A lot of dreaming and planning goes into a wedding. In fact, 94 percent of couples say they talk about getting married before someone pops the question, and 70 percent of women say they drop hints about the kind of ring they want.
If you and your significant other have had the big talk, a proposal is probably written in the stars. The way you get engaged is the beginning of your wedding story, one of the most romantic times in a couple’s life together. Take the time to plan a proposal that will wow your partner and make memories that will last a lifetime.
If you’re wondering where to propose in or near Baton Rouge, here are 14 romantic spots to kick off your proposal brainstorming:
- Louisiana State Capitol Building
- Old Louisiana State Capitol
- The Capitol Lake
- Louisiana Art and Science Museum
- Shaw Center for the Arts
- Baton Rouge Zoo
- LSU Hilltop Arboretum
- LSU Lakes
- Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center
- The Myrtles
- Houmas House Plantation and Gardens
- Tiger Stadium
- Red Stick Farmers Market
- The French Quarter
Let’s break down what makes each of these 14 Louisiana marriage proposal ideas special.
1. Louisiana State Capitol Building
The Louisiana State Capitol is a great place to propose, especially if you plan to have photos taken. Make your dramatic declaration of love on the steps in front of the grand building. The 34-story building will make a beautiful backdrop for photos of the momentous occasion. For something a little greener, take your soon-to-be spouse to the State Capital Park right by the building. During the summer months, the park is alive with colorful blossoms. What could be more romantic?
If you prefer a more sweeping view of the city for your proposal, head up to the 27th-floor observation deck. Get down on one knee while the lights shine 350 feet below. The moment she says “yes” will be all the more unforgettable with this incredible view.
2. Old Louisiana State Capitol
If you want a proposal with some vintage flair, consider popping the question at Louisiana’s Old State Capitol, also located downtown. This Gothic building looks like a fairytale castle, and it is shrouded in history — the building even has its own ghost. The 165-year-old building is guarded by two stone lions and features stunning stained glass windows, making it the perfect place to start your fairytale romance. Ask your significant other to marry you outside, or step inside the building.
The Old State Capitol, a National Historic Landmark, also serves as a museum. Get down on one knee in front of the building’s grand spiral staircase, or stand beneath the domed ceiling as its stained glass creates colorful patterns of light. There is no denying the beautiful, romantic atmosphere of the Old Louisiana State Capitol. A proposal at this landmark will be a story you and your loved one will never forget.
3. The Capitol Lake
You couldn’t ask for a prettier setting than the Capitol Lake located in downtown Baton Rouge. The scenic lake is surrounded by the picturesque downtown area. During the day, sunlight plays across the water, while the lights of the city are reflected off of the lake at night. Pack a picnic and sit by the water. Right before you pop the champagne, pop the question. If you want to get down on one knee while the city lights shine, take an evening stroll by the lake.
For those of you searching for additional inspiration, you can plan your big surprise for one of the most romantic days of the year.
According to one survey of 10,000 people, the best day to propose is:
- Christmas Eve: 31 percent
- New Year’s Eve: 19 percent
- Valentine’s Day: 12 percent
- The Date You Met: 10 percent
It might be a little chilly by the lake in the winter months, but neither of you will be thinking about how cold it is once you hear the magic word: “Yes.”
4. Louisiana Art and Science Museum
The Louisiana Art and Science Museum, a cultural staple of Baton Rouge, is an impressive building with a round dome, pillars, and an angular glass element. For those of you who can’t wait until you’re inside to ask the biggest question of your life, the exterior of the building is still a beautiful place to propose. Once inside, you have plenty of attractive options for your proposal spot. Travel back in time to the Ancient Egypt gallery, or travel across the galaxy in the Universe Gallery or the Planet Tower. The museum also has a rotating collection of artwork. Pick a specific exhibit, or pull out the ring whenever you feel inspired by the beauty and history around you.
The best part of proposing here is that you can keep coming back to relive the memory. Celebrate your proposal anniversary by visiting the Louisiana Art and Science Museum every year.
