Best Places To Propose in Rhode Island

Castle Hill Inn, Newport offers two points of interest for the proposal photographer. The Lighthouse at Castle Hill sits on the edge of Narragansett Bay and displays sweeping oceanside views. The Castle Hill lighthouse was finished in 1890 on property formerly belonging to the naturalist, oceanographer, and zoologist Alexander Agassiz. It’s always great to have a point to discuss.

A prime location for a proposal shoot is on the lawn at Castle Hill Inn, with the Newport Bridge and Narragansett Bay as a backdrop. After your proposal, you can dine at the prestigious Castle Hill Inn.

Make a dining reservation.

Pros

• Beautiful ocean side location with view of Newport Bridge
• Lighthouse and the lawn are walking distance (10 mins)
• Valet parking
• Superb location for dinner after the proposal
• Great reason to ask your partner to dress up (for the proposal)
• Watch the sun set with a cocktail on the lawn, or at the lighthouse

Cons

• Can be breezy
• It can be very ‘peopley’

Resources

• Google Map Link
• View Sample Castle Hill Inn, Newport, Surprise Proposal Photoshoots

Goat Island Lighthouse, Newport: This lighthouse is on the picturesque Gurney’s Resort property, so it is relatively easy to book a table for dinner and take a walk to the lighthouse before dinner. In addition to the lighthouse, there are spectacular views of the Newport Bridge.

Make a dining reservation.

Note: Goat Island is private property: weddings and planned engagements organized by the hotel take place in front of the lighthouse. If your proposal clashes with a wedding, you cannot go to the lighthouse until the wedding ceremony is over. There are, however, other beautiful views of the bay and the Newport bridge on Goat Island.

Update: The Gurneys resort was sold in the summer of 2022, read more.

Pros

• Beautiful ocean side location with view of Newport Bridge
• Valet parking and self-parking
• Superb location for dinner/cocktails after the proposal
• Great reason to ask your partner to dress up (for the proposal)
• Great late afternoon/evening location (for light)

Cons

• When weddings take place: the lighthouse is out of bounds (see above)
• Can be very busy

Resources

• Google Map Link
• View Sample Goat House Lighthouse Surprise Proposal Photoshoots

Beavertail is a public coastal recreation area encompassing 153 acres, and the state park’s main attraction, at its southern end, is Beavertail Lighthouse, which, in its current form, dates back to 1856.

Photographers love Beavertail as a location because, depending on the light, you can use different parts of the park surrounded by the ocean. However it can be windy, but there are areas secluded from the ocean breezes.

I have found Beavertail to be a perfect location for a couple holidaying with a dog. A great place to walk your dog before dinner before springing a surprise proposal on your partner.

Cliff Walk, Newport: It is easy to surprise your partner with a proposal on Cliff Walk by asking your partner to go for a walk.

Cliff walk is a 3.5-mile public access walkway that borders the shoreline and is the first designated National Recreation Trail in New England. Newport’s Cliff Walk boasts stunning oceanside views; it is lush with local plant species in the warmer months. You will also walk behind the Newport mansions, adding to the moment’s beauty.

Pros

• Beautiful ocean side location
• Famous Newport tourist spot
• Easy to pull off a surprise when visiting Newport
• Picturesque walk behind the Newport mansions
• Beautiful sunrises

Cons

• Parking can be problematic
• Busy with people all-year-around
• Not good for sunsets
• Little shade on hot days

Resources

• Cliff Walk Map
• View Sample Cliff Walk, Newport, Surprise Proposal Photoshoots

Vineyards: Rhode Island has many vineyards of which some are listed below. You can enjoy a wine tasting and in some cases have a meal after which you can enjoy a peaceful, serene walk amongst the vines.

For diversity it is difficult to beat the city of Providence, whether you desire a cityscape backdrop, street photography photojournalistic style, parks, rivers, cruises…Providence has it all

Pros

•  Diversity of locations for different photo styles

Cons

• It will be ‘peopley’  – it’s a city and we will have to deal with people moving in and out of our shots
• Difficult to isolate my couples from the crowds  – you may have people in the background (depending on location)
• Parking (depending on location)

Resources

• View Sample Surprise Proposal Photoshoots

Rhode Island Beaches: where to start, Rhode Island is not called the Ocean State for no reason, it has 384 miles of coastline. There are approximately 40 beaches in Rhode Island, with each offering its own character.

Pros

•  Picturesque
•  It’s the Ocean State

Cons

•  Can be windy
•  Can be very busy (all day in summer)
•  Difficult to isolate my couples
• Parking (depending on location)
•  Light direction can be challenging
•  Blowing sand and cameras don’t like each other

There are beaches that can avoid some of the cons, please call me to discuss.

Resources

•  Sample beach proposal photo shoots

Westerly is a popular place to drop to one knee, either at the deluxe Ocean House Hotel or Weekapaug Inn; or on many of the beautiful sandy beaches

Pros

•  Picturesque
•  Beautiful high-end hotels with waterfronts
•  Beautiful beaches
•  The hotels are a great cover for a proposal

Cons

•  Can be windy like all beachfront locations
•  Can be very busy
•  Difficult to isolate my couples
•  Parking for some areas can be very difficult during the summer
•  Blowing sand and cameras don’t like each other

Resources

•  Sample proposal photo shoots in Westerly

What could be more beautiful than a surprise proposal under a sunset? That said, photographers need light, and so please plan the actual proposal before sunset; afterward, we can cruise into the sunset.

There are many marinas in the Ocean State, with Newport being the largest center for a cruise.

This type of surprise proposal is not easy to pull off, but it can be done with a bit of planning.

Resources

•  Sample proposal cruise photoshoots

Brenton Point State Park (named after the Colonial Governor, William Brenton) is a beautiful coastal location with typically easy parking. It is one of  Newport’s grandest estates, Brenton Point State Park affords its visitors  spectacular views on the East Coast. The park boasts gardens, walking trails, and picnic tables. There are magnificent bay and ocean views, with access to the rocks at Grave’s Point.

Please note that the park is a favorite place to fly kites and can be breezy.

Pros

•  Oceanside/picturesque
•  Grassy park
•  Parking is typically easy
•  Great place for a picnic
•  Easy access to rocky shore at Graves point

Cons

•  Can be windy

• Learn More About Brenton Point State Park
• View Sample Brenton Point (Graves Point) Surprise Proposal Photoshoot

Freshwater Ponds: For a quiet personal experience, one of Rhode Island’s  237 freshwater lakes, ponds and reservoirs can provide a picturesque backdrop for a proposal. Scattered thoughout the state you will not have to travel to far to find an idyllic spot.

• A sample fresh water pond proposal

Roger Williams’ Park: is a beautiful city park of 427 acres, a very popular spot from the famous black bridge to the carousel to the features listed below:

• The Roger Williams Park Zoo
• The Roger Williams Park Museum of Natural History and Planetarium
• The Roger Williams Park Botanical Center
• Japanese Gardens
• Victorian Rose Gardens
• The Dalrymple Boathouse and boat rentals
• The Temple to Music

• Explore Roger Williams Park
• View Sample Roger Williams Park Engagement Photoshoot