Ultimate Guide to Planning a Burlington, Vermont Proposal

If you’re dreaming of, or actively planning, the perfect proposal in Burlington, Vermont, this one-of-a-kind little city offers stunning views, charming restaurants, and unique experiences to make your engagement unforgettable. I get to photograph dozens of couples here each year. I live a short walk from the Burlington Watefront and never stop finding new things to do!

Here are some of the best ways to pop the question in this beautiful city, with a little help from local vendors who can elevate the experience.

READING GUIDE:  

🐶 = dog friendly

♿️ = wheelchair accessible

Scenic Proposal Locations

First thing’s first: choosing a location for your Burlington, Vermont proposal. The Queen City’s natural beauty makes it the perfect setting for a romantic proposal. Consider these breathtaking spots:

• Waterfront Park –  ♿️🐶 A sunset proposal with Lake Champlain as your backdrop is pure magic. Dog-friendly! Recommended year-round but especially in summer (June-September) and fall (September and October).  There are lots of little spots off of the parallel bike path that I know!
• Shelburne Farms – ♿️🐶 Propose in front of historic stone barns or along scenic trails with Lake Champlain in the backdrop. Recommended year-round (Shelburne Farms)
• Charlotte Town Beach – Take a scenic drive to this quiet beach with a gorgeous view, perfect year-round (Charlotte Town Beach).
• Champlain Causeway – ♿️🐶 A stunning trail that’s dog-friendly and offers epic views (Champlain Causeway).
• I have some secret, quiet spots I love to use as well, so let me know if you need help!

 

Where to Stay

If you are traveling from out of town, these convenient and gorgeous Burlington hotels below will be the perfect place for a romantic getaway.

Make your proposal even more memorable with a luxurious overnight stay.

• Hotel Vermont – ♿️🐶A boutique hotel with cozy, modern rooms and an intimate vibe, right in town.
• The Blind Tiger– ♿️ Gorgeous rooms and a bright atrium make this historic mansion absolutely stunning. This is right in town as well.

 

Post-Proposal Dinner

To keep the excitement rolling (and to give a convenient excuse as to why you’re so dressed up), consider dining at these spots afterward (just make sure to make a reservation):

• Hen of the Wood – A beloved Burlington institution known for its exceptional cuisine and romantic atmosphere (Hen of the Wood). Right near Church Street.
• Honey Road – Enjoy Mediterranean-inspired dishes in an intimate setting, right on Church Street (Honey Road).
• Leunig’s Bistro – A French-inspired bistro perfect for a candlelit dinner, also on Church Street (Leunig’s Bistro).

 

Unique Ideas

Of course you want to insert some other elements to make your Burlington, Vermont proposal experience unforgettable. Here are some local favorite vendors and unique ideas:

• A Cultivated Living – Elevate your Burlington, Vermont proposal with a custom picnic basket, filled with gourmet treats and local flavors. I love this idea for making a summer proposal perfect. I can pick it up and bring it with me!
• Oak and Bee Florals – This local florist can design a dreamy arrangement to surprise your partner at the perfect moment. I am happy to bring this with me to surprise your partner.
• Roam and Om –Brielle will guide you to lesser-known trails or destination hikes and lead you through a yoga class. So romantic and special!
• Live music adds an unforgettable touch to any proposal. Randal Pierce  is an extraordinary pianist and can surprise your partner.
• Bike Rentals. Local Motion, located right on the Burlington bike path near Waterfront Park, has regular and e-bikes. You can bike to a spot along the waterfront, and propose there!

 

Things to Do in Burlington

Enhance your engagement weekend with these fun activities:

• • Burlington Beer Company – ♿️🐶 Enjoy a craft beer tasting at one of Burlington’s most beloved breweries. I would recommend getting an Uber there, or biking along the bike path to get there!
  • Foam Brewers – ♿️🐶  A lakeside brewery with a lively atmosphere and incredible IPAs. Walkable from downtown.
  • Church Street Marketplace – Stroll through this iconic pedestrian street, filled with shops (Crow Bookstore and Flora and Fauna are my favorite to lazily poke around in), restaurants, and live entertainment in the summer. Burlington City Arts is a fun place to stroll around and view the local art scene.
  • Sunset Cruise on Lake Champlain – ♿️ Celebrate your engagement with a romantic boat ride on the lake.
  • The Saturday Farmer’s Market ♿️🐶 and then Barge Canal Market/Speaking Volumes– especially in summer, grab a coffee at Speeder and Earl’s and walk around Pine Street. The Burlington Farmer’s Market is always fun and busy! Dog-friendly in the summer. In the winter, it runs sporadically so check the website for details!
  • Vermont Comedy Club – ♿️ they always have amazing comedians and fun shows going on!
  • Kayak and stand up paddle board rentals– Oakledge Park (Blanchard Beach, in Google Maps) is in the South End of Burlington and has summer rentals.
  • Waterfront sauna– Savu is a great activity for couples. And you can cold plunge right into Lake Champlain, if you’re brave.
  • Walk or Bike at the Intervale– a favorite spot of mine, they often have concerts in the summer or other events. In the winter, they have amazing cross-country ski trails that you can walk on (dogs, too!)
  • Cross-Country Ski at Sleepy Hollow– yes, this is a drive, but totally worth it to explore the dirt roads of Vermont and get out in nature!

 

Contact me (Anne Mientka Photography) for details about my proposal photography packages that include:

1. planning help
2. capturing the proposal itself
3. engagement photos right afterward
4. same-day previews