5 Romantic Ways to Pop the Question this Valentine’s Day, Planning your Minnesota proposal
Planning the Perfect Valentine's Day Proposal in Minnesota
Valentine’s Day is the ultimate celebration of love, making it the perfect time to ask the most important question of your life. Whether you’re dreaming of a cozy indoor setting or a magical winter adventure, planning a proposal in Minnesota offers plenty of opportunities to create a moment as special as your relationship. At Adler Ranch we’ve seen so many couples and heard their proposal stories, to help you get inspired, we’ve put together five romantic ideas to make your Valentine’s Day proposal unforgettable.
Perfect Valentine's Day Proposal
A perfect Valentine's Day proposal happens under twinkling lights, with roses, soft music, and a promise of forever!
Eric Vest Photography
1. Setting the mood: Romantic locations to pop the question
When it comes to planning a Valentine’s Day proposal, the location sets the tone. Picture this: a quiet Minnesota winter evening, the sky painted in pink and orange as the sun sets. It’s cold but beautiful, and the peaceful atmosphere makes the perfect backdrop for asking, “Will you marry me?” The natural beauty around you adds a special kind of magic to the moment, making it unforgettable.
If you and your partner love adventure, why not propose during a snowy outing? Whether you’re snowshoeing, skiing, or riding your favorite snowmobile trail, the thrill of the activity adds excitement to the big question. A scenic overlook or trail stop can turn into the perfect spot to pop the question. These nature-filled proposals feel personal and intimate, marking the start of a new chapter in a way that reflects your adventurous spirits.
Love Adventure? Propose on your favorite MN Winter Activity!
If you and your partner love adventure, why not propose during a snowy outing?
Eric Vest Photography
2. Unique proposal ideas
Make your Valentine’s Day proposal unforgettable with a fun and creative twist. A great idea is to plan a scavenger hunt that takes your partner to meaningful spots in your relationship. Start where you first met, stop by your favorite café, and end at the perfect proposal spot. At each location, leave a sweet note or a small keepsake to represent your time together. This thoughtful adventure not only builds excitement but also lets you relive your love story before the big moment.
For couples who love a challenge, why not pop the question at an escape room? After solving the puzzles, surprise your partner with a decorated room and a sign that says, “Will you marry me?” It’s a playful and unexpected way to propose, blending fun with romance. Check out the Alexandria MN Escape Room for a unique local option! A proposal like this reflects your shared love of excitement and creates a memory you’ll both treasure forever.
Valentine’s Day Proposal
One great way to start is by involving your partner in the ring selection process. Taking them ring shopping can be a fun and exciting way to ensure they get a ring they absolutely love.
Type and Timber Photography
3. Personalizing the proposal: Customized engagement rings and gifts
Adding a personal touch to your Valentine’s Day proposal makes it even more meaningful. One great way to start is by involving your partner in the ring selection process. Taking them ring shopping can be a fun and exciting way to ensure they get a ring they absolutely love. It’s also a chance to share in the joy of choosing this significant symbol of your relationship together.
Alternatively, you could surprise them with a custom-designed ring that reflects their unique style and personality. From selecting the perfect stone and setting to adding meaningful details like an engraving or a gemstone with special significance, creating a custom ring shows just how well you know them. Whether you shop together or design something one-of-a-kind, putting thought into the ring adds a deeply personal touch to your proposal.
To make the moment even more special, pair the ring with a heartfelt gift. Write a letter expressing your love and dreams for the future, or create a photo book filled with your favorite memories and milestones. These extra touches show how much you value your relationship and make your proposal a truly unforgettable experience.
Personalize your proposal with meaningful gifts! Type & Timber Photography at Adler Ranch, MN Wedding Venue
4. Capturing the moment: Hiring a professional photographer or videographer
Capturing your proposal with a professional photographer or videographer ensures you’ll have memories to treasure forever. Having someone there to document the moment lets you relive the excitement and emotion through stunning photos and videos. Before the big day, you can work with them to plan the perfect timing, angles, and details to make sure every part of your proposal is beautifully captured. If you’ve already found a wedding venue you love, like Adler Ranch, don’t hesitate to ask for vendor recommendations—they often know the best local photographers and videographers. Plus, the venue itself could double as an incredible location for a surprise proposal!
When choosing a photographer or videographer, find someone whose style matches your vision. Whether you prefer candid, emotional shots or something more polished and artistic, having a professional who gets your vibe is key. Be sure to share your proposal plan with them ahead of time so they can stay behind the scenes and let the moment unfold naturally. This way, they’ll capture the genuine joy and love of your partner’s reaction without disrupting the magic. It’s these authentic moments that make your proposal unforgettable.
The Banquet Barn at Adler Ranch
Our wedding couples and their guests have been loving our Banquet Barn with the nearby Grain Bin Bar! Learn more about the Banquet Barn at Adler Ranch.
“Planning a perfect proposal isn’t about perfection, it’s about creating a moment that is special for both of you. It should come from the heart and happen in a place that holds meaning.”
Proposal idea: Plan a proposal at a tree farm, return every year to get a Christmas tree where you got engaged!
