Portland is full of beautiful and romantic spots perfect for popping that big question. Whether you and your loved one live in Portland or you’re just visiting for the weekend, these are some of the best places to propose in Portland, Oregon. From unique city parks to scenic viewpoints, one of these locations is sure to inspire your marriage proposal plans.
Where to Propose in Portland
1. Redwood Deck
The Redwood Deck in Hoyt Arboretum is a beautiful wooden deck surrounded by tall trees and nature. The deck is relatively private, depending on the season and day of the week, and makes for an intimate and peaceful place in the forest. It’s the perfect place to go for an easy nature walk and take a break and pop the question on the deck.
To get a sense of the space, check out this small wedding I photographed there.
2. Rose Garden
Like the Redwood Deck, this location is also in Portland’s Washington Park. The International Rose Test Garden is home to a huge amount of roses, more than 10,000 blooms! Typically the garden is in bloom from May to October. Just about anywhere here would make for a romantic proposal but keep in mind that this is a popular destination among tourists so you might end up in a few tourist photos.
Cathedral Park under the St. Johns Bridge
3. Cathedral Park
Cathedral Park, located under the St. Johns Bridge in North Portland, is one of the more unique city parks in the city. The bridge columns create such a cool atmosphere with scale and depth.
Unfortunately due to bridge construction the staircase and deck may be impacted throughout 2022. I’d recommend visiting the park before moving forward with your plans.
4. Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden
This garden and city park is one of my favorite parks nearby and one of my favorite wedding venues in Portland. It’s 9.5 acres are full of Pacific Northwest flora and fauna and the space is perfect to find a private little nook to propose.
Photo credit: Portland Aerial Tram
5. Portland Aerial Tram
In practice this one might be a little tricky but I think it’s worth the mention just because it’s fun. The Portland Aerial Tram goes between the OHSU medical campuses and treats travelers to beautiful views of the city and Mt. Hood. It’s a four minute trip so you’ve got to be quick!
Unfortunately the tram is closed currently due to covid.
6. Holman Swim Dock
The Holman Dock is located just south of the Hawthorne Bridge and can be accessed via the Eastbank Esplanade. It’s a great spot to get down to the water and have the twinkly city lights from downtown set the romantic mood.
7. Portland Spirit
Set sail on the Willamette River with a sightseeing or dinner cruise on the Portland Spirit.
Want something a little more private on the river? Book a Yacht Tub…it’s a hot tub boat.
Foggy sunrise on Mt. Tabor in Southeast Portland
8. Mt Tabor
Mt Tabor Park is natural gem in the middle of Southeast Portland with dense forested areas and nice views of the city at the top. What I also love about Mt Tabor is that you can find your own little quiet spot to have a picnic and propose.
9. Portland City Grill or Departure
For that classic restaurant proposal with city views, Portland City Grill is the perfect spot. It’s located on the 30th floor of Big Pink in Downtown Portland. Another option is the rooftop of Departure.
10. Waterfall Proposal
Multnomah Falls is the largest waterfall in Oregon and probably the first waterfall that comes to mind as a breathtaking spot for a waterfall proposal. It’s a popular attraction though but definitely worth considering if you're ok with a few onlookers.
Latourell Falls isn’t too far away from Multnomah Falls but often feels a lot less busy. The coolest thing about Latourell is it’s an easy walk from the parking area and you can walk right up to the bottom of the falls for a misty, windy, romantic marriage proposal.
"Abiqua Falls, Oregon" by Thomas Shahan 3 is licensed under CC BY 2.0
Abiqua Falls is located about 1.5 hours outside of Portland and it’s truly a unique experience. Getting down to the waterfall usually involves a bit of rappelling down a rope but once you’ve arrived you’ll be in a breathtaking rock amphitheater.
Marriage Proposal at Hug Point State Recreation Area
11. Oregon Coast
The Oregon Coast is a magical place and a favorite weekend destination for many Portlanders. There are countless beaches and scenic viewpoints that I think would work great as the setting for your marriage proposal. Haystack Rock, Ecola State Park, or Hug Point are just a few places near Cannon Beach that would be perfect.
Check out some photos from this Hug Point proposal I helped coordinate.
12. Vista House
The Vista House is a beautiful location and has sweeping views of the Columbia Gorge.
13. Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival
Each Spring the Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm transforms into a scene straight out of Holland with fields full of colorful tulips and if you’re lucky a view of Mt. Hood. They even have a wooden windmill too. It’s a beautiful place to visit and a perfect spot to propose. If you’re feeling adventurous, hop a ride on a hot air balloon and propose in mid air!
14. Mt Hood
Trillium Lake is one of the most easiest viewpoints to access, at least in the summer months.
Timberline Lodge puts you higher up on the mountain and provides a great place for celebratory meal afterwards.
If you and your partner are hikers, you can get stunning views of Mount Hood from the Timberline Trail near the Top Spur trailhead.
Portland Proposal Ideas
While any of the above Portland locations would make for a beautiful place to propose, I think the best location is the one that is most meaningful to you and your partner. Maybe that location is at your favorite park or maybe it’s just in your own backyard.
Proposal picnic setup on Cannon Beach
1. Plan a picnic
Many of these Portland places would work great for a picnic spot. Team up with your friends or family to set up a little magical spot beforehand and put together some of you and your partners favorite snacks. “Stumble” upon it while you’re taking a neighborhood walk and I’m sure your partner will love it.
2. Revisit your first date
A great proposal idea is to revisit your first date location. Head to that coffee shop where you first met, your old high school, etc. If you met out of state, try to include significant pieces that remind you of that first impression.
3. Take a hike
If you and your partner love the outdoors, you probably also love hiking to scenic vistas and taking in the view. Luckily in the Pacific Northwest we have no shortage of impressive nature nearby. You could include a picnic in this one too or even include your friends and family all waiting at the viewpoint when you arrive.
4. Scavenger hunt
If you’re feeling a bit more creative, design a scavenger hunt around the city that your partner will enjoy solving or include their friends and assorted activities along the way which all lead back to you.
Portland Proposal Photographer
Need some help documenting your perfect Portland marriage proposal? Contact me and we can work together. Since proposals are a unique, personal experience I recommend you come ready with a plan. I’m then happy to provide feedback as it relates to photography.