The corniness of red roses and drugstore chocolates are the instruments of the phoniest of love connections. Amirite?
See, everyone knows real-life romance is the stuff of gold. And, when it’s time to pop “the question,” your choice of a memorable setting is a big part of this authentic journey you’re embarking on.
In Cleveland, you’ve got options on where to descend onto one knee. Limitless options, actually.
So, we went to the experts: wedding photographers in Cleveland. They’ve seen it all and know the best locations to ask one of life’s most important questions. Here are 15 of their fave spots for wedding proposals in Cleveland …
Wait … a cemetery? Hold off on your pearl clutches, folks. Lake View Cemetery offers some of the most picturesque scenery in the city — even if your background cast might be a little … stiff. From the hills abundant with daffodils during the springtime to the stoic stone staircase leading to the James A. Garfield Monument, Lake View Cemetery is certainly one of Cleveland’s most historic and beautiful locations. (Nathan Migal Photography).
“Edgewater Beach is an ideal spot for an engagement,” said Mary and Adam Labin, owners of Belle Ombre Photography. “Not only are you lakefront, but pair it with a summer sunset, and it’s bound to be magical.”
“Stan Hywet is one of the most romantic locations in northern Ohio (if not all of Ohio),” said Stephanie Uptmor from Imagine It Photography. “The magical gardens and private areas are perfect for a more intimate proposal. Also, they will send along a guide from Stan Hywet to be sure other guests are kept away,” she said.
“A parking garage rooftop is often the perfect spot for an incredible view of the city,” said Tiffany Lucas, owner of Tiffany Joy Photography. “Most garage rooftops are empty on weeknights after everyone has left work, giving you a quiet, open space to work with.”
From the Free Stamp next to Cleveland City Hall to the colorful murals adorning Ohio City’s treelined streets, Cleveland’s public art scene is a free and easy way to capture one of life’s most colorful moments.
“The Cleveland Botanical Garden is romantic any time of year with the gorgeous gardens, but it's also a great spot to propose in the winter when the weather is less than desirable outside,” photographer Maria Sharp said. “There are also plenty of spots for a photographer to hide out if you decide to hire one.”
Hope Memorial Bridge
“The Hope Memorial Bridge at sunrise or sunset would be beautiful,” said photographer Kamron Khan. “It's the best view of the city, and if Cleveland is part of your love story, then what better way to celebrate it.”
“The lake views at Huntington Beach are amazing,” said Angela Bartunek of Aster and Olive Photography. “This beach is very wide open, so finding the perfect isolated spot is never a problem — especially during sunrise or sunset. I love that you can see the city in the distance, as well.”
While the art inside the Cleveland Museum of Art is enough to conjure an army of cupids, don’t forget that the beauty of this attraction extends outdoors. Whether you’re on one knee on the stunning marble piazza or draped in happy tears along the perimeter of Wade Lagoon, this attraction’s exterior has romance written all over it.
Brooke Mott, owner of Brooklyn Media, recommends the old quarry and winery on Kelleys Island, one of The Land’s many Lake Erie Islands. She suggests checking out “the secret locations that are hidden in the forest” to welcome a union filled with adventure and exploration.
“I recently photographed a proposal at the Hyatt Regency Cleveland at the Arcade," said photographer Scott Shaw. “When the groom-to-be told me his location idea, I was thrilled. The Arcade is such an amazing space. He asked for suggestions on how and where to do the proposal. So I told him the steps would be the best spot, midway down. Then, I would hide above for a great vantage point.”
Whether it’s the lushness of Lincoln Park in Tremont during the summer months or the cute, quaintness of Shaker Square during the spring, many of Cleveland’s neighborhoods offer unique little enclaves to pop the question. Featured above is a scene from Detroit Shoreway, a favorite neighborhood for this couple. Nothing says romance more than a spot with mutual significance. So, pick your favorite, authentic spot.
“The Cultural Gardens are ideal for the romantic,” said Mary and Adam Labin, owners of Belle Ombre Photography. “These gardens are pure romance, lush and dreamy. Plenty of areas to choose from to make it intimate and personal.”
Few places say “Cleveland” like that of Public Square — with its open green spaces, colorful public art, the encircling skyscrapers and those quiet walking paths simply begging for a little romance.
“The Ledges within the Cuyahoga Valley National Park is one of my favorite spots in the Cleveland area because it looks so different from the rest of our landscape,” said photographer Maria Sharp. “There are plenty of spots to pick from when popping the question — from the overlook, to one of the trails. Perfect for the adventurous couple.”