5. Shaw Center for the Arts
Shaw Center for the Arts is a gorgeous glass building with landscaped grounds and fountains. Walk around outside for romantic inspiration, or enjoy the museum or an event indoors. The LSU Museum of Art housed inside features art exhibits from the state and across the world. The Manship Theatre in the Shaw Center for Arts hosts shows ranging from improv and movies to live music and stage productions. Catch a show before getting down on one knee and pulling out the ring you so carefully picked out.
The River Terrace is possibly the most beautiful place to propose at the Shaw Center for the Arts. The terrace has a glass-walled room that leads out to a balcony and stunning sculpture garden. Your proposal moment will be picture-perfect in this space. If you fall in love with the arts center and its River Terrace, you can even consider having your wedding there.
6. Baton Rouge Zoo
No list of Baton Rouge marriage proposal ideas would be complete without the Baton Rouge Zoo. The zoo, open since 1970, is home to hundreds of animals from all across the globe. Walk hand-in-hand with your partner as you see tigers, cheetahs, alligators, snakes, eagles, monkeys and more. When you find the right spot, pop the question. The zoo is a great spot for a proposal, especially if the two of you have spent time here before. Recalling an early date to the zoo is a wonderfully romantic way to get your future spouse to say “yes.”
To add an extra touch of magic, wait until the zoo holds its annual Zoo Lights event from late November through December when the zoo lights up with light sculptures of animals and holiday displays. The romantic lighting and wonder of the animals around you will create the perfect atmosphere and remain an unforgettable moment in your lives together.
7. LSU Hilltop Arboretum
The LSU Hilltop Arboretum is an idyllic place, making it one of the best romantic places to propose. The 14-acre arboretum is complete with flowers and trees that create a beautiful tableau. The arboretum is also home to interesting architecture from Flato Architects. Take a walk through the trees or among the site’s buildings to find just the right place to bend the knee.
During the spring, the pond boardwalk might be the most romantic place to ask for your partner’s hand in marriage. In the fall, stand under the changing colors of the trees to pop the question. Even in the winter, the LSU Hilltop Arboretum does not lose its romantic appeal. Let nature work its magic and set the scene for your remarkable proposal.
8. Baton Rouge Lakes
The Baton Rouge Lakes are one of the most romantic places to propose in Baton Rouge. Miles of paths wind around these gorgeous bodies of water, as birds fly overhead. Take a romantic walk with your loved one along one of the waterside paths. Choose a specific spot or wait until the mood feels right to ask the big question.
You can also paddle a canoe or kayak on the lakes. Stop in the middle of the water under the open sky to ask your S.O. to spend the rest of their life with you. The springtime might add an air of romance. During this season, hundreds of bright, white pelicans swim across the lake and dive into its waters. There is enough open space that you don’t have to propose in front of a big crowd, especially if that isn’t your style. If you walked along the lakes for your first date, it could be the perfect place to propose — 58 percent of people think the place you had your first date is the best place to pop the question.
9. Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center
The Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center contains more than 103 acres of land. Walk across gravel paths and the boardwalk beneath the shade of towering trees. Pop the question by the side of the beautiful pond, or get down on one knee in the rain garden. Home to hundreds of bird species, the Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center is the perfect place for couples who love being together in the outdoors. The flora and fauna of the Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center will make a magical backdrop to the photos you take together after your lover says “yes.”
10. The Myrtles
If you are asking yourself where to propose, you don’t have to limit yourself to places in Baton Rouge. Take a short trip — just 26 miles — outside the city to Francisville. You’ll know the drive was worth it when you catch your first glimpse of The Myrtles. The mansion dates back to 1796, and it looks every bit like the classic Southern home.
A 125-foot veranda wraps around the home with white siding and mint green shutters. The property around the home is lush, dotted with trees older than the house. The Myrtles also has an intriguing ghost story, but that doesn’t diminish its romantic atmosphere. If you want to keep the magic going, you can stay at the plantation’s bed and breakfast rooms after the proposal.
