Where to Propose at the Griffith Observatory

The Griffith Observatory is one of LA’s most popular attractions for both tourists and couples alike. So, if you are planning to get down on one knee at this venerable institution, then plan to be standing alongside many, MANY people. The question then arises: where is the best place to propose at the Griffith Observatory? In today’s blog post, I’ll provide you with a complete guide giving you a layout of the venue, some suggestions on where to propose at the Griffith Observatory, and a few tips on how to handle both crowds and parking. Plus, I’ll also dive into where to head after your proposal to take engagement photos. Read on, and get ready for the stars to align for a perfect proposal.

Why the Griffith Observatory is a Great Place to Propose

The good news about proposing at the Griffith Observatory is that it is always surrounded by tourists. Sure, that can sound like a downside. But if you are going for a surprise proposal, then with this particular location you know that your photographer is going to blend in with the surrounding hordes.

So, How Bad Are the Crowds at the Griffith Observatory?

It all depends upon the day of the week and time of day that you visit. On my recent trip to view sunrise at the Griffith Observatory – my favorite time to visit the venue – I noticed only one couple having a photo shoot, and quite frankly, the crowds were not that bad. It was a Saturday morning at 6:00 a.m., and I was surprised by the lack of traffic. The crowd level picked up significantly after 9:00 a.m., however, and I am sure it was quite substantial towards the end of the day.

In comparison, I went back to the Griffith Observatory to try and observe the crowd level at sunset on the following Sunday. Traffic was so bad, that I could not get out of my car to even think about visiting the observatory. It did not help that there was a concert going on down at the Greek Theatre at the same time. Let this be a lesson: sunrise is best time to visit the Griffith Observatory.

The Front Steps

Best Time to Propose: before/after the observatory closes
View: Classic Art Deco Entrance to the Griffith Observatory

Crowds at the Griffith Observatory tend to be very goal-oriented. Especially during sunrise, everyone heads straight to the East Terrace. No one, however, goes anywhere near the front entrance of the Griffith Observatory. And since the observatory is closed at sunrise, you should have the front steps all to yourself.

So, why not have your photographer hang back near the monolithic sculpture at the entrance to photograph you proposing to your beloved on the stairs? The Art Deco entrance is gorgeous, though of course very public. Still, it’s a classic shot. By the way, don’t be concerned about the stanchions in front of the building: these can easily be taken out in post-production editing.

Level Below the East Terrace, by the Corner Binoculars

Best Time to Propose: just after sunrise or when there is a break in the crowds
View: Downtown Los Angeles skyline

This location offers an epic view of both the sun rising and the Los Angeles downtown skyline. As you might have guessed, this tends to be one of the most popular locations for people to congregate at the Griffith Observatory. So, if you plan to propose at sunrise, then plan to get down on one knee with a crowd in the background. Your photographer can get a great view from the upper-level terrace and they will completely blend in with the crowd.

A note on timing: during my visit, this niche was completely empty once the sunrise crowds thinned out. If this is the area where you absolutely want to propose, simply wait until after sunrise and you might be able to have it all to yourself.

Private Doorway

Best Time to Propose: during sunrise to take a break from the crowds
View: beautiful Art Deco door

If you are waiting for the sun to rise and you want to step away from the crowds for a moment, there is a somewhat private doorway that people tend to ignore. On the East Terrace as you are about to walk around the back of the roof, you will see one of the passageways leading into the interior of the building. You may luck out and find this passageway to be empty. If so, you theoretically could step into the passageway and propose while your photographer is poised on the wall opposite, capturing the moment. It’s a less photogenic spot (though the door is lovely), but it would definitely be a surprise. You’ll certainly be able to take more stunning photos in the area afterwards.

West Terrace, Hollywood Sign in the background

Best Time to Propose: sunrise
View: Hollywood Sign

At sunrise, it’s all about avoiding the East Terrace crowds. Since everyone is going to be headed toward the east side to catch the sunrise, you should head to the West Terrace for your proposal. The Hollywood Sign looks the best in the morning when the sun hits it, so make this the focal point of your proposal. You’ll have the terrace pretty much all to yourself. You can get down on one knee, with your photographer standing above on the mezzanine level.

