As the largest city in the United States, Jacksonville provides a taste of everything great that Florida has to offer. From wining and dining to idyllic water settings built on incredibly rich history, there are plenty of options to make unforgettable memories.
Whether you live in ‘Jax’ or are passing through, we think that this is a dreamy place to propose! If you’re planning an engagement, we’ve rounded up some of the best proposal places in Jacksonville, Florida.
And for a limited time, we’re offering a free engagement session when you purchase a wedding photo and video package. Get to know our local team in Florida!
Since Jacksonville is not only a large city but also one of the fastest growing, there are food options that meet every vibe and palate. If you and your significant other have a shared love of food and you’d like for that to play a role in your engagement, here are a few ideas.
Float on cloud nine with the rooftop views at the Cowford Chophouse. This swanky steakhouse is a staple on the Jacksonville food scene. Enjoy a meaty steak and order sweet dessert. Then go outside for drinks and propose at the rooftop bar. (Your significant other won’t see it coming, especially after the dessert moment comes and goes!) Reservations recommended; rooftop seating is first-come first-serve. Learn more.
Create a Parisian-themed proposal at the Restaurant Orsay. If your significant other has a love for French culture or cuisine, this restaurant is one of the best proposal places in Jacksonville. Propose over their award-winning food and wine while soaking up the contemporary bistro vibe. Then you can continue with the French theme while on a French honeymoon after the wedding! Reservations recommended. Learn more.
Pop the question over beer while on the Jax Ale Trail. Dozens of local breweries make up what is known as the Jax Ale Trail. Make a day of it with the Jax Ale Trail Brewery Passport, which you can get at one of the 20+ participating breweries. Getting stamps on the passport will allow you to win fun prizes, all while enjoying a variety of beers. Somewhere while traveling from one brewery to the next, find a boozy moment and propose when it feels right. (If beer is something that you both typically enjoy together then this will catch your significant other off guard!) Learn more.
Say cheers to celebrate the proposal moment at the Wine Cellar. If wine is more your speed than beer, the Wine Cellar is where to you should consider proposing. This award-winning Floridian staple features an expansive wine list features showcasing wines around the world: from France, to Italy, to New Zealand, and Argentina. And don’t worry, the wine will pair nicely with equally delicious food! Reservations recommended. Learn more.
Create a relaxed engagement at the Jacksonville farmers market. If you’re looking for a relaxed setting, the Jacksonville farmers market will make for a historic engagement. Around since 1938, this is one of the oldest farmers markets in Florida and is graced with the presence of over 1 million visitors per year! Enjoy seeing what the local vendors have to offer and then find a quiet and shady spot to propose. Learn more.
Need a photographer for your 'wine and dine' proposal? We’d love to see how we can help surprise your significant other with photos that help to seal this sweet moment in both of your memories forever!
If you’re considering an engagement in Florida, you know that this list will include plenty of water-themed ideas to help inspire you! Jacksonville is home to some very special water features that will make for a memorable engagement experience.
Ask your mate to marry you with driftwood trees in the background at Boneyard Beach. If you’re looking for a typical beach umbrella, swimming in the ocean, touristy experience, then this isn’t the engagement idea for you. Boneyard Beach is part of the Big Talbot Island State Park which features driftwood trees and 30-foot bluffs. With three miles of unique shoreline, you can walk hand in hand and enjoy your engagement moment, enjoy a picnic, and then watch the sunset. Learn more.
Get down on one knee at the Bulls Bay waterfall. Looking for a unique water-themed engagement moment? The Bulls Bay waterfall, located in the Bulls Bay Preserve which has over 1,200 acres of swamp, is one of the best places to propose in Jacksonville. Take the Waterfall loop trail, which will lead you to this rare and accessible Florida waterfall, positioned in between lush greenery and romantic woodsy areas. Learn more.
Get engaged on a romantic stroll on the Southbank Riverwalk. Enjoy some of the best views of the cities mirrored in a lake-front reflection alongside of the St. Johns river. Walk alongside of the river and watch the boats at the marina, then find a bench to create your proposal moment. With plenty of dining options in walking distance, this is one of the best proposal places in Jacksonville because it brings so much of what’s good about Jacksonville together. Learn more.
Cuddle underneath the holiday lights at a Boat Parade. Beginning every November, there are plenty of local events which feature holiday lights, like the Jacksonville Light Boat Parade. Boats covered in Christmas lights travel downtown on the St. Johns River and end with a large firework display. If you’d like more options, check out the local holiday calendar which shares all of the Jacksonville activities that you can enjoy together. Learn more.
Turn up the love songs while on a drive to St. Augustine. Within driving distance from Jacksonville, take a short 38-mile road trip to visit St. Augustine, featuring 450 years of rich history. You can enjoy attractions from golf, to horse-drawn carriages, museums, and even dynamic night life.
If you’re looking for the best time of year to go, check their local calendar in advance to find musical concerts, historic tours and exhibits, or special restaurant offerings at one of the over 300 dining options. Continue the celebrations by staying at a hotel for the night. And if this becomes a special place for you, consider getting married here, too! Learn more.
We hope that this list with ten of the best proposal places in Jacksonville was helpful for you.
Looking for a photographer to capture your engagement moment? Whether you’re in Miami, Orlando, Tampa or Jacksonville, inquire about your options today.
[Photoshoot in the spotlight: Siona and Aaron in Jacksonville, Florida by Christina.]
Choose Joy,
The Joy Team