Wilmington, North Carolina is a dream destination for your proposal! Whether you’re drawn to the coastal vibes of Wrightsville Beach, the historic streets downtown, or lush gardens, Wilmington offers so many romantic places to make your moment unforgettable. I have created this guide to help you plan the perfect proposal with tips and tricks to all the stunning locations and creating an unforgettable moment they’ll never forget!

Top Romantic Places in Wilmington, NC for Your Proposal

1. Wrightsville Beach

For couples who loveeee the ocean, Wrightsville is a picture-perfect spot. Propose during sunrise for an intimate moment with soft, glowy light rising over the ocean, or opt for sunset with gorgeous skies and blue hour moments like the one below.

2. Airlie Gardens

Airlie Gardens is a magical setting with its ancient oak trees draped in Spanish moss, blooming flowers, and peaceful pathways. Propose near the iconic pergola or the picturesque fountains for a storybook moment. This spot is perfect for nature-loving couples who appreciate a whimsical, fairytale-like setting.

3. Downtown Wilmington

The Riverwalk offers stunning views of the Cape Fear River, bustling with local charm. There are many quiet rooftops downtown to get the best views of the city. Consider proposing during a romantic sunrise stroll or on a rooftop near sunset. Nearby, you’ll find many cozy restaurants to celebrate your engagement right after they say “yes!”

4. Fort Fisher

The beaches at Fort Fisher are less crowded, providing a peaceful and intimate atmosphere for popping the question. You can adventure on the rocks, walk through the dunes, or we can head to the end of the island for a moment almost completely surrounded by water and a gorgeous sunset view.

How to Plan the Perfect Proposal

1. Choose the Right Location:
   Pick a spot that resonates with your relationship. Maybe that’s the beach, a garden, or somewhere meaningful to you both. Either way make sure you know if your partner wants it to be intimate or more public. I can help you find a more secluded spot if that’s more their jam.
2. Timing is Everything:
   I recommend proposing during golden hour (shortly after sunrise or before sunset) for the best glowy lighting!
3. Add Personal Touches:
   Bring elements that reflect your relationship, like a playlist of your favorite songs, a handwritten letter, or props that hold sentimental value.
4. Practice your proposal beforehand:
   Make sure you practice what you’re going to say so you feel confident in the moment. Include things like inside jokes and personal memories of when you knew they were the one for you.
5. The big day is here:
   Day of, we’ll share locations on “Find My Friends” so you can see when I’ve arrived, and I’ll know when you’re approaching. I’ll stay hidden or blend in until the moment you get down on one knee!
6. Celebrate Nearby:
   After the proposal, pop some champagne, take a moment to facetime a family member or bestie, and then we will get started capturing some romantic portraits of you two! You’ll be on cloud nine and I’ll give you prompts that make the moment feel more like a date night instead of a portrait session.

Why is a photographer key to your proposal?

A proposal is one of the most memorable moments of your life! Having it professionally photographed ensures the emotions, reactions, and moment is beautifully preserved and your partner can relive the moment over and over again when they look at their images. As your photographer, I can help with timing no matter the weather, location spots based on their preferences, and blending into the background to keep the surprise intact.

Wilmington is a city perfect for romance and magical moments. It is perfect for creating a proposal story you’ll cherish together forever.

Ready to plan your dream proposal? Let’s make it epic and unforgettable together! Reach out today on my contact page to learn more and/or book your session.