Hey there, lovebirds. We’re rounding the corner to proposal season– with the top ten most popular dates to get engaged landing between December- February… a.k.a. it’s the perfect time to ask your person to binge-watch Netflix and eat tacos with you for life.
But where are you going to ask? When? Do you take a knee? What are those four important words again that you need to ask?
While we can’t hammer out all the details for you, we’ve got the location covered. From lush gardens to romantic restaurants to secluded alleys, Charleston is sure to have a spot that is bound to make your future fiancé say “YES!”
A few things to keep in mind: Do you want to propose in public, but your significant other hates crowds? Would you like to relive a special moment from your first date? We’ve broken down the locales by ‘theme’ so you can find what is best for your future partner in life.
Scenic
Proposal in the White Point Gardens gazebo | Photo by @toristeyne
Battery + White Point Gardens
📍2 Murray Blvd. | Downtown
From the iconic gazebo to waterfront views, this location is enveloped in oak trees + sure to set the mood for romance.
Angel Oak Proposal | Photo by @KarmenNoelPhotography
Angel Oak Tree
📍3688 Angel Oak Road | Johns Island
What better way to start eternity than by proposing next to a 1,500-year-old tree? Pro tip: Go around to the back of the tree where there is typically a smaller crowd + a better view of the giant branches.
Schooner Pride | Photo by @schoonerpridecharleston
Carolina Girl or Schooner Pride
📍Downtown or Johns Island
Take to the sea at sunset to ask your SO to become your first mate. Sign up for a wine tasting event on the Schooner Pride or pack your own picnic + bubbly on the Carolina Girl to cheers to your future nuptials.
Alex proposed to Madeline outside their private beach rental on Sullivan’s Island | Photo by @chucktownart
Sullivan’s Island Beach
📍Sullivan’s Island
Whether you rent a house for a weekend or drive out for an evening stroll, the sounds of the waves rolling in are sure to serenade your sweetie. Celebrate afterward with dinner + drinks at a nearby restaurant, such as The Obstinate Daughter or Mex 1 Coastal Cantina.
Quiet
Hampton Park | Photo by @ryanserio
Hampton Park
📍30 Mary Murray Dr. | Downtown
This peaceful park is an ideal locale for a private proposal + idyllic photos– perfect for your engagement announcements or save the dates.
Philadelphia Alley | Photo by @beckybidlen
Philadelphia Alley
📍20 Queen St. | Runs from Queen St. to Cumberland St. downtown
Duck down this quiet pedestrian path to pop the question in the heart of Charleston’s charm. Pro tip: Make reservations at High Cotton to celebrate afterward.
82 Queen courtyard | Photo by @alexisashleyt
82 Queen courtyard
📍82 Queen St. | Downtown
If you’re looking to propose over a dreamy dinner in a quiet courtyard, this is the place to do so. Take it from the experts– 82 Queen was voted the most romantic restaurant in the state.
Middleton Place proposal | Photo by @evanlaettner via @middletonplaceweddings
The Inn at Middleton Place
📍4290 Ashley River Rd. | West Ashley
Take the worry out of planning + let the pros do it for you... With the proposal package– you will receive an intimate dinner, admission to the gardens, a two-night stay in a room overlooking the river, + more.
Magnolia Plantations and Gardens
📍 3550 Ashley River Rd. | West Ashley
Voted one of “America’s Most Beautiful Gardens” by Travel + Leisure Magazine, the draping Spanish moss and thousands of flowers will set the perfect tone for a blossoming romance.
For the golden hour
Pitt Street Bridge
📍Pitt St. | Mount Pleasant
If you’re looking for a waterfront proposal– without hundreds of onlookers– the Pitt Street Bridge is a splendid site to start the evening with a casual stroll and end with a promise of forever.
Sam’s proposal to Hailey | Photo by @lilanginchs
Pineapple Fountain at Joe Riley Waterfront Park
📍1 Vendue Range | Downtown
With a view of both the park and the water, the Pineapple Fountain provides an impeccable backdrop for both the proposal, as well as for engagement pictures once the question is popped. Celebrate afterward at one of the nearby restaurants or bars– such as Revival or The Vendue Rooftop. Pro tip: As the park is near the port, check the cruise ship schedule to make sure your proposal won’t be drowned out by the sound of passenger announcements.
End of Folly Beach by the Morris Island Lighthouse
📍1746 E Ashley Ave | Folly Beach
Take a sunset walk through the Lighthouse Inlet Heritage Preserve to view the Morris Island Lighthouse, and let the ocean + marsh views set the backdrop for a laid-back, natural proposal.
If you need a local Charleston photographer to catch your picture-perfect proposal, see our roundup of local photographers here.
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Not sure about y’all– but I get all warm + fuzzy inside looking at happy engagement photos.
Planning to propose in the Lowcountry? Make sure to share your pics with us using the hashtag #CHStoday.
Then, once the question is “popped”– plan your wedding with help from our guides to wedding venues, stationery experts + photographers, local wedding attire + accessories, and cake bakeries + florists.
– Justine