There’s a certain allure to Erie, PA.  Situated along the beautiful Lake Erie, the city and state park regularly draw in 4 million visitors a year, a number that’s boosted by its close proximity to major cities like Cleveland, Buffalo, and Pittsburgh. 

Being built next to the water, Erie is naturally romantic, and that makes it a great place to get engaged or married ! 

With that in mind, we’ve rounded up some of the best places to propose in Erie, PA. 

The Best Places to Propose in Erie, PA

We’ve rounded up some of our favorite spots in Erie and listed them out in no particular order!

1. Presque Isle State Park

There’s a reason Presque Isle State Park is the most visited park in Pennsylvania !  It’s absolutely beautiful.  Located about four miles west of downtown Erie, Presque Isle State Park offers 3,200 sandy acres of breathtaking peninsula jutting into Lake Erie.  In addition to its lovely views of the water, you’ll likely spot a variety of unique birds and wildlife, a result of the park’s status as a National Natural Landmark.  Pop the question on the beach, or head for one of the many hiking and biking trails and propose with the water in the background. 

Address: 301 Peninsula Drive, Erie, PA 16505

2. Presque Isle Lighthouse

A charming piece of Erie history, the Presque Isle Lighthouse was originally built in 1873 and is one of three lighthouses in Erie.  Climb the lighthouse’s 78 steps, and you’ll enjoy a 180-degree view of the trees, beach, and water.  And while you’re up there, seize the opportunity to pop the question ! 

Address: Presque Isle State Park, 301 Peninsula Drive, Erie, PA 16505

3. Bicentennial Tower

Originally built in 1996 to celebrate the city’s bicentennial year, the Bicentennial Tower stands nearly 200 feet high and offers two observation decks with extraordinary views of Lake Erie, Presque Isle, and downtown Erie.  Plus, on a clear day, you can see all the way to the Canadian shoreline !  Those incredible views make the Bicentennial Tower a great place to propose in Erie, PA. 

Address: 1 State Street, Erie, PA 16507

4. Erie Bluffs State Park

Located southwest of Erie along Route 5, Erie Bluffs State Park is much less trafficked than the popular Presque Isle State Park.  Still, you’ll find plenty of great trails and romantic views of the water !

Address: 11100 West Lake Road, Lake City, PA 16423

5. Erie Harbor North Pier Lighthouse

The Erie Harbor North Pier Lighthouse is something straight out of a romance novel.  Located at the end of an old concrete pier in a town famous for its shoreline, the Erie Harbor North Pier Lighthouse stands proud above the water, and it’s become a popular spot for Instagram selfies.  And even though sections are admittedly covered in graffiti, the lighthouse’s age and design make it a charming location for proposing in Erie, PA.  

Address: East Fisher Drive, Erie, PA 16507

6. Wine Country

Lake Erie Wine Country is famous for its vineyards, with 23 wineries spanning 50 miles across two states (from Harborcreek, PA to Silver Creek, NY).  With so many options available, you’re bound to find plenty of lush and picturesque spots to ask for your partner’s hand in marriage.

Address: Varies

7. Asbury Woods

Covering more than 200 acres, Asbury Woods offers five miles of beautiful trails, with bridges, wooden walkways, and even a nature center for you to enjoy.  With so much area to explore, you’re bound to find the perfect secluded location to propose. 

Address: 4105 Asbury Road, Erie, PA 16506

8. Erie Art Museum

An impressive building inside and out, the Erie Art Museum offers plenty of great spots to propose !  Take a knee outside in front of the ancient Greece-inspired columns or inside in front of the walls covered top to bottom with eclectic paintings!  This is one potential Erie proposal location you won’t forget anytime soon. 

Address: 20 East 5th Street, Erie, PA 16507

9. Goodell Gardens & Homestead

Although Goodell Gardens & Homestead sits 20 miles south of Erie in Edinboro, it’s definitely worth the drive.  The public gardens stretch over 78 acres, making it a great place to get down on one knee !  Plus, you’ll find plenty of unique and noteworthy examples of plant life here, like the largest paper birch tree in Pennsylvania !

Address: 221 Waterford Street Route 6N, Edinboro, PA 16412

10. Victorian Princess

This lovely paddlewheel boat offers hour-long sightseeing tours of the Presque Isle Bay, but you’ll also find opportunities for dinner cruises and happy hour cruises.  And while the boat is pretty enough by day, it’s even more gorgeous at night when it’s fully illuminated by its lights.  If you’d like to take a peek before you commit to a ride as your proposal location, here’s some good news: The Victorian Princess is right next to the Bicentennial Tower, so you can squeeze two trips into one!

Address: 1 State Street, Erie, PA 16507

11. Oliver’s Rooftop

Located on the eighth floor the Hampton Inn & Suites, Oliver’s Rooftop is possibly the most upscale place in town !  In addition to excellent food and service, Oliver’s also has a small, intimate deck overlooking the bay (though the floor-to-ceiling windows almost guarantee a great view of the water no matter where you sit) !  Fun fact for the history buffs: Oliver’s Rooftop is named in honor of Oliver Hazard Perry, a hero in the Battle of Lake Erie in 1813. 

Address: 130 East Front Street, Erie, PA 16507

What to Do After Your Proposal

Once you’re engaged, it’s time to start planning the wedding !  For help, download our Wedding Planning Resources for guidance on picking music for your wedding ceremony and wedding reception.  And don’t forget to review our popular DJ/Violinist packages and String Ensembles.