Proposal Guide
Planning a proposal is one of the most exciting moments in your life or it can be stressful, especially if you don't know where to start! As a proposal photographer, we created this guide to help you plan the perfect proposal no matter the location. We have included the best proposal locations for Knoxville, Oak Ridge, Lenoir City, Maryville, Townsend, Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, and Sevierville, and for added value also included the best proposal locations for Nashville in addition to Chattanooga.
How to Prepare for the Perfect Proposal
1. Plan the Timing
Golden hour (just before sunset) offers the most flattering natural light for photos.
Consider weekdays or early mornings if you prefer a quieter atmosphere.
2. Hire a Proposal Photographer
Capture the moment discreetly for a lifetime of memories.
Plan a surprise engagement session immediately after the proposal.
3. Personalize Your Proposal
Incorporate elements of your relationship, such as a favorite song or inside joke.
Write a heartfelt speech or letter to make the moment even more special.
Consider including family and friends for a surprise celebration afterward.
4. Have a Backup Plan
If proposing outdoors, check the weather forecast and have an alternative location ready.
Ensure your partner is dressed appropriately for the setting if it’s a surprise.
What to Wear for Your Proposal
Dressing appropriately for your proposal truly has an impact on any photographs taken. Below, you can find some quick suggestions on planning attire for your proposal, and if you want a more in-depth guide, make sure to check out What to Wear for the Perfect Proposal: A Complete Guide.
For You:
Dress for the occasion and location (casual for nature settings, formal for elegant venues).
Stick to neutral or solid colors for a timeless look.
Comfortable shoes are a must if you’ll be walking or hiking.
For Your Partner (Without Giving It Away):
Suggest a dressy-casual outfit if you’re planning a photoshoot.
Ensure they feel confident and comfortable in what they’re wearing.
If necessary, coordinate with friends or family to subtly guide outfit choices.
Proposal Ideas to Make It Extra Special
Scavenger Hunt: Leave meaningful clues around Knoxville leading to your proposal spot.
Picnic Setup: Arrange a romantic picnic at a scenic overlook with champagne.
Holiday or Seasonal Proposal: Time it with Christmas lights at Market Square or fall foliage in the Smoky Mountains.
Pet Involvement: If you have a pet, have them wear a tag or sign that says, "Will you marry me?"
After the Proposal: Celebrating the Moment
Book a Surprise Engagement Party: Have close friends and family waiting at a nearby restaurant or venue.
Schedule an Engagement Photoshoot: Use Knoxville’s scenic spots for post-proposal portraits.
Plan a Weekend Getaway: Head to the Smoky Mountains or a cozy cabin in Gatlinburg for a romantic retreat.
Proposal Locations
Below you can find some of the most popular locations for proposals based on your area.
Here are some of the best proposal locations in Knoxville, TN. For an in-depth overview of these locations, make sure to visit our best proposal locations in Knoxville guide.
- The University of Tennessee Gardens
- Ijams Nature Center
- World's Fair Park
- Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum
- Volunteer Landing
- The Old City District
- Fort Dickerson Park
- The Bijou Theatre
- Knoxville's Market Square
- Maxwell House
- The Foothills Parkway (Nearby)
- Knoxville Zoo
- Bicentennial Park
Here are some of the best proposal locations in Oak Ridge, TN. For an in-depth overview of these locations, make sure to visit our best proposal locations in Oak Ridge guide.
- Oak Ridge Marina
- American Museum of Science and Energy (AMSE)
- Briarcliff Park
- Clinton Highway Overlook
- Wildlife Management Area (Oak Ridge Wildlife Management Area)
- The Oak Ridge National Laboratory (Outdoor Spaces)
- Anderson County Park
- The University of Tennessee Arboretum
- Oak Ridge Community Center Park
- Poplar Creek Park
- High Places Community Garden
- Norris Dam State Park (Nearby)
Here are some of the best proposal locations in Lenoir City, TN. For an in-depth overview of these locations, make sure to visit our best proposal locations in Lenoir City guide.
