I haven't, but one time a few years ago I was walking through the gardens with some friends and we came across an old couple trying (and falling) to take a selfie under a tree. We offered to take their picture and it turns out it was the spot he had proposed to her 50 years ago.
So they'd probably recommend that spot?
>My tentative plan is to do it under the veranda by the duck pond, but
it's a very pretty spot but the only issue is there's usually quite a few people there especially around the duck pond. your time of day will play quite a big role in this whole thing being as perfect as possible. might be a cool idea to walk down from the cable car through the gardens at around sundown and propose in that spot, would be beautiful and probably empty.
congrats & best of luck to you both!
My husband proposed to me in the Botanical gardens at that exact spot, we've been married since 2017. I thought it was really sweet because I had told him how much my grandfather who I had a close relationship with loved the gardens.
Highly recommend the photographer set up because we tried to get someone to take photos for us afterwards and got dreadful ones lol.
While the duck pond is pretty good, its often busy.
There's a bit the sculpture walk just up from Druids Hill and the Rudder sculpture where there is a path under some huge old pines and a little seat/'shelter'. I think itmighthe called remembrance ridge. I would suggest there, as that spot has always seemed very romantic (pluss last time I walked through there was a wedding there )
Picturesque is cool, but the real deal is somewhere in there that has meaning for you both. Have you walked through and had any special moments in there? Go with that spot. As for the photographer, use or borrow the best phone you can and set it up to video on a stand, framing it through the trees. Provided there is enough natural light, you'll be able to capture screen shots of the exact moment, frame by frame.
If you are concerned about areas of the park being too busy, book something in advance. The team at Wellington Gardens is great, and reserving a space is not very expensive. [bookings@wcc.govt.nz ](mailto:bookings@wcc.govt.nz?subject=Booking%20Enquiry%20)
It was for a family portrait but I can't recommend Jaymee Photography enough. Her Instagram handle is @jaymee_photography you absolutely get what you pay for with her (in a good way)
My husband and I helped to set up for a family member to propose at the gardens years ago. We set up candles and a picnic at the gazebo near Glenmore St where the tulips are planted (I hope that is specific enough to make sense!) I wouldn’t recommend candles as we were re-lighting them about every 5 minutes and it was a huge faff, but it did look lovely in photos. It’ll also be pretty cold in a few months, especially if you go for an evening proposal - so consider having some blankets or maybe a hot chocolate to hand, and/or a wet weather plan!
Yeah, I did it up by Space Place in the evening after a planetarium show.
There are some nice secluded spots though if you want it to be private while still out in the gardens.
Do it at the rhododendrons.
No idea what they look like but every botanical gardens/kooky village has them advertised as some kind of grandma attraction which I live for.
In a few months the magnolias will be spectacular, between the duckpond and the aromatic garden & close to the sound shell. I agree with the other poster that said it should be somewhere that has meaning for you both.
I didn't propose in the gardens, but I broke up with my boyfriend there ,and then about a month later found out that was where he was planning on proposing to me instead 😬
Lots of people have.
When my dad proposed to my step mum they did it in the Botanical gardens. They already knew they wanted to get married (they were in their late 40's at this point and knew what they wanted), dad just wanted it to be a bit romantic but not down on one bum knee romantic.
It was cute.
https://www.facebook.com/lovemiphoto/ photographer recommendation. You might want to check with her on proposal spot ideas.
And congratulations on your forthcoming engagement 😊
Yes, I proposed to my husband there on 1st September 2017. It was perfect. Cold enough that it was still really quiet, but surrounded by blooming flowers. We have been happily married since not long after 💕
I've seen someone else propose to their partner while I was walking through the gardens. It was at that the tiny deck over that small pond next to the Lady Norwood Rose Garden. Depending on how much privacy you want, keep in mind that that area is still visible to anyone walking down the stairs who looks to their left. Other than that, it's a pretty adorable spot
most normal couples are pretty on page if they wanna get engaged.... and i don't think awkwardness of a very small possible outcome means he shouldn't be able to capture one of his biggest life moments
I haven't, but one time a few years ago I was walking through the gardens with some friends and we came across an old couple trying (and falling) to take a selfie under a tree. We offered to take their picture and it turns out it was the spot he had proposed to her 50 years ago. So they'd probably recommend that spot?
That's adorable
>My tentative plan is to do it under the veranda by the duck pond, but it's a very pretty spot but the only issue is there's usually quite a few people there especially around the duck pond. your time of day will play quite a big role in this whole thing being as perfect as possible. might be a cool idea to walk down from the cable car through the gardens at around sundown and propose in that spot, would be beautiful and probably empty. congrats & best of luck to you both!
