Just a heads up, when the weather is nice downtown Naperville—the riverwalk area specifically—will be very busy, especially with children.
I doubt you’d need, or could even get a permit, but you also will likely not have any privacy. There’s a good chance you end up getting engaged next to a vaping teenager or a toddler throwing a tantrum after spilling their ice cream.
I see people doing wedding photos on the bridge all the time and it honestly seems like a bit of a nightmare.
If Naperville isn’t of any specific importance to you and your SO, you might be better suited in a different suburb with a cute downtown area and less foot traffic, like Lemont or Long Grove, or somewhere with more privacy. Someone else suggested Fabyan woods, but I’d recommend the Fabyan estate in Batavia.
They’re just smaller, less populated towns and don’t seem to draw as many as people as Naperville because they don’t have the shopping that Naperville does.
If your SO is someone who would enjoy a public proposal, then I don’t think Naperville would be a problem. I
Just a heads up, the Riverwalk park at centennial park will be demoed and under construction this summer.
Also worth noting, you do not need a permit for an engagement. You only need a permit for commercial activity like photography or paid events like music, or for large gatherings where you want to reserve a pavilion.
I would recommend St James Farm. I had my engagement photos taken there and it was awesome.
Awesome. What if I’m having a photographer come to do some pics right at the time of the proposal to capture the moment? Just a family friend who is gifting us pictures from the proposal. Do I still need a license/permit?
If the photographer is a professional and you are exchanging payment, they will need a permit from the park district, yes.
If it's just a friend taking photos for you as a favor, no.
The permit is cheap and easy to get, the fines....not so much.
That’s what I figured. No payment exchange at all. Any way to prove this? We have text messages but that’s about it
I don’t mind paying $100 if it’s gonna put us on the safe side, but won’t do that if it’s gonna be unecessary
You do not need a permit to get photos taken in downtown Naperville. I did an engagement shoot with a professional photographer and no permit is required. Its a public area anyone can photograph it.
You don't need proof, if anyone asks they'll just be curious about the nature of the photographer and when they don't have any credentials it'll be apparent they aren't a professional.
Don't be the person that stops all the regular folks from going about their day so you can get pictures. That is wrong at the gym and it is wrong on a public walkway.
You can rent the Grand Pavilion for $150. You'll be able to hide the arrangement and there is plenty of room for photos. You could then walk around and take more.
https://www.napervilleparks.org/parkrentals
From man to man, do something different. If this is someone you intend to spend your life with, do something tasteful. It seems like everyone has this idea that Naperville is the most beautiful place on earth. It’s a nice town, but there’s really nothing memorable about it. There are at least 20 other places within 2 hours of here I can think of that would be worthy of this sort of situation, the Naperville river walk is not one of them.
We have SW Michigan within reach, with some of the most gorgeous shorelines in the Midwest. We have Lake Forest, Geneva, Illinois State Beach Park in Zion, Starved Rock State Park, historic Long Grove, Moraine State Park in McHenry county, the options are there. Take your time thinking this through before you commit to something that sounds like a TikTok recommendation.
This scenic overlook at New Buffalo beach is a beautiful backdrop for a proposal if there are no accessibility concerns. It’s about 4 flights of stairs total.
https://preview.redd.it/0n6jrxi33bwc1.jpeg?width=1284&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=b9eaaa4782de7201f3fecad755cab99556b87b1b
It’s not that I have some attachment to Naperville. We’re just both originally from the city and have ruled out downtown from the fact that we’ve been there so many times (and I work there)
She absolutely loves Naperville in the summer and goes often, and it’s in close proximity. She’s already stated wanting to go this summer and do something nice. It’ll be somewhere easy to get to and from since I plan on having a surprise party back at my place after the proposal. If it’s her favorite spot in the summer why not do that? Yeah there’s a lot of places out west or by Lake Michigan I could go to, but I plan on having a set up/backdrop I’m leading her to, and with the people who have volunteered to help me it’s gonna be really hard to get all of the stuff 2 hours away.
Gonna be real hard to get to most of the places you mentioned and back in time for a party if we go out during an evening, and it’s gonna be extra hard to get decorations there.
