We all know that finding the love of your life is no small feat, and after you've made this important decision, you're left with a somewhat daunting task–planning the proposal. The day you propose is one of the most important and memorable days of both you and your partner's lives, so getting it just right takes time, effort, and strategic planning.
Step one in crafting the perfect marriage proposal is selecting the location where you’ll get down on one knee. With its beautiful historic buildings, charming streets, shops, restaurants, and beautiful beaches, St. Augustine is the perfect destination for popping the question. And The Treasury on the Plaza, one of St. Augustine’s top wedding venues, is helping you get one step closer to a guaranteed “Yes!” by sharing our top 10 proposal destinations in St. Augustine.
1. THE TOP OF THE ST. AUGUSTINE LIGHTHOUSE
If you want your partner to feel like they’re on the top of the world when you propose, then the top of the St. Augustine Lighthouse is the perfect spot to take your commitment to new heights. You’ll be surrounded by picturesque views of the city’s surrounding beaches, the Matanzas Bay, and the skyline of historic downtown St. Augustine. Just be careful not to drop the ring once you reach the top!
2. CITY HALL COURTYARD IN FRONT OF THE LIGHTNER MUSEUM
For those looking for a tranquil, private location to get down on one knee, the City Hall Courtyard is for you. This charming courtyard features a stone bridge over a rippling Koi pond, and is surrounded by lush landscaping and swaying palm trees. During the winter seasons, it’s even lit up with twinkling lights as a part of the Nights of Lights celebration. Your partner will be sure to remember this moment forever.
3. THE PLAZA DE LA CONSTITUCIÓN DURING NIGHTS OF LIGHTS
St. Augustine is truly magical during the months of November through January when the city celebrates the annual Nights of Lights festivities. For those looking to pop the question inside of a real-life snow globe, consider proposing under one of the millions of twinkling lights in the Plaza de la Constitución and watch as your partner’s face lights up with excitement and joy.
4. ST. AUGUSTINE BEACH AT SUNSET
If you’re looking for a St. Augustine proposal idea that will provide picturesque photo opportunities, look no further than St. Augustine Beach. St. Augustine Beach has been rated as one of the Top 25 Beaches in the U.S., and it’s easy to see why. The sparkling white sands extend for miles, and you can even drive on the beach in certain locations. If you’re looking to connect with nature during your proposal, we recommend packing a picnic and watching as the beautiful colors of the sunset paint the sky over the water in the most beautiful hues. Have a photographer hide in the dunes and capture the moment when you pull out a ring and pop the question!
5. A ROMANTIC CARRIAGE RIDE THROUGH HISTORIC DOWNTOWN
Is there anything more classic and romantic than a horse-drawn carriage ride through the Nation’s oldest city? Sit back and relax as you take in the views of St. Augustine, and when the time is right, the driver can take you to your perfect proposal location. Afterward, you can stroll hand-in-hand through the city streets or stop at one of St. Augustine’s award-winning restaurants for a celebratory toast and dinner.
6. SAILBOAT RIDE ON THE MATANZAS BAY
Is there anything more romantic than a sail along the bay? St. Augustine has plenty of options when it comes to taking to the water for your proposal. Take a romantic sunset sail aboard the Schooner Freedom and bask in the beautiful views of Matanzas Bay and the city skyline. Then, after you pop the question, you can quite literally sail off into the sunset with your sweetheart.
7. THE CASTILLO DE SAN MARCOS
St. Augustine is known for its rich culture and history, and there are few places more unique and historic than the iconic fort. The Castillo de San Marcos National Monument has stood on the banks of the Matanzas River since the 1600’s, and is one of the most recognized landmarks in St. Augustine. Its location on the Bayfront is also ideal for pictures with the famous Bridge of Lions located in the background.
8. UNDER ONE OF ST. AUGUSTINE’S “LOVE TREES”
What is a “love tree,” you ask? A love tree is where two separate trees grow in, on, or through one another. Local legend states that when two lovers kiss beneath one of these rare trees their love will be sealed for eternity. Several love trees are located throughout St. Augustine, including one on the corner of Cordova Street and Orange Street, making this the perfect place to say “yes” to forever.
9. ONE OF ST. AUGUSTINE’S FABULOUS RESTAURANTS
There are so many culinary delights to discover in St. Augustine. A few of our favorite downtown locations that make a perfect romantic dinner proposal include the courtyard at Harry’s restaurant, Preserved (a historic home-turned restaurant in historic Lincolnville), and Collage.
If you're looking for dinner with a view, there are a variety of waterfront restaurants such as St. Augustine Fish Camp and Culinary Outfitters as well as Cap’s on the Water, which is famous for its sunset views.
10. YOUR FIANCE’S DREAM WEDDING VENUE
Let’s face it; some couples have their entire wedding day planned well before they get engaged. So, if you are thinking about hosting your wedding at one of St. Augustine’s beautiful wedding venues, consider popping the question in the same location where you want to say, “I do!” We recently had our first proposal at The Treasury on the Plaza, where the groom surprised his fiancé by getting down on one knee during a venue tour. Talk about coming full-circle!
ABOUT THE TREASURY VENUE COLLECTION
The Treasury Venue Collection represents the most sought-after special event and wedding venues in St. Augustine, Florida – The Treasury on The Plaza, Lightner Museum, and Ximenez-Fatio House. Located in the heart of St. Augustine’s charming downtown historic district, these venues boast the elegance of a historic past while providing the sophistication and luxury of modern conveniences. The Treasury Venue Collection venues are available for weddings, rehearsal dinners, private events, and tours. Learn more at treasuryvenuecollection.com or call 904-217-0077. Follow along on social media @treasuryontheplaza @lightnermuseumevents