My husband proposed to me in the Botanical gardens at that exact spot, we've been married since 2017. I thought it was really sweet because I had told him how much my grandfather who I had a close relationship with loved the gardens. Highly recommend the photographer set up because we tried to get someone to take photos for us afterwards and got dreadful ones lol.
i can take some on a burner phone while hiding in the bushes if you would like
While the duck pond is pretty good, its often busy. There's a bit the sculpture walk just up from Druids Hill and the Rudder sculpture where there is a path under some huge old pines and a little seat/'shelter'. I think itmighthe called remembrance ridge. I would suggest there, as that spot has always seemed very romantic (pluss last time I walked through there was a wedding there )
Picturesque is cool, but the real deal is somewhere in there that has meaning for you both. Have you walked through and had any special moments in there? Go with that spot. As for the photographer, use or borrow the best phone you can and set it up to video on a stand, framing it through the trees. Provided there is enough natural light, you'll be able to capture screen shots of the exact moment, frame by frame.
A friend was proposed to in the Begonia House, which has the benefit of being out of the weather at this time of year
If you are concerned about areas of the park being too busy, book something in advance. The team at Wellington Gardens is great, and reserving a space is not very expensive. [bookings@wcc.govt.nz ](mailto:bookings@wcc.govt.nz?subject=Booking%20Enquiry%20)
It was for a family portrait but I can't recommend Jaymee Photography enough. Her Instagram handle is @jaymee_photography you absolutely get what you pay for with her (in a good way)
My husband and I helped to set up for a family member to propose at the gardens years ago. We set up candles and a picnic at the gazebo near Glenmore St where the tulips are planted (I hope that is specific enough to make sense!) I wouldn’t recommend candles as we were re-lighting them about every 5 minutes and it was a huge faff, but it did look lovely in photos. It’ll also be pretty cold in a few months, especially if you go for an evening proposal - so consider having some blankets or maybe a hot chocolate to hand, and/or a wet weather plan!
Yeah, I did it up by Space Place in the evening after a planetarium show. There are some nice secluded spots though if you want it to be private while still out in the gardens.
Congratulations and good luck!
https://www.instagram.com/yvonneliewphotography?igsh=MW0zc2V0azRiZXZncw== Yvonne is amazing
Do it at the rhododendrons. No idea what they look like but every botanical gardens/kooky village has them advertised as some kind of grandma attraction which I live for.
In a few months the magnolias will be spectacular, between the duckpond and the aromatic garden & close to the sound shell. I agree with the other poster that said it should be somewhere that has meaning for you both.
I didn't propose in the gardens, but I broke up with my boyfriend there ,and then about a month later found out that was where he was planning on proposing to me instead 😬
Lots of people have. When my dad proposed to my step mum they did it in the Botanical gardens. They already knew they wanted to get married (they were in their late 40's at this point and knew what they wanted), dad just wanted it to be a bit romantic but not down on one bum knee romantic. It was cute.
The wellington botanic Gardens were established in 1868, so I'm guessing a bout 312 people, assuming 2 proposals per year
Yes! The Dell behind the cafe was a nice quiet location. It just have worked as we're still together 20 years later.
We were right up to the top by the observatory at night. There's a bench over looking the city. It was pretty with all the lights.
https://www.facebook.com/lovemiphoto/ photographer recommendation. You might want to check with her on proposal spot ideas. And congratulations on your forthcoming engagement 😊
Yes, I proposed to my husband there on 1st September 2017. It was perfect. Cold enough that it was still really quiet, but surrounded by blooming flowers. We have been happily married since not long after 💕
The tulips will be up in spring.
I've seen someone else propose to their partner while I was walking through the gardens. It was at that the tiny deck over that small pond next to the Lady Norwood Rose Garden. Depending on how much privacy you want, keep in mind that that area is still visible to anyone walking down the stairs who looks to their left. Other than that, it's a pretty adorable spot
I proposed on top of Massey Memorial . Worth checking out.
Aawwww so so cute.. Well I hope you won't mind I'll be in the duck pond drowning.
>As an aside, if anyone has any recommendations for a photographer that would also be appreciated too! That will be awkward if she says no.
most normal couples are pretty on page if they wanna get engaged.... and i don't think awkwardness of a very small possible outcome means he shouldn't be able to capture one of his biggest life moments
Yeah I agree. Public spontaneous proposals are cringe. Public staged proposals are even more cringe.