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Best Romantic Places In Orange County To Propose

proposal marriage engagement 610 header
(credit: shutterstock)

Thinking of popping the question to your significant other? Orange County, rich in natural coastal beauty, magical charm, and fine dining, offers a wide variety of lovely locations to propose marriage to the one you love. With a little bit of planning, these locations can provide the perfect backdrop to the beginning of your lives together. Explore the most romantic places to propose in Orange County.

Only-In-Orange County Proposal Locations
disneyland blue bayou
(Credit: Disney Parks)

Disneyland Park
1313 S Harbor Blvd.
Anaheim, CA 92802
(714) 781-4636
www.disneyland.com

The happiest place on earth is considered by many to be the best place to pop the question in Orange County. The magical quality of romance is certainly upped in primo locations such as Sleeping Beauty's Castle (ask a cast member to photograph your proposal!), and fine dining options provide the perfect culinary mood-setting for the big day. The Blue Bayou, the themed restaurant located inside the loading area of Pirates of the Caribbean, is uber romantic if you can score a preferred table along the "dock's" edge; reservations can be secured months in advance, so planning is a must. Napa Rose, located inside the Grand Californian Hotel, is a fantastic fine-dining option for those seeking a bit of Disney charm and magic without the theme park ticket price.

bowers museum
(Credit: Jen N./Yelp)

Bowers Museum
2002 N Main St.
Santa Ana, CA 92706
(714) 567-3600
www.bowers.org

Although not typically open late for evening proposals, Bowers Museum, located in Santa Ana, offers both beautiful grounds and thought-provoking art to inspire the swelling feelings of love behind a heart-felt proposal. After popping the question, be sure to dine at Tangata, the Patina Restaurant group establishment with a stunning courtyard patio and primo entree selection. If an evening proposal is more your style, the museum does offer a variety of "Bowers After Hours" dining and gallery viewing opportunities, but the schedule is very limited.

Beach Inspired Proposal Locations
montage-laguna-beach
(credit: Preferred Hotel Group)

Montage Laguna Beach
30801 South Coast Hwy.
Laguna Beach, California 92651
(866) 271-6953
www.montagehotels.com/lagunabeach

With spectacular grounds and a beautiful setting, a proposal at the Montage Laguna Beach will undoubtedly be one to remember for a lifetime. And, while Orange County boasts quite a few restaurants with primo ocean views, for the ultimate sunset themed marriage proposal, fine dining, exceptional service, and premium drinks at the restaurants here help to make the evening special. For a more casual dinner, take in an outdoor meal at Mosaic Bar and Grille where live entertainment will serenade your meal 7 nights of the week during the summer months. The Studio, the ultimate in both luxury, location, views, and impeccable cuisine, will cater to your romantic whims as you plan your evening with their management team.

Santa Monica beach engagement
(credit: Dave Richards Photography)

Orange County Beaches
Various Locations

With 42 miles of coastline in six unique Orange County cities, a beachfront proposal is one of the easiest romantic options available. To make the most of your visit, check the tide predictions, sunset time, and weather forecast to make the most of the day. The Huntington Beach Pier is a popular beach location to pop the question at, but you certainly won't be alone. For the most secluded spot in the sand, head to Shaw's Cove in Laguna, located at the end of Fairview Street. Make sure to bring flowers, and a picnic to top the proposal off!

champagne_sunset_gallery
(Credit: Hornblower Cruises)

Sunset Dinner Cruise
Newport Beach Hornblower
2431 W. Pacific Coast Hwy.
Newport Beach, CA 93663
(949) 258-9589
www.hornblower.com

There's nothing like going on a cruise along the water at sunset to get in the mood. In fact, watching the glimmering water and sky change into a rainbow colored masterpiece is about as romantic as it can get. Add in a delicious dinner, champagne to toast with, and live music and dancing, and you've hit the ultimate in romance. Wanting something more private? Consider chartering a private yacht tour of Newport's harbor for just the two of you. Tip: Be sure that your soon-to-be doesn't get sea sick, or your planning might all be in vain.

Locations With Dramatic Views Of Orange County
great park carousel and balloon
(Credit: Orange County Great Park)

Great Park Balloon
Orange County Great Park
Irvine, CA 92618
(949) 724-6247
www.ocgp.org

The Orange County Great Parks Balloon is the perfect spot to get a bird's eye view of the entire county while you pop the question. Open Thursdays-Sundays, the tethered balloon slowly ascends to 400 feet above the ground, giving you unsurpassed views 40 miles in each direction. An evening flight, open late until 10pm, will surround with the glimmering city lights. Enjoy a ride on the carousel after your proposal for a dizzying, nostalgic spin.

alta laguna
(Credit: Joanna H./Yelp)

Alta Laguna Park
Alta Laguna Blvd.
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
(949) 412-6150

If your love is the outdoorsy type, consider a visit to Alta Laguna Park, as known as Top of the World park, in Laguna Beach. In addition to the picnic tables and dramatic views overlooking the ocean and valley below, the West Ridge Trail, a 2 1/2 mile trail with magnificent valley and ocean views, departs from the park providing the perfect seclusion for you to ask for a hand in marriage. On a clear day, you can see Catalina Island in the distance.

orange hill
(Credit: Orange Hill Restaurant)

Orange Hill Restaurant
6410 East Chapman Avenue
Orange, CA 92869
(714) 997-2910
www.theorangehillrestaurant.com

Located up in the hills of east Orange County on Chapman Avenue, Orange Hill Restaurant is one of OC's most memorable dining experiences, just perfect for a romantic marriage proposal. Views from the restaurant include downtown Los Angeles, the California coastline, Catalina Island, and even the fireworks from Disneyland park. The meticulous grounds (including waterfalls and koi poinds), outdoor fire pits and fireplaces cast a romantic atmosphere on the outdoor patio, or dine indoors to take in the view. An extensive wine list (more than 200) coupled with locally sourced ingredients and a perfectly aged steak combine for an exceptional evening.

Katie Bodell is the Blog Editor for Trekaroo, the largest family travel website in the U.S. She is also a freelance writer, a happy wife to her best friend, and a mom to three sweet California girls. See more on: Trekaroo | CheapOair | Google+ | Twitter.

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