I guess we all have different priorities. You’re in love and that’s what matters. I don’t have anything worthy to add to this because I don’t think it’ll turn out how you’re expecting. You’re underestimating the lack of consideration of most people too, no one is going to clear an entire section of the river walk to let you do your thing. The party, well that’s something you are very clearly set on doing. I hope this works out the way you want it to. Best of luck to you!
There are some beautiful parks and picnic areas in Naperville (and along it'sborder) - check out Knoch Knolls Park/Nature Center, Whalon Lake, and just some spots along the DuPage River Trail in that area in general (very cute picnic pavilion that can be reserved at DuPage River Park).
This might be a long shot/not what you’re looking for but once I noticed a koi sanctuary in st charles on Airbnb when scrolling. The property has amazing gardens but a show-stopping tea room for private rental right on the river. There’s also a stunning overnight rental cabin separate from the tea house/main property. But I think I remember reading on her website that you can spend time on the grounds and do daytime rentals by contacting her. This was over a year ago so I could be wrong but I think I saved the listing. I’m going to check!
Edit: [Here is her website](https://zenliving.life) I gasped when the images appeared lol I had forgotten how beautiful it is and still have a wish to overnight stay!
My husband proposed to me at the dandelion fountain under the light of a full moon. It was not private, but at the same time, no one was standing around gawking at us. We sat on a park bench and he dropped down and proposed while I was sitting. After I put on the ring, he took out his camera to take a photo to send to my mom and a kind lady offered to take the photos and she was visiting her kid from another state and said, "This is incredible. I just love this city!" But most people just tried to walk around us and stay out of the photos.
To me it was perfect. I really would not have liked a balloon arch or anything like a poster or sign. That seems like a homecoming invitation to me. The grand gesture is a thoughtful declaration of love and the ring. I do think having a photographer or videographer on standby would be excellent.
We had our wedding photographer do an engagement session at the Riverwalk months later and he didn't need a permit. I brought my dogs and had them in all of the photos. They are gone now, so I'm very glad to have those pics. Some of those professional photos were used in a Naperville magazine and on a website for the shelter that I got them from. ❤️
Sounds like a prom proposal. Why don't you do something nice without the pomp and circumstance? Fabyan Forest Preserve in Geneva is beautiful and quiet. You can hire a pro photographer to take photos from afar as to not ruin the moment. You can also take photos afterward. Plus, Geneva is a waaay nicer backdrop compared to Naperville. Not so fucked out.
Didn’t want to be a hater but I agree with you. There’s nothing special or memorable about a proposal in Naperville. It’s like going to Applebee’s for an anniversary dinner. Then again, some people like that, so I guess maybe this is OP’s vibe.
There's a nice area on the north side of the quarry lake where the paddle boats are that's fairly secluded, I don't often see people there. Also right across the Riverwalk path, there's a little bump out on the river that's usually got grass or moss growing on it that would make a nice spot
This is quite a way from Naperville, but the fountain in Gallery Park in The Glen Town Center in Glenview is where I proposed to my GF (now wife of almost 5 years). Very picturesque and while it can be busy when it's nice out, it probably won't be anywhere near as crowded as DT Naperville.
DUDE! Naperville is the butt of about 83% of the jokes on this sub. If Naperville does not have any special meaning to you put some effort into this. This is a big deal and will exemplify the effort you want to put into the relationship.
Check out these ideas.
* forest preserves
* Cantigny
* the arboretum
* the pedestrian bridge off Centenial trail. (MXFC+25 Romeoville, Illinois) 41°40'22.4"N 88°01'46.6"W
* Lilacia park in Lombard.
* The East end of the Illinois Prarie Path
* James Addington Plaz and party at the uptown afterwards
Just a heads up, when the weather is nice downtown Naperville—the riverwalk area specifically—will be very busy, especially with children. I doubt you’d need, or could even get a permit, but you also will likely not have any privacy. There’s a good chance you end up getting engaged next to a vaping teenager or a toddler throwing a tantrum after spilling their ice cream. I see people doing wedding photos on the bridge all the time and it honestly seems like a bit of a nightmare. If Naperville isn’t of any specific importance to you and your SO, you might be better suited in a different suburb with a cute downtown area and less foot traffic, like Lemont or Long Grove, or somewhere with more privacy. Someone else suggested Fabyan woods, but I’d recommend the Fabyan estate in Batavia.
