The 11 Best Places to Propose in Northwest Arkansas – Jan 2024
Candid Photography for Surprise Proposals and the Best Spots in NWA
Looking for the best places to get engaged in Northwest Arkansas? Thinking about having your proposal captured professionally? Northwest Arkansas offers endless possibilities and photography spots when it comes to getting down on one knee to propose.
Already engaged? Check this article out if you are looking for the best places in Northwest Arkansas for engagement photos.
Why hire a photographer for your proposal?
Memories, memories, memories! This moment will be one of the bigger ones of your life and it will go by super fast. Having professional photos done ensures that you and your partner will not only remember the actual moment forever but everything around it as well. The cry, the smiles, the hugs, the kisses, and the storytelling details and decorations of your proposal. I always capture the entire story, which includes all the moments around your proposal, in addition to portraits and close-up ring shots afterward.
Multiple uses out of your photos. They’ll be perfect for your albums, and you can post them on your social media channel(s) of choice. You can also totally use them for invites, and save-the-date cards down the road. #weddingplanninghack
You’ll also get that epic ring shot. I can say without a doubt, that everyone will want to see the ring once they know you’re engaged. This is likely to be very important to your partner, so having a perfectly lit professional photo of the ring guarantees you’ll not have to worry about that.
Your family and friends can feel like they were there. Your partner’s parents and yours are probably going to appreciate seeing the photos, especially if they are out of state and can’t celebrate with you. Sharing the images will likely to score some points with your future in-laws too!
Get some experience in front of the camera. Engagement and wedding photos will be just around the corner. Having your portraits done professionally following your proposal will help you feel much more comfortable later on which always results in better and more natural photos.
How to plan a proposal with a photographer
Planning a proposal can be a lot, I understand there are many things to consider, especially if you want everything to run super smoothly and the moment to be perfectly documented. Typically, I offer two ways to capture your proposal.
Completely candid
Immediately after your booking, we’ll set up a strategy call to discuss all the details, decide on a location, and make a bulletproof plan. On the day of your proposal, I will be completely available for a phone call or text, and will arrive early to set up, do light tests and capture your proposal in secret from a reasonable distance. This plan works best in locations with a known meeting point where no mix-up is possible.
A photoshoot that turns into a proposal
You tell your partner that you’ve booked a photographer for that date (or any excuse for a photoshoot*) that you have been planning and about 10 minutes into the photo session, you get on one knee and propose! This way works really well in more remote areas or if you’d like more privacy. The photos from this plan will be more intimate and in the moment than in the first one as I will be closer to you two.
*Here are more excuses for photoshoots.
Find empty space in your house and say you want a photo of you to hang there
Tell them you want to start making relationship photo yearbooks and this shoot will be the start of it
Holiday cards are the perfect excuse for a shoot.
You can gift them (or yourself) a shoot as a birthday present, or any type of present.
If it’s your dating anniversary, a photo shoot is ideal. Also, super romantic to propose on that day.
Include your family or families, and disguise it as a family photo shoot. Say your parents are organizing it.
A few more tips before we dive into the best places to propose in Northwest Arkansas
Try to book a manicure for your partner the day before, and have friends or family be in on it to make it less suspicious. All to make sure everything is sparkling and spotless in the ring shots.
Keep your pockets empty during the photo shoot and proposal. Leave your phone in the car or ask me to hold on to your stuff during your shoot if possible. Your photos will look slightly better with no rectangular phone or wallet outline on your pants.
Prepare and practice what you are going to say. Even if you don’t plan on giving a long speech. Knowing what you are going to say and what words you are going to use will only make you feel better, less stressed, and more confident.
Stay on your knee a little bit longer than you feel is normal. I will first capture you two from a 90-degree angle and then move to get your partner’s reaction by photographing over your shoulder. (see the example photos below)
Generally speaking, the best place to keep the ring on the day of is the pocket inside of your jacket. If you’re not wearing a jacket, check out the Box Sock — dress socks with a hidden pocket, they even have a perfectly sized ring box.
If you need some help decorating the space, I have a few coordinators, florists, and rental companies I can recommend. Brite Up NWA has these awesome marquee letters if you want to go all out, for example.
Best places in Northwest Arkansas for proposals
1. Old Main, Fayetteville
One of the most recognizable buildings in Fayetteville and in the state of Arkansas, Old Main is the cornerstone building on campus, filled with history and tradition. It just so happens to be incredibly photogenic as well, and the Arkansas Avenue facing side has amazing afternoon light year-round. I shoot there once or twice a month and it is always perfect in the late afternoon. Old Main works well for both proposal options, candid or not.
2. Osage Park, Bentonville
Osage Park is one of the newest parks in Northwest Arkansas and it is incredibly well designed. Even on beautiful evenings (such as the one above), you can still find secluded spots while the park is packed with guests. The boardwalk zigs and zags throughout which provides pockets of beautiful light and shadowy areas to shoot in if you’re there outside golden hour. Osage Park is easily accessible and usually, there is an ice cream truck in the parking lot, yum!
3. Lights of the Ozarks, Fayetteville
Lights of the Ozarks is arguably the most known holiday celebration in Northwest Arkansas. The lights are usually on from mid November until the beginning of January and feature over a half million lights that illuminate most of downtown Fayetteville square. There are many options to pair with a proposal at the lights, whether it is a restaurant reservation or tickets to the theater.
4. Botanical Garden of the Ozarks, Fayetteville
The Botanical Gardens of the Ozarks is expansive and has numerous themed gardens within the park, all fantastic for a proposal. My favorites are the Japanese Garden and the Rock and Water Garden. The Botanical Gardens also host multiple events throughout the year which could be an option as well. There is a $75 photography fee during open hours.
