Getting Engaged in Ottawa Throughout the 4 Seasons
Wedding Engagements mark one of life's most memorable milestones but when is the right time of the year for you and your partner? With 4 uniquely distinct seasons, Ottawa offers an array of opportunities for that perfect proposal moment throughout the year.
Read on to learn more from in-house Jewellery Design Consultant & Professional Jessica Harden of La Maison d'Or on what to keep in mind when planning an engagement through spring, summer, winter, or fall!
Spring & Summer Proposals in Ottawa
Spring engagements are for those who want to embrace the new growth, and greenery and transition from cold to warm. Many couples align their engagement with personal milestones or preferred aesthetics and with spring usually being an eventful month for families whether it be for graduations, or travel plans, it can be a good opportunity to add more to celebrate.
Taking that one step further, summer is ideal for outdoor proposals, offering longer days and warmer weather. If you are looking to make your engagement a full-day affair, you can capture as much sun as possible in the Summer months, which helps extend a magical day to feel just a wee bit longer!
Top spring and summer proposal spots include:
-
Rideau Canal or Falls
-
National Art Gallery
-
Major’s Hill Park
-
Chateau Laurier
-
Gatineau Park
Stones For Each Season
Engagement rings with natural, flowing designs can symbolize the growth and vibrance of the warmer months. Tacori’s Dantela Collection is a popular collection that helps encapsulate this theme. More vintage-style bands or rings with abstract side details can also carry similar sentiments and dazzle in similar ways.
Jessica notes that while birthstones like emeralds and rubies are popular for gifts, engagement ring choices are more about personal preference than seasonal symbolism, and should be prioritized.
La Maison d’Or Expert Tips:
💍 Avoid swimming with rings due to the risk of slipping and potential chlorine damage.
💍 Securely store rings when travelling.
💍 Wash your ring from time to time to keep it looking its best.
Winter Proposals in Ottawa
Winter in Ottawa is a magical season for proposals. Snow-dusted landscapes, cozy firesides, and festive backdrops create stunning moments. The Christmas season uplifts and inspires and if you and your loved one are a fan of the holidays, this could be the perfect time of the year for an engagement.
Winter benefits include more scenic photo opportunities. The contrast of snow with your surprise engagement moment, or snow gracefully falling as you pop the question can make your special day that much more glamorous. It also allows you to book an intimate getaway post-engagement in a cabin, lodge, or somewhere where the beauty of winter can be embraced to its fullest.
Jessica suggests Patterson Creek Bridge for a quieter canal backdrop or the NAC's new extension for stunning views of Parliament.
La Maison d’Or Expert Tips:
💍 Be cautious of cold fingers that can shrink, making rings looser.
💍 Use secure ring holders, like a Lion Latch, and keep them inside bags for extra safety.
💍 Ensure your ring is insured, especially if travelling.
Fall & Autumn Proposals in Ottawa
Fall is famous for its rich colours and cozy atmosphere, making it a popular proposal season, especially in Ottawa where natural beauty is abundant. Orange, yellow, and red leaves give some of the best photo opportunities, but compared to other seasons, this aesthetic can go as fast as it comes.
Prepare to plan ahead so that you are proposing when the leaves are still on the trees, but are beginning to fall, creating some amazing ambiance opportunities, especially in more remote areas outside of the city.
If you are looking for the perfect ring for fall, The Canadian Maple Leaf Diamond Seasons collection is a standout choice and features tricolour leaf designs, perfect for fall lovers.
Again, Jessica does emphasize that most couples should choose ring designs meant to be cherished across all seasons. La Maison d’Or can even craft a custom ring, especially for your partner that embodies what they love most (including their favorite season!).
Learn more about the custom process here.
Personalizing Your Proposal – Additional Tips
Jessica encourages couples to think about what feels authentic to their relationship and how you can make your proposal carry weight and meaning. Consider choosing special locations that hold personal significance to your partner or the relationship, incorporating custom elements like engraved dates on rings, your partner’s seasonal preferences, and potential backdrops for photo opportunities.
Additional tips include:
-
Prepare what you want to say
-
Respect their comfort zone (public/private)
-
Plan a post-proposal celebration
-
Hire a photographer whose portfolio you love
Timeless Trends in Ottawa Engagement Rings
Current engagement ring trends reflect a beautiful mix of timeless elegance and modern flair.
According to Jessica, the rise of social media has expanded access to diverse styles, new ideas, and a wider variety of options, allowing couples to choose rings that suit their unique styles and tastes.
Classic gold solitaires remain one of the most timeless choices, often complemented by elongated diamond shapes like ovals, radiant cuts, and pear shapes. For those seeking a personalized touch, coloured gemstones, such as sapphires help bring a richer palette of colors into designs.
Canadian diamonds are growing in popularity, touted for their ethical sourcing and support of Canada’s northern communities. La Maison d'Or proudly offers Canadian-certified rings and gold.
"Trends change fast, but it’s essential to choose a ring you’ll love for years to come," says Jessica.
Ultimately, the best time to propose is when it feels right for you and your partner. Whether you’re envisioning a winter wonderland proposal or a summer sunset moment, Ottawa offers endless possibilities to make your engagement unforgettable.
Ready to find the perfect ring for your season of love? Visit La Maison d'Or or click here to browse our beautiful selection of rings.