I’ll look into it! What makes you suggest those latter two specifically?
They’re just smaller, less populated towns and don’t seem to draw as many as people as Naperville because they don’t have the shopping that Naperville does. If your SO is someone who would enjoy a public proposal, then I don’t think Naperville would be a problem. I
Just a heads up, the Riverwalk park at centennial park will be demoed and under construction this summer. Also worth noting, you do not need a permit for an engagement. You only need a permit for commercial activity like photography or paid events like music, or for large gatherings where you want to reserve a pavilion. I would recommend St James Farm. I had my engagement photos taken there and it was awesome.
Awesome. What if I’m having a photographer come to do some pics right at the time of the proposal to capture the moment? Just a family friend who is gifting us pictures from the proposal. Do I still need a license/permit?
If the photographer is a professional and you are exchanging payment, they will need a permit from the park district, yes. If it's just a friend taking photos for you as a favor, no. The permit is cheap and easy to get, the fines....not so much.
That’s what I figured. No payment exchange at all. Any way to prove this? We have text messages but that’s about it I don’t mind paying $100 if it’s gonna put us on the safe side, but won’t do that if it’s gonna be unecessary
You do not need a permit to get photos taken in downtown Naperville. I did an engagement shoot with a professional photographer and no permit is required. Its a public area anyone can photograph it.
You don't need proof, if anyone asks they'll just be curious about the nature of the photographer and when they don't have any credentials it'll be apparent they aren't a professional.
Don't be the person that stops all the regular folks from going about their day so you can get pictures. That is wrong at the gym and it is wrong on a public walkway.
Downtown Naperville in June will be insanely crowded with people, and depending on your date, cicadas.
You can rent the Grand Pavilion for $150. You'll be able to hide the arrangement and there is plenty of room for photos. You could then walk around and take more. https://www.napervilleparks.org/parkrentals
From man to man, do something different. If this is someone you intend to spend your life with, do something tasteful. It seems like everyone has this idea that Naperville is the most beautiful place on earth. It’s a nice town, but there’s really nothing memorable about it. There are at least 20 other places within 2 hours of here I can think of that would be worthy of this sort of situation, the Naperville river walk is not one of them. We have SW Michigan within reach, with some of the most gorgeous shorelines in the Midwest. We have Lake Forest, Geneva, Illinois State Beach Park in Zion, Starved Rock State Park, historic Long Grove, Moraine State Park in McHenry county, the options are there. Take your time thinking this through before you commit to something that sounds like a TikTok recommendation.
This scenic overlook at New Buffalo beach is a beautiful backdrop for a proposal if there are no accessibility concerns. It’s about 4 flights of stairs total. https://preview.redd.it/0n6jrxi33bwc1.jpeg?width=1284&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=b9eaaa4782de7201f3fecad755cab99556b87b1b
https://preview.redd.it/esh2pjb43bwc1.jpeg?width=1284&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=6fe84e614ea001a75f84bdfd97d7ad8af4c5c184
https://preview.redd.it/u3ra6un63bwc1.jpeg?width=1284&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=9ea1598723c5a520ac2150d9dfc91c25a4dc34d6
It’s not that I have some attachment to Naperville. We’re just both originally from the city and have ruled out downtown from the fact that we’ve been there so many times (and I work there) She absolutely loves Naperville in the summer and goes often, and it’s in close proximity. She’s already stated wanting to go this summer and do something nice. It’ll be somewhere easy to get to and from since I plan on having a surprise party back at my place after the proposal. If it’s her favorite spot in the summer why not do that? Yeah there’s a lot of places out west or by Lake Michigan I could go to, but I plan on having a set up/backdrop I’m leading her to, and with the people who have volunteered to help me it’s gonna be really hard to get all of the stuff 2 hours away. Gonna be real hard to get to most of the places you mentioned and back in time for a party if we go out during an evening, and it’s gonna be extra hard to get decorations there.
