Preparing for that big engagement moment? If you’re in the SoCal area, we’ve compiled the best proposal places in Los Angeles for you to consider!
And did you hear? We are now supporting couples across the state of California! If you’re interested in engagement sessions and comprehensive wedding photo + video packages, we’d love to connect with you and learn more about how we can support you.
Los Angeles offers plenty of diverse options to help orchestrate the proposal of (both of) your dreams. From beautiful mountains and beaches, to lush gardens in the backyard of museums, and special food experiences, there is something for everyone!
Make sure to check the COVID-19 regulations for any of these options so that you’re prepared with what you need well in advance.
Have a dreamy Los Angeles proposal moment
Have a magical Hollywood engagement at the Griffith Observatory. If you want an afternoon packed with views, science, and maybe even a little romance, then the Griffith Observatory is where you want to be. As one of the most historic sights in the area with a rich 86-year history, this is a magical place to get engaged. And once you’ve attended the planetarium or experienced one of the 60 exhibits, make sure to take a hike at Griffith Park up to the Hollywood sign! (If you plan to hike, make sure to wear comfortable shoes to go up the steep hills. You don’t have to go all of the way up to the top to see the sign.) Free admissions. Learn more.
Take in the romance of city together at the Roof on Wilshire. Some of the best proposal places in Los Angeles happen to be one of the many rooftop bars scattered across the city! We personally love the Roof on Wilshire for a special engagement experience above the twinkling city lights. You will be able to take in 360-degree views of the city while enjoying classic American dishes and delicious cocktails. And if you want to celebrate afterwards, book at room at the Kimpton Hotel Wilshire (which is where the bar is actually located!) Learn more.
Propose under the pagoda at Yamashiro Restaurant. Could we have a list with the best proposal places in Los Angeles that doesn’t have a sushi place on it?! Nope! One of the best-rated traditional Japanese restaurants in the area is called Yamashiro. Propose under their 600-year pagoda and then celebrate while enjoying the one of their specialty rolls or ‘sushi boats’ (you won’t regret it!) There is an expansive menu with some gluten free and vegan options, too. Some nights also provide memorable event experiences with live music. Reservations recommended and will be required for most events. Learn more.
Create an engagement moment for only the most artsy at The Arts District. If you’re looking for a unique engagement, the Arts District nestled in downtown Los Angeles has plenty of options that can turn into an entire day of creating memories. Enjoy food trucks parked outside of Angel City brewery, work off the calories while playing one of the 40 arcade games at EightyTwo, and then enjoy live music at a steampunk-themed bar. Learn more.
Propose under the lights at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. If you’re lovers of art and looking for a cool proposal spot, one of the most beautiful installations at LACMA features 309 LED towering lights. After enjoying one the art installments and sculptures, walk outside near dusk or dark, and get down on one knee when you’ve reached the lights. And since the museum is in a central location, then it’s easy to find a spot for dinner or dancing to celebrate your engagement afterwards. Free admission for Los Angeles residents with a valid ID, but tickets still must be reserved. If you live outside of the county, tickets are purchased in advance online for $10. Check their calendar in advance for exhibits. Learn more.
Pop the question in the modern gardens at the Getty Center. Speaking of art…the museum at the Getty Center is another great option if you’re looking for a special proposal moment. Featuring art ranging from modern to the Middle Ages, this iconic museum has diverse art exhibits year-round. Take the tram up to the museum and then enjoy the sprawling exhibit spaces with one another. Then, take in the Los Angeles sunshine while walking hand in hand the lush gardens. Find a quiet spot and pop the question near the stone waterfall or underneath the bougainvillea arbors. (This garden is a work of art all on its own.) Free admission, but parking comes with a fee. Check their calendar in advance for exhibits. Learn more.
Get engaged in the surrounding cities of the Greater Los Angeles Area
Create an engagement moment fit for a princess at Disneyland Park. If you are both lovers of all-things Disney, then Disneyland is a great option for a proposal. Sure, it isn’t Walt Disney World, but you won’t deal with the Florida humidity and this is actually the only theme park designed under the supervision of Walt Disney himself! Head on over to Anaheim and get engaged in front of the Sleeping Beauty Castle, Snow White’s Wishing Well, or under the fireworks (for a nighttime proposal.) Once you’ve enjoyed Disneyland Park, you can enjoy Disney California Adventure Park right next door. Purchase your tickets in advance. Prices will vary depending on the number of days that you plan to be there and when you plan to be there. Learn more.
Get engaged at the Huntington botanical gardens. Located in San Marino, the Huntington has the best of the best: a library, art museum, and botanical gardens. Even though this is home to more than 800,000 visitors each year, it’s easy to find a quiet spot to create the engagement experience of your dreams. Our favorite spots are located in one of their many gardens, including ones that showcase these themes: desert, rose, palm, sculpture, Japanese, Australian, Shakespeare, and more! Admission is ~$25 and tickets are released the last Tuesday of the month for the next month. There are also ‘Free Days’ available to the public. Check their calendar in advance for exhibits and for more details on their varied garden experiences. Learn more.
Feel like you’re on Cloud 9 experience at Santa Monica Pier. Propose while more than 130 feet high in the sky on the Pacific Wheel, the world’s first solar power Ferris wheel. Located at the Santa Monica Pier, you will get incredible views of the Southern California coast. When you reach the top, create a romantic moment by asking the question. (Be careful with the ring---or just save it for when you’ve safely reached the bottom!) Celebrate your engagement afterwards at one of the nearby restaurants or by walking hand in hand in the sand. Learn more.
Propose with the ocean as your backdrop at Dukes in Malibu. If you’re looking for a proposal moment by the beach, Dukes in Malibu is one of our favorite local spots! It’s a very nice restaurant but doesn’t feel too stuffy because of their fun Hawaiian theme. You can sit out on the patio to hear the ocean or dine indoors and watch the waves hit up against the glass. Propose over brunch or dinner once your dessert arrives: the Hula Pie! And if you want to continue the celebration of your love story at Dukes, they also have a small event space for weddings. Then, go to Hawaii for your honeymoon! Learn more.
Get engaged at the El Matador State Beach. If you want to feel like you’ve literally been dropped into an idyllic movie scene made for the biggest of stars, El Matador State Beach in Malibu is one of the best proposal places in Los Angeles and its surrounding areas.
Take in the unique scenery with the towering bluffs and rocky archways amidst the beautiful cost line. Then find a shady spot under one of shade of one of the caves before you get down on one knee.
Heads up: the beach is accessed via very steep stairs so make sure you’re prepared with comfortable shoes. Might not be best for someone who is fearful of heights, but you will find that it’s worth it once you get to the bottom.
After you’ve proposed, come back here to take your engagement photos! Learn more.
Create an inspired proposal overlooking the Pacific Ocean at Inspiration Point. If you want to go further out and get closer Orange County, Inspiration Point located in Corona Del Mar is an awesome proposal spot. This area consistently comes up in top 10 lists of ‘things to do in Newport Beach’ and once you get there, you will see why. Bring a picnic to enjoy on a bench or in the sand, pop the question, and then make sure to stay to see the sunset. Learn more.
Get Photos of Your Engagement with a Free Engagement Session in California
We hope that you enjoyed our recommendations of the best proposal places in Los Angeles and surrounding areas, from Malibu to the OC. We are available to support your wedding needs across the state of California.
[Photoshoot in the spotlight: Tracy and Jose in Los Angeles, California by Riley.]
Choose Joy,
The Joy Team