A moment you’ll both remember forever, your proposal. Find the most romantic or unique place to ask your true love, “will you marry me?” Pop the question in one of these unforgettable spots in the Greater Peoria Area. Here are 10 proposal ideas that are sure to get the answer you’re looking for, “yes!”
ALL THE FLOWERS // Let your love blossom in the lush, romantic landscapes created by Luthy Botanical Gardens. Plan a picnic, with Cyd’s in the Park or Oliver’s in the Heights, on the grounds and take a walk through one of over a dozen themed gardens. You’ll find yourself in a wonderland of natural beauty when popping the question!
GO FOR GOLD // Depending on the season, hit your proposal out of the park at Dozer Park, home of the Peoria Chiefs. Set up a show-stopping jumbotron proposal at the Peoria Civic Center, home of the Peoria Rivermen Hockey Club. Hear the crowd cheer when she says, “yes!” at Shea Stadium, home of the Flying Carp, the Peoria City USL2 Soccer team. Whichever you choose, a sporty proposal is sure to be a grand slam!
GRAND PROPOSALS // Imagine the grand ballroom of the Pere Marquette and a string quartet is playing your song. A moment the two of you will never forget. Love the space? Start planning right there for your wedding! Looking for a different, grand proposal idea? Grab a bottle of champagne and a cozy blanket and find a lookout spot along the “World’s Most Beautiful Drive” to pop the question. Grand View Drive is stunning year round and would make the perfect backdrop for a picturesque proposal.
HEAD IN THE CLOUDS // Take your love to new heights at one of the magnificent lookout towers in Greater Peoria. Climb, or take the glass elevator at Tower Park in Peoria Heights for a sweeping view of the Illinois River Valley and a panoramic view of the surrounding area. Other options for a gravity defying proposal include either the lookout tower at Eagles Landing Park in Chillicothe or East Port Marina Banquet Center. Very little setup is required to make these picturesque spots ready for a proposal.
LOVE AT THE LAGOON // Take a romantic paddle boat ride in the spring or summer on the lagoon in Mineral Springs Park in Pekin. In the winter you can also go ice skating on the lagoon or indoor at the Veterans Memorial Arena. Any season you choose will provide a fun spot to propose.
LOCAL LOVE // Celebrate what makes our community unique and create memories to last a lifetime. Make that ring sparkle under the twinkle of holiday lights at the Festival of Lights! Fall to your knees at an autumn celebration like Morton Pumpkin Festival, Pekin Marigold Festival, or the Peoria Art Guild Fine Art Fair. Fill up on food [and love] at any of these festivals over the summer.
ROMANTIC RIVER WALK // Plan a date on the riverfront and end with a surprise proposal on the water! Great spots along the Illinois River are Havana Riverfront Park, Lacon Marina, or along the Illinois River Bluff Trail. Does your soon-to-be fiance have a Pinterest board with colors picked out for the wedding? Request a change to the Murray Baker Bridge lights—a great proposal spot with the bridge as your background is from the patio at the Peoria Riverfront Museum.
SHOW STOPPER // Take your significant other on a movie date, but watch your own love story unfold on the big screen. Rent out a movie theater screen showing off your favorite moments together and for the big finale, you propose and live happily ever after! Check out Giant Screen Theater at the Peoria Riverfront Museum, Town Theatre in Chillicothe, Majestic Theatre of Canton, and the Palace Theater in Elmwood. Everyone loves a happy ending.
SAY CHEERS // Watch the sunset together while sharing a bottle of your favorite wine at a local winery. Take home a bottle to commemorate the, “yes!” Check out our region’s wineries: Tres Rojas Winery, Big Horse Vineyards, Old Mill Vineyard, Spoon River Junction Winery, Native Trails Winery, and Mackinaw Valley Vineyard.
THE SWEET SPOT // Win your sweetie over by taking them to a local sweet shop. Award winning treats from Triple Dipples, The Sweet Shoppe, Trefzger’s Bakery, Riley’s Vegan Sweets, Voilà Macarons, Le Bakery, Sucré Sweets, The Confectionery, or Minonk Chocolate Company are sure to impress. All locations will cater to a sugary proposal!