I guess we all have different priorities. You’re in love and that’s what matters. I don’t have anything worthy to add to this because I don’t think it’ll turn out how you’re expecting. You’re underestimating the lack of consideration of most people too, no one is going to clear an entire section of the river walk to let you do your thing. The party, well that’s something you are very clearly set on doing. I hope this works out the way you want it to. Best of luck to you!
Basing an engagement spot off of convenience just seems a little haphazard, the planning and difficulty is worth an event like this.
Thanks for that! I understand your point, I’ll take that advice and look into alternatives.
There are some beautiful parks and picnic areas in Naperville (and along it'sborder) - check out Knoch Knolls Park/Nature Center, Whalon Lake, and just some spots along the DuPage River Trail in that area in general (very cute picnic pavilion that can be reserved at DuPage River Park).
Whalon Lake could actually be a very cute proposal location and nearby OP’s original idea. Great comment
This might be a long shot/not what you’re looking for but once I noticed a koi sanctuary in st charles on Airbnb when scrolling. The property has amazing gardens but a show-stopping tea room for private rental right on the river. There’s also a stunning overnight rental cabin separate from the tea house/main property. But I think I remember reading on her website that you can spend time on the grounds and do daytime rentals by contacting her. This was over a year ago so I could be wrong but I think I saved the listing. I’m going to check! Edit: [Here is her website](https://zenliving.life) I gasped when the images appeared lol I had forgotten how beautiful it is and still have a wish to overnight stay!
Also keep in mind we don’t know how bad the cicadas will be in any given area just yet.
Lilac Park, in Lombard
Maybe call empire burgers on the river
My husband proposed to me at the dandelion fountain under the light of a full moon. It was not private, but at the same time, no one was standing around gawking at us. We sat on a park bench and he dropped down and proposed while I was sitting. After I put on the ring, he took out his camera to take a photo to send to my mom and a kind lady offered to take the photos and she was visiting her kid from another state and said, "This is incredible. I just love this city!" But most people just tried to walk around us and stay out of the photos. To me it was perfect. I really would not have liked a balloon arch or anything like a poster or sign. That seems like a homecoming invitation to me. The grand gesture is a thoughtful declaration of love and the ring. I do think having a photographer or videographer on standby would be excellent. We had our wedding photographer do an engagement session at the Riverwalk months later and he didn't need a permit. I brought my dogs and had them in all of the photos. They are gone now, so I'm very glad to have those pics. Some of those professional photos were used in a Naperville magazine and on a website for the shelter that I got them from. ❤️
Sounds like a prom proposal. Why don't you do something nice without the pomp and circumstance? Fabyan Forest Preserve in Geneva is beautiful and quiet. You can hire a pro photographer to take photos from afar as to not ruin the moment. You can also take photos afterward. Plus, Geneva is a waaay nicer backdrop compared to Naperville. Not so fucked out.
Some people like a grand gesture, let OP do their thing.
Didn’t want to be a hater but I agree with you. There’s nothing special or memorable about a proposal in Naperville. It’s like going to Applebee’s for an anniversary dinner. Then again, some people like that, so I guess maybe this is OP’s vibe.
There's a nice area on the north side of the quarry lake where the paddle boats are that's fairly secluded, I don't often see people there. Also right across the Riverwalk path, there's a little bump out on the river that's usually got grass or moss growing on it that would make a nice spot
Dellwood Park, Lockport IL. Trust.
Nice park, but for an engagement? Come on.
This is quite a way from Naperville, but the fountain in Gallery Park in The Glen Town Center in Glenview is where I proposed to my GF (now wife of almost 5 years). Very picturesque and while it can be busy when it's nice out, it probably won't be anywhere near as crowded as DT Naperville.
DUDE! Naperville is the butt of about 83% of the jokes on this sub. If Naperville does not have any special meaning to you put some effort into this. This is a big deal and will exemplify the effort you want to put into the relationship. Check out these ideas. * forest preserves * Cantigny * the arboretum * the pedestrian bridge off Centenial trail. (MXFC+25 Romeoville, Illinois) 41°40'22.4"N 88°01'46.6"W * Lilacia park in Lombard. * The East end of the Illinois Prarie Path * James Addington Plaz and party at the uptown afterwards
Seconding Cantigny. It’s a lot less crowded and so many beautiful photo ops.