Elili Brown Photography

In my guide ‘How to Plan the Perfect Proposal – A step-by-step guide’ we talked about the importance of adding a personal touch to your proposal as well as choosing the perfect location in Los Angeles for your proposal. The location will dictate how private your proposal is, whether or not friends and family will be there, whether there will be strangers nearby or will it be just you two. In my opinion, where you propose is a reflection of how well you know your partner and their dream proposal. So, all-in-all, where you get engaged is important. Stay tuned, next week we are going to get into the nitty gritty of choosing your location, what factors to consider, ways to personalize it, and more.

But this week, I thought I would give you some location ideas, to get the gears churning. So, if you are wondering where to propose, here are 13 gorgeous places in Los Angeles to propose.

1. Griffith Observatory

The Observatory already made my list of the 10 most romantic spots in Los Angeles for a date but would also make for a romantic engagement spot. You have the option of going with the park of the observatory. The park would be perfect for a more intimate proposal, you can set out a picnic blanket and candles, get some wine, and tell them you want them to be your forever person. Or you could propose in the Observatory itself, which offers panoramic views of LA. If you and your partner are constellation lovers, star gazing through the telescopes might be the perfect, romantic setting for your proposal. This spot offers breathtaking city views and a sky full of stars, setting the stage for an incredibly romantic proposal, especially during sunset or under the night sky.

2. El Matador State Beach

A classic proposal idea for anyone in Los Angeles is a beach proposal. So, my recommendation for your proposal is El Matador State Beach. El Matador is stunning, with rocky cliffs, beautiful sand, and what is more peaceful than the sound of crashing waves. The sunset from this beach is full of brilliant oranges and pinks, adding to the romantic nature of your proposal. El Matador falls about a 5 on a scale from 1-10 for privacy. There will be other beachgoers, but typically this beach is not as busy as Venice or Santa Monica Pier.

3. Walt Disney Concert Hall

If you are looking for a more elegant proposal, the metallic curves and reflective surfaces of the Walt Disney Hall might be perfect for your engagement proposal and photographs. The Hall is in downtown Los Angeles, so you could go explore afterward or grab a bite to each from one of many scrumptious spots. The Walt Disney ranks a 3 on the scale from 1-10 for privacy, with ten being the most private. The Hall itself is fairly busy, but you should be able to find a crevasse to escape into for your proposal.

4. The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens

The Huntington Library and Gardens also made my list of romantic date spots in Los Angeles but deserves a spot on this list as well. Flowers are inherently romantic and there is no shortage of them at the Huntington Gardens. Even though they are busy, there is so much to see, so you will be able to have your special moment without onlookers. The gardens are home to everything ranging from vibrant Japanese Gardens to romantic rose gardens with classic arches. The blooming flowers and greenery provide a stunning setting for your proposal, only adding to the magic. If you and your partner love going on strolls and enjoying nature, the Huntington Gardens are a perfect proposal spot if you want it to remain a surprise. They would not suspect a thing!

5. Union Station

If you want an intimate proposal, Union Station is probably not for you. The historic architecture and bustle of Union Station has a timeless romantic feel. It has an old-timey feel with its classic charm and design. Union Station has been part of love stories since 1939, each and every corner of Union Station, tells a story of romance and long-lasting love. Now it can be an integral part of yours.

6. Private Tour at Malibu Wines or Wine Tasting

At Malibu Wine Hikes you are able to set up private tours, which would be perfect for your proposal. They set you up with a tour guide who will help you find the most jaw-dropping views perfect of a romantic proposal. Or if you want an even more intimate setting, you can rent space at the winery, so no one is watching or overhearing your proposal. Another option is doing a wine tasting, which will be a unique memory forever tied to your proposal. Proposing here offers a cozy and relaxed setting amidst nature’s beauty, making it an intimate spot for a heartfelt moment.

7. Hollywood Bowl Overlook

The Hollywood Bowl Overlook has breathtaking panoramic views of the Hollywood sign, providing a romantic and intimate setting for a proposal. This is a perfect spot for an evening proposal, with the sun setting lighting up the city in beautiful colors. The privacy that the Overlook has is highly dependent on the time of day.

8. The Getty Center

The Getty is one of the most romantic spots in Los Angeles. This is the perfect proposal spot for all my art lovers out there. With stunning architecture, beautiful gardens, and world-class art collections, the Getty provides a sophisticated setting for your proposal. On the scale from 1-10 of privacy, this would be a 2. The Getty is a pretty busy spot, but you should be able to find a moment or two to yourselves for the proposal itself.

9. Downtown LA Arts District

The Downtown LA Arts District is honestly really cool and pretty (in my opinion). There are colorful murals, picture-perfect coffee shops, and overall has an industrial-chic vibe. This will add a unique and bold setting for your proposal. The privacy in the Arts District will vary heavily depending on where you are, but you should be able to find quiet spaces to profess your love.  

10. Greystone Mansion and Park

The Greystone Mansion is reminiscent of the golden era of Hollywood. The classic architecture and beautiful gardens date back to Old Hollywood glamour, providing a historic charm and romantic ambience for your proposal. The Greystone Mansion and Park is a 5 from 1-10 on the privacy scale.

11. Rooftop and Romantic Restaurants

If you and your partner are foodies or love a romantic dinner date, planning your proposal at a rooftop restaurant or particularly romantic restaurant could be perfect. Proposing at a restaurant is perfect for an intimate and sophisticated proposal. While restaurants are busy, they often have seating designed for private conversations, so your dinner would be intimate while the proposal itself will likely garner attention from others. Los Angeles has an infinite number of rooftop restaurants, notably Perch in downtown Los Angeles. A rooftop restaurant proposal during sunset with beautiful views of the skyline and cityscape is perfect for a proposal.

If you are looking for recommendations for romantic restaurants in Los Angeles, click here

If you are looking for recommendations for romantic restaurants in Pasadena, click here

12. LACMA Urban Lights

  The Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) Urban Lights is a gorgeous presentation of street-lamps from the 1920s and 1930s that have been restored. The display of 202 lights is a magical setting, and is the perfect setting for an evening proposal, where the lights are glowing. If you want a private proposal, the Urban Lights are likely not for you.

13. Topanga State Park

Topanga State Park is located near Malibu and is a hidden oasis, providing an escape from the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles. If you want a more intimate, private proposal, Topanga State Park is perfect for you. Proposing at Topanga State Park will be a proposal immersed in nature. There are extensive scenic trails with breathtaking views. If you time it right, you could propose to views of the sun-setting over the Pacific Ocean. The natural beauty of the park creates a serene setting for your proposal and your partner will be unsuspecting. An afternoon hike? Nothing out of the norm.

To Conclude

Choosing the perfect engagement location is a critical step in asking your partner to be your happily ever after. Here are 13 unique spots in Los Angeles that tell various stories and have amazing views. Hopefully, this helped you figure out where to propose or gave you starting points.

If you have questions, per usual please reach out!

If you are looking for some more romantic spots in Los Angeles, here are ten more!