Princeton is honestly one of the most beautiful campuses I have ever worked on, and I have been photographing engagement sessions here for years. Stone archways, ivy on everything, a chapel that looks like it was lifted out of England, and a town square across the street with dinner a few minutes’ walk away. It is good all year round. You really can’t go wrong.
Here is where I would do it, when to go, and the few things that can trip you up.
Where to Propose at Princeton
Nassau Hall and West College
Nassau Hall is the first building you see when you come onto campus off Nassau Street, and it is really pretty. The front steps between the two tigers are the frame everybody knows.
Right next to it is West College, the ivy-covered building with the white iron balcony. It gives you a quieter version of that same classic look, and the lawn behind it catches the late afternoon sun.
East Pyne and the University Chapel
This is one of my favorite spots on campus. The archways next to Nassau Hall are East Pyne. You walk through the first archway, there is a little courtyard in the middle, and then another archway out to the other side. Look back through the arch and Nassau Hall is framed right in it. Across the way is the University Chapel, which is really pretty.
Go to the left from there and it opens up. That is where the doorway with ivy all around it is. I love it late in the day, when the sun is behind the building and the light gets really soft and bounces off the chapel and the grounds. In the fall the ivy on East Pyne turns red.
Whig and Clio Halls
Behind Nassau Hall are the two white buildings with the big columns. They look a lot like the old bank buildings in Philly. If you love classic architecture, this is your spot, and it is a little quieter than the front of Nassau Hall.
Blair Arch and the Arches on University Place
Blair Arch is the classic one every Princeton student knows, the big arch with the tower over it and a long run of steps. Stand at the top and you look straight out at Alexander Hall.
A little further up University Place, right next to the university store, is the Lockhart arch, with wide steps coming up into it and a vaulted stone ceiling.
Robertson Hall and the Fountain
The fountain outside Robertson Hall is a great open spot. The columns along the building are tall and white, and they look nothing like the stone and ivy on the rest of campus.
Palmer Square and Nassau Street
Palmer Square is phenomenal, right across Nassau Street from campus. Around the holidays the whole square is decorated, and it makes a great proposal, or a great walk afterward. Just check whether anything is going on first. If they are doing the Christmas tree lighting or any other event, it gets super busy. This year the Palmer Square tree lighting is Friday, November 27.
Princeton Battlefield
If you want something more open and a little off the beaten path, Princeton Battlefield State Park is a really cool place for a proposal. The colonnade out in the field is the spot. The state requires a special use permit for commercial photography there, so I call the park office first and make sure we’re set before we plan it.
When to Go
It is good year round. Spring and fall are the best months, obviously. Summer is great because it is less crowded, and winter is less crowded too.
One of the best times of all is winter break, when classes are out. The campus is basically empty. If you’re thinking winter, here are my favorite places to propose when it gets cold.
Whatever the season, find out when the campus tours come through. When a tour walks by there are suddenly hundreds of people around, so you have to be flexible.
How I Stay Hidden
There are always people walking around campus taking photographs, so I just act like a tourist. Nobody notices me at all.
Things to Know Before You Go
Parking can be tough, especially on a busy weekend. Give yourself extra time.
Everything is locked. The only building you can really get into is the university store on University Place, so plan on being outside.
Princeton lets you take personal photographs on campus without a permit, as long as you stay outside and don’t block archways, paths, stairs or doorways.
Stay away from Prospect Garden and the area around the Chapel when there is a wedding going on there. They are off limits for photographs during a wedding.
Where to Celebrate After
There are so many places to celebrate. Two of my favorites sit right next to each other in the old train station buildings on University Place, a short walk from campus: Roots Ocean Prime and The Dinky Bar & Kitchen. Book ahead, especially on a weekend.
Questions I Get About Princeton Proposals
Do you need a permit to propose at Princeton University?
No. Princeton allows personal photography on campus without a permit, as long as you stay outside in public areas and don’t block archways, paths or doorways. Prospect Garden and the area around the Chapel are off limits for photographs while a wedding is going on there.
What is the best place to propose at Princeton?
My favorite is the open area to the left of the University Chapel, past the East Pyne archways, where the ivy frames the doorway. Late in the day the light there is really soft. Nassau Hall, West College, Whig and Clio Halls and Blair Arch are all beautiful too.
When is the best time to propose at Princeton?
Spring and fall are the prettiest, and summer and winter are less crowded. Winter break is one of the best times, because classes are out and the campus is nearly empty. Check the campus tour schedule before you pick a time.
Where should we go after the proposal?
Roots Ocean Prime and The Dinky Bar & Kitchen are right next to each other on University Place, a short walk from campus. Palmer Square also has plenty of restaurants.
Ready to Start Planning?
Tell me roughly when you are thinking and I’ll help you pick the spot and the timing. Tell me about your proposal.