I had fallen in love with Hoboken long before I officially moved here two years ago. It began as an affair with its nightlife, then slowly matured into an appreciation for its food scene, and finally grew into a full-blown-stage-five-clinger status once I began calling it home. So it may come as no surprise that when I combine my two loves -- marriage proposals and Hoboken -- it calls for a blog on… wait for it… marriage proposal spots in Hoboken!
Needless to say, just about anywhere on the waterfront would be a picture-perfect spot, however, there are a few gems that stand out:
- Movies Under the Stars - while your girlfriend is busy packing blankets and popcorn, you’ll be busy packing a diamond ring to pop the question, with this idea. While the movies screened at Pier A don’t show previews, there are always exceptions made in matters of the heart. Create a video expressing your love for your beloved and have it play as a preview for an upcoming movie before the feature presentation.
- Shakespeare in the Park - Think you can profess your love better than Shakespeare’s hopelessly romantic characters? Then this is your chance. Secure a small part in the play -- ideally in one that naturally lends itself to your character proposing. During that pivotal moment, turn to your lady love sitting in the audience and reveal yourself right before you approach her on bended knee.
- Pier 13 - sure, this pier’s energy and ambiance are no secret to locals, but have you ever considered how you can turn this popular spot into a romantic enclave? While I’m generally an opponent of proposing with food, this idea is a bit different: take your girlfriend out to the pier either before or after the rush dies down to “grab a bite” at one of her favorite food trucks. As she’s browsing their menu board, she’ll slowly realize that each of the menu items has been replaced with references to your relationship. For example, the “Jack Loves Jill Burrito” is made of rom-com movies, Taboo nights, and picnics in Maxwell park. Cheesy, I know, but that’s just how I like it (and my food).
- Lackawanna Clock Tower - you’ve walked underneath it and gazed at it from afar hundreds of times, but did you ever think of climbing to the top of it? While it’s an unconventional location to propose, it offers the privacy, views, and a (dare I say) timeless tale of “how he proposed.”
- Gondola on the Hudson - If the Venetian in Las Vegas and the Loeb Boathouse in Central Park can emulate Venice’s famous gondola rides, then why can’t we? While you’re no stranger to seeing kayaks and cruises on the Hudson, did you know that you can also float your sweety’s boat with a ride on a gondola? The Hudson River may not offer the tranquility or authenticity you might find gliding through the canals of Venice, but as long as your love (and your ring) is real, a little knockoff can’t hurt.
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