Don’t forget to capture the joy that comes right after the proposal! Those first moments—hugs, kisses, happy tears, and even the excitement of sharing the news with friends and family—are just as special as the proposal itself. A professional photographer or videographer can document these raw, emotional reactions, preserving them as cherished memories.
You can also plan a post-proposal photoshoot to celebrate your engagement. Whether it’s at the proposal location or a nearby spot with a beautiful backdrop, these portraits are a wonderful way to announce your engagement to the world. They capture your love story in a way that’s uniquely yours, and the photos will be something you treasure forever. By having a professional on hand, you ensure every part of your special day is remembered, from the big question to the joyful moments that follow.
Adler Ranch makes your engagement even more special by including a complimentary engagement photo shoot with every wedding booking. You bring the photographer, and we provide the picturesque venue to capture your love story.
5. Sharing the news: Creative ways to announce your engagement on social media
Once you’re engaged, it’s time to share your exciting news with the world! Social media is the perfect place to get creative with your announcement. One fun idea is to make a photo collage featuring pictures from your proposal, along with some of your favorite moments together. It’s a great way to showcase your love story and let your friends and family feel included in your special moment.
Adler Ranch Wedding Venue, located two hours from both Minneapolis MN and Fargo ND near Alexandria MN
If you’re into videos, you can create a short clip, reel or TikTok to announce your engagement. This could include candid content from the proposal, your partner’s reaction, and some behind-the-scenes moments leading up to the big question. If you're up for it, a brief interview sharing what the engagement means to you can add a personal touch. For a lighter twist, you could even make a funny meme or graphic that highlights your relationship. Whether you go romantic, heartfelt, or humorous, sharing your news on social media lets you celebrate with your loved ones and spread the joy!
Planning the perfect date: Romantic dinner ideas for after the proposal
After the excitement of your engagement, a romantic dinner is the perfect way to continue celebrating and reflecting on the moment. You could reserve a table at a restaurant that holds special meaning for both of you—maybe the place of your first date or a spot you always enjoy visiting together. The familiarity of such a place adds a personal touch, making the evening feel more intimate. To make it extra special, have roses delivered to the restaurant ahead of time so they’re waiting on the table when you arrive, adding a beautiful surprise to the celebration.
If you’re looking for something more private, an intimate dinner at home or in a cozy rented cabin could be the perfect choice. You could cook your partner’s favorite meal or hire a private chef to create a gourmet experience just for the two of you. Set the mood with candles, flowers, and soft music to turn your space into a romantic escape. This approach offers a quiet, meaningful way to celebrate, allowing you both to savor the moment without distractions.
Adler Ranch Grain Bin bar
Great Photo Opportunities at Adler Ranch!
Middle Sister Photography
Celebrating love and commitment on Valentine's Day
Valentine's Day is a celebration of love, making it the perfect occasion to propose to that special someone. By incorporating thoughtful details, personal touches, and creative ideas, you can create a proposal that resonates deeply with both of you. Each suggestion discussed, from choosing a romantic location to planning a perfect dinner, is designed to enhance the emotional significance of your commitment. These moments not only mark the beginning of your engagement but also serve as cherished memories that you will carry with you throughout your lives.
As you plan your proposal, remember that the most important aspect is the love you share. It’s not just about the ring or the location; it’s about the commitment and the journey you are about to embark on together. Celebrating your love story in a way that feels authentic to you as a couple will create a lasting bond, allow your personalities and passions to shine through in your proposal, crafting a moment that reflects the unique connection you share. See Luke & Lindsay’s blog and read about their proposal!
Courtney & Karl walk to the wildflower field at Adler Ranch Wedding Venue. Eric Vest Photography
No matter how you choose to propose—whether it’s a grand, sweeping gesture or an intimate, heartfelt moment—what truly matters is that it reflects your love story and the bond you share. At Adler Ranch, we’re here to help make your proposal unforgettable. Whether you need advice on planning, a place to pop the question, or even a surprise onsite proposal followed by a venue tour, we’d be honored to be part of your journey. Let your love shine, and let us help you create memories to cherish for a lifetime.
Adler Ranch
Vintage lighted signs at Adler Ranch Wedding Venue, located two hours from Minneapolis MN and Fargo ND near Alexandria MN
Gray McCurdy Photography
Adler Ranch is the ideal destination for couples seeking a truly unique wedding experience. Conveniently located just five miles from Alexandria, MN, in the heart of the stunning lakes area—and only two hours from both Minneapolis-St. Paul, MN, and Fargo, ND—our independently owned and family-operated venue offers the perfect blend of accessibility and seclusion.
We pride ourselves on hosting a limited number of weddings each season to ensure every couple receives personalized care and attention. Rooted in community, we support local businesses and provide an inclusive, unconventional setting that stands apart from traditional venues. When you choose Adler Ranch, you’re not just booking a venue—you’re joining our family and becoming part of the vibrant Alexandria community.
A shout out to other independently owned wedding venue owners around the country that offer their support and encouragement on a daily basis: The Mill District, The Stables at Cypress Creek, Pine Lake Ranch, Venue de La Chute, Carolyn Baldwin Lake Pavilion, River House Montana, The Felt Estate, The Old Barns at Dry Run Farms, The Bella Rosa Wedding Venue Owners, Notting Hill Farm Contact