5. Mount Sequoyah Gardens, Fayetteville
Most people would assume the top of Mount Sequoyah would be the best spot on the mountain but it is actually the gardens a little bit below the famous overlook which is hard to access, has no great angles, and the entire area is sloped. Mount Sequoyah Gardens is a somewhat new park in Fayetteville and features 270-degree views and a lot less foot traffic than the overlook above. The half-circle arbor is nicely set up for your proposal and any florals and/or decorations you’d like to set up.
6. St. Catherine's at Bell Gable, Fayetteville
St. Catherine’s at Bell Gable Chapel in Fayetteville is perfect for everything from small weddings to proposals, to family photos! The chapel looks like something out of medieval central Europe but it was actually built just over 30 years ago! Warren, the owner is extremely helpful and quick to reply and their 1-hour photo shoot rental is pretty affordable. For $50 you have the chapel and the grounds for an hour.
7. Natural Falls State Park, Oklahoma
Not to be confused with Natural Dam Waterfalls just south of NWA and mentioned here – in my best engagement photo locations article. Natural Falls State Park is right across the state line in Oklahoma and features an almost tropical landscape along with a tiny beach that provides the stage for your proposal. The falls are definitely the main attraction of the park but there are many other amazing photo spots within a short walking distance.
8. Stonewind Retreat, Chester
Just 30 to 40 minutes south of Fayetteville is Stonewind Retreat. Stonewind is a wonderful spot for a weekend getaway to unplug and get away from the stresses of everyday life. The yurts are specifically designed for couples with amazing mountain views, hot tubs, and massages — what better way to propose than to design a weekend to celebrate your relationship and your next steps together.
9. Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, Bentonville
Crystal Bridges is a premier location for anything photo-related in Northwest Arkansas. Whether it is for proposal pictures or anything else, it just always works! There are endless trails to consider and multiple outdoor artworks by internationally acclaimed artists that would work well as backdrops for your proposal. I recommend the Fly’s Eye Dome, just northeast of the museum (the opening photo), and the Tulip Tree shelter (pictured above) about 4 minutes from the museum on a fairly secluded trail. You can rent it out which ensures that you don’t have to worry about rain during your big moment!
10. Atlas the Restaurant, Fayetteville
As I mentioned before, Atlas the Restaurant is one of the premier fine dining establishments in Northwest Arkansas. Proposing at a restaurant is one of the all-time classics – and Atlas has multiple options to choose from. The patio (left image) is usually the quietest area, perfect for a pre-dinner cocktail and a proposal! The dining hall (right image) is both open and closed, some tables are semi-closed off with curtains for added privacy. The lounge and bar are beautifully decorated in an early last-century fashion. They usually open at 5 PM — a good idea if you’re not the type to pop the question in front of a full restaurant, is to arrive when they open, get drinks, propose, do post-proposal photos in the lounge or at the bar and have your dinner reservation at 6 PM. Not to mention, the staff are incredibly professional, accommodating, and will work with you throughout the planning and strategy process.
11. Sassafras Springs Vineyard, Springdale
Sassafras Springs Vineyard is kind of a one-stop shop for anything wedding, engagement, or proposal related. It’s one of the best wedding venues in Northwest Arkansas — and it has many great spots for surprise proposals and engagement portraits. Plus, you get to open up a bottle right after! My favorite spots on the vineyard include the wooden bridge (pictured), the vineyard itself, and the chapel ruins.
What should I wear for the proposal?
This is a big question. You’ll definitely want to dress up for the occasion, but as this is a surprise, your partner will be dressing up for what they think is an occasion as well. The time of year and your location also play a big part in your what you should consider wearing.
Formal attire
For men, this is a well-fitted dark suit with a tie and dress shoes. For women, it is a little bit looser but long gowns and heels definitely fit well. Formal attire is appropriate for upscale restaurants, balls, galas, and awards. But you certainly don’t need a formal occasion to dress formally.
Semi-formal attire
For men, this might be a jacket, shirt, dress pants, and stylish shoes. For women, cocktail dresses, or flowy skirts are perfect. Semi-formal attire is great for summer events, outdoor parties, gallery openings, and more.
Casual
This is not necessarily your everyday sweatpants and t-shirt casual. For men, this could be dark jeans and a nicely fitted shirt — and for women, a summer dress or a stylish jumpsuit, for example.
A quick note on colors, think about your location and what colors are mostly present there. You’ll definitely want to stand out in the environment and not blend completely in. If you are considering an outdoor proposal in fall, wearing lots of yellows, browns, and reds is probably not a great idea. Instead, opt for navy blue, light gray, and you can totally wear some blacks too. Do also consider coordinating your outfit with your partner, don’t try to match like twins, but complement each other. If they wear a lot of black outfits, maybe consider getting a fresh pair of black jeans.
NWA proposal package pricing
My package goes beyond just capturing your proposal, it is $650 and includes
One or two strategy calls to plan your proposal perfectly
Advice and tips on locations, dates, and times to maximize your experience and get the best light for your photos
I’ll take care of any necessary permits and/or photography fees on your behalf
And put you in contact with planners, coordinators, decorators, and florists in Northwest Arkansas
Up to an hour-long photo session on your day. Your proposal is captured, then followed by portraits and ring shots
Sneak previews delivered as soon as possible for those who want to announce their engagement on social media
Full gallery delivered within 2 weeks
Access to my gallery store for customized framed prints, cards, albums, and more. Perfect for the save-the-dates 😉
Looking for the perfect ring too? Check this article out — How to pick an engagement ring
Please don’t hesitate to get in touch.