fairbanks provides one of the best spots on earth for aurora viewing. Try proposing at a heated cabin, on an overnight snowmobiling trip or on a flight above the Arctic Circle. Chena Hot Springs Resort near Fairbanks offers prime viewing opportunities plus the chance to relax in a romantic hot springs lake.

Red Rocks Sunset in Sedona Arizona

Arizona
Arizona is home to many amazing trails, but a hike in Sedona may be the ideal spot to pop the question. Our favorite trails include West Fork and Soldier Pass. Try to time it for sunset; it’ll make for quite the backdrop.

Arkansas
The romantic Ozarks village of Eureka Springs sells nearly 3,000 marriage licenses each year.  Try standing beneath the 65-foot Christ of the Ozarks Statue (tallest Christ statue in the northern hemisphere) or sitting on the edge of the fountain found in the midst of the 1886 Crescent Hotel‘s 15 acres atop Crescent Mountain.

California
Big Sur is the perfect setting for an unforgettable proposal with jaw-dropping coastal views. Try the easy hike to romantic McWay Falls (you won’t be alone) or propose amidst the crashing waves and astonishing rock formations on the beach at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park.

Colorado
Kissing Camels rock formation inside Garden of the Gods Park is a perfect spot to watch the sunrise or sunset—and propose. Afterward, take a celebratory soak in one of 11 public natural hot springs in the nearby funky town of Manitou Springs.

Connecticut
In the olden days, courtships bloomed by taking a walk in the garden. Consider Stamford’s Bartlett Arboretum & Gardens. With 90 acres of garden to explore, you’ll find your perfect spot.

Delaware
Weekend retreat Rehoboth Beach is great to visit for any reason, but for an epic proposal consider a picnic or a sunset sail. A longtime gay mecca, it’s also perfect for same-sex marriage proposals.

Florida
Named for the honeymooners who came here in the ’40s and ’50s, Honeymoon Island offers undeveloped beaches and gorgeous views that are perfect for a proposal. Afterward, enjoy sandy beaches, nature trails and abundant wildlife including osprey, shorebirds, armadillo and even gopher tortoises.

Georgia
Nestled within the north Georgia mountains, outdoorsy couples can take a break from the city to enjoy the relaxing surroundings of Amicalola Falls State Park. With more than 829-acres of wilderness, the park offers plenty of options for the picture-perfect proposal. Try the waterfall east of the Mississippi River. Directly in front of the falls, a large platform lends itself to the most spectacular view and background sound of tumbling water.

Flickr CC: Eric Richardson

Hawaii
Kalihiwai Beach, an unpopulated beach on the island of Kauai with stunning cliffs and palms swaying in the tropical trades, is the most tranquil spot in Hawaii (if not the world) to get engaged. Celebrate afterward with a stay at the nearby St. Regis Princeville Resort.

Idaho
The Coeur d’Alene Resort in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho has a bunch of amazing spots to get engaged, from the world’s longest floating boardwalk at sunset to Beverly’s 7th floor restaurant with amazing lake views, on a lake cruise on Lake Coeur d’Alene (on one of The Resort’s cruise boats), or at The Coeur d’Alene Resort Golf Course – on the world’s only Floating Green.

Illinois
The Signature Room, the “elevated” restaurant located atop the iconic John Hancock Center in Chicago, is the quintessential proposal spot in the city, featuring killer views of the Chicago cityscape and Lake Michigan from 95 stories up.

Flickr CC: Kumar Appaiah

Indiana
Nothing says “I love you” more than the original, 12-foot tall Robert Indiana LOVE sculpture. Not only does this 47-year-old sculpture make for a perfect photo-op, it also resides inside the Indianapolis Museum of Art. Stroll the 52-acre garden and grounds and explore the museum to complete their special day.

Iowa
The views at Cedar Ridge Winery & Distillery in Swisher are beautiful; propose over a lovely lunch or aperitif, and then also hold your wedding here. As a wedding gift, guests can all chip in to buy you an entire barrel of whiskey, which the distillery will age for you. Cedar Ridge is owned by high-school sweethearts Jeff and Laurie Quint who have now been married for more than 30 years!

Kansas
If your partner loves flowers, there’s no better place to propose in Kansas than Grinter’s Sunflower Farm. The farm is free to visit and you can pick your own blooms for $1 per stem. “Make sure to hire a photographer to hide among the tall flora to capture the photos of a lifetime as you ask your loved one to spend forever together,” says  travel writer Lola Mendez.

Kentucky
Whether you’re looking for a romantic scene surrounded by hundreds of acres of native wildflowers or a historic setting amongst any number of Shaker buildings with hardwood floors, pegrails and quintessential Shaker architecture, couples find there is something spiritual at Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill that they cannot seem to put into words.

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Flickr CC: Snippy Hollow

Louisiana
The Balinese Gateway at Jefferson Island Rip Van Winkle Gardens in New Iberia is a symbolic and unique engagement spot in the heart of Cajun country. Custom-carved in Bali, Indonesia, this structure faces beautiful Lake Peigneur and is a popular background for wedding and engagements in the midst of the semi-tropical gardens.

