Favorite Proposal Spots in Champaign County
From sentimental first-date spots to scenic areas with gorgeous backdrops, memorable proposal spots are all over the greater Champaign County area. In a recent Instagram Q+A, our followers helped us brainstorm with their own proposal stories on some of the best proposal spots in Champaign County. Here's what we came up with for popping the big question.
Best proposal spots in champaign county
What did Champaign County residents have to say about their dream proposals? Here are some of the responses we got about the setting for that special day or night.
sentimental first date spots and popular venues
We got a handful of responses about your proposal location that included a return to a favorite date spot. We had responses involving local restaurants that included fine nights out at Hamilton Walker's and the comfort of local favorites like Papa Del's.
A night to remember often calls for celebratory drinks, which is why some of you got ahead of the game by proposing at a local venue that serves spirits. We also had a few responses for the Alto Vineyards Tasting Room in Champaign, which often hosts outdoor music perfect for a memorable night. Likewise, one follower mentioned the Blind Pig Co. beer garden, where the couple met for a first date.
Not only are local restaurants and venues fun to visit for a night out, but they can also become the backdrop for a day you'll never forget.
Memorable spots around town
Many people who live in Champaign County grew up here as well, but some moved to the area for work or school. That's why an overwhelmingly popular proposal spot is the Alma Mater statue on campus. For U of I grads, this statue represents the institution at which they met their lifelong partner.
Another popular spot in Champaign County for proposals is at the area's other higher education institution, Parkland College: the Staerkel Planetarium. Imagine popping the question under the stars; does it get any more romantic? Maybe doing it outside at Illinois' only International Dark Sky Park, Middle Fork River Forest Preserve, could give it a run for its money.
parks and forest preserves
Speaking of forest preserves, outdoor spaces full of nature and scenery were overwhelmingly popular with our residents for proposal spots. From Homer Lake to Lake of the Woods, these outdoor spaces are perfect for a picnic, walk, and then a drop to one knee.
Champaign-Urbana area parks also seem to be popular with our locals. From West Side Park just outside Downtown Champaign to Urbana's Meadowbrook Park and the gorgeous trails along the Wandell Sculpture Garden, local parks are often where many dating couples walk after work or explore on the weekends, making them a great place to return to for a proposal.
Lastly, plenty of people mentioned a proposal and a wedding at Allerton Park! As one of the premier wedding venues and outdoor spaces in Illinois, Allerton is primed for asking the question and seeing the couple through their big day.
A setting for every love story
Whether you met at the University of Illinois, grew up in the area, or met the person of your dreams here on a visit, the Champaign County area has a setting for every love story. From scenic parks and preserves to incredible restaurants and memorable spots around town, a perfect proposal doesn't need to be in one particular place. It just has to be special to you and yours. Whether your story takes place entirely in Champaign County, or maybe just a chapter, our Outside of Ordinary area will always be here for you to relive those precious moments.