Where to Propose in New Orleans

Where to Propose in New Orleans

New Orleans is one of America’s most atmospheric cities. It combines beautiful European architecture and a vibrant music scene with the romance of the Mississippi. Sadly large scale destruction following Hurricane Katrina in 2005 has left scars around the city, but the motto of "Let the Good Times Roll" still seems to pervade the areas along the river.

Mississippi Proposals in New Orleans

The Mississippi River is a popular subject in literature and legend and there’s something incredibly romantic about the vast expanse of ever changing water. There are a number of scenic spots you could consider proposing on the river and the most iconic might be on the water itself aboard the Natchez, the Mississippi’s last authentic steamboat. For an extra romantic touch book an evening dinner and jazz cruise and enjoy the beauty of the New Orleans skyline.

Another great location for a proposal is alongside the river behind the French Quarter where Woldenberg Park meets the Moonwalk, a lovely boardwalk along the river named after Mayor Moon Landrieu. This location is handy for Jackson Square and is particularly beautiful at sunset when you can watch the light sparkle on the water.

Park Proposals in New Orleans

Scenic parks are something that New Orleans does particularly well and you’ll be spoilt for choice if you’re looking for a romantic park location to pop the question. City Park is a great choice in the north of the city and you could choose to propose in the sculpture garden, in the beautiful peristyle overlooking the Bayou Metairie which flows to the Mississippi, on a pedal boat or gondola on the lagoon, or while riding the flying horses on the vintage carousel. The park also houses the superb New Orleans Museum of Art if you find yourself there on a rainy day.

Another beautiful New Orleans park, this time located in the garden district alongside the river, is Audubon Park. Its beautiful old Spanish oak trees and lagoons make it an attractive choice at any time of year, and you can use the excellent Audubon Zoo or Aquarium as an excuse to visit the park before your proposal. The lovely fountain might be a good place to pop the question.

French Quarter Proposal Locations

The most iconic image of New Orleans is Jackson Square and the three turrets of St. Louis Cathedral, the oldest Catholic cathedral in continual use in the United States. The area in front of the cathedral would be a wonderful place for a truly New Orleans proposal, especially if you get down on one knee just as the bells begin to ring. Jackson Square itself is a beautiful park in the French Quarter of New Orleans that was designed to resemble the Place des Vosges in Paris and any spot within the square could work for a romantic proposal if you don’t mind an audience.

For a more private option in the French Quarter why not hire a horse drawn carriage and take a tour of the area, asking the driver to stop somewhere with a great view for the big moment. Iconic areas of the French Quarter include Bourbon Street and Pirate Alley, but while these are must see sights of New Orleans, with incredible atmosphere and architecture, they’re not generally romantic locations for a proposal because they get quite crowded.