How to Propose to Your Goth Girlfriend (or Boyfriend!)

It’s October and that means that spooky season has officially arrived! This is the perfect time to pop the question to your goth queen (or king!) and there is truly no better city for a spooky proposal than New Orleans.

They’re the Morticia to your Gomez, the Armand to your Louis, the Jack to your Sally. Your spooky sweetheart has style for days and a penchant for the macabre. They’re not the type to swoon over a standard dinner-and-a-ring affair. Nope- your favorite tortured soul deserves a New Orleans proposal as darkly delightful as they are.

If you’re struggling to figure out how to tell your coffin cutie that you want to be together ‘til death do you part then you’re in the right place! Here are five proposal ideas that will make their black heart beat just a little faster.

  1. Propose at the French Quarter Haunted Hotel

    New Orleans is known for its haunted landmarks. Realtors selling homes in the French Quarter are obliged to mention whether or not the property is inhabited by tenants with perpetual squatter’s rights (i.e. “NOT HAUNTED” is often seen on For Sale signs). We even have a few restaurants that have been frequented by infamous spirits. But did you know there is an actual Haunted Hotel?

    The Haunted Hotel on Ursulines street boasts the title of the oldest haunted hotel in the French Quarter- with reports of hauntings dating back to 1918. Few guests leave without spotting a ghost. Many guests can’t even stand to stay an entire night!

    Book a room for you and your Darling Darkness and when they least expect it, pop the question in the courtyard below. Don’t forget a circle of candles, spider webs, and some spooky fog to set the ambiance.

2. Bring Their favorite Spooky Movie to Life

Does your partner have a soft spot for a creepy classic like The Corpse Bride? Perfect! Turn their favorite spooky flick into a reality by setting up a romantic goth picnic in one of New Orleans’ parks with decor inspired by the film.

Choose fabrics that match the color palette of the movie (be sure to include lots of layers and textures as any good goth would love), go for black roses and foliage, use candelabras, lanterns, and candles for mood lighting, and be sure to include a few props unique to the movie so the setup is undeniable (without being completely on-the-nose).

As they take it all in, you pop the question, turning their proposal into the ultimate scene of a gothic love story. And just like that, they’re yours forever—no need for a cursed ring to seal the deal.

3. Propose in a Stunning New Orleans Cemetery

If your partner’s idea of romance includes long walks among the crypts, then a cemetery proposal is a must!

New Orleans has many unique traditions when it comes to honoring the dead- one of which is we lay our dearly departed to rest above ground. These stone tombs stay in families for hundreds of years and can be beautifully elaborate making for a backdrop that your people have literally died for.

Choose a cemetery that stays open late and a tomb where the only people around have been gone and buried for a long time. Set the mood with dark rose petals, flickering candles, and maybe even a musician serenading the souls. When the moment’s just right, ask them to be your eternal love, surrounded by quiet whispers of congratulations- or was that just the wind?

4.Propose During a Tarot Card Reading

Let fate lend a hand in your proposal by incorporating a tarot card reading. Set up a private session with a real reader (make sure they know what the deal is!) where the cards reveal a story that mirrors your relationship—culminating in a card that signals taking the next step.

As your partner is marveling at the uncanny accuracy of the cards, you pull out the ring and ask them to be yours forever. Who could say no when the universe itself is giving the thumbs up?

5. Stage a Vampire Themed Proposal in an Old Church

If the idea of spending an eternity cuddled together in a satin-lined casket gets your love’s heart racing then this proposal idea is for you.

New Orleans is home to many 19th century churches- some of which now operate full time as event venues. Fans of Anne Rice’s Interview with the Vampire know this makes a perfect setting to declare your bond for all eternity. They’ll love the drama of a gothic church proposal complete with candelabras and vampire coffins- no fangs necessary.

From Oak-draped cemeteries to stained-glass lined cathedrals there is a perfect backdrop for your spooky New Orleans Proposal no matter what supernatural flavor your partner is into. Customize it with unique elements near and dear to their dark heart for an experience they will never forget.

Not sure how to make that happen? Lucky you, that’s what I do!

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