Maine
The Kennebunks in southern coastal Maine are a beautiful spot for romance.  The Paint the Town Red event basically extends the romance of Valentine’s Day for the entire month of February. Dock Square lights up in red twinkly lights every night, there are romance packages and specials at restaurants and a huge, lit-up heart in town (great for popping the question!).

Maryland
A Charm City Helicopter Tour will take an unforgettable engagement night to literally the next level—the sky. The company offers an engagement package, which includes a 3-4 hour flight experience, a bottle of champagne with engraved glasses, a dozen roses and a six-course Chef’s Table dinner and wine pairing at La Cuchara, one of Baltimore’s finest restaurants.

Photo courtesy of Hotel Commonwealth

Massachusetts
Steps away from Fenway Park in Boston, the classically cosmopolitan Hotel Commonwealth is stepping up to the plate this engagement season to assist with the perfect pitch to get men hitched. Opt for the new terrace overlooking the Green Monster or an over-the-top proposal on the scoreboard at a game (as the official hotel of the Boston Red Sox, the hotel can hook it up).

Michigan
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Seashore on Michigan’s West Coast is impossibly romantic. Ask for her or his hand on a sand-swept bluff above awe-inspiring Lake Michigan. Spend the rest of the weekend celebrating in charming Traverse City or Charlevoix.

Minnesota
Stone Arch Bridge offers a picture-perfect skyline view and the St. Anthony Falls serve as a backdrop for a couple to become betrothed. Try a sunset ride across the bridge on a horse-pulled buggy for an even more perfect romantic moment.

Mississippi
Drop down onto one knee in the same spot where presidents, celebrities and dignitaries have dined for centuries. Mary Mahoney’s Old French House in Biloxi has been around since 1737 and its gorgeous courtyard offers an irresistible place for a sunset or evening marriage proposal. Be sure and “say yes” to a decadent dessert as well.

Flickr CC: Mark Goebel

Missouri
Several theaters in the town of Branson, known for its live performances, can do engagements. (Have the performers incorporate the proposal into their show!). Starlite Theatre is a top choice.

Montana
The Resort at Paws Up in rural Greenough is famed for having given birth to “glamping,” (pampered camping) and isn’t that an ideal way to have your big moment? Check out their safari-style tents.

Nebraska
Many people consider Omaha’s Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge (aka “Bob”)  an awesome place for a proposal. Bob is a 3000 foot-long suspension bridge stretching across the Missouri River connecting Nebraska and Iowa. It provides a spectacular view of Omaha’s skyline and an almost airborne feel when walking across.

Nevada
Take a trip to Red Rock Canyon for quiet beauty in a desert landscape. “Pop the question amongst the ruby-hued rocks of Nevada’s iconic geological wonderland,” says Sophie Darling, a wedding expert and editor at WeddingDresses.com. Celebrate afterwards in Las Vegas; the Strip is just a half-hour away.

Flickr CC: Mark Bonica

New Hampshire
In Rye, New Hampshire, Odiorne Point is where saltwater marsh meets sandy beach, surrounded by historical stonewalls and dense forest. “Odiorne Point offers up a little slice of each landscape that makes New Hampshire one of a kind for your proposal,” says Darling.

Flickr CC: Nick Harris

New Jersey
Check out Unionville Vineyards in Ringoes. The property is historic, preserved farmland. The winery sits on 90 acres of farm that has been in production of grain, dairy, peach, and now wine grapes. Approximately 100 couples a year get engaged or married on this stunning property. The wine is  good too.

Photo courtesy of Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado

New Mexico
With incredible culture, artwork and a burgeoning food scene, Santa Fe is the oldest capital city in the country and the perfect picturesque landscape for an incredible engagement at Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado.

Flickr CC: Tim Snell

New York
One World Observatory in Manhattan is a wonderful place to get engaged. Not only is it the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere offering unparalleled views of the city and beyond, it also captures NYC’s spirit of perseverance, unity and faith.

Flickr CC: Blake Lewis

North Carolina
In Asheville, head to the  Biltmore Estate.  The large, private estate constructed by George Vanderbilt is the largest privately owned residence in the US and has long been a celebrated destination for couples. Your best is to drop to one knee somewhere among the 75 acres of gardens designed by celebrated landscape architect Frederick Law Olmstead.

Flickr CC: Mark Goebel

North Dakota
Is there any better message than proposing at the International Peace Garden located at the US and Canadian border? A great spot here would be under the bell tower.

Flickr CC: Matthew Ross

Ohio
Malabar Farm in Lucas, halfway between Columbus and Cleveland is an iconic spot that was once the home of Pulitzer-prize-winning author Louis Bromfield, but is mostly known as the location of Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall’s fairytale wedding in 1945. Bacall made history as she descended the grand staircase to meet her groom. The bottom of the staircase makes the perfect engagement spot for fans of old Hollywood.

Oklahoma
Beavers Bend Marina
on Broken Bow Lake in southeastern Oklahoma is an amazing place to charter a boat for a sunset sail.

