If you’re looking for the perfect setting to get down on one knee and pop the big question, there are many beautiful locations to create those everlasting memories.
Our amazing landscapes and iconic landmarks make the county a stunning backdrop for your romantic gesture. And with nearly 100 miles of coastline and two areas of outstanding natural beauty, you are spoilt for choice with places to propose.
Durdle Door
Durdle Door is one of Dorset’s and the world’s most remarkable and majestic natural landmarks.
If you’re planning a winter proposal, you could catch the “through the keyhole” phenomenon which only appears for a few minutes each day in December. Stand on the beach in-front of the ‘door’ as the sun rises in alignment with the stones through the arch for that perfect romantic ambience to ask that special question.
Image Credit Steven Hogan
The Cobb at Lyme Regis
The stone wall of the Cobb in the romantic seaside town of Lyme Regis is a wonderful setting to propose. The Cobb has been famously used in TV adaptations of Jane Austen's 'Persuasion' and John Fowles' 'The French Lieutenant's Woman' and a proposal here will be a dream to any lover of literature.
Corfe Castle
Show your loved one how much they mean to you with the magical, striking and fairy-tale setting of the romantic Corfe Castle ruins. Perfect for that all important gesture and idyllic for every history lover.
Catch the dreamy Castle on a warm summers evening at one of their splendid events or how about a fiery and mystical vibe during the winter season as the Castle ruins are lit with braziers and lanterns.
Swanage Pier
If looking out onto a picturesque ocean and watching the sunset is your idea of perfection, then Swanage Pier is exactly what you’re looking for. Being a Victorian landmark it gives that feeling of traditional romance with the bonus of a stunning view looking out onto the sea and the Jurassic Coast.
Image Credit Andy Farrer
Gold Hill
Gold Hill is another iconic location situated in rural Dorset. It is said to be one of the most picturesque images in England and is most famously known for starring as the backdrop for the 1973 Hovis advert as well as used in films and on chocolate boxes, jigsaws and Christmas cards. The unspoilt, traditional English view is adored by many and with a steeped cobbled hill surrounded by thatched cottages, we can all see why.
Take a romantic, leisurely stroll through the quaint town and up the cobbled hill to find a stunning view and a timeless location to pop the question.
Golden Cap
At 626 feet, Golden Cap is the highest point on the South Coast and offers magnificent panoramic views. The sheer beauty of this location makes it the perfect spot for a marriage proposal.
Go down on one knee at the spectacular viewpoint by St Catherine's Chapel. The iconic hilltop chapel commands one of the best views of Chesil Beach and the Fleet Lagoon and will make a memorable proposal, especially at sunset.
Hot Air Balloon with Aerosaurus
Imagine popping the question as you float at 1000 foot?! You can do this and view Dorset in all its glory from above as you glide through the sky in an Aerosaurus balloon. The champagne sunset and sunrise flights create the most unmissable ambiance for that all important moment.
River Boat in Wareham
How about hiring a boat and rowing gently up the river at Wareham with a picnic of all your partner’s favourite foods on board? There are plenty of scenic spots to moor up, or you could even propose on the water for that magical touch.
Shell Bay
A beach proposal always goes down a treat and Dorset has plenty of stunning beaches on which to go down on one knee - one of which is the white sandy shores of Shell Bay at Studland.
On a warm summer’s evening, you could be forgiven for thinking you were somewhere more exotic. Find the perfect spot to make your own for that intimate and romantic surprise and write your message in the sand for a personal touch.
Christchurch Priory
Whisk your loved one away to the charming historic town of Christchurch and visit the magnificent Christchurch Priory. Journey up the spiral staircase to the top of the Church to find a unique location to ask the special question.
A few extra ideas
Dorset has an abundance of unforgettable locations perfect for those special displays of love. If you're looking for a posh restaurant to pop the question, Dorset boasts many classy, cosy and charming eateries to suit every couple.
Whisk your other half away on a spontaneous break and treat them to a fabulous weekend at a spa hotel. Or for a grand gesture, Dorset's striking stately homes and magnificent castles could be the breath-taking backdrop you've both been dreaming of!
Dorset really does have everything you need for that very important YES!!
