If you’ve made the decision to propose in Vermont, you’ll find beautiful scenery at nearly any location you choose. After more than half a decade documenting proposals, engagements, and weddings all over the Green Mountain State, I’ve had the opportunity to photograph proposals in various locations during every season. To save you time (and additional overwhelm in the planning process), I have narrowed down my top locations for your Vermont proposal. If you’re planning to propose in Vermont, keep scrolling for a list of my top 15 location ideas categorized by feel: luxury, creative, classic, outdoorsy, food & beverage centric, and romantic.
Keep in mind: If you’ll be hiring a photographer and/or videographer for your Vermont proposal, a handful of the below locations charge an additional fee – be sure to reach out to each individual venue before you finalize your plans to ensure you’re following the rules and filling out any additional required forms, etc.
Vermont Proposal Ideas: Luxury Locations
- TWIN FARMS
If a quiet, luxurious experience is what you’re aiming for, look no further than Twin Farms. Once you see the resort you’ll wonder how Vermont has kept this secret for so long. Every detail of Twin Farms is well thought out – each cottage on the property has a theme and unique architectural design. The menus use a plethora of local goods and the wine list has been carefully curated. If you want to top off your big moment with another magical experience, Twin Farms offers champagne and caviar tastings, wine cellar dinners, and planned picnics by their 9-acre pond. A truly perfect place to propose in Vermont.
- EDSON HILL
Located in Stowe, Edson Hill is best known for their cozy, romantic apres-ski feel and their culinary offerings. The private estate has 22 guest rooms and nordic ski/walking trails on site. If getting cozy with a bottle of red and some paired cheeses is in your plans – this could be the spot for you.
Vermont Proposal Ideas: Creative Locations
- A UNIQUE AIRBNB OR VACATION RENTAL
If creativity and a memorable locale are important to you – a unique vacation rental may be the answer! Vermont is home to some pretty cool properties; treehouse sanctuaries, cozy A-frames, and repurposed silos and grist mills all are available for rent.
- CHURCH STREET MARKETPLACE
Vermont’s cobblestone marketplace is home to local shops, restaurants, bars, hand painted murals, and city hall. All of this and more lends itself to a more urban feel, and if proposing in a local coffee shop or over a craft cocktail in the heart of the city is more your vibe, Church Street could have an option for you.
- UNIQUE PHOTO OP IDEAS
If you’ve always wanted to propose somewhere a little more over the top, with a backdrop that can’t be beat, we’ve got a few suggestions for you. These views may require a longer drive, or a particular time of year, but you can bet the memories will be worth it. If you’re looking for unbeatable scenery, try the beach at Lake Willoughby. The glacier made lake is bordered by two mountains, leaving a pretty jaw-dropping silhouette. If you’re not scared of heights, attending the Stowe Balloon Festival would be unbeatable (or better yet, propose during a hot air balloon ride). Each summer, the ski town hosts a hot air balloon celebration, filling Vermont’s sky with colors. Last, if you’re not scared of heights AND you want those mountain shots, try driving up the Toll Road and venturing to the top of the Mount Mansfield toll road. The views are worth it.
Vermont Proposal Locations with a Classic Feel
SHELBURNE FARMS
Shelburne Farms is a sprawling estate located on the shores of Lake Champlain. The estate boasts a restaurant, formal gardens, brick house, working farm, and farm store (selling all the homemade goodies such as maple syrup, goat cheese, and other home-grown treats). Beautifully manicured lawns, pebbled beaches, marble steps, perennial gardens, and rolling hills dotted with lamb and cattle all can be found here. Plus, the estate is large (1400 acres to be exact) – ensuring you’ll be able to find a quiet nook to pop the question.
Pro tip: Shelburne Farm does charge a visitor fee to walk their property. Additionally, if you hire a photographer or videographer, there is an additional photo session fee and application you’ll need to fill out prior to the day of.
