Summer Proposal Inspiration For The Nature Lover In All Of Us

Hey fellow nature lovers! This one’s for you! 

Even when the weather is sticky and gross, we all can admit that there’s nothing quite like summer for getting outside and enjoying the great outdoors. And you know what makes the outdoors even greater? A proposal! Big trips are still pretty much a no-go for the time being, but perhaps that’s some inspiration to explore the magic of your own backyard... literally. And as long as your photographer can lurk in the bushes at least six feet away from you to capture the moment, you should be covered. Even in non-pandemic times, there are plenty of ways to go back to nature even while you’re taking the next step in your relationship. Whether it’s finding a little patch of green somewhere in your concrete jungle or exploring the vast greatness of a national park, outdoor proposals do have a special charm and air of wonder to them. And if you’ve found someone who shares your love of nature (or even just tolerates it from time to time), now might be the perfect time to tell them. Check out these locations for some outdoor proposal inspiration!

Mountaintop

Okay, we’re starting from the top... literally. It’s really hard to beat a mountain top in terms of an absolutely epic proposal, especially from a photographic standpoint. The wraparound views, the vastness of the world beneath you, all of the relationship metaphors about mountains — the list goes on and on. So if you and your sweetie are hiking buds, this might be the perfect way to pop the question. Whether it’s an all-time favorite hike or a new one that you’ve scoped out beforehand, there’s no question that that summit will be treasured forever.

Beach

A classic summer spot, the beach is a popular place for weddings and proposals. As long as you don’t mind a little sand, we totally get why. First of all, there are so many beaches and so many different kinds that it’s more than possible to find the one that fits your ideal proposal vibe. Sandy and secluded or with a huge boardwalk that you can celebrate on afterward, the beach will give you and your fiance-to-be an experience that fits the two of you. Also, the beach isn’t as intense of a “nature” spot as some of the others (like a mountain top) so it’s perfect for nature lovers who prefer to relax in nature rather than adventure in it. 

Park

If you’re a bit land-locked and don’t have the ability to travel far, fear not! There are plenty of city parks that will do wonderfully for those of us who love nature but choose not to live in it. As with any proposal, timing is everything, so pick a time or a place where the park won’t be too crowded and where your partner can hear every word of the beautiful proposal you’ve planned out. City parks have a way of making the world feel a bit cleaner and cozier and are the perfect escape without ever leaving home. If you’re feeling really bold, parks also make it a bit easier to decorate the space a little bit with lights or photos — just make sure to clean it all up when you’re done!

Lake

Ah, lakes. Beautiful, serene, and sometimes even blue. We will admit that I’m a sucker for proposals at lakes; we just think the expanse of water in the background of photos is absolutely gorgeous. Maybe you pick a hike that ends with a lake that you can jump into and cool off in. Maybe you drive and pack a picnic to eat on the shore. Maybe there’s a lake you can walk to or you rent a canoe for a day. However you and your partner decide to enjoy the waters, you can be sure to cap it off with a proposal and a day that they will never forget!

Woods

Let’s move a little inland, shall we? There’s a certain magic to the woods. I’m not sure whether it’s all of the fairy tales that we read growing up or something in the forest itself, but proposals by or in the woods feel like a fantasy come true. Hardcore hikers might make a day of it, but even a stroll along some paths that end in a proposal is a great way to use the woods to your advantage. The dark colors of the leaves and the bark make a great backdrop to any proposal photos, and you can pretty much guarantee you'll find somewhere off the beaten path (literally) to enjoy your special moment. 

Flower field

It is summer after all. So let’s talk about flowers! If there’s anything that Tumblr or Instagram has shown us, it’s that flower fields photograph beautifully and can make your wildest flower power dreams come true. The colorful backdrop feels like it’s celebrating you and your love, making flower fields the perfect proposal spot. And again, we could talk about all of the relationship metaphors that are about flowers, but hey, we’ll leave the proposal writing to you. One thing’s for sure though: make sure your partner doesn’t have any pollen allergies before you pick this spot! Hay fever isn’t a cute look to remember the day by.

Camping

Want to make your proposal a little more than a day thing? Plan a camping trip! Now before you check out and say “That’s way too much nature for me,” camping doesn’t have to be all bugs and rocks under your sleeping bag. There are plenty of ways to elevate your camping game, even if it’s just pitching a tent in your own backyard so that you have access to electricity and running water. Or you can venture into the great outdoors and spend a whole weekend together to celebrate your upcoming union. Your partner will love how much thought went into planning this trip, whether it’s stringing up lights in the backyard or making sure you brought them their favorite chocolate for s’mores. It’s a great way to remind them that you will be sure to treat them for the rest of your life. 

Waterfall

There’s a reason that waterfalls are so often linked to romance; they are larger than life, incredibly powerful, and look like so much fun to kiss behind. A.k.a. the perfect spot to pop the question! Turn your partner’s “oohs” and “aahs” from this incredible force of nature to the ring that you’ve spent months picking out. Yet again, waterfalls provide the perfect photo op for some breathtaking proposal photos. And it gives you an excuse to go back year after year to marvel at the waterfall and re-tell your love story. Plus, you can finally live out that waterfall kiss fantasy, even if it’s in front of it and not behind.

Rocky coastline

Beaches are great, but there are plenty of other ways to enjoy the ocean views, especially in areas where you might not be able to venture directly down to the shore. Much like a mountaintop, an overlook to the ocean has the benefit of expansive views, and who doesn’t love the sound of crashing waves on the rocks below? You probably won’t have to compete with crowds as you can walk along the spot until you find a spot that you like the most, and you can sit and enjoy the smells and the sights of the ocean without getting too up close and personal with it. And who knows? Maybe you’ll even find an overlook that you might want to hold your wedding at too!

Vineyard

Last but not least, if you’re looking to enjoy the outdoors in a bit more of a controlled setting, why not a vineyard? Vineyards are certainly not restricted to summer (in fact, you’ll probably want to check the best time to visit based on growing seasons) but it’s a great way to get outside without leaving the comforts of society. Plus, wine. What more needs to be said? Celebrate your engagement by celebrating all of the beautiful things that Earth can grow for us, and you’ll still be home for dinner. You don’t have to go to a national park to have an epic nature-based proposal, and the vineyard will provide stunning views of all of Earth’s glory.