Katelyn Michaud
Are you ready to take the next step with your sweetheart? Proposing is a big step, and it can be nerve-wracking to find the perfect moment and location. The White Mountains might be that perfect location with its stunning mountains, beautiful waterfalls, and romantic bridges. Drop to one knee in the White Mountains, and your partner will have a hard time saying no!
Ice Castle – North Woodstock
Only open during the winter mountains, proposing in the Ice Castle surrounded by thousands of colorful lights and icicles will be a moment that you never forget. The Ice Castle is a unique and fun experience no matter what age you are in life! Book the Artic Alcove for a private moment away from the crowds. Afterward, take a stroll through the Winter Fairy Forest before hopping on a sleigh ride to complete the perfect engagement night.
Loon Mountain Summit - Lincoln
Grab your skis or snowboards and hop on the Gondola Skyride to the summit of Loon Mountain. While your partner is strapping in to hit the trails, drop to one knee and surprise them with a winter wonderland proposal!
The summit of Loon Mountain is open from late spring through fall and accessible by foot or the Gondola Skyride. The Herbert’s Observation Tower offers stunning views of the region from Mt. Moosilauke to Mt. Washington. The Summit Amphitheater is a popular wedding ceremony location and is a great place to pop the question in a location you might say, “I do.”
Artists’ Bluff – Franconia Notch
For centuries, artists and visitors alike have hiked Artists’ Bluff to enjoy one of the best views in Franconia Notch and New Hampshire. The hike is short and steep, but you’re rewarded with an open rocky summit overlooking Echo Lake, Cannon Mountain, and Franconia Notch. Beautiful and accessible year-round, Artists’ Bluff really standouts during the colorful fall months.
Rocky Gorge - Albany
Looking for the perfect fall foliage proposal location in the White Mountains? Rocky Gorge will hit all those spots! Located along the Kancamagus Highway in Albany, Rocky Gorge is easily accessible from the road with little to no hiking. Carved by glaciers during the Ice Age, Rocky Gorge is a powerful narrow gorge in the Swift River that offers a 10-foot waterfall and rapids through the gorge.
Pick an early morning, preferably midweek, when it’s quieter, step upon the footbridge spanning across the river overlooking Rocky Gorge, and drop to your knee to pop the question. Alternatively, you can keep walking over the footbridge to the shores of Falls Pond for a completely different view. There’s a picnic area near the trailhead so that you can enjoy a celebratory romantic picnic for two or a surprise engagement party with all your friends and family! While fall might be the prettiest time of the year along the Swift River, the location is ideal year-round.
Mount Washington – Crawford Notch
The options are limitless for the perfect proposal on Mount Washington. The famed 6,288-foot summit offers incredible panoramic views of the White Mountains, Vermont, New York, Massachusetts, Maine, Quebec, and even the Atlantic Ocean on a clear day. Accessible year-round 9 (yes, even in the winter if you’re brave!), Mount Washington will sure to be a memorable engagement location.
For the peak baggers, Mount Washington might be the crown jewel and the perfect location to commit to a lifetime of hiking adventures together. However, for those who prefer to be a little less sweaty and tired, the Mount Washington summit can be accessed by the Mt. Washington Auto Road or the Cog Railway.
The Mount Washington summit can be a great option if you’re hoping to hire a professional photographer or have friends and family witness the moment as they can blend in the crowds. On the other side, the summit can be crowded on a beautiful day. However, there are plenty of places on the hike up or around the summit where you can find a quiet place for the proposal.
Bridal Veil Falls – Franconia
There’s a reason that Bridal Veil Falls is the most photographed waterfall in the White Mountain National Park – it’s beautiful! The 35-foot-tall main waterfall has the characteristics of a bride’s veil, making it a stunning backdrop for a romantic proposal and a hint of what’s to come. It will take a little work to get to Bridal Veil Falls as it’s a five-mile round-trip hike, so keep that in mind. Don’t forget to pack a celebratory picnic to enjoy after you pop the big question.
Honeymoon Bridge - Jackson
Spanning the Ellis River in Jackson, the Honeymoon Bridge was identified as one of the top five most romantic places in New England by New England Today Travel in 2020. Covered bridges are an iconic New England image, and there are about 200 still in existence today, including several in the White Mountains.
Covered bridges were often referred to as “kissing bridges” back in the day as they provided privacy for young lovers during their courtships to steal a smooch. Built in 1876, the Honeymoon Bridge gets its trademark name from the sound the old floorboards make as you drive over it – “thump, thump” – like a heartbeat. The bridge is also painted bright red, and hundreds of initials are carved into its wooden frame from centuries of lovers.
RiverWalk Resort - Lincoln
Of course, RiverWalk Resort at Loon Mountain is also a special place to propose. Commonly referred to as a castle in the mountains by many, the staff and resort can help make all your fairytales come true for one of the most important moments in your life. From the ice-skating rink to the vineyard to your private balcony in your suite overlooking the mountains, there are many places at the resort to pop the question. If you need your own personal fairy godmother, make sure you reach out to the Adventure Concierge, who can help make your day really special.
Ready to plan your dream wedding? Our amazing team here at RiverWalk can help you do just that. Say "I do" with the stunning White Mountains as your backdrop and then celebrate with friends and family in the region's newest Grand Ballroom. It will surely be a day to remember! You and your guests can enjoy all the resort amenities and area attractions to truly make it a memorable event. Contact us today at 603-745-7525 or groupsales@
