Imagine this – the sun dips behind the mountains, and the golden cholla and towering saguaros glow in the warm light as you get down on one knee and pop the question. Choosing the place where you’ll get engaged is pretty meaningful, and proposing at the Phoenix Desert Botanical Garden isn’t just about choosing a beautiful location – it’s about choosing the place that will be perfect for that moment! The Desert Botanical Garden is gorgeous, conveniently located in Phoenix, and perfect whether you’re planning a big surprise or something simple and intimate.
Here’s everything you need to know to plan a proposal at the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix!
About the Desert Botanical Garden
The Desert Botanical Garden is one of the most iconic, most beautiful spots in Phoenix. With thousands of cacti, trees, and flowers spread over 140 acres, the garden showcases the unique beauty of the Sonoran Desert – without having to leave the city!
Part of what makes it one of the best places to propose in Phoenix is the easily accessible location. The Desert Botanical Garden is in Papago Park, and it feels peaceful and is a great getaway despite being in the city. Whether you’re a local or planning to propose during a trip, it’s a great spot!
There are a few places to choose from for where to pop the question – I like the cactus garden area – as well as a restaurant and some areas you can rent out, which is perfect for a more private experience, or for celebrating with a few loved ones after the proposal!
When to Plan Your Proposal at the Desert Botanical Garden
One of the first things you’ll need to do is decide when to pop the question!
Best Seasons
Phoenix summers are no joke, so for most people, the best time for proposing at the Phoenix Desert Botanical Garden is October through April. Daytime highs are usually in the high 80s or low 90s on either end of this range, but mornings and evenings are warm, but not too hot. Spring can be a good time to catch some wildflower blooms – the timing can vary, but usually March and April are your best bet. Winters aren’t very winter-y in Phoenix, with highs hovering around 70 degrees, though mornings and evenings can be a little chilly.
Best Time of Day
One thing to keep in mind when you’re planning your proposal is lighting! Golden hour – the hour just before sunset – is ideal. As the sun starts to go down, it makes everything look soft, warm, and glowy!
Early mornings are a great time too, because of how quiet the Desert Botanical Garden will be. Sunsets tend to be a little more dramatic, but getting there closer to sunrise has the advantage of fewer crowds!
From May – September, the Desert Botanical Garden is open from 7 AM to 8 PM. From October – April, the hours are 8 AM to 8 PM. And throughout the year, if you have a membership, you can be there an hour earlier than the opening time on Wednesdays and Sundays!
Where to Propose in the Desert Botanical Garden
The cactus garden area is the spot I recommend most often – it’s gorgeous, with different varieties of cacti and desert plants.
But, there are plenty of other corners to explore at the Desert Botanical Garden, so if you want to check it out beforehand to find the perfect spot, go for it!
There are also a few options for event spaces that you can rent out – this can be used for the proposal if you want a totally private option, or they can be booked if you want to celebrate afterwards with some family or friends!
Do You Need a Permit to Propose at the Phoenix Desert Botanical Garden?
Luckily, there are no permits required for proposing at the Phoenix Desert Botanical Garden! You don’t need a photography permit either – just general admission tickets for you and your partner, and anyone else who will be joining you. Tickets are currently $24.95, but there are some discounted days throughout the year – though these will likely be busier. Tickets can be purchased online ahead of time.
You can’t have any props or decorations – unless you rent out a space – so keep it simple, and contact the Desert Botanical Garden if you want to make arrangements for anything more elaborate.
What to Do After Your Proposal
Once you’ve popped the question, it’s time to celebrate! One of the best things about proposing at the Desert Botanical Garden is that you don’t have to go far to keep the evening going.
Gertrude’s, the restaurant that’s on site, is a great spot for a celebratory dinner. They have seasonal menus with locally sourced ingredients, and a gorgeous setting. It’s a popular place, so reservations are always recommended.
If you want to throw a bigger celebration, you can also check out some of the event spaces at the Desert Botanical Garden.
Tips for Planning Your Surprise Proposal
Planning a surprise proposal at the Desert Botanical Garden doesn’t have to be complicated, but preparation will definitely help!
If you’re able to check it out before the big day, knowing exactly where you plan to pop the question can help with the nerves.
As for keeping it a surprise, this can be hard to pull off without being suspicious! Hiring a photographer is always a good idea, because you’ll want to remember this moment! But, unless you’re the kind of couple that gets professional photos taken often, telling them that you booked a photo session might raise some suspicion. A better option is to plan this as a date day – maybe tell them you want to go out to a nice dinner afterwards so that you can both dress up. Coordinate with your photographer to have them be ready at the location where you plan to propose, and work out a way to have them capture the moment without ruining the surprise!
As a photographer, I’m always happy to consult and work with you to figure out the best way to pull this off!
Hiring a Photographer for Your Phoenix Botanical Garden Proposal
Hiring a photographer for your proposal means you’ll have real, candid memories of the moment it happened – the reaction, the emotion, all of it! I’ll help you coordinate so that everything runs smoothly, and stay inconspicuous until it happens. You’ll get some photos of the moment you got engaged, and some couple’s photos afterwards to remember the feeling!
If you’re thinking about proposing at the Phoenix Desert Botanical Garden and want help pulling it all together, contact me!
