After a year spent doing take-out, Cloroxing groceries, staying home and growing closer to your partner, you’re ready to pop the question with a gorgeous outdoor location where you can really set up decorations and spread out the party.
If you’re planning on proposing to your partner in crime and want an intimate outdoor location -I’ve brainstormed and polled my local vendor group and put together a few ideas.
**Some locations might have a session fee but I feel this is part of the privilege for having more privacy and the ability to set up some decor beforehand.**
These proposal location ideas are a mix of restaurants, wedding venues, resorts and nature areas. After shooting over 20 weddings in 2 years I consider myself an expert and hope this guide helps narrow down your location search.
Driskill Hotel
- I always recommend hotels and resorts for private proposals because of the support staff you’ll receive, and the Driskill is a uniquely Austin experience. (plus it’s definitely haunted.)
- https://driskillhotel.com
- Rental fees vary, contact the hotel for the info.
Laguna Gloria
If you’ve read my How to Propose at Laguna Gloria article, you’ve probably seen my work here. At this point, I practically live there and they should let me set up a cot inside the Villa.
- They are open to the public with reservations but you need to pay the photo session fee on their website before we can go. Friday-Monday dates are limited in Spring and Fall.
The Temple of Love is the most romantic spot, and tucked into the end of the pathway that’s hidden from the entrance. I recommend adding some decor here as it will keep people from stopping!
Wildflower Center
- If you choose to have your proposal at the Wildflower Center, we will have to observe their “open to the public” hours of 9-4:30pm (great for winter) and pay a $100 photo fee. After that we have the whole place to ourselves!
- However, if you’re considering the Spring or Summer you need to reserve an after hours photography session of $250 for 2 hours. This includes entry for the photographer, and up to 5 guests. Getting the Wildflower Center to yourself at Golden Hour is truly romantic and magical.
Since there are plenty of places to explore and hide, you can even have your family there for the surprise after.
I highly recommend the Wildflower Center for a pretty, casual, and fun Central Austin proposal.
Sekrit Theater
- Sekrit Theater is a hidden glass greenhouse in East Austin that feels absolutely special and unlike anywhere else in Austin. I recommend this as it will be 100% completely private if you book and pay for the proposal session fee by sending an email to reserve.
- You can of course add string lights, candles in glass, rose petals to make it super special for your partner. With the proposal session booking appointment you can have your family/friends come to help with the set up and break down or choose to hire someone for a full-service, turnkey experience.