Oregon
Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor
, a coastal state park lined with gorgeous rock formations has some incredible secluded coves—you can take it from there.

Pennsylvania
Steal away to a lush mountainside vineyard with the sun setting behind you as you drop to one knee. At Mountain View Vineyard, grab a  picnic basket filled with gourmet food and  local, sustainably produced wine as well as a classic checkered blanket. Only one couple at a time is allowed to picnic in the vineyards, so you can enjoy an intimate moment out in nature when you pop the question!

Rhode Island
Cliff Walk is  a breathtaking spot where the sea meets the rocky New England coastline and the manicured gardens of the Newport mansions and grand estates. The 3.5 mile-trek offers countless spots to pop the question. Many do so at Forty Steps, a dramatic granite staircase that has been a gathering place for nearly two centuries.

South Carolina
What could be more perfect than saying “Yes” while overlooking a 40-foot waterfall?  Greenville’s Falls Park on the Reedy River is home to Liberty Bridge, a one-of-a-kind pedestrian bridge supported by cables on only one side and offering an unobstructed overlook of the falls and surrounding gardens. At night, lighting illuminates the bridge.

Flickr CC: Murray Foubister

South Dakota
Why not present a ring at Jewel Cave National Monument, the third-longest cave in the world? It offers plenty of romantic secluded settings and the symbolism speaks for itself.

Flickr CC: H. Michael Miley

Tennessee
Cheekwood Estate and Gardens, located just outside of booming Nashville, is a historic mansion surrounded by 55 acres of pristine botanical gardens. One of the finest examples of an American Country Place Era estate, since being converted into a museum of art and botanical garden in 1960, Cheekwood offers world-class art exhibitions and spectacular gardens.

Flickr CC: Paul Joseph

Texas
The Fort Worth Water Gardens is a beautiful and refreshing downtown oasis. Designed by Phillip Johnson, the Gardens are an architectural and engineering marvel featuring three pools of water: the aerating, the quiet and the active pool.  The serene quiet pool is the perfect spot to pop the question!

Utah
Ice Castles are a seasonal attraction that have become a popular spot for engagements. Think elaborate, acre-sized castles built entirely from ice. With hundreds of thousands of twinkling icicles, breathtaking LED-lit ice sculptures, magical frozen towers and grand archways and tunnels, it makes for the perfect backdrop for a winter proposal.

Photo courtesy of Stowe Mountain Resort

Vermont
A picturesque state for an engagement, consider having your moment atop the Gondola at Stowe Mountain Resort, Mount Mansfield or on Devil’s Hill in Peachem, during foliage season.

Virginia
The best place to get engaged is in the Greyson Highlands, on a hike surrounded by wild ponies. Gorgeous scenery and magical nature; your significant other is bound to say yes!

West Virginia
Nestled in the breathtaking Allegheny Mountains sits The Greenbrier Resort. From rolling lush green mountaintops to the iconic Dorothy Draper interior, the Greenbrier exudes traditional Southern charm. Each year, the Greenbrier decks the halls with 2,000 magnificent poinsettias and more than 200 Christmas trees, making it the most magical place for every holiday engagement.

Photo courtesy of Ritz-Carlton Georgetown

Washington DC
The Ritz-Carlton Georgetown is housed in a converted industrial building rooted in history and is one of the few (if any) boutique hotels in the world to feature a soaring brick chimneystack rising 130 feet into the air. The Chimney Stack, a private dining room, seats up to twelve with a glass ceiling looking into the sky.

Washington
A stone’s throw from Seattle, the San Juan Islands are a storybook destination and there’s no place more memorable than the GoT-esque stone tower at  Mt. Constitution on Orcas Island built in the 1930s as a replica of Russian watchtowers constructed during the 12th century. Stunning views of snow-capped peaks and the emerald San Juan Islands scattered in a sapphire sea below provide a spectacular backdrop for popping the question.

Wisconsin
Golf lovers can get engaged while golfing on the Brute and the Highlands golf courses at the Grand Geneva Resort & Spa. The magnificent Brute, at over 7,000 yards, is one of the most challenging layouts in the Midwest and is considered one of Wisconsin’s best courses. Enhanced with 68 bunkers and huge rolling greens, averaging over 8,000 square feet, this par-72 golf course is perfectly manicured and immaculately maintained. The Highlands, meanwhile, is a Scottish-inspired, links-style course, complete with a beautiful landscape of scenic hills, trickling creeks and lush foliage.

Wyoming
Propose on horseback on a scenic trail overlooking Cheyenne’s valleys and creeks at Bit-O-Wyo Ranch. After a romantic horseback ride, stay in the cabins or enjoy a steak dinner and a cowboy show complete with comedian and live music.

 

Tagged: Alaska, Arizona, California, Chicago, Colorado, Florida, Hawaii, Midwest, Minnesota, New England, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Rhode Island, Seattle, South Dakota, Southwest, Tennessee, Texas

Note: Orbitz compensates authors for their writings appearing on this site.

Aly Walansky
Aly Walansky is a NY-based lifestyles writer.

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