Where to Propose in New Orleans
New Orleans Proposal Ideas
New Orleans is one of America’s most atmospheric cities. It combines beautiful European architecture and a vibrant music scene with the romance of the Mississippi. Sadly large scale destruction following Hurricane Katrina in 2005 has left scars around the city, but the motto of "Let the Good Times Roll" still seems to pervade the areas along the river.
Mississippi Proposals in New Orleans
The Mississippi River is a popular subject in literature and legend and there’s something incredibly romantic about the vast expanse of ever changing water. There are a number of scenic spots you could consider proposing on the river and the most iconic might be on the water itself aboard the Natchez, the Mississippi’s last authentic steamboat. For an extra romantic touch book an evening dinner and jazz cruise and enjoy the beauty of the New Orleans skyline.
Another great location for a proposal is alongside the river behind the French Quarter where Woldenberg Park meets the Moonwalk, a lovely boardwalk along the river named after Mayor Moon Landrieu. This location is handy for Jackson Square and is particularly beautiful at sunset when you can watch the light sparkle on the water.
Park Proposals in New Orleans
Scenic parks are something that New Orleans does particularly well and you’ll be spoilt for choice if you’re looking for a romantic park location to pop the question. City Park is a great choice in the north of the city and you could choose to propose in the sculpture garden, in the beautiful peristyle overlooking the Bayou Metairie which flows to the Mississippi, on a pedal boat or gondola on the lagoon, or while riding the flying horses on the vintage carousel. The park also houses the superb New Orleans Museum of Art if you find yourself there on a rainy day.
Another beautiful New Orleans park, this time located in the garden district alongside the river, is Audubon Park. Its beautiful old Spanish oak trees and lagoons make it an attractive choice at any time of year, and you can use the excellent Audubon Zoo or Aquarium as an excuse to visit the park before your proposal. The lovely fountain might be a good place to pop the question.
French Quarter Proposal Locations
The most iconic image of New Orleans is Jackson Square and the three turrets of St. Louis Cathedral, the oldest Catholic cathedral in continual use in the United States. The area in front of the cathedral would be a wonderful place for a truly New Orleans proposal, especially if you get down on one knee just as the bells begin to ring. Jackson Square itself is a beautiful park in the French Quarter of New Orleans that was designed to resemble the Place des Vosges in Paris and any spot within the square could work for a romantic proposal if you don’t mind an audience.
For a more private option in the French Quarter why not hire a horse drawn carriage and take a tour of the area, asking the driver to stop somewhere with a great view for the big moment. Iconic areas of the French Quarter include Bourbon Street and Pirate Alley, but while these are must see sights of New Orleans, with incredible atmosphere and architecture, they’re not generally romantic locations for a proposal because they get quite crowded.
Romantic Restaurants in New Orleans
New Orleans has an unrivaled restaurant scene and is best known for Louisiana Creole cuisine which combines French, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, Native American, and Southern cooking methods with African influences. Whether you are looking for a restaurant in the French Quarter, the Garden District, or downtown, you’ll be spoilt for choice.
Irene’s is a French Provincial and Creole-Italian restaurant in the French Quarter close to Woldenberg Park. Although it’s not a especially touristy you may have to wait for a table, but the fabulous food, friendly service, and cozy romantic atmosphere make it worthwhile.
Arnaud’s Creole restaurant which is located just steps from Bourbon Street is the ultimate New Orleans dining experience. Whether you choose a romantic dinner in the turn of the century dining room or one of their famous jazz brunches in the Jazz Bistro, the food is guaranteed to please.
Bayona is another celebrated restaurant in the French Quarter, and the menu spans a huge range of cuisines including Mediterranean, Far Eastern, North African, French, and Italian as well as drawing inspiration from all over the U.S. There are three beautiful dining rooms plus a tropical patio with its own fountain.
Muriel’s restaurant is located in the heart of Jackson Square and is a wonderful place to soak up the atmosphere of New Orleans as well as tasting the delicious contemporary Creole cuisine. Start with cocktails in the courtyard bar and book a table on the second floor wrought iron balcony overlooking Jackson Square.
