Best Places to Propose in Dallas
You've got the ring, and you've found the right place to help plan your proposal! We photograph surprise proposals all over Dallas, so we know which spots look the most beautiful on camera. Here are ten of the most picture-worthy places in Dallas to pop the question, with a few tips from behind the camera for each one.
In this guide:
- Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden
- White Rock Lake
- Flippen Park in Highland Park
- Griggs Park
- Reunion Tower GeO-Deck
- CANVAS Hotel Dallas
- Catbird at the Thompson Dallas
- The Crescent and Hotel Crescent Court
- The Adolphus Hotel
- Mandalay Canal Walk
1.Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden
East Dallas, on White Rock Lake
Sixty-six acres of gardens on White Rock Lake, with fountains, shaded walks and seasonal blooms, from spring tulips to fall pumpkins.
Pick one garden room and stay there. Fewer people walk through the photos, and it is easy for us to hide.
- Best time
- Weekday mornings, or the last two hours before closing
- Privacy
- Medium; very busy on spring and fall weekends
- Plan ahead
- Admission is paid, and the Arboretum asks for a photography permit for professional sessions. Book both before you go.
2.White Rock Lake
East Dallas
Nine miles of shoreline minutes from downtown, with docks, piers and grassy hills like Flagpole Hill and Sunset Bay.
Come for sunset over the water. A walk or a picnic is the easiest cover story.
- Best time
- The hour before sunset
- Privacy
- High on weekdays; the trail is busy on weekend mornings
- Plan ahead
- Free and open to the public, with parking lots around the lake
3.Flippen Park in Highland Park
Highland Park
A romantic little park in Highland Park with an ornamental gazebo, a tiered fountain and big old oaks.
End your stroll at the gazebo or the fountain. The oaks filter the light beautifully.
- Best time
- Early morning, or the last hour before 7 p.m.
- Privacy
- Medium; quietest outside weekend afternoons
- Plan ahead
- Photos are allowed 7:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Monday through Sunday.
4.Griggs Park
2200 Hugo St, State Thomas in Uptown
An Uptown park with a raised, grassy hill and a close-up view of the downtown skyline, without the crowds.
Propose on top of the hill with the skyline behind you. Candles or a picnic blanket look beautiful here.
- Best time
- The hour before sunset
- Privacy
- Medium to high; quieter than Klyde Warren Park
- Plan ahead
- Free and public; street parking around the park
5.Reunion Tower GeO-Deck
Downtown
The lit-up ball on the Dallas skyline, with an observation deck about 470 feet up and views over the whole city.
Book the last entry before sunset to see the city in daylight and then watch the lights come on.
- Best time
- The time slot before sunset
- Privacy
- Low on the open deck; ask the tower about private options
- Plan ahead
- Tickets are timed, so book ahead, and ask about their proposal packages
6.CANVAS Hotel Dallas
1325 Botham Jean Blvd, near the Design District
A boutique hotel just west of downtown whose rooftop has one of the best skyline views in Dallas.
Time it for blue hour, just after sunset, when the skyline lights up behind you.
- Best time
- Sunset into blue hour
- Privacy
- Low to medium unless you reserve space
- Plan ahead
- Call the hotel, (214) 421-1080, about rooftop access and reservations
7.Catbird at the Thompson Dallas
Downtown
The Thompson hotel's rooftop lounge, with indoor and outdoor seating and wide skyline views.
Reserve a terrace table and tell the staff ahead of time. We sit nearby like any other guest.
- Best time
- Sunset, with dinner after
- Privacy
- Medium with a reservation
- Plan ahead
- Reserve a table and mention the proposal when you book
8.The Crescent and Hotel Crescent Court
Uptown
Uptown's landmark limestone complex, with a quiet courtyard of trees, flowers and stone at Hotel Crescent Court.
Candles and petals on the courtyard stones look beautiful just before sunset.
- Best time
- Late afternoon into sunset
- Privacy
- Medium to high in the courtyard
- Plan ahead
- Contact the hotel about using the courtyard and any decor
9.The Adolphus Hotel
Downtown
Downtown's grand historic hotel, with ornate rooms and chandeliers for an elegant indoor proposal.
Ask about a private room set with flowers and candles. It is safe from Texas weather, too.
- Best time
- Any time of day; evenings feel the most special
- Privacy
- High with a private room
- Plan ahead
- Contact the hotel about room options and setup
10.Mandalay Canal Walk
Las Colinas, Irving
European-style canals in Las Colinas with arched walkways, fountains and private gondola rides.
Propose under the arches by the water, or on the gondola. Tell the gondolier ahead of time.
- Best time
- Golden hour
- Privacy
- Medium to high on weekdays
- Plan ahead
- Free to walk; book the gondola ride ahead
Tips for planning a surprise proposal in Dallas
Plan around golden hour
The hour before sunset gives the softest, most flattering light. Use the finder below to see the exact time for your date.
Give yourself a cover story
A dinner reservation or a family photo explains why you are both dressed up and in the right spot.
Let the photographer hide
We arrive early, stay out of sight and catch the question, the reaction and the hug.
Photos after the yes
From the first reaction to when the ring is on, and your exit, we take photos of the two of you together while you are still glowing. The raw emotions are so special to capture, and they often end up being the favorites.
Have a backup plan
Texas weather changes fast. Pick a covered spot nearby or a second date, just in case.
What to wear
Solid colors photograph best, and light ones are lovely in warm weather. In winter, deeper solids like navy, burgundy or forest green look great too. Skip busy prints and big logos where you can, but wear something you are comfortable and confident in.
When’s golden hour?
Pick the week. We’ll give you the sunset in Dallas and the 90 minutes to book.
Sunset
Book
Start an hour before sunset and wrap half an hour after.
Photographing a proposal in Dallas? See our Dallas proposal photographer page.
More Dallas guides: Dallas Wedding Planners We Love · Dallas Wedding Venues We've Filmed
