10 Best Spots to Propose in Austin for Nature Lovers
Austin is a nature lover's dream. This capital city we so lovingly refer to as weird is built along the Colorado River and is a hub for eclectic culture, Texas wildlife, and a communal love for the great outdoors. Whether you're a resident or not, the city is undoubtedly worth a visit — especially if you're looking a place to propose that has that "oomph" factor! From one magical green space to the next, we've collected 10 winsome spots in the heart of Austin to capture the joyous, "YES!" you seek. This list will inspire you to head outdoors, chase adventure, and perhaps get down on one knee!
1. Zilker Botanical Garden
Source: Plantly
The Zilker Botanical Garden in Austin blooms romance. Located in the heart of the city, inside Zilker Metropolitan Park, lies 28 acres of verdant foliage. The vast gardens offer cozy alcoves, sun-swept hills, lush Japanese gardens, meandering streams, and more. With a series of thematic gardens woven together by beautiful pathways, you’ll find no shortage of spots to ask for your loved one’s hand in marriage.
*Note: if you’d like to bring a professional photographer, there is a $50 fee.2. Hamilton Pool Preserve
Source: Trip Savvy
While this location on our list is located about 30 miles outside of Austin, we promise it’s worth the trip. The Hamilton Pool Preserve is a geological marvel that is as gorgeous as it is interesting. In the 1860s, it was inhabited by the Tonkawa and Lipan Apaches and contains cultural remains from over 8,000 ago. If either one of you is an avid bird watcher, you’ll absolutely be swept away by the great variety of birds (most notably the Golden-cheeked Warbler) this preserve serves as home to. Aside from the vast wildlife, one of its most alluring attractions is the beautiful pool created by a 50-foot limestone waterfall. If you’re hoping to swim, be sure to check the daily advisories. Whether you swim or not, the easy 30-minute hike to the pool is the perfect way to lead up to your proposal.
*Note: You will need to reserve your spot as daily visitors are limited. There is a $12 vehicle charge and an $8 charge per person.3. Mount Bonnell
Source: Condé Nast Traveler
If your love has taken you to new heights, this is the proposal spot for you! Referred to as “the best view in Austin,” this sunny vantage point is the highest in the city, reaching 775 feet. If you’d like to lead your sweetheart up 102 stairs, you’ll be rewarded with a jaw-dropping vista. The peak of Mount Bonnell at Covert Park has attracted tourists near and far since the 1850s, and once you make it to the top, you’ll have no trouble understanding why.
4. McKinney Falls State Park
Source: Only In Your State
McKinney Falls State Park is a treasure for nature lovers. With cascading waterfalls, natural swimming pools, local campsites, ample hikes, bat caves, and unique rock formations, you and your outdoorsy boo will feel right at home here. Located inside the center of Austin, you can easily plan a day trip and propose after hiking along Onion Creek. Alternatively, make a special evening of it and reserve a campsite; when nightfall arrives, ask for your partner’s hand under the stars.
*Note: if you plan to camp, you will need to reserve your campsite. Prices range from $20-$24.5. UMLAUF Sculpture Garden
Source: GPS My City
Unleash your cultured side! For the artistically inclined, the UMLAUF Sculpture Garden is Austin at its best. This quintessential location is a hodgepodge of high, casual culture amongst nature. Founded 30 years ago, The UMLAUF Sculpture Garden showcases the works of Charles Umlauf and other artists. If you and your partner enjoy cultural outings, arranging a visit to the beautiful sculpture garden is a great idea to precede your engagement. After strolling through the landscaped gardens and sharing your thoughts about the exhibitions on display, you can pause when you find the perfect shady hideaway to express your love and propose marriage.
6. Tau Ceti Mural
Source: Outside Suburbia
This proposal location idea list wouldn’t do Austin justice if we didn’t include at least one street mural. If you know Austin, you know street art, and this is one piece that is absolutely stunning! Tau Ceti, completed in 2018 by Josef Kristofoletti, is a captivating and colorful mural that climbs up 10 stories. This rainbow spectrum of color is dizzying in the best sense of the word and provides a picture-perfect backdrop for engagement photos. Kristofoletti remarks that the mural was inspired by a star in the constellation Cetus and was hand-painted to represent unity and diversity. Its emblematic color scheme along with the mural’s hopeful message is one reason why it’s a popular engagement location for LGBTQIA+ couples.
7. Austin Motel
Source: Mr Porter
Okay, just hear us out for this one. If you’re an Austonite through and through, then we urge you to consider an epic proposal at the iconic Austin Motel. Austin Motel is to Austin as Buc-ee’s is to Texas (if you know, you know). If you don’t know, we simply mean that this hotel is exactly the opposite of what you think of when you hear the word “motel.” It is charming, clean, quirky, fun, historic, cultured, comfortable, safe, colorful, and the list goes on! This vintage-inspired hotel is located in the South Congress neighborhood and is within walking distance of the city’s popular day and nightlife. Scroll through the available rooms, and pick your favorite. Getting engaged and staying here is the perfect way to write the next romantic chapter in the love story that is your life.
8. Sekrit Theater
Source: Sekrit Theater
Are you or your loved one a sucker for dark romances? Is one of you a self-proclaimed gothic babe who loves nature? Can you never leave a good mystery unsolved? Do you want to propose in the beautiful outdoors but are anxious at the thought of passers-by observing? If any of these questions resonate, then you may want to consider getting engaged at Sekrit Theater. Sekrit Theater is an abandoned garden, perfect for those who love to wander, explore, dream, and take in the beauty of nature. This magically eclectic location must be reserved, so you’ll be able to share the special moment with your loved one without any onlookers.
*Note: You must book the Sekrit Theatre in advance. Prices range from $245-$345.9. Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
Source: Go See Do Explore
“There are too many flowers here,” said no one ever. Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center was founded in 1982 by Lady Bird Johnson and Helen Hayes. The center is renowned for its plant conservation, and sustainable landscape restoration and design. With over 284 acres to explore, cultivated gardens full of native plants await eager horticulture enthusiasts. If you feel the only beauty to ever come close to rivaling that of your partner is the beauty of mother nature, then Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center is the perfect place to plan your proposal. You can even check when your partner’s favorite flower is in bloom to make the day all the more special.
*Note: Admission for adults is $15 per person. If you plan to have a professional photographer present, there is an additional fee of $100-$250.10. Lady Bird Lake
Source: Austinot
Lady Bird Lake contributes greatly to the beauty and appeal of Austin. The reservoir was created in 1960 and is now used recreationally for kayakers, paddleboarders, boaters, and rowers. If your partner feels most alive on the water, or you’re looking for that “other-worldly” magic spot to soak in the allure of Austin, a proposal on the water might be just the thing. You can opt for a more intimate and low-key proposal and rent a kayak at sunset. If you’d like to bring out all the bells and whistles, look into booking a romantic moonlight cruise through a company. Either way, you’re sure to sweep your sweetheart off their feet with this romantic gesture!
Plan Your Proposal with Anueva
We won't blame you for having a difficult time narrowing down the perfect location in Austin to propose! Fortunately, there are so many lush and enchanting places on this list, you simply can't go wrong! As you plan the perfect proposal, help make the decision for your partner all the more extraordinary when you present them with their dream ring. Anueva Jewelry helps couples bring their vision to life by creating organic, fine jewelry built to long as long as eternal love. Much like the proposal locations on this list, we draw our inspiration from mother nature herself. Get started today and shop our ready-to-ship collection of rings or work with our design team to create a semi or fully custom ring. Your engagement is a moment to be forever cherished, and we would be more than honored to create a ring that represents your unique love story.
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