The Best Places to Propose In Scottsdale Arizona
Scottsdale's Love Story: 10 Great Spots to Pop the Question
Scottsdale, Arizona wasn’t always the bustling city it is today. Back in the 1880s, it was just a small farming community. U.S. Army Chaplain Winfield Scott bought 640 acres here for $3.50 an acre. Can you believe that? He grew oranges and figs. It could have been called Figville, or Orangeburg, but luckily the town was named after him in 1894.
Fast forward to now. Scottsdale has grown a lot. It’s known for its resorts and golf courses, but it’s also a great place to propose. Here are 10 spots where you could ask that big question.
Desert Botanical Garden
This garden started in the 1930s. A small group of local citizens wanted to protect desert plants. Forward thinking people eh? Well now it’s huge with over 50,000 plants, and you can see all kinds of cacti and desert flowers here. If you’re lucky, on some nights, they have special light shows. Imagine asking someone to marry you surrounded by glowing cacti. As if popping the question isn’t memorable enough…
Hot Air Balloon Ride
Imagine proposing while floating high above the desert landscape. Hot air balloons, though dating back to the 1780s, still offer an exhilarating experience today. Several Scottsdale companies provide sunrise or sunset balloon rides, perfect for a unique and breathtaking proposal. Pop the question drifting over the purple desert with the sun on its way down to a beautiful sunset.
McDowell Sonoran Preserve
This nature preserve spans over 30,000 acres – equivalent to 30,000 football fields! Hiking trails abound, ranging from easy strolls to tougher treks. For a memorable proposal, consider hiking to a scenic viewpoint. But remember: the desert heat can be intense, so bring plenty of water, hats, sunscreen, and effort.
Scottsdale Waterfront
Developed in the early 2000s, this newer area features a canal with walking paths, bridges, and fountains. Its downtown location makes it ideal for a proposal followed by a celebratory meal at a nearby restaurant like the Herb Box, Kyoto, or Olive and Ivy.
Pinnacle Peak Park
Opening in 2002, Pinnacle Peak Park showcases a mountain that’s far older. The 1.75-mile hike to the top – about 3,080 steps – rewards you with spectacular, far-reaching views. If you and your partner enjoy hiking, this could be the perfect proposal spot. You can tell her to “look at the view over there” and while she’s looking get down on your knee and give her that custom engagement ring you put so much time into. You know just a suggestion…
Taliesin West
The world famous architect Frank Lloyd Wright built Taliesin West not too long after he came to Arizona in the 1930s to improve his health. Wright and his students built Taliesin West as a winter camp, and thanks to its unique layout and design, it’s a National Historic Landmark. You can take tours here. The building fits right into the desert landscape. It might be a good spot to propose if you like architecture or history.
Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art (SMoCA)
Since 1999, this former movie theater has been home to ever-changing modern art exhibits. You never know what you might encounter here. For a truly unique proposal, consider the Turrell Skyspace – a special room that frames the sky.
Cafe Monarch
Located in historic Old Town Scottsdale, amid 1920s buildings, Cafe Monarch offers a fine-dining setting for your proposal. Despite its location, the restaurant itself isn’t old, but it’s known for its elegance and weekly changing menu. Added bonus: All servers at Cafe Monarch go through a sommeliers program, this coupled with the amazing selection of wines from all over the world, you will get the perfect wine for your perfect evening.
McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park
Opened in 1975, this park celebrates Arizona’s railway history with train-themed attractions, including a rideable miniature train. It’s an ideal proposal spot if you’re looking for something different, or just want the engagement to totally come out of left field, because who would expect you to get down on one knee while riding a train. Oh and the park won the award for best park in the country in 2019.
Sanctuary Camelback Mountain Resort and Spa
Perched on Camelback Mountain – named for its resemblance to a kneeling camel – this resort offers a luxurious proposal setting. The area, inhabited by Native Americans for millennia before settlers arrived, now hosts this upscale retreat.
According to their website, “Nestled within the picturesque landscapes of Camelback Mountain, Sanctuary is a famed Paradise Valley luxury resort set upon 53 acres of lush desert featuring manicured grounds, gardens, pools and award-winning facilities.” Sounds like a winning proposition if we ever heard one.
Scottsdale has transformed dramatically since Winfield Scott’s era, evolving from a small farming community to a vibrant city. Yet, it retains its desert allure. Whether you prefer nature, history, or fine dining, Scottsdale offers a solid proposal backdrop.
So, do you have a ring yet?
Yes? Amazing, good job.
No? Talk to us. We make custom engagement rings according to YOUR inspiration and the vision in YOUR head with the diamond (whether natural, lab-grown, or salt and pepper) and precious metal you want. We won’t push stock rings on you. If you want to see how will help make your popping the question day a success, book a no-strings design appointment today by choosing the best date and time using the calendar below.
