Choosing the perfect place to propose is just as important as choosing the perfect ring. It’s a moment you’ll both look back on and treasure for the rest of your lives. We know you want to make sure your proposal is just as swoon-worthy as it is in the movies. 

Luckily, the Charlotte metro is full of picturesque settings for a dream proposal–and as a local jewelry business that’s been here for over 75 years, we know them all. Without further ado, here are our top 7 proposal spots in the Charlotte area.

I. McGill Rose Garden

Full of all the classic romanticism you could ask for, it’s hard to beat a rose garden as a proposal spot, and Charlotte’s McGill Rose Garden is a true hidden (or maybe not-so-hidden) gem. But just because it’s not a secret doesn’t mean it’s not beautiful. This sprawling garden offers a lush, blooming backdrop of vibrant roses, winding pathways, and charming country nooks. 

For such an intimate, heartfelt moment as your proposal, it’s hard to imagine anything better. Let the garden’s peaceful aura and the scent of fresh flowers create the perfect romantic atmosphere as you take a knee. For a post-proposal celebration, you won’t have to go far–Rosie’s Wine Garden is right on-site, offering a delicious selection of global wines in a cozy setting.

II. Freedom Park

One of Charlotte’s most beloved green spaces, Freedom Park makes a stunning location for a local proposal. Spanning nearly 100 acres, Freedom Park offers delightful stone bridges, peaceful walking trails, and a tranquil lake perfect for a romantic moment. 

It’s easily accessible from anywhere in the Charlotte metro, but large enough that it won’t be hard to find a quiet space to share a moment between just the two of you. Choose a waterside stroll at sunset or a cozy brunch picnic beneath the trees–either way, the beauty of Freedom Park sets a wonderful stage for the proposal of your dreams. 
 

III. Crowder’s Mountain State Park

Some couples prefer a relaxed dinner date, while others are thrill-seekers always on the hunt for more outdoorsy fun. If you’re the adventurous kind, then Crowder’s Mountain would be a great backdrop for your proposal! With its dramatic cliffs, sweeping panoramic views, and rugged trails, Crowder’s Mountain is only about thirty miles from the city, but it may as well be a world away. 

Plan a day hike up the mountain with your special someone. Bring water, snacks, and spend a few hours talking and taking in the beauty of nature as you make your way to the peak. Once you’re at the top, take a knee for a truly unforgettable proposal. Bonus points if you time it to happen at sunrise or sunset!

A note: these are considered moderately difficult hikes, so it's best for couples with some shared hiking experience. 
 

IV. Duke Mansion

Elegance awaits at the Duke Mansion, a Charlotte landmark since 1915. This stately home is a pinnacle of historic Southern architecture, with gorgeous columns, winding staircases, picturesque porches, and lush grounds straight out of a storybook. Lovers of history, architecture, or fairytale romances will all find something to enjoy at the Duke Mansion.

Now a hotel, you can book one of its beautifully appointed rooms for a staycation weekend to turn your proposal into a multi-day celebration. Or, wander the gardens for free during daytime hours. Propose in front of a charming fountain and then take the celebration elsewhere. However you choose to propose, popping the question at the Duke Mansion guarantees one thing: some truly stunning engagement photos.
 

V. Lake Norman

Just 40 miles from Charlotte, Lake Norman offers all kinds of classic lakeside charm. Lovely cottages and cozy cabins dot the lakeshore. Many can be booked for a night (or several) if you’d like to turn your proposal into a weekend getaway. Bring or rent boats, canoes, or paddleboards and spend a day on the lake before you pop the question. Whether you like to swim, fish, or just cruise around, Lake Norman is the ideal place for watersports. If you don’t have your own gear, many local companies offer rentals, charter cruises, and more.

After a day of fun, head back to your accommodations for a bottle of wine or a summer cookout. When the time is right–perhaps just as the sun starts to set–pull the ring box from your pocket and ask the most important question of your life.
 

VI. Frank Liske Park

A short drive from Charlotte, you’ll find Frank Liske Park in Concord, NC. More secluded than the parks in the heart of the city, Frank Liske Park offers a bit more peace and quiet for your proposal. It also has a unique and charming history: once a working farm, the park now spans over 238 acres of beautifully kept meadows, wooded walking trails, and a small lake. 

If you choose to pop the question here, you’ll have all kinds of options for how to fill your proposal day. The park’s trails are suited for hikers of all skill levels. There’s also ample space for picnicking and nature-watching. Frank Liske Park makes an especially magical setting for a fall proposal, when the woods are bathed in fiery shades of gold, red, and orange.
 

VII. Your First Date Spot

Cheesy? Perhaps. But it’s also romantic and filled with sentiment. After all, this is the spot where all your wonderful memories began. It’s where a journey started–a journey that’s led you to this important moment in time. Before you look toward the future, take a step back into the past. Proposing at your first date spot gives you both an opportunity to remember why you fell in love in the first place. 

No matter where you two met, take every opportunity to make the occasion special. It’s okay if you didn’t choose the most romantic spot for that first date–you don’t have to spend the whole day there. Fill the first part of the day with your favorite activities. Maybe visit a farmer’s market, a beloved lunch spot, or a museum you’ve both been wanting to check out. Spend some time sharing your favorite things about one another and recounting your most cherished memories. Then, take your loved one to the spot where you first laid eyes on one another and ask her to spend the rest of her life with you.
 

Don’t Forget the Ring from Ellis Jewelers in Concord, NC!

No proposal is complete without a ring, of course. For a truly magical day, you need an engagement ring that’s just as breathtaking as the proposal location. Don’t settle for anything less than the best–shop with a jeweler that cares. At Ellis Jewelers, we’re more than just the folks that’ll sell you the ring. We’re your Charlotte-area friends. Our roots in the area are just as meaningful as our roots in the jewelry business, and we’re passionate about both. 

So, shop with a neighbor. Shop with someone who will treat this once-in-a-lifetime moment with all the care and attention it deserves. Shop with Ellis Jewelers in Concord, NC! Visit us in-store or explore our collection of engagement rings online to get started.