Beyond the Derby and Bourbon Trail: Where to Propose in Louisville

Flowers are blooming, temperatures are rising, and love is in the air this spring, making it the perfect time to propose to your favorite person! If you’re located in Louisville, Kentucky, there are many gorgeous places to get engaged. With a jewelry store in Louisville, we curated a list of our top recommendations below.

8UP 

Does the love of your life enjoy all things classy? GoToLouisville.com, a top source for all things Louisville and Kentucky tourism, suggested we add 8UP restaurant to our list. They are a popular rooftop restaurant in downtown Louisville, located on top of the Hilton Garden Inn. You’ll find everything from a delicious menu featuring American comfort food to specialty drinks and a lively atmosphere. Go for the food, stay for the views, and pop the question in an elevated space they’ll never forget.

The Brown Hotel 

GoToLouisville.com gave us another stellar recommendation: The Brown Hotel, located in the heart of Louisville near the Ohio River. The Brown Hotel is a historic staple of Louisville, as it’s been around for over 100 years. Here, you’ll find everything from intricate Southern detailing to a rooftop garden. Indulge in fine dining, stay for a weekend, and ask them to marry you in this truly romantic setting. If you’re considering hiring a professional photographer for the occasion, check out their photoshoot request page for more information.

Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest

Propose at the Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest to be surrounded by the serenity of nature while you celebrate your love. With over 40 miles of hiking trails, there’s something for everyone. Find scenic bridges and quiet moments in the forest, as well as quirky, beautifully sculpted artistic fixtures along the way.

Louisville Palace Theatre

The Louisville Palace Theatre is another icon you absolutely must check out when in Louisville. In addition to rentals for weddings, receptions, and rehearsal dinners, the theatre also allows you to rent their famous marquee for photoshoots including proposals and more!

Whether you want to host a large event with your friends and family to celebrate your engagement or you want a personal proposal in front of the marquee, there are plenty of options for every style. For more information and photos, check out Louisville Palace and Live Nation Special Events on Instagram. Email SydneyAnthony@livenation.com for booking.

Waterfront Botanical Gardens

The Waterfront Botanical Gardens are another beautiful outdoor space to consider for your Louisville proposal. This urban garden provides a peaceful spot amid the hustle and bustle of the city. Explore the gorgeous gardens, take in all the fresh spring blooms, and propose at the most scenic spot.

Planning Your Louisville Proposal

Depending on the location of your proposal, you may want to hire a local photographer to capture the moment. We reached out to Heather Florance Photography, a seasoned professional photographer who was able to offer her insights into proposals in Louisville:

One of my favorite places for a Louisville proposal is on the Big Four walking bridge, right at sunset. The sun sets just behind all of the downtown buildings and lights up the bridge with gorgeous golden light! Another fantastic spot is Cherokee Park. Rise early, prepare some hot coffee, and take your sweetie to the very top of Baringer Hill. The sun rises just above the forest of trees in front of you and there’s often a beautiful, romantic fog hanging over the meadow at sunrise (Pride and Prejudice vibes)!

Heather Florance Photography

In addition to a photographer, hiring a proposal planner will ensure everything goes perfectly as planned. We checked in with Take My Hand Proposals for a detailed look at their services and Louisville proposal recommendations:

Take My Hand Proposals offers up some fun and romantic places for you and your partner.

In Louisville, the possibilities for a romantic proposal are as diverse as the city itself. Whether you prefer the urban allure of downtown or the natural beauty of the surrounding landscapes, Louisville’s proposal spots promise to elevate your love story to new heights. Some of our trusted locations are:

1. Waterfront Park Overlook. Imagine a proposal with the stunning Louisville skyline as your witness. It provides an elevated and panoramic view of the city, creating a magical setting for your special moment. As the sun dips below the horizon, the city lights begin to twinkle, adding a touch of enchantment to your proposal.
2. Locust Grove Gardens. This area offers an exquisite setting! The carefully manicured gardens, historic architecture, and tranquil ambiance make it a romantic haven in the heart of Louisville.
3. Various rooftops such as 8UP, Copper and Kings, or Proof on Mains are great options if you’re looking for the big backdrop scenery with a beautiful display of decoration from our Take My Hand Proposal Crew.

Take My Hand Proposals

Engagement Ring Shopping in Louisville

You now have some great options for Louisville 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 Louisville area, visit the Shane Co. jewelry store 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 Louisville proposal! Tag us on Instagram or comment below to tell us about your love story.