- Lenoir City Park
- Tellico Lake
- Fort Loudoun State Park (Nearby)
- The Blue Heron Marina
- The Cove at Tellico Village
- The Lost Sea (Nearby)
- Springbrook Park
- Tellico Beach Park
- The Foothills Parkway (Nearby)
- The Church Street Park
- Harrison Bay State Park (Nearby)
- Blount Mansion (Nearby)
- The Great Smoky Mountains National Park (Nearby)
- The Maryville Greenbelt
- Greenbelt Park
- The Foothills Parkway
- Blount County Public Library Gardens
- Louisville Point Park
- The Smoky Mountain Heritage Center
- Historic Downtown Maryville
- The Riverstone Park
- Briarcliff Acres
- The Foothills Mall (Private Spot in the Mall)
Here are some of the best proposal locations in Townsend, TN. For an in-depth overview of these locations, make sure to visit our best proposal locations in Townsend guide.
- The Great Smoky Mountains National Park (Nearby)
- The Little River
- Tuckaleechee Caverns
- Townsend's Historic District
- Smoky Mountain Heritage Center
- Spruce Flats Falls
- The Cades Cove Loop
- Wildflower Walk at the Townsend Visitors Center
- Laurel Valley
- Metcalf Bottoms
- Lynn Camp Prong
- The Trillium Inn
Here are some of the best proposal locations in Pigeon Forge, TN. For an in-depth overview of these locations, make sure to visit our best proposal locations in Pigeon Forge guide.
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park (Nearby)
- The Island in Pigeon Forge
- Dollywood
- Pigeon Forge Parkway (Scenic Overlooks)
- Anakeesta
- Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies
- Mountain View Country Club
- Parrot Mountain and Gardens
- The Old Mill
- Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster
- Gatlinburg SkyBridge (Nearby)
- Wear’s Valley Overlook
Here are some of the best proposal locations in Gatlinburg, TN. For an in-depth overview of these locations, make sure to visit our best proposal locations in Gatlinburg guide.
- Gatlinburg Skybridge
- Clingmans Dome
- Anakeesta
- The Great Smoky Mountains National Park (Nearby)
- Gatlinburg Strip (Downtown)
- The Old Mill
- Gatlinburg Scenic Overlooks
- Ober Gatlinburg
- The Wild Plum Tea Room
- The Ripley's Believe It or Not! Museum
- The Trillium Inn
- Mynatt Park
Here are some of the best proposal locations in Sevierville, TN. For an in-depth overview of these locations, make sure to visit our best proposal locations in Sevierville guide.
- Sevierville’s Main Street
- The Great Smoky Mountains National Park (Nearby)
- The Island in Pigeon Forge (Nearby)
- Sevierville Golf Club
- Forbidden Caverns
- Tennessee Shine Company (Sevierville Location)
- Douglas Lake
- Mountain View Country Club
- Sevierville City Park
- Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster (Nearby)
- Sevierville’s Historic Courthouse
- Wears Valley Overlook (Nearby)
- Centennial Park
- Cheekwood Estate & Gardens
- The Pedestrian Bridge (John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge)
- Radnor Lake State Park
- The Hermitage
- Rooftop Bars and Restaurants
- Broadway Street (Near the Honky Tonks)
- Nashville Botanical Garden
- The Country Music Hall of Fame
- The Belle Meade Historic Site & Winery
- Vanderbilt University
- Nashville's Secret Gardens & Hidden Courtyards
Here are some of the best proposal locations in Chattanooga, TN. For an in-depth overview of these locations, make sure to visit our best proposal locations in Chattanooga guide.
- Rock City
- Lookout Mountain
- Chattanooga Riverfront (Tennessee Riverwalk)
- Chattanooga’s Walnut Street Bridge
- The Hunter Museum of American Art
- Chattanooga Choo Choo
- The Bluff View Art District
- Point Park (Lookout Mountain)
- Raccoon Mountain Caverns
- Lookout Mountain Via the Incline Railway
- Reflection Riding Arboretum & Nature Center
- Tivoli Theatre
- Chattanooga’s Market
Service Areas
Knoxville
Our service areas in Knoxville include Adair Park, Avalon, Bearden, Bellview, Biscayne, Blue Grass, Broadacres, Colonial Village, Colonial Heights, Concord, Downtown Knoxville, Fairmont, Farragut, Fifth and Gill, Fort Sanders, Fountain City, Gibbs, Glenwood, Halls, Happy Valley, Holston Hills, Island Home, Lakeshore, Lonsdale, Mechanicsville, North Knoxville, Old North Knoxville, Old City, Riverbend, Sequoyah Hills, South Knoxville, Standard, St. John's, University of Tennessee Area, West Hills, Westmoreland, and Windy Hill.
