From the Atlantic coast to the Berkshire Mountains, there are plenty of places to propose in Massachusetts. Sure, anyone can choose a beach or hiking trail to pop the question. Or, you know, Boston Public Garden, Fenway, or Top of the Hub.
But the Getaway Mavens know there are quirky romantics out there looking for something a bit more out of the box.
So, check out our ideas below. Proposal sites include the garden of a Founding Father and his adored wife, in a village that “runs on science,” under a whale skeleton, atop a famous monument, while shooting hoops, and more.
Quirky Places to Propose in Massachusetts
In the Tiny Coastal Village That “Runs On Science” – Woods Hole
Nerds take note. Yes, there’s a charming little waterfront ‘burg in MA that will totally float your boat. Woods Hole MA, home to HOV Alvin (first manned deep ocean research submersible), and a bevy of brainiacs at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI), the Marine Biological Laboratory (MBL), NOAA’s Northeast Fisheries Science Center, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Coastal and Marine Science Center, the Woodwell Climate Research Center, and the Sea Education Association (SEA), allow for a deep dive into climate and oceanographic research. Chose a lab – or plan to propose by the very first Alvin right outside the Redfield Laboratory on Water Street. Stay at the boutique Woods Hole Inn, and grab a Fish Taco at Quicks Hole Taqueria. Learn more at Getaway Mavens Woods Hole MA.
The Home of America’s First Power Couple, John and Abigail Adams, Quincy
America’s most romantic Founding Couple Abigail and John Adams must have frolicked throughout their stunning gardens at Old House at Peace Field, which makes it an ideal spot for historians in love to pledge their lives to each other. Quincy MA was home to the original movers and shakers of early American history, including Abigail and John Adam’s son, John Quincy and his wife, Louisa. They are all interred together in a family vault in the basement of the United First Parish Church of Quincy. You are allowed to reverently place your hands on their stone coffins in a private church crypt. Read more at Quincy MA.
Anywhere in Provincetown
Sometimes, Provincetown MA – at the tail end of Cape Cod – can be a caricature of itself. Which is what makes it so festive year-round. A gay playground, Provincetown also draws fun-loving couples, families, and groups of all orientations.
It’s also, historians note, the first place that the Mayflower stopped in 1620 to search for water and arable land. (None here – so they sailed on to Plymouth). You can pop the question at the top of the 252 ft. tall Pilgrim Monument for optimal views.
Or anywhere on the main artery, Commercial St. Or even at a Drag Show or on a Whale Watch cruise. For something really special, though, arrange a private sunset proposal on the sand dunes with Art’s Dune Tours.
While Riding the Oldest Platform Carousel in the USA – Flying Horses – Martha’s Vineyard
Go for the brass ring – then proffer your own glittery one – at one of the oldest merry-go-rounds in the country. The enclosed Flying Horses Carousel in Oak Bluffs on Martha’s Vineyard has been thrilling riders since it was built in 1876. No doubt there have been at least a few “whirlwind” proposals there since then.
Beneath An Oil-Seeping Whale Skull at New Bedford Whaling Museum
For this one, you’ve both got to have a sense of wonder about weird natural events and/or are Herman Melville fans.
In this case, the skeleton of a juvenile Blue Whale (killed accidentally by a tanker in 1998) was cleaned and bleached for months before being suspended from the ceiling of the New Bedford Whaling Museum in New Bedford MA. Museum staff realized that the sinus cavities were still leaking oil (now captured in a pan and beaker), and will continue to for decades to come.
The Museum sits within the New Bedford Whaling National Park – worthy of a weekend in itself – with sites included in Melville’s Moby Dick. But for these purposes (as a quirky place to propose in Massachusetts), couples fascinated by the Whaling Industry of yore can pause to propose right beneath the oil-leaking whale.
In A Well Preserved 1700’s New England Town-Museum, Historic Deerfield
Are you into historic preservation? Colonial architecture? Paul Revere Silver collecting? If so, Historic Deerfield MA– home to Deerfield Academy – is the perfect place to pledge your lives to each other. Historic Deerfield has been called the “Best documented small community in America,” where “regular people lived their lives 200 plus years ago.” Maintained at its original scale, with all of its buildings in their original spots, the village is considered an “above ground archeological experience.” Choose your moment: pop the question while walking down main street in a blaze of fall foliage; while touring one of a dozen homes or museums; or while sitting before the fireplace at the authentically New England Deerfield Inn.
In a Summer Home Made Entirely Out of Newspapers in Rockport – the Quirkiest Place to Propose in Massachusetts
This unique 2-bedroom Paper House was constructed, in 1922, out of 100,000 rolled newspapers painted with marine grade varnish. The result is so unusual, it’s become a tourist attraction – albeit very off the beaten path. As such the Paper House is a prime place for “off the beaten path” kinds of people to get engaged. Rockport MA itself puts one in mind of Maine: with lobster boats coming and going and bobbing at moorings in the harbor. Celebrate the Big Ask with a steamed lobster at Roy Moore Lobster Co.
While Getting Witchy in Salem
Book a professional photo shoot at Witch Pix, choose from a tapestry of capes, pointed hats, wands, frocks, and props – and get ready to cast a spell on your beloved. For the rest of your life. For this marriage proposal to work, though, you must be 100% sure the answer is yes. Because, there will be at least one photographer-witness snapping away. To avoid overwhelming crowds, visit Salem MA any month of the year except October. Everything is still open and running, but you’re not waiting forever to get in.
On Walden Pond or in Louisa May Alcott’s House, Concord
So much went on in Concord MA back in the day. Four famous authors lived and are buried there: Louisa May Alcott, Nathanial Hawthorne, Henry David Thoreau, and Ralph Waldo Emerson (all buried on Author’s Ridge in Sleepy Hollow Cemetery). It’s also where “The Shot Heard Around the World,” was fired on the Old North Bridge – the opening salvo of the Revolutionary War. Interestingly, Louisa May Alcott’s Orchard House has seen a number of marriage proposals of late. But, any of these spots – the Cemetery (a bit macabre, sure); the Authors’ homes; the Old North Bridge – would make a fine spot to pop the question, depending on your literary or American History inclinations.
While Shooting Hoops At the Basketball Hall of Fame, Springfield
Calling all sporty couples! How about popping the question while playing one-on-one in the place that celebrates women’s and men’s basketball every day: The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield MA. Not only are there interactive exhibits aplenty, but you can actually shoot hoops in the cavernous Center Court. Afterwards, ask for the hand of your opponent. Don’t forget the ring! FYI – you can also host your wedding there as well.
Now that you’re engaged, consult Visit Massachusetts for Wedding Venues.