Commander’s Palace is located in the Garden District and is a New Orleans attraction in its own right. The beautiful blue Victorian architecture houses a decadent restaurant where the food is an inventive combination of modern New Orleans cooking and Haute Creole and consistently gets rave reviews.
Restaurant August is located In the Lower Garden District and is one of celebrated Chef John Besh’s restaurants. The contemporary French menu is influenced by local ingredients and the chef’s southern roots.
Le Foret is a new restaurant with cuisine that combines Southern inspiration, French technique and seasonal flavors. Its convenient downtown location and luxurious interior make it an excellent choice for a post proposal dinner.
Romantic Activities in New Orleans
Once your girlfriend has become your fiancée you’ll want to carry on the celebration with a few romantic activities, and these are all great ideas for fun or romantic things to do when you’re in New Orleans.
- Take a ride on the St. Charles Avenue street car
- Drink cocktails at 200 year old Napoleon House
- Wander through the galleries of Royal Street
- Visit the jazz clubs of Frenchman Street
- Tour the Jazz Walk of Fame at the Jazz National Historic Park
- Take a ferry ride across the Mississippi from Canal Street
- Light a candle at St. Louis Cathedral on Jackson Square
- Enjoy one of New Orleans’ legendary festivals
- Hold each other tight on a ghost and vampire tour
Where to Stay in New Orleans for Your Proposal Trip
There are plenty of excellent hotels in New Orleans, and if you really want to capture the flavor of the city look for one of the restored historic houses and mansions, many of which contain well preserved original features. Most people choose to stay in or close to the French Quarter, but there are also great hotels in the Garden and Arts Districts.
French Quarter Hotels
If you’d like a little historic luxury close to the French Quarter, Melrose Mansion could be the perfect hotel for you. The restored Victorian mansion is located on Esplanade Avenue and has every amenity you could want including a large swimming pool and a lovely courtyard with fountains.
Another historic and luxurious choice in the French Quarter, at the foot of Royal Street, is the Hotel Monteleone, which has a spa, rooftop pool, and the famous Carousel Bar. For an extra edge bear in mind that the Hotel Monteleone is one of America’s most haunted hotels.
For something a little different check out the Audubon Cottages, a historic collection of seven cottages in the French Quarter which have the feel of a secluded private hideaway in the heart of New Orleans. The cottages share use of a saltwater pool and are linked to the Dauphine Hotel, another lovely historic French Quarter hotel with a peaceful courtyard.
Bourbon Street Hotels
If you want to stay on Bourbon Street itself, think about the Royal Sonesta Hotel which is distinctly New Orleans with its traditional gabled windows, French doors, and wrought-iron lace balconies. As well as luxurious rooms you’ll find tropical courtyards with outdoor pools and cafes, restaurants, and jazz bars.
You could also consider Inn on Bourbon, a beautiful hotel that stands on the site of the legendary French Opera House, and that has balconies overlooking Bourbon Street so you can throw beads to the crowds beneath. A more affordable choice on Bourbon Street might be La Maison Marigny, an elegant bed and breakfast close to Frenchmen Street.
Garden and Art District Hotels
One of New Orleans best known hotels is the Columns Hotel on St Charles Avenue in the upper Garden District, near to Audubon Park. It is the only remaining example of a large group of Italianate houses that Thomas Sully designed in the late 1880s, and has some stunning features such as a mahogany stairwell which rises to meet an extraordinary domed stained glass skylight. With just nineteen rooms the Columns Hotel is a cozy and affordable choice.
Another beautiful hotel in the Garden District is the Queen Anne Hotel, a late nineteenth century Victorian mansion. Four poster beds, marble bathrooms and sparkling chandeliers will make your proposal vacation particularly romantic.
If you’d like to stay somewhere with a more contemporary vibe, the Hotel Modern in the Arts District is worth a look. The stylish interiors aim to capture New Orleans’ unique mixture of old world charm and new world diversity, and combined with very personalized service you are sure to have a memorable stay.
