Destination weddings are all the rage, but so are destination proposals. Special surroundings add even more magic to the “will you marry me?” question. Consider one of these special locations.
*The Omni Homestead Resort, 1766 Homestead Drive, Hot Springs, Virginia
If there was ever a destination made for making memories, the Omni Homestead Resort is it. The Omni Homestead Resort has beautiful, breathtaking views everywhere guests turn. From the gorgeous mountain scenery to the grand and glamorous interior settings, there are numerous places for romantic proposals. The associates at the hotel can accommodate unique proposals on site. One proposal took place during an archery lesson with a message “Will you marry me” inserted into a balloon on the target. The bride-to-be popped the balloon as the groom-to-be popped the question.
The original hotel, which opened in 1766, was built by Captain Charles Bullet on a land grant given to him for his service in the French and Indian War. He chose the site because of rumors he heard during the war that the waters there had healing powers. Book your stay at Booking.com.
*Battle House Renaissance Mobile Hotel & Spa, 26 North Royal Street, Mobile, Alabama
Affectionately known as Mobile’s Living Room, the Battle House is an iconic landmark, and the ideal place for a proposal. The eighth floor of the historic building at the Marriott property has a rooftop garden overlooking the downtown historic district. From this rooftop oasis, staff at the hotel can change the colors of the exterior of the building to become a favorite hue of your loved one. This is one of the most popular places for proposals. The lobby at the Battle House, which dates to 1852, is another great place to pop the question. Afterwards, dine in a historic setting with farm-to-table cuisine. Reserve your room at Hotels.com.
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*Island House Hotel, 6966 Main Street
, Mackinac Island, Michigan
For over a century and a half, couples have said I will, I do, and I still do on the grounds of Island House Hotel, firt opened in 1852. Located within the Mackinac State Historic Park, one might pop the big question on the terrace or the porch of the historic Island House Hotel with a spectacular view of boats gliding into the harbor, and carefree bicyclists wheeling, and horse-drawn buggies moseying past on the street below. More intimate moments are found in the hideaway garden behind the hotel. Historic charm and timeless elegance bring love birds back to Island House Hotel year after year to celebrate weddings, reunions, anniversaries, and vow renewals, passing these traditions on to each generation. Book your stay at Expedia.
*The Sayre Mansion, 250 Wyandotte Street, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
This Victorian era mansion, dating from 1858, lends itself to romance and elegance. Popular proposal options include the formal parlor with its original marble fireplace, intricate woodwork and period furnishings. Couples may also choose the graceful surroundings of the front veranda with its sweeping views of historic Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. The Robert Sayre Library offers the ultimate in romantic seclusion. The former library of the home’s original owner is now a two-room suite that boasts a separate sitting room with the original vaulted ceiling and chandelier, floor-to-ceiling bookshelves and an electric fireplace with marble surround. Make your reservations through Booking.com.
*St. James Hotel, 406 Main Street, Red Wing, Minnesota
Proposals and romance happen at the St. James Hotel in a variety of spaces in and around the grounds, the charming town of Red Wing, and the beautiful landscape of the Southern Minnesota region. There are several popular places in the hotel for couples to get engaged: in the cozy and intimate library with fireplace, outdoor patio with twinkling lights on a warm summer evening and the Port Restaurant with white tablecloths and a warm atmosphere.
The St. James Hotel opened on Thanksgiving Day, 1875, after a group of 11 civic-minded businessmen recognized the need for a first-class lodging establishment in Red Wing, which was the wheat-trading center of the world at that time. Architects from the Minnesota firm of E.P. Bassford outfitted the four-story Italianate structure in grand style with handsome furnishings, Brussels carpets in the lobby and English velvet carpet in the second-floor ladies’ parlor. On opening night, guests marveled at the hotel’s modern features, including steam heat, hot and cold running water, gas on every floor and a state-of-the-art kitchen. Make reservations at Expedia.
