You are ready to propose to your partner! YAYYY! This is such an exciting next step in a relationship and, of course, you want it to be PERFECT! As a photographer, I love to see the pure joy, excitement, and surprise of the moment - it is so fun to be part of it!
If you’re considering proposing in Boston, I have rounded up my all-time favorite locations throughout the city to help you choose one that works best for you! Whether you are a Boston resident or making a special trip I want your proposal to be an epic moment that you both will remember forever! Here are my top recommendations for where to propose in Boston:
Urban Proposal Locations in Boston
1. Beacon Hill
When you think of Boston, it’s hard to not picture Beacon Hill. With narrow cobblestone streets, gas lanterns, ivy-covered walls, and charming brick buildings - Beacon Hill is an iconic proposal spot any time of year. You’ve undoubtedly heard of Acorn Street which is the most photographed street in the country (!!!!) and a super popular area for people to grab a pic. If this location is quite busy, I love to suggest Cedar Way Lane which is close by and looks fairly similar! Beacon Hillis a great spot to propose if you want to head out for a special meal or drink afterward (I recommend Toscano) or spend some time walking around the city.
Keep in mind that this spot can, and probably will be, crowded. If you want empty streets behind you, pick a time of day during the week or early in the morning like we did for Shane and Margarita. Or be prepared to embrace the bustling streets of Boston like we did during Lauren and Danny’s elopement! Whatever time you choose, it is sure to be a beautiful backdrop.
2. South Boston
South Boston (not to be confused with Southie) is one of Boston’s most up-and-coming neighborhoods. While still incredibly charming, it is away from most of the tourists and crowds and a little bit quieter. It is a short walk from Back Bay with lots of Victorian-style homes. You can expect to find street parking pretty easily. If you think you may tip your partner off, this location is great if you are really looking for a surprise! You can stroll the street or walk through SoWa before popping the question!
I love how Leah surprised Kara in their neighborhood with a proposal outside of their front door! It goes to show you that proposing can be special right in your own home, especially if you are a Boston resident! Plus in-home sessions after your proposal are some of my favorites!
3. North Square Park
North Square Park is located in the North End of Boston. It is one of Boston’s oldest neighborhoods so it is full of history and gorgeous architecture. This small park is great if you are looking for some quintessential Boston photos. You are within walking distance of lots of great restaurants (including Cioa Roma and Mama Maria which undoubtedly need to make a cameo in the photos!) to make a night out of your engagement. Again, keep in mind the time of day if you’re considering North Square Park. Morning is the best time to have emptier streets. In the evening, there’s lots of foot traffic, and the restaurants set up tables in the square for outdoor dining! North Square Park is also a great spot if you want to combine it with a secondary location for photos like Christopher Columbus Park.
Check out some portraits at North Square Park in Ali + Christian's engagement session.
Boston Proposal Locations on The Waterfront
4. Christoper Columbus Waterfront Park
Christopher Columbus Waterfront Park sits right on the water of Boston’s Harbor. It is a beautiful spot during any season - day or night! In the summer months the long trellis is covered in greenery and in the winter it is decorated and covered in holiday lights. It is another iconic spot in Boston with the harbor or Boston’s skyline as your backdrop.
Robert embraced the cold and proposed to Ashley under the gorgeous trellis in the winter. They had everyone in the park cheering after she said yes!
5. Fan Pier Park
Fan Pier Park is one of Boston’s most popular proposal locations and one of my absolute favorites! Located right in the Seaport, the unobstructed views of Boston’s skyline are truly unmatched and completely swoon-worthy! You get to be right on the water and not have to worry about tons of people behind you. Plus - it’s a great place to have family and friends join you to celebrate like Derek and Becky! No matter the weather, you can count on a gorgeous backdrop when you get down on one knee.
For Larry and Alyssa’s proposal, it ended up being a foggy day. For Michael and Lindsey, there was some smoke in the sky even though it was a sunny day. No matter what, the pictures turned out stunning! As you can see, this is one of my most recommended locations for a Boston proposal.
6. Charles River Esplanade
Similar to Fan Pier Park, the Esplanade is another gorgeous spot to propose in Boston. You still get the city in the background, but you are along the Charles River instead. There are many beautiful pathways, bridges, and docks so you have lots of options on where to pop the question! If you hire a photographer for your proposal, there are lots of places for them to “hide” and really make it a surprise that you are about to propose. I suggest bringing a cute picnic and some champagne to celebrate afterward!
7. Charlestown Navy Yard
Another historic and iconic Boston proposal location is the Charlestown Navy Yard. If you want to get away from the crowds, this is a more private location. It still has awesome city views and nearby parks for some celebratory photos! You can take a short walk along the cobblestone streets to the Commandant’s House for some fun photos on the steps and in the gardens. I recommend this spot in the spring when everything is starting to bloom or in the summer to really embrace the boats and ships behind you.
Garden-Type Proposal Locations In Boston
8. Boston Public Garden
Centered in the heart of Boston, the expansive Boston Public Garden offers renowned statues, fountains, trees, and plants to create a picturesque setting for your proposal. The pond serves as an idyllic backdrop or a ride on the swan boats in the summer months! If you want a proposal that screams Boston, this location is for you!
I highly recommend coming early in the morning if you want to beat the crowds or scope out a location ahead of time that is more private. Otherwise, embrace the business and energy of the park! Plan to park at the nearby parking garage and walk to your location.
9. Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
If your partner loves art, spend a day at the gorgeous Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. Your partner will not expect it when you pop the question inside their STUNNING outdoor garden. Tickets are $20 per person but sell out fast, so be sure to plan ahead!
10. McKim Courtyard at the Boston Public Library
In the heart of Copley Square, a proposal at the Boston Public Library would be stunning! After strolling through the library, head to the Courtyard to pop the question! You will be surrounded by grand columns and a gorgeous fountain. The front entrance to BPL and the grand staircase inside is iconic. Just a heads up you will need permission to bring a photographer along here, and they’re fairly strict with the timing! This location would require more planning ahead of time, but it’s worth it!
11. James P. Kelleher Rose Garden
The Kelleher Rose Garden is a small, yet unbelievable garden in the Back Bay Fens. It features at least 1,500 rose plants of all different varieties. There are numerous trellises covered in roses! Definitely be sure to plan to propose in the late summer months when the roses are in full bloom! You may even be able to head to a Sox game afterward if your timing is right!
12. The Arnold Arboretum
The Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University is a 281-acre preserve that captivates anyone who loves the world of trees and plants. A safe haven of greenery within Boston City Limits, it’s a playground for all horticulturists! While it would certainly be beautiful in the spring or summer, I love a fall proposal! The changing leaves of this stunning park can’t be beaten. This is the perfect place for a very private proposal and a portrait session to follow! There are so many different trails and areas to explore and you can even see a view of Boston’s Skyline from Peters Hill! Admission is free and it is open daily.
Thinking of proposing in Boston and needing a photographer to capture your engagement? Reach out to Tamara Merri Photography and let's plan where in Boston you'd want to propose! And then once you're getting ready to pick a venue, make sure to check out my Best Wedding Venues in Massachusetts blog!
xx,
Tam
Tamara Merri Photography
www.tamaramerriphotography.com
hello@tamaramerriphotography.com
