An engagement is an unforgettable experience, but today, couples go far beyond getting on a bent knee and sharing a few heartfelt words. So many factors come into play including finding the ring, selecting the right moment and determining the ideal location to pop the question.

Located a mere 90 minutes from Denver, Wyoming’s capital city is an icon in the American West and an under-the-radar outdoor destination. Cheyenne boasts several unique, picture-perfect spots to propose for outdoor lovers.

• Curt Gowdy State Park – Set among the scenic foothills of the Laramie Mountains, Curt Gowdy State Park features seven sections of richly diverse landscapes, from three stunning reservoirs to over 35 miles of hiking trails and hidden waterfalls. An outdoor playground, Curt Gowdy State Park provides the ideal backdrop for popping the question amidst year-round scenery.

• Vedauwoo (VEE-dah-Voo) – Defying gravity up to 500 feet in the air, the ancient rock formations and breathtaking views of Vedauwoo Recreation Area create an impressive outcropping for nature enthusiasts to get hitched. This iconic location is a local’s favorite, boasting several sites with 360-degree views from the top of the formations overlooking the Medicine Bow National Forest wilderness and beyond to the rolling plains.

• Ames Monument – Steeped with the history of the Transcontinental Railroad, the Ames Monument granite pyramid is a treasure of American history. Built on the highest point of the Transcontinental Railroad, the Ames Monument is surrounded by vast plains, creating a proposal-worthy background amidst an iconic Wyoming sunset.

• Pole Mountain – A sunset proposal beneath the Pole Mountain section of the magnificent Medicine Bow National Forest is an unforgettable place to begin a life-long journey surrounded by the 2.9 million acres of the national forest.

• Pine Bluffs Distilling – One of the leading distillers in Cheyenne’s spirits scene, Pine Bluffs Distilling, provides a rustic space for a proposal. Located behind the local staple of the distillery, couples will be in awe of the expanse of the plains amidst a striking Wyoming sunset.

Where to Celebrate: Post engagement, couples can venture to the Paramount Ballroom, Cheyenne’s handcrafted cocktail lounge to celebrate with family and friends. A historic restaurant built in 1904, the Paramount Ballroom provides an intimate, charismatic atmosphere for a memorable celebration or festive toast.

Where to Stay: Stay at the newly renovated Nagle Warren Mansion bed and breakfast. This 1900’s Victorian-era gem invites travelers to take a step back in time and enjoy old world service and world class cuisine in an adult-only environment. Having hosted past presidents, dignitaries, western icons, and cattle baron – a stay here is steeped in history and western charm. Don’t miss the afternoon tea and rare bespoke liquors.

Photos courtesy of (in order of appearance): Jim Walter (1st); Wyo Parks (2nd); Visit Cheyenne (3rd & 5th); Historic American Buildings Survey (4th); Pine Bluffs Distilling (6th)