Propose in Music City This Spring: Nashville Proposal Ideas

Spring is a beautiful time of year in Nashville. If you’re planning a proposal this spring, you can’t go wrong with Nashville, whether you’re a local or looking for somewhere to visit. From outdoor parks full of blooming flowers to city staples, there’s a special place for every love story.

With a jewelry store located just south of Nashville in Franklin, we vetted the area to find the top proposal spot recommendations in the area. Keep reading to discover our favorite proposal locations in Nashville and gear up for engagement season in one of the most sought-after towns in the South!

Visit Music City

If you’re looking for anything to do in Nashville, your first stop should be the Visit Music City Nashville website. They have a curated list of top places to visit in the city, as well as events, attractions, and places to eat. We asked them for their top proposal spots, and they gave us some great locations.

Their list, which we expand on below, includes Cheekwood Estate & Gardens, Percy Priest Lake, Shelby Park, and Centennial Park Sunken Gardens. If you just needed a quick list, these places are a great start. Learn more about each below, along with a few other proposal ideas.

Percy Priest Lake 

Percy Priest Lake is a gorgeous place to visit that offers the serenity of nature near the bustling city. Take a boat ride, walk around the water, and pop the question at sunset by the canal. The lake is an especially good idea if you and your future fiancée love camping. What’s more personal and romantic than a proposal by the fire, under the Tennessee stars?

Shelby Park

Another outdoor space we recommend checking out in Nashville is Shelby Park. Near the city, you’ll find miles of trails here near the Cumberland River. Shelby Park is a great place to propose if you want something sweet and simple with a pretty background. It’s perfect for nature lovers who want to avoid the crowds of downtown Nashville (though you may go out in the city to celebrate afterwards).

Centennial Park 

Centennial Park is iconic to Nashville. In the photo above, you’ll see the stunning water and Nashville’s Parthenon in the background. Centennial Park offers more of an urban garden feel than the first two parks on our list, plus it’s known as a Nashville staple that speaks to the beauty of the city. It makes a great proposal spot for anyone who wants to be near town while still surrounded by nature.

Cheekwood Estate & Gardens

Cheekwood Estate & Gardens is another absolute must to add to your list. From the historical estate to the gardens and arboretum, there are plenty of places to get down on one knee. Our favorite part about Cheekwood is that they actually offer proposal packages! In addition to admission tickets, this package includes a professional photography session and champagne. Let them help you plan your perfect proposal.

Radnor Lake State Park

Located south of Nashville, Radnor Lake State Park is a gorgeous place to get engaged. It offers an abundance of trails and stunning scenery by the water. We checked in with the team at Tennessee State Parks, who let us know the details on the best places to propose at the park:

“The Lake Trail observation deck is the perfect spot to ask the question. It’s accessible by wheelchair and the trails to the deck are gorgeous.

We recommend starting your journey at the West Parking Area near the Visitor Center. It provides more parking spaces and quicker access to the observation deck on the Lake Trail compared to the East Lot. To get the most out of your visit, try to arrive in the morning, especially on weekends. Radnor is a very popular spot, and an early arrival will provide a more intimate setting.

The Lake Trail Observation Deck is approximately a mile’s walk from the Visitor Center. You can either take the Spillway Trail directly to the observation deck or choose the route via Otter Creek Road. From there, take a left to cross the Dam Walkway, and then turn right to continue onto the Lake Trail.

The Observation Deck offers stunning, unobstructed views of the lake, complete with seating areas. Even if you decide to propose on another trail at Radnor, the moment will be set against a beautiful backdrop and is bound to be memorable. Plus, you’ll have the park as a special place to revisit and reminisce about the start of your life together.”

Arrington Vineyards

Arrington Vineyards is a lovely place to propose for anyone who enjoys wine and good scenery. Here’s a bit more about proposals, directly from the vineyards:

“Spring is the perfect time for proposals at Arrington Vineyards. There are several locations that people typically choose. Our Main Hillside by the vines is great if you’re looking for photos in the vines. The Woods by the Saloon is another great option if you’re looking for a more private setting. We have a walking path filled with mossy old trees and lush greenery, and this path brings you from our main property side to our Barn side. The Barn side of our property is only open on weekends from April through October. To make the day extra special we recommend booking an elevated tasting experience. Reservations vary based on availability.

Our onsite caterer, Simply Living Life, has special picnic baskets that can be ordered and delivered right to our property. They include food to enjoy, as well as real wine glasses and a tablecloth. You can pick these up right by where you would also purchase wine. You can see their contact information and menu here. This is our only approved vendor delivery. Please note that we do not allow pop-up picnic companies, food delivery services, catered food, and rentals of any kind to be delivered. Photographers must apply for a photography permit before the proposal.”

Gaylord Opryland Resort

Finally, another iconic location in Nashville to consider for your proposal is the famous Gaylord Opryland Resort. Near the Grand Ole Opry, this hotel is well known for its many amenities and stunning atrium. Consider booking a weekend visit here, complete with a spa package.

Here’s a note from the resort to ensure that everything goes according to plan while sticking to their guidelines:

“Thank you for considering the resort as a proposal spot. We’re honored to be a location of choice for a special occasion. However, it’s worth noting first that we require space to be reserved in advance if a professional photographer is involved. Therefore, anyone considering a proposal would need in advance to reserve space for their event through our catering team at (615) 458-6800.”

Planning Your Nashville City Proposal 

Depending on the location you choose for your proposal, you may want to hire a local photographer to capture the moment. Photographer Kate Anthony also recommends some of the locations we mentioned above, like Centennial Park, the riverfront, or Cheekwood Estate & Gardens. She also suggests Radnor Lake, or for a more personal feel, your own home or the place where you had your first date.

Engagement Ring Shopping in Nashville

You now have some great options for Nashville proposal locations to add to your list! If you haven’t gotten a ring yet, that’s going to be your next step. Check out our in-depth Engagement Ring Buying Guide to start learning everything you need to know about stones, settings, and styles.

If you’re shopping locally in the Nashville area, visit the Shane Co. store in Franklin for friendly service and exceptional engagement ring options. Feel free to walk in and explore, or schedule a virtual or in-person appointment. We’re here to help you find the perfect ring.

We’d love to hear all about your Nashville proposal! Tag us on Instagram or comment below to tell us about your love story.