Most Beautiful Spots to Get Engaged in the South

By Southern Living

It’s no secret the South is home to some of the most breathtaking views in the U.S. From the rolling hills and vibrant foliage of the mid-Atlantic to the rugged mountains and humbling starry skies of west Texas, there are more than a few romantic settings scattered throughout the region.

So why not make one of your most important memories in one of these unforgettable spots? While it’s the question—and the two of you—that matter, we think a swoon-worthy backdrop can’t hurt. Plus many of these are near resorts that are perfect for a joyous engagement fête. We’ve rounded up eight of the best places to propose. Whether you want snowy seclusion or a tropical escape—we’ve got you covered with engagement ideas. Have a big time in the Big Easy or get off the grid in coastal Georgia; here are our favorite places to make a memory worthy of a lifetime.

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Lewisburg, West Virginia

Courtesy Crystal Faulkner/Greenbrier County CVB

West Virginia’s New River Gorge shows off the best of Appalachia’s color in October. Head here for an engagement surrounded by the area’s painterly fall foliage.

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New Orleans, Louisiana

Cedric Angeles

Pop the question in one of the South’s favorite towns for a good time. Classic New Orleans architecture makes for a timeless romantic setting.

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Washington, D.C.

SAUL LOEB/AFP/Getty Images

For an unmistakably ‘spring’ engagement, head to the nation’s capital during its annual Cherry Blossom Festival. Just go early in the season to avoid sharing your engagement photos with more than a few strangers.

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Cumberland Island, Georgia

Wynn Myers

Pack your bags and hop on the ferry to a place so romantic, John F. Kennedy, Jr., and his wife Carolyn, were married here. The island is home to both an upscale inn and rustic wildlife—perfect for a secluded engagement getaway.

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The Greenbrier in White Sulpher Springs, West Virginia

Bill Phelps

Make the trek to this beloved, iconic resort (since 1778!) for an idyllic sleigh ride through the countryside. The remote resort (known for its unrivaled hospitality) makes for a serene setting to ask the big question.

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Lovers Key State Park, Florida

Amy Mikler Kenyon

An appropriately named park for such an occasion! Lovers Key is home to pristine beaches and bright blue waters, and is perfectly secluded for a private moment.

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Big Bend National Park, Texas

Jody Horton

What could be more romantic than seeing every star in the night sky over west Texas? Big Bend National Park has been designated an International Dark Sky Park with the darkest skies in the lower 48 states. Talk about unforgettable.

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Shenandoah National Park, Virginia

David Muench/Getty Images

Such an occasion calls for breathtaking surroundings—like the 81-foot-tall Lewis Spring Falls, near Stanley, Virginia.

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