Where to Propose in Newport, RI | 15 Great Locations

Newport is undoubtedly one of the best places in Rhode Island to propose! Whether you’re a local 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! I’ve included some photos and galleries from each location, so you can see what each one looks like. Just remember, these locations will look very different depending on the season in which you plan your proposal!

1. 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.

2. Salve Regina’s Ochre Court

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. The public can access the property from the 40 Steps area of Cliff Walk, with parking on Webster Street.

2025 Update: Ochre Court now charges a fee to reserve the site for outdoor proposals. It is about half the cost of a mansion proposal.

3. 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.

4. 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!

4a. 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.

4b. 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!

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!

6b. Castle Hill at The Lawn

If you don’t want to take the short walk to the Castle Hill Lighthouse, consider proposing on the Lawn. This option has a stunning view of the Newport Bridge and Adirondack chairs for watching the boats go by. In the summer, it is busy, but in the off season months you will find it quite private.

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 with waves that attract the local surfers. 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. King’s Park

This is one of my go-to locations for when it rains! That’s because there is a small gazebo that can offer some shelter on wet days. Other features that make this an attractive place to propose include beautiful views of the harbor, walkable paths, stone walls, and a small beach. Just be sure to check the calendar of events as this venue is used for weddings and musical events throughout the year.

11. The Chanler

The Chanler is a historic hotel and restaurant with views of Easton’s Beach and in close proximity to Cliff Walk. In the summer, the Meadow Garden is a gorgeous place for a Newport proposal, surrounded by beautiful blue hydrangeas. If you plan to hire a proposal photographer, however, be sure to call ahead as this venue has strict rules for photographers to protect their client’s experience.

12. Sachuest (Second) Beach

Okay, so technically this 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!

13. Storer Park

If you need to stage your proposal close to the downtown, Storer Park offers views of the Goat Island Lighthouse and the Newport Bridge. It is easily walkable with paved paths and benches are provided for enjoying the harbor views.

14. On a Helicopter

This is such a fun idea for a proposal in Newport! Book a flight with Newport Helicopter Tours and have your proposal recorded in real time while you fly over the “Marry Me” sign at the end of the tour. Then, have your family and friends join you on the runway for an unforgettable experience!

15. 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!

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