Oak Ridge
Our service areas in Oak Ridge include Briarcliff, British Woods, Centennial Village, Emory Heights, Forest Creek Village, Groves Park, Harbour Pointe, Harbour Cove, Summit Place, The Preserve, and Westwood.
Lenoir City
Our service areas in Lenoir City include Avalon, Covered Bridge, The Grove at Chatuga Coves, The Grove at Harrison Glen, Kahite, Rarity Bay, Split Rail Farm, Tellico Village, and WindRiver
Maryville
Our service areas in Maryville include Adams Run, Amerine Downs, Asbury Place Maryville, Avalon, Bayberry Terrace, Berwyn Fields, Bittle Heights, Briarcliff, Broady Court, Broady Place, Brookshire, Buena Vista, Cherokee, East Forest, Everett Heights, Heritage Condominiums, Homewood, Hubbard Hills, Jett Woods, Kirklands Estates, McNeilly Place, Mercer Place, Montvue, North Maryvale, Northfield, Oakland Park, Oakhurst, Olympia Mountain View Condominium, Oxford Hills, Providence Place, Reserve at Ross Springs, Savannah Park, Sequoyah Square, Sevier Heights, Silver Creek Village, Sterling, Sunset View, The Village at Worthington, Treymont, Trotwood Farms, Turner Place Condominiums, Turnberry Vista, Vintage Village, Westcliff, Westfields, Wimbledon, Windridge, and Windsor Village.
Townsend
Our service areas in Townsend include Big Valley Resort, Kinzel Springs, Laurel Valley, Lawson Crossroad, Miller Cove, Stonegate, and Tremont.
Pigeon Forge
Our service areas in Pigeon Forge include Alpine Mountain Village, Arrowhead, Bear Cove Falls, Bear Creek Crossing, Big Bear Lodge, Black Bear Ridge, Bluff Mountain Acres, Cedar Falls, Covered Bridge, Eagles Ridge Resort, Grand View, Hidden Springs, Legacy Mountain, Sherwood Forest, Walden Creek, and Woodridge Village.
Gatlinburg
Our service areas in Gatlinburg include Alpine Village, Chalet Village, Cobbly Nob, Deer Ridge, Glades, Hemlock Hills, Laurel Estates at the Glades, Norton Creek, Pittman Center, Riversong Estates, Sky Harbor, Smoky Mountain Village, and White Oak Lodge and Resort.
Sevierville
Our service areas in Sevierville include Appleview River Resort, Asbury-Forks of the River, Barington Park, Beal Woods, Belle Meadows, Boyd's Creek, Catlettsburg, East Sevierville, Fair Garden, Grandview-Whites Village, Harrisburg, Kinberlin Heights, Northview-Kodak, Old Town, Riverview, Sevier Home, South Sevierville, and Wildwood
Nashville
Our service areas in Nashville include 12 South, Antioch, Belle Meade, Berry Hill, Demonbreun Hill, Downtown, East Nashville, Edgehill, Elliston Place, Franklin, Germantown, Green Hills, Hermitage, Hillsboro Village, Inglewood, Madison, Marathon Village, Melrose, North Nashville, Opryland, Portland, Rosebank, Sorbo, Sylvan Park, The Gulch, The Nations, Trinity Lane, Music Valley, Wedgewood-Houston, West End and Woodbine.
Chattanooga
Our service areas in Chattanooga include Alton Park, Brainerd, Cummings Cove, Chickamauga, Downtown Chattanooga, East Brainerd, East Ridge, Hill City, Hixson, Lookout Mountain, Missionary Ridge, North Shore, Red Bank, Southside, St. Elmo, Tiftonia and Woodmore.
Contact Us
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