Where to Propose in Newport, RI | 12 Great Locations

Newport is undoubtedly one of the best places in Rhode Island to propose! Whether you’re a native or a tourist, if you choose to propose in Newport, you’re probably going to earn bonus points with your girlfriend. Between the gorgeous New England waterfront and the walkable, historic downtown you are sure to have a beautiful, romantic experience. If you’re looking for some ideas on where to propose in Newport, RI, this list is for you!

1. Brenton Point State Park on Ocean Drive

If you love romance, a scenic ride along Newport’s historic Ocean Drive might be the proposal location for you! This ten mile road features stunning views of the rocky coastline, enhanced only by a summer sunset. Ocean Drive also passes by Brenton Point State Park, which is a great spot to park, ride a bike, fly kites, and enjoy a picnic lunch. Though popular in the summer, it’s not hard to find a private proposal location on this long stretch of road. Ocean Drive begins at an intersection with Ocean Avenue and ends shortly before you arrive at Fort Adams.

2. Cliff Walk

Open sunrise to sunset year round, Cliff Walk is a free, public access walk with unbeatable views of the coastline and the luxurious Newport Mansions of the gilded age. The path starts at 119 Memorial Avenue near First Beach and ends at Bailey’s Beach on Bellevue Avenue. It takes about 2.5 hours to walk the entire length, but there are multiple entrance and exit points available. The Forty Steps, a 40 step staircase to the ocean, is a popular parking place. It can also be a picturesque place to propose in Newport!

2a. Cliff Walk at Forty Steps

Often times clients would like to propose at Forty Steps in Newport off of the Cliff Walk. I’ve personally found this to be a difficult location for proposals, unless you are fine with the possibility of there being people down there when you do it! Forty Steps is very close to Salve, making it a popular hang out spot for students. In the summer, school is out but the Cliff Walk is jamming and it might be difficult to find a quiet moment, unless you plan for a sunrise proposal! Sometimes, we will try for the steps, but have to settle for the side of the Cliff Walk as seen in the images below.

2b. Cliff Walk at Ledge Road

If you are looking for a stunning place to catch the sunset for your proposal in Newport, you might want to include Ledge Road on your list! Between the iconic staircase, vast expanses of granite, and crashing waves, it will be a memorable place for a proposal. The only tricky part about proposing at Ledge Road is the parking. If you plan to propose off-season, November – April, there is parking on the street. But from May to October, parking is for residents (and fishermen!) only and I know for a fact they will ticket you if you try to get away with it! But, if you don’t mind walking the Cliff Walk or proposing off-season, this could be a great location for you!

3. The Newport Mansions

What could be more romantic than a proposal in one of Newport’s famous mansions? Surrounded by the luxury and fashion of the late 18th and early 19th centuries, your proposal is sure to be completely unforgettable. One downside to using the Newport Mansions as a proposal location, however, is that they have strict rules for photography. If capturing your proposal is important to you, you might want to keep thinking about where to propose in Newport, RI.

4. Salve Regina’s Ochre Court

The one exception to the mansion rule however is Ochre Court, shown below, which is a part of the Salve Regina Campus. Ochre Court is a great place to capture the mansion vibes without the mansion cost: photography on the grounds is free

5. Bannister’s & Bowen’s Wharf

Though busy in the summer, Bannister’s and Bowen’s Wharf are quiet in the cooler months. This waterfront area is full of one-of-a-kind shops and restaurants that, come Christmastime, are fully decked for the holidays. Gorgeous greenery adorns the shops and a giant Christmas tree decorates the square. It’s a really magical place for a winter engagement in Newport.

6. Castle Hill Inn Lighthouse

You might win bonus points with this Newport proposal location, here’s how. First, take her out to dinner at the charming Castle Hill Inn restaurant, right off Ocean Drive. Then, after dinner, surprise her with a sparkly ring at a romantic sunset proposal near the lighthouse! Top it off with a cruise around the Ocean Drive under a starry, summer night. It’ll be unforgettable!

7. Fort Adams Bay Walk

Fort Adams Bay Walk is a stunning place to catch the sunset over the west side of the island. You’ll enjoy a view of the Newport Bridge and several nearby lighthouses. If having a summer sunset over the water is important to you, this might be where you want to propose in Newport!

8. Easton’s Beach

Easton’s Beach, also known as First Beach, is a popular beach within walking distance of Cliff Walk and the downtown. It is home to a sandy beach, a historic 1950’s carousel, an aquarium, and a ballroom that functions as a beach front wedding venue! With so many things to do, and it’s close proximity to the downtown, put this beach on your list of where to propose in Newport, RI!

9. Newport Harbor Island Resort (formerly Gurney’s in Newport)

Want a proposal with an unforgettable view? Consider the Newport Harbor Island Resort. Newport Harbor Island Resort is located on Goat Island and features views of the Goat Island lighthouse and the Newport Bridge. In the winter, The Newport Harbor Island Resort is home to an ice rink! So take a walk, enjoy the sunset, and propose by the lighthouse. Top it off with a walk downtown or a cruise around the ice rink.

10. One of Newport’s Hotels

In case of inclement weather, proposing in a hotel is a nice alternative to have on hand. Many hotels in Newport, like Brenton Hotel or the Newport Marriott, have a classy environment, an attached restaurant or bar and plenty of space for your photographer to hide for the proposal! I prefer to photograph surprise engagements outdoors, but sometimes you need an indoor option!

11. On a Boat

What could be more romantic than a sunset cruise? Proposing on a sunset cruise, of course! Book a private charter and pamper the wife-to-be with charcuterie, mixed drinks, and sunset views of the Newport Harbor and she’s sure to say yes!

12. Sachuest (Second) Beach

Okay, so technically this last location isn’t in Newport, RI, it’s in Middletown. But often enough people think that it’s in Newport, so I’m going to include it. Second Beach is a gorgeous white sand beach with an enormous rock jutting out of one end of it. It’s easily one of my favorite places to photograph proposals near Newport because the sunset hits it just right!

Got another idea on your mind for a Newport, Rhode Island proposal? I’d love to hear about it.