*General Morgan Inn & Conference Center, 111 North Main, Greeneville, Tennessee
The General Morgan Inn is a gorgeous historic hotel that dates back to 1884 with fine furnishings and signature service that reflect a refined era of elegance. The hotel also features the award-winning Brumley’s Restaurant with three distinct dining rooms and the perfect location for a romantic dinner for two by candlelight. The most frequented spot for romantic proposals at the General Morgan is the second floor rooftop Garden Terrace at night under the stars. The terrace has breathtaking views of Historic Downtown Greeneville. Reserve your room at Hotels.com.
*Lake Yellowstone Hotel & Cabins, 235 Yellowstone Lake Road, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
As the world’s first National Park, Yellowstone’s origins trace back to the 1800s, when the west was a frontier, still being explored and settled. Yellowstone was known as wonderland in its early days, so the park’s legacy is one of romance. Today, Yellowstone is essentially unchanged from what it was at its creation as a National Park which provides an amazing backdrop for romance. Wild spaces and wildlife remain, though stagecoach roads have been replaced with modern two-lane roads, and some of the original hotels and tent camps have been replaced with newer accommodations. The hotel sits along the shores of Yellowstone Lake and with the stunning views of the lake available in the lobby, dining room, and along the walking paths — there are a multitude of great places for couples to get engaged. Note: it’s open for guests from May 15 through October 12, 2020. Book your visit at Expedia.
*1886 Crescent Hotel & Spa,7 5 Prospect Avenue, Eureka Springs, Arkansas
In the last several years, the most romantic place for a couple to become engaged at the 1886 Crescent is “on the ice.” The hotel transforms its fountain garden into an ice-skating rink during January and February. This attraction is unique to this area of the country, and it has become a popular place for asking the one you love for their hand in marriage. T mountaintop spa resort with 15 acres of both manicured gardens and pristine forestlands aand featuring trails and overlooks, is like a fairytale castle — especially when “frozen” in winter. Make your reservations at Booking.com
*Basin Harbor, 4800 Basin Harbor Road, Vergennes, Vermont
Basin Harbor is a family-owned resort dating back to 1886 set on the stunning shores of Lake Champlain in Vermont. It is easy to reach yet remains remote and peaceful. Basin Harbor is steeped in tradition and there’s no better tradition than the joining of two families. This 700-acre resort has a variety of locations that provide the perfect backdrop for engagements and weddings. From the Orchard Garden, filled with flowers and greenery to the Lodge Lawn with panoramic views of Lake Champlain and the Adirondack Mountains, there are plenty of places for someone to get down on one knee. Book through Booking.com.
*Jekyll Island Club Hotel, 371 Riverview Drive, Jekyll Island, Georgia
Built in the Queen Anne style, the Jekyll Island Club Resort is a castle surrounded by Southern charm. With sweeping Spanish moss and hundred-years-old live oaks, Jekyll Island is one of the most romantic spots in the South. The magic of the island will carry guests back in time to the grandeur of millionaires. From the top of the turret to quiet moments in Crane Garden, this little slice of heaven is perfect for any romantic proposal. Many couples who get engaged at the hotel have grown up coming to the resort, and wanted the destination to be a part of the proposal and eventually, the wedding. Make your reservation at Hotels.com.
All 10 of these hotels were among those selected as the top choices for a romantic proposal by Historic Hotels of America, the official program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation for recognizing and celebrating the finest Historic Hotels. These 300+ historic hotels have all faithfully maintained their authenticity, sense of place, and architectural integrity in the US, including properties in 44 states, the District of Columbia, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico.
Historic Hotels of America is comprised of mostly independently owned and operated historic hotels. More than 30 of the world’s finest hospitality brands, chains, and collections are represented in Historic Hotels of America. To be nominated and selected for membership into this prestigious program, a hotel must be at least 50 years old; has been designated by the U.S. Secretary of the Interior as a National Historic Landmark or listed in or eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places; and recognized as having historic significance.
(Photos courtesy of the hotels profiled.)
