Best Places for a Marriage Proposal in the Garden
The Garden is romantic and picturesque no matter the season, and while it’s known as one of the top wedding venues in Richmond, it’s also a fantastic place for a proposal. The colors and plant life in the Garden are constantly changing, making engagement backdrops unique to the time of year depending on what’s in bloom. It also looks wonderful in pictures!
Here are recommendations for the best engagement spots in Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden for every season.
A Winter Proposal: Outside the Conservatory during Dominion Energy GardenFest of Lights
One of the Garden’s most popular events, Dominion Energy GardenFest of Lights, takes place every year from November to January. The Garden is illuminated with millions of lights during the event (there are more than 14 miles of lights in our trees alone!) and is considered one of the best botanical garden holiday lights displays in the country. For the most iconic backdrop, pop the question in front of the 11,000-square-foot Conservatory, considered the “Jewel of the Garden.” Note: advanced tickets are required for Gardenfest, so be sure to book early.
A Spring Engagement: “Slow Dance” statue in Flagler Garden
Photo by Carly Ault
One of the Garden’s hidden gems is this secluded section of the three-acre Henry M. Flagler Garden, a quiet, out-of-the-way area that’s ideal for a proposal with a bit of privacy. The statue “Slow Dance” features two figures entwined, adding to the romance factor, while a variety of spring flowers nearby provide multi-colored blooms.
A Summer Proposal: Cochrane Rose Garden
For the true romantics, it’s hard to beat the beauty of the blooms of the Cochrane Rose Garden in the summertime. The arbors, stone arches, and pavilions surrounded by over 1,500 rose bushes look straight out of a fairytale. Roses of all colors bloom throughout the season, though May and June are especially abundant, with nearly 2,000 blooms to serve as a backdrop.
A Fall Engagement: the Arch in the Grace Arents Garden
Photo by Tom Hennessy
With cooler temperatures and fewer crowds, autumn is one of the best times to visit the Garden, and the Darlington Oak in the Grace Arents Garden outside Bloemendaal House displays some of the most vibrant fall foliage. Nearby, a charming arch offers the perfect spot for a proposal. Afterwards, take a stroll along the Garden’s pathways and ponds to take in the vibrant gold and crimson hues of the trees.
A Rainy-Day Proposal: Inside the Conservatory
Photo by Carly Ault
Should rain come up during a proposal visit, don’t worry! The Conservatory offers both shelter and a beautiful setting. Crowned by a 63-foot-tall dome, the space is light-filled and houses a wide-variety of plants to be surrounded by, from tropical blooms to succulents.
All in all, any engagement is a beautiful moment filled with love, and anywhere in the Garden will surely be an incredible backdrop for the big question. We hope you come to the Garden to find the perfect spot for your proposal. If you do, please share your photos with us on social media @lewisginter.