- TRAPP FAMILY LODGE
Trapp Family Lodge has found its way on to my recommendations for wedding venues, photo ops, and proposal locations – and for good reason. The Austrian-style resort offers stunning photo locations both indoors and out. Inside you’ll find cozy (and pet-friendly!) fireside accommodations. Outdoors, the property offers stunning mountain views at nearly every turn. The venue has a large, wooded ceremony platform which overlooks The Sound of Music-esque fields and catches amazing light at sunset. For couples that want to venture into the fields, wildflowers and Scottish cattle create a postcard backdrop in summer and the foliage is jaw-dropping in autumn. For my couples aiming for a wooded vibe, Trapp offers miles of nature trails. And if all that tires you out, or you simply need to celebrate your brand-new engagement, stop by the Bierhall for a pint on your way out!
- BASIN HARBOR CLUB
If you’ve checked out my list of popular Vermont wedding venues, you know Basin Harbor has it all. The resort has multiple indoor and outdoor locations from golf courses to taverns to decks to docks. This means you have multiple photo options, rain or shine. And if you’re looking for that stunning, wide image with panoramic mountain views when you propose in Vermont – you can get it here.
Vermont Proposal Ideas: Outdoor-Centric
- BARNES CAMP BOARDWALK
Nestled in what is arguably Vermont’s most popular ski town, Barnes Camp Bridge is a quiet, wooded sanctuary in Stowe. The boardwalk is part of a 1.5 mile hiking loop that winds its way through Vermont’s Smugglers Notch. The loop is maintained by the Green Mountain Club late spring through fall and the boardwalk, built in 2018, makes the loop’s cliff, marsh, and nature views wheelchair accessible. If you’re looking to propose among nature May through October, this spot will likely top your list, too!
- MOSS GLEN FALLS
I’ve been lucky enough to photograph rad humans in many unique places, but Moss Glen Falls is one of the coolest. This stunning waterfall lies less than 20 minutes outside of Stowe. The hike to the falls has very little elevation and is relatively easy, and the waterfall makes for an epic backdrop for those outdoor enthusiasts in love.
- THE LODGE AT SPRUCE PEAK
While the Lodge at Spruce Peak offers stunning views and multiple activities year round, winters at this mountainside resort are truly special. Aside from alpine ski trails, the Lodge opens a beautifully lit skating rink on its premises each year. No matter your winter sport of choice – skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, or skating – The Lodge at Spruce Peak has it all.
Vermont Proposal Ideas: Food & Beverage-Centric
- BURLINGTON’S WATERFRONT PARK
Burlington is Vermont’s largest city, and arguably it’s most well-known. Hugging Lake Champlain, Burlington – and Waterfront Park – is the perfect blend of nature and city. The park offers plenty of greenery, as well as adorable park benches, an updated walkway, and lookouts that give you stunning views of the lake during any season. Bonus points if you propose at sunrise or sunset! Last, the park is within walking distance of Ben & Jerry’s, multiple restaurants and breweries, and the town center if you are looking for a celebratory bite or bev!
- ONE OF VERMONT’S MANY BREWERIES
Vermont’s well known for stunning foliage, Ben & Jerry’s, tie-dye, and…beer. Really! We have more breweries per capita than any other state in the nation and foodies come from near and far to check out our food and beverage scene. If you and your partner love trying new cuisines or brews, celebrating at one of our award winning breweries might be for you. Pop a top…and the question. 😏
Vermont Proposal Ideas: Romantic Locations
- A SLEIGH RIDE IN STOWE
To propose in Vermont with a snowy sleigh ride…need I say more? If the title alone doesn’t give you all the heart eyes already, hear me out: carriage ride options in Stowe offer the chance to take you on a picturesque ride through Vermont’s beautiful landscape while you snuggle with your significant other. Plus, Stowe has multiple restaurants, inns, and ski slopes nearby to continue the celebration afterward.
- A MEANINGFUL LOCATION
When it comes down to it, the most perfect place to propose in Vermont may be a spot unique and sentimental to you. If you and your partner are avid hikers, one of Vermont’s peaks (like Mansfield or Camel’s Hump) may be where you’ll want to pop the question. If an annual foliage trip to VT is tradition, asking the big question in one of our many apple orchards or with a warm cider donut may be up your alley. Skiers and snowboarders may choose a quiet gondola ride or to be slopeside for the big moment. Whatever you choose, if you personalize the occasion, you can’t go wrong.
Last, after you propose in Vermont, check out my Ultimate Guide on planning your wedding in the Green Mountain State!
