Planning a Texas–sized proposal moment in Austin?
There are plenty of great ways to get engaged here! (A few of these also made the list for the best engagement photoshoot locations in Austin if you want to come back together for a session!)
The best part about an engagement in Austin is that you can leverage how eclectic the city is and all it has to offer. Here are the best proposal places in Austin.
Outdoor Engagement Ideas in Austin
If you’re looking for an outdoorsy proposal, Austin has some beautiful outdoor spaces to choose from.
Here are a few of our favorite places to propose.
Get down one knee while on a romantic walk at the Zilker Botanical Gardens. Head to the heart of downtown Austin to have a romantic day-date at the Zilker Botanical Gardens, located in Zilker Metropolitan Park. Gardens feature towering oak trees, peaceful streams, beautiful roses, and a Koi pond. Find a shady area while headed down a romantic walkway and ask the big question. Admission is $6-$8 for adults and you can come back here and take your engagement photos, too! Learn more.
Have a proposal fit for a lover-of-the-outdoors at the McKinney Falls State Park. If your significant other would prefer to put on hiking boots instead of high heels, the State Park might be one of the best proposal places in Austin. Plan a day with y’alls favorite outdoor activities, from hiking, to biking, to fishing, and then propose near the Onion Creek. Admission is $6 for adults. Learn more.
Enjoy a romantic picnic at Mueller Lake Park. Nestled in the Upper East Side, this park sprawls over 140 acres. With beautiful waterfront views and the sound of geese in the background, there are plenty of spaces for the perfect picnic spot. Enjoy a day enjoying the fresh air and end it with a bottle of bubbly to celebrate your engagement. Learn more.
Take in the nighttime views on the Boardwalk at Lake Lady Bird. Not all outdoorsy engagements have to take place during the day. The boardwalk that runs along the southern shoreline of Lake Lady Bird and I-35 is a great place to propose. Take a walk down the mile-long boardwalk and find a quiet place to sit and enjoy the city views together. When the conversation is flowing and the moment feels right, begin to create an exciting new chapter in your relationship with an engagement. Learn more.
Foodie-Worthy Ways to Propose in Austin
Depending on the vibe you’re looking for, you can choose the one that helps create the proposal of their dreams at one of the many foodie-worthy dining options.
Propose over sushi at Uchiko. If you scour the varied lists of the best restaurants in Austin, you’re likely to see Uchicko. It’s known for its romantic setting, high-quality sushi, and even vegetarian options. If you want to splurge on something unique, the Omakese is a decadent 10-course tasting menu featuring Japanese small plates. And just in case you’re looking for similar food but with a cooler, more energetic setting, then check out the well-known sister restaurant, Uchi. Reservations recommended. Learn more.
Share a meaningful toast over good wine and food at Lenoir. Enjoy fresh Texan ingredients which contribute to a unique menu with influences from Southeast Asia, India, and Morocco. You can either visit their outdoor Wine Garden and enjoy their small bites near a fire pit, or enjoy a meal surrounded by walls made out of antique lace. Order off of their incredible wine list and then ‘propose a toast’ before you cheers. Reservations recommended. Learn more.
Propose over dessert at Fonda San Miguel. If you’re looking for incredible authentic Mexican food in a beautiful location, this restaurant is a staple in the Austin food scene. With traditional art and decor with romantic lighting, you will feel like you were transported to Veracruz or the Yucatan. Order Tres Leches cake for dessert and then ask that very important question. (Then celebrate after the wedding with a honeymoon in Mexico!) Reservations recommended. Learn more.
Ring in your engagement with drinks and live music at Maggie Mae’s. Austin is known for its vibrant and eclectic bars and Maggie Mae’s is one of our favorites. It's located on Sixth Street and is one of the best places to get drinks and see live performances. The 15,000 feet of space features 5 bars (courtyard, to the lounge, to the pub) and 2 stages for local bands. There are plenty of cool options to propose when the time feels right. Order a drink, listen to a great band, and then get out that ring! Learn more.
Artsy Proposal Inspiration in Austin
One of the things that contributes to the rich Austin-culture is the city's love of art and murals. If you’re looking for an artsy proposal idea, it doesn't have to be at a traditional art museum. (Although, Blanton Museum of Art is incredible...)
Here are some of the best proposal places in Austin if you want to show your creative side.
Tell them how much you love them at Jo’s Coffee. We couldn’t share a list of the best proposal places in Austin without this one! If you’re looking for a trendy, local scene, then visit “the SoCo” neighborhood on South Congress Avenue. The popular coffee spot, Jo’s Coffee, features the well-known graffiti wall which says “I love you so much.” Take your turn at getting your photo in front of the wall together, and then get down on one knee. (You’ll likely have on-lookers to celebrate the engagement with you!) Then you can continue soaking in the love at one of the many local establishments featuring yummy food and vibrant entertainment. Learn more.
Get engaged in front of the Mexic-Arte Mural. Whether you come from a Mexican, Latino, or Latin background, or just have appreciation for their art, then plan to visit the Mexic-Arte Museum together. Right outside of the museum on E. 7th & Waller Street is a grand mural by Frederico Archuletta which features the words “Til Death Do Us Part.” It’s pretty edgy and tends to lean to darker tastes since it showcases two skulls, but the sentiment behind it can create a meaningful and unexpected engagement. Visit the museum for $7 and check their calendar of events in advance. Learn more.
Propose under the Temple of Love at Laguna Gloria. Back in the 1930’s, Laguna Gloria was a private summer home. It is now part of the Austin Museum of Art collection. Walk around the gardens and enjoy some of the sculptural art pieces. Then meander down the path with twinkling lights and you will find a gazebo with beautiful views. Once you’re standing underneath, ask if they will marry you. (It’s also a well known place for engagement sessions or venues, so you can plan to come back!) Admission is $10 for adults. Learn more.
Create a dreamy Instagram-worthy proposal at Wonderspaces. If you want to keep with an artistic theme without being too traditional, Wonderspaces can help create a really fun engagement. Feel like you’re transported to somewhere in your dreams as you enjoy the 14 unique art and light installments. When you find the favorite spot, grab a selfie with your significant other. Then, whisper your proposal question, and capture their reaction! Top it all off by celebrating afterwards at their on-site bar. Admission varies but most time slots are $24. Learn more.
We hope you liked hearing about the best proposal places in Austin.
If you’re looking for an engagement or wedding photographer, we have an Austin-based team available to document your love story. We still have availability in 2022 and are actively booking for 2023.
Check out more photos from our Texas portfolio, and get in touch with us today.
[Photoshoot in the spotlight: Meghan and Jacob in Austin, Texas by Ila.]
Choose Joy,
The Joy Team