For many people, one of the most exciting and memorable moments in our lives is when someone gets down on one knee and asks, “Will you marry me?” From our favorite TV show characters to our own love lives, there’s something so special about a scenic and romantic proposal — especially when done in the perfect setting. Luckily, our beautiful state is home to some beautiful proposal spots to help make this moment all the more memorable. We’ve rounded up some of the best places in North Jersey to get engaged — from local parks to rooftops and gardens. Read on for a list of the best proposal spots in North Jersey.
The Highlawn Pavilion | 1 Crest Drive, West Orange
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When driving up to Eagle Rock Reservation, the California architecture-looking building stands out, and that building is The Highlawn Pavilion. Known for its beautiful skyline views of New York City and flavorful New American cuisine, The Highlawn is a great place to get engaged. The restaurant provides three dining areas, including The Grill, The Bar, and The Patio, and all have views of the Manhattan skyline. At the patio and bar, enjoy live music and entertainment from local artists with a cocktail. It’s a great spot to invite friends and family to join in the celebration at the patio for music and drinks. After your partner says yes, you can take a stroll around Eagle Rock Reservation and soak in the New York City skylines.
Read More: The Best Wedding Venues in Essex County
New Jersey Botanical Garden | 2 Morris Road, Ringwood
New Jersey often gets a bad rap, but we know it for its beauty — which is evident at the New Jersey Botanical Garden. Located in Ringwood, the botanical garden includes 12 gardens that all make for a beautiful proposal. The botanical garden includes a variety of floral components, including: a peony garden, a magnolia walk, and a lilac garden. Because of the different gardens, you can pick which environment best captures the proposal you imagine.
Although the gardens will look different depending on the season, it still remains one of the best places to propose no matter the time of year. The New Jersey Botanical Garden is open for visits every day from 8AM to 8PM during Eastern Daylight Time and 8AM to 6PM during Eastern Standard Time, and admission is always free.
Please note: there are rules and regulations for anyone interested in possibly doing a proposal at the NJ Botanical Gardens. Anyone interested in proposing here should reach out to the team to find out what is and is not permitted and to seek approval in advance: Ringwood@dep.nj.gov or 973-962-2240.
Ninety Acres | 200 Natirar Drive, Peapack
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This farm-to-table restaurant not only has delicious food, but it also has beautiful scenery. Ninety Acres is located in Peapack-Gladstone, and includes a 12-acre sustainable farm, a cooking school, and a restaurant. The restaurant is set in the mansion’s carriage house and garage with a theme of “rustic elegance” carried into each room. The restaurant includes a main dining area, a main bar, an outdoor dining room, a cognac lounge, a private dining room, and a wine cellar. Pop the question at dinner or before dinner on the patio, and continue the celebration in one of Ninety Acres’s private dining rooms or the wine cellar with family and friends.
Paterson Great Falls National Historic Park | 72 McBride Avenue Ext, Paterson
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The Paterson Great Falls is a great place for a romantic proposal full of natural + scenic ambiance. This National Historic Park is located in Paterson, and is a unique scene no matter the season. From the sounds of water rushing down the Passaic River to the feel of water spraying from the Great Falls, this is truly a breathtaking scene. There are multiple viewing points to see the falls and pop the question. Admission is free for all visitors.
Pier A Park | 340 Sinatra Drive, Hoboken
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New York City is frequently portrayed as the city of love. From Carrie Bradshaw’s journey to Big’s heart, to Blair and Chuck’s love story, NYC is home to many fictional and real-life love stories. At Pier A Park, you can be part of your own New York City love story from the garden state — without ever having to cross the border. The views of New York City from Pier A Park in Hoboken capture the beauty of the city mixed with the charm of this beautiful park. A proposal in front of this view will make for great pictures — plus, there are so many great local restaurants to visit for a celebration afterward. A proposal during the day in the sun or at night when the city is lit up will both be equally memorable. Plus, what’s more, you can even book a romantic picnic service to have set up for the perfect proposal moment.
RoofTop at Exchange Place | 1 Exchange Place, Jersey City
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This multi-level indoor and outdoor restaurant in Jersey City is justifiably on New Jersey’s must-see list. With breathtaking crisp views of the Manhattan skyline, Statue of Liberty, and Hudson River, it creates a beautiful backdrop for a marriage proposal in the warmer-weather months.
After popping the question, the celebration can continue inside for a delicious meal in the Terrace Dining Room, where the city views and romantic atmosphere continue. You can stay on the rooftop for tapas and cocktails, or go inside for a sit-down meal and drinks. Another way to celebrate the yes is surprising your new fiancé with family and friends in one of the RoofTop at Exchange Place’s private rooms — whether that be 40 guests in The Terrace South or 80 guests in The Terrace East, it’ll make for a memorable day surrounded by family and friends. Fun fact: a Hoboken Girl contributor actually got engaged here — here’s the story.
Van Vleck House + Gardens | 21 Van Vleck Street, Montclair
There is a reason why Montclair High School always has senior pre-prom at Van Vleck, and it isn’t because of Van Vleck’s historic connection to the Montclair community. Van Vleck House + Gardens is located in Montclair, and has been a public garden for almost three decades since Howard Van Vleck’s heirs gifted the property to The Montclair Foundation. The 5.8 acres of landscaped property serve as an “oasis” to the Montclair community. There are countless areas around Van Vleck that will make for a memorable proposal with colorful flowers and a U-shaped Italianate villa in the background. Ask the question at this Montclair staple and head to one of Montclair’s many restaurants to celebrate the “yes.”
See More: Microwedding Venues in Hoboken + Jersey City
The Walpack Inn | 7 National Park Service Road, Layton
Picture the scene: A crackling fire; wooden, rustic decor; views of the expansive valley and lawn — all in the middle of nowhere. In other words: a fantastic proposal spot. This Layton restaurant has incredible scenic views where you may even spot some wildlife (like bears), amazing fresh-baked bread, and even outdoor concerts on the sprawling lawn. It’s secluded, magical, and such a unique spot to pop the question.