11. Houmas House Plantation and Gardens
Houmas House Plantation and Gardens is located between Baton Rouge and New Orleans in Darrow. The plantation home is a grand building that dates back to the 1800s. The stately columns and sweeping veranda make for a beautiful place to ask for your beloved’s lifelong commitment. The colorful gardens are spread across the plantation’s 38 acres of land, and the two swans who live on the reflection pond add another touch of romance to the air.
Houmas House also has five different restaurants. Propose over glasses of wine at The Wine Cellars of Houmas House, or pop the question beneath the elaborate chandelier in the Carriage House Restaurant. Newly engaged couples will love the idea of staying in one of the rooms at the plantation’s bed and breakfast.
12. Tiger Stadium
Die-hard LSU sports fans will adore a proposal at Tiger Stadium, affectionately known as “Death Valley.” Amidst the craze of thousands of screaming fans, turn to your S.O. and pop the question. The team spirit of a home game for the Fighting Tigers will make your proposal an unforgettable moment.
13. Red Stick Farmers Market
Cooking brings a lot of couples together. If you and your significant other have spent countless weekends browsing farmer’s markets for fresh ingredients, what better place to get down on one knee? Red Stick Farmer’s Market is an open-air market that runs all year long at various locations throughout Baton Rouge. Browse fresh, locally grown produce, take in the smell of artisan bread and pick out ingredients for a romantic meal for two.
You can find a quiet space nearby for a more private proposal, or bend down on one knee as other shoppers browse the farmers market. This thoughtful, surprising spot could be just the right place for you and your soon-to-be spouse to start your wedding story.
14. The French Quarter
If you’re leaning toward a few New Orleans marriage proposal ideas instead of Baton Rouge possibilities, the French Quarter is a top contender. As the oldest part of New Orleans, the French Quarter has beautiful architecture and a nightlife that never dies down. Plus, this section of the city is full of romantic spots. Pop the question along the riverfront, take a carriage ride across the streets, savor an intimate dinner for two at one of the fabulous restaurants or make a weekend of the proposal with a stay at one of the legendary hotels.
The French Quarter is a beautiful place for a traditional Southern experience with a little extra flair. For a celebratory atmosphere that matches your own excitement, schedule your trip to New Orleans for Mardi Gras. It will feel like everyone celebrating on the streets is cheering for you and your honey. You will feel like you want the day you propose to last forever.
15. Bonus Location — The Watermark hotel
The Watermark hotel is one of the most iconic structures in downtown Baton Rouge. It was originally built as Baton Rouge’s first “skyscraper” in 1927 and served as the headquarters of Louisiana Trust & Savings Bank for more than 50 years. The Art Deco architecture combined with elements of the Greek Revival makes the hotel one of the most diverse and interesting buildings in the city. The Watermark hotel honors its history with blended references of the ’20s through the ’60s combined with modern design.
You could get down on one knee under the preserved murals by celebrated New Orleans artist Angela Gregory, or head down the grand staircase to the original bank vaults for a memorable proposal. Surrounded by the history and elegance of Baton Rouge, you’ll be able to make your own history with your soon-to-be spouse. If you want to make your trip even more memorable, stay in one of the rooms of the hotel. You can enjoy Champagne, chocolate-covered strawberries and breakfast in bed during your romantic getaway.
With its regal atmosphere and Deep South charm, The Watermark hotel is an ideal spot to plan a romantic and unforgettable proposal.
After you’ve put a ring on it and shared the good news with friends and family, stop by The Gregory to celebrate with drinks and toast to your future together. If you’re feeling hungry, make a dinner reservation for two.
The Gregory can also host any number of events you want to throw as you start planning the wedding of your dreams. Share the great news with an engagement party or host a beautiful bridal shower. The Gregory can also be a part of your special day as a rehearsal dinner venue or the place for an unforgettable wedding reception. Our classic Southern style and charm is sure to please the bride and groom.
Cheers to all the happy couples!
