Need a place to propose? Popular WA ideas include a Spokane hotel, Tacoma museum
Deciding to propose can be one of the biggest decisions of a person’s life. But once you are set to pop the question, there are a multitude of decisions waiting to be made.
What kind of ring will you use? When is the right time? What will you say? And crucially, where should you propose?
Singles across the country were surveyed on ideal proposal locations, making that decision easier. Because once they say ‘Yes,” it becomes time for wedding decisions.
Ranking proposal location ideas
In order to study where singles in America would like to be proposed to, Mixbook, an online scrapbooking company, conducted a survey of 3,000 singles through QuestionPro in June 2023. Mixbook compiled the top 250 responses.
The number one location was Sunset Cliffs Natural Park in San Diego, California. California was mentioned three times in the top 10. Also in the top ten were Florida, Texas, Colorado, South Carolina, Alaska and Massachusetts.
Number 250 is the Philbrook Museum of Art in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Five locations are in Washington State.
Comparatively, Oregon is included on the list six times, first appearing at number 81. California has eight total mentions. Montana has four listings, first mentioned at number 21. Idaho is first listed at number 57 and is mentioned four times total.
Popular Washington state proposal spots
Here’s what people say about the best places in Washington state to propose.
The first Washington mention of best proposal spots is number 49, the Museum of Glass in Tacoma, a contemporary art museum focused on glass and glass-making. On top of a curated selection of glass artwork, the museum offers hands-on workshops so you can create your own art, tours and self-guided walkthroughs. Rotating exhibits make it worth returning over and over.
Most importantly, the backdrop of glass art on display makes for a beautiful setting for a potentially life-changing question.
It’s open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays. Prices will vary, but the standard adult ticket is $20.
The Evergreen State is mentioned again at 65, the Historic Davenport Hotel in Spokane. The hotel, located in downtown Spokane, has more than 100 years of history and is considered a luxury experience.
The expansive lobby is decadently decorated and includes a grand piano and fountain. The hotel offers a full bar in the Peacock Room Lounge and the Roof Garden Terrace Bar, plus several dining options.
There are also multiple ballrooms located in the hotel, guests can also take advantage of the pool, fitness center, spa and salon.
Some believe the hotel is haunted, but it’s still a magnificently romantic site.
Not far down the list, Seattle gets its first mention at 83 with the Seattle Great Wheel.
The ferris wheel on Pier 57 is the largest observation wheel on the west coast, according to the Great Wheel website. Hop in the fully-enclosed gondola and take in 360 degree views from the pier. The ferris wheel is open year-round and can fit around 300 riders. Depending on the season and line length, rides last between 10 and 20 minutes, always three full rotations.
The Great Wheel is lit up after dark and light shows are done on the weekends. Custom light shows are offered as well.
If you time it right, you can get the eight-person gondola alone with your partner. If the line is long, you’ll likely be placed with other groups. To avoid this, visit when it’s not super busy or purchase a VIP ticket. A VIP ticket gets you in the VIP cabin, featuring leather bucket seats, a glass floor and full stereo system.
Seattle is mentioned again in Washington’s next placement, number 106, Kerry Park. Located in the Queen Anne neighborhood, the park offers views of Elliot Bay, the Space Needle, Central City and Mt. Rainier on a clear day. It also includes sculptures and recreation options.
For those looking for a quintessentially Pacific Northwest proposal spot, the Kerry Park viewpoint is it.
Kerry Park is also available for outdoor ceremonies.
The next Washington state mention on the list at number 173 is the Everett Marina. It’s the Evergreen State’s last mention. The Port of Everett Marina is the largest public marina on the West Coast. Take in views of the Puget Sound while thousands of boats have room to dock.
The marina is within walking distance of restaurants, bars and wineries. It also offers recreation opportunities nearby, from beaches to trails to crabbing options.
