Valentine’s Day Engagement: When & Where

The Countdown to Valentine’s Day: Why It’s The Moment for Engagements 💍❤️

There’s something unmistakably exciting about the days leading up to Valentine’s Day. Couples are charged with anticipation, love stories seem to be everywhere, and hearts quietly hope that this might be the year the question is finally asked.

If you’re thinking about proposing, the Valentine’s Day countdown is on! Your built-in love story is waiting to happen.

You will always remember where you were and how it felt during that special moment.  Each Valentine’s Day for years to come you will celebrate more than just the holiday.  You’ll celebrate the day you promised FOREVER!  The day you made that special person a commitment, each and every day, from this Valentines Day forward.

Why Valentine’s Day For Engagements?

Valentine’s Day has long been one of the most popular times of year for engagement for good reason:

• Emotion is already high: Love is front and center everywhere you look.  From TV commercials and social media ads, to local stores who are all advertising with hearts and flowers.
  
• Romance feels effortless: Candles, flowers, chocolates, and cozy moments are already part of the season.  You are set up for success!
  
• It’s a date you’ll never forget: Your engagement anniversary is tied to a universally celebrated day of love.  And for those who have a terrible time remembering dates this is one you won’t forget!
  
• Winter intimacy: Shorter days, warm lights, and quiet moments make proposals feel personal and intentional.  The stage is set, now it’s up to you!

The Countdown to Valentines Day 

The weeks leading up to February 14th are just as important as the day itself. 40 days from now you could be changing your life forever!

4–6 weeks out
This is when ideas start forming. You’re paying closer attention…what moments make them smile? Are they hinting about rings, venues, or “someday” conversations?

2–3 weeks out
Plans start to take shape. You’ve picked the ring, chosen the setting, and maybe looped in close friends or family for help to pull off the moment.

The final week
Anticipation builds. Every dinner feels special. Every glance feels loaded with meaning. Even if your partner doesn’t know what’s coming, they feel something is different.  Your secret is safe!

There’s no recipe for perfection but here are a few ideas to get that proposal under way!

Your Guide to the Perfect Engagement

Valentine’s Day isn’t just hearts and flowers, it’s one of the most popular times of year for engagements! With love already in the air, February 14 makes an unforgettable backdrop to pop the question. But to create a moment your partner will cherish forever, planning early, especially making reservations, is key.

Popular Valentine’s Proposal Ideas

You don’t need fireworks or flash mobs, what matters is meaning. The best proposals feel like you, not a performance, but a promise.

An intimate dinner at home with candles and handwritten notes
A winter walk or scenic overlook followed by a surprise moment
A venue or place tied to your story where you met, first said “I love you,” or dreamed about the future
A weekend getaway that ends with a question they’ll remember forever

Best Places to Get Engaged in Columbus, Ohio

Whether you want dreamy gardens, skyline views, iconic landmarks, or quiet romantic corners, Columbus has tons of proposal-worthy spots:

Outdoor & Scenic Spots

• Franklin Park Conservatory & Botanical Gardens with gorgeous gardens year-round for lush, natural backdrops. 
• Bicentennial Park & Scioto Mile a downtown riverfront with urban views and fountains. 
• Topiary Park provides whimsical sculpted figures and a cozy garden feel. 
• German Village & Schiller Park featuring cobblestone streets and a charming park for timeless photos.
• Inniswood Nature Gardens are always peaceful with nature trails and charming garden spots. 
• Alum creek with a proposal by the water.
• Hayden Falls is a hidden waterfall oasis as a perfect backdrop.

Unique & Romantic Urban Spots

• Lincoln Social Rooftop both a city skyline view and dinner afterward.
• Short North Arts District is always vibrant as an arts scene with string lights and cozy corners. 
• Mirror Lake at The Ohio State University has evening lights + reflections = picture-perfect moments. 
• Easton Town Center is beautiful near the fountain or under the lights.
• Perkins Observatory propose under the night sky
• Bridge Park has plenty of upscale restaurants and the bridge is stunning!

Best Places to Get Engaged in Newark, Ohio

Just a short drive from Columbus, Newark offers beautiful and more private settings:

Dawes Arboretum

This sprawling historic arboretum with serene gardens, reflective ponds, and thousands of trees and flowers. This is a breathtaking backdrop for a proposal. Wander scenic trails or choose a quiet garden nook for your “Will you marry me?” moment. Consider sunset during golden hour by the Japanese Garden or a wooded overlook. Especially beautiful in winter with soft light and quiet woods.

Branch Brook Park: Popular for romantic strolls in winter. Walking near the lake makes for a sweet moment.

Riverfront Park: Walk the boardwalk together in this simple but meaningful spot.

The Arcade: Take a dance lesson, eat dinner, or have a craft brew or glass of wine together!

Engagement Photos at 22 Acres Farm & Venue: Enjoy the rustic farm setting for photos during or after your proposal! 22acresfarm.com

Newark Museum: An intimate indoor garden setting.

How to Keep Your Proposal a Surprise

Keeping a proposal secret while planning something thoughtful can be tricky!  Here’s how to keep it covert and magical:

Plan the logistics quietly

• Ring hiding spot: Never carry the ring where your partner might naturally check. Try a secure jacket pocket, hidden day bag, or locked glove box.
  
• Fake plans: Give a plausible reason for your chosen date (dinner, scenic walk, or a special “photo shoot”), so they don’t suspect anything big.
  
• Close confidants only: Loop in one trusted friend or family member if help is needed, but emphasize secrecy.
  

Photos without suspicion

• Use a photographer under the ruse of “casual photos” or ask them to mingle in the area naturally so your partner doesn’t catch on.
  

How to Pick the Perfect Engagement Ring

Choosing the ring is one of the most meaningful parts of the journey. Here’s how to do it right.  Make sure you have a good idea of the type and style your future bride loves.  After all, it will be on display each and every day!

Understand the 4 Cs

• Cut: How light reflects; often the most impactful choice for sparkle.
  
• Color: From colorless to faint warmth; personal preference matters.
  
• Clarity: Inclusions vs. clarity grade;balance beauty with value.
  
• Carat: Size matters less than proportion and how it fits the wearer’s style.

Metal & Setting Style

• Platinum: durable, classic choice for everyday wear.
  
• 14K/18K gold: timeless and beautiful in different hues (rose, white, yellow).
  

Booking Dates & Making Reservations

Valentine’s Day brings crowds. Here’s how to stay ahead and make sure you don’t miss out.

Reserve your date and time early

• Dinner reservations: If you’re planning dinner after the proposal at a special restaurant (especially in Columbus), book weeks in advance for Valentine’s weekend.
  
• Venue permits (like botanical gardens): Some parks and conservatories require permits or advance booking for photos or private areas. Don’t wait until the week of!
  
• Photographer: Professional photographers book up especially around holidays and Valentine’s Day weekend — reserve early January or sooner.
  

Your Love Story Starts Now

Valentine’s Day engagements are memorable not just for the date, but for the thought, intention, and joy you pour into the moment.

Whether you choose an intimate garden in Newark, a scenic riverfront in Columbus, or a cozy rooftop dinner under the city lights, planning early and with love will make your proposal unforgettable.

Final Thought

If you’re standing in the middle of the Valentine’s Day countdown, heart racing and ring hidden somewhere safe, take a breath.

This season was made for love stories like yours.

And if this is the year the question is asked, congratulations! 💕

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