West Terrace, Downtown Los Angeles and Observatory View in the Background

Best Time to Propose: sunrise
View: Griffith Observatory architecture and downtown Los Angeles skyline

Especially at sunrise, the West Terrace area is pretty much ignored. You can get down on one knee here without a crowd bothering you. Your photographer – positioned behind and closer to the entrance to the West Terrace – can capture you proposing with both the downtown Los Angeles skyline and the profile of the observatory’s roof in the background. This location gets much more crowded once the sun rises, so propose here at the crack of dawn. I will also note this is where people line up to go inside to the observatory, so this area would be off limits while the observatory is open. Furthermore, the wall here is quite dirty and needs to be cleaned up in post. Still, it’s a viable option.

Parking Lot Viewing Platform for the Hollywood Sign

Best Time to Propose: sunrise
View: Hollywood Sign

This tends to be a very popular area, and it’s also where the public restrooms are located. It is, however, a good place to propose before you head into the observatory. You are very close to the Hollywood Sign, so you’ll have this landmark solidly in your background. In addition, if you are a fan of the ubiquitous angel wing sculptures seen around the country, you can find one of these on the platform as well. Note that this area does get quite bright once the sun is up and it is always very crowded with people taking photos. My recommendation is that a proposal only take place here at sunrise.

Forest Area Just Past the Parking Lot

Best Time to Propose: Sunrise or late Sunset
View: Nature

Aside from hikers, most people don’t even know this area exists. If you walk past the observatory parking lot and head straight for the trees, you’ll find this little forested area. It’s the perfect jumping off point for a proposal, or if you would like to take some photos in nature after your engagement. You could propose at the benches with a view of the Hollywood Sign in the background, or with a beautiful view of Griffith Park as the sun comes up. Either way, you’ll only have a hiker or two passing you by. Note that this becomes a highly trafficked area with hikers once the sun rises.

A Few Words on Crowds

The Griffith Observatory really does get crazy crowded past sunrise, and sunset is undoubtedly the busiest time to visit the observatory. Weekends and holidays are to be avoided at all costs. A weekday sunrise is the ideal time to propose. And while you may not be a fan of early mornings, getting down on one knee surrounded by hundreds of other people is much less appealing by far.

A Warning About Parking

Parking is highway robbery at the Griffith Observatory. The price has now risen to $20 per hour in the lot adjacent to the observatory and $15 per hour on the street beside the observatory. Do yourself a favor and propose when the observatory is closed. You do not need to pay for parking in the adjacent lot when the observatory is closed. The only time you need to pay is when the observatory is open.

Oh, and don’t even think about parking illegally on the street. The meter maids are out in force at 7:00 a.m. with their cones of doom. If you will be here in the evening, note that the park does close at 10:00 p.m., and guards do sweep people out of the park.

The next closest parking lot is the Greek Theatre, but I would keep a careful watch on the theater’s event calendar. You can park for free at the theater, but only when events are not being held here. Otherwise, parking prices range from $50 to $60. Also, do not even consider going near the observatory when a concert is happening at the Greek Theatre. For the sake of this article, I tried to visit the observatory at sunset when a Death Cab for Cutie concert was playing at the Greek Theatre. This is as close as I got to the Griffith Observatory:

Where to Take Photos After Your Proposal at the Griffith Observatory

Griffith Observatory Locations

Entrance and Front Steps

The Griffith Observatory is a stunning example of classic Art Deco architecture. From interesting doorways to the beautiful entrance, there are niches here and there around the building that offer wonderful photo opportunities. Of course, all of this depends on whether you have chosen a time when there are fewer crowds.

For instance, the front steps and entrance are largely ignored at sunrise. But once the doors open (literally), then you lose this photo opportunity almost entirely. The doors here look their best when closed.

Ground-Level Terrace

This is all the terrace you need for some great photos at the observatory. With a stunning view of the Los Angeles skyline, you’ll be able to take plenty of photos leaving most of the crowds behind on the roof.

Berlin Forest

Just past the little forest area by the parking lot is the Berlin Forest. This is a larger forest that I recommend for photos after your proposal. This area offers a bit more greenspace, since the forest area just above the parking lot can get a bit congested with hikers passing by after sunrise.

Ferndell Trail

As far as photos afterwards, Ferndell Trail located next to Los Feliz Boulevard is within easy driving distance of the Griffith Observatory. This sweet little stretch of park stays green throughout the year, though don’t expect to see any flowers in bloom. And while you will find plenty of tropical foliage, you’ll also find plenty of crowds on the weekends. This park also suffers from dappled light. It’s a nice oasis, but I wouldn’t come here expecting great nature photos.

There is free parking on the street on Fern Dell Drive, and there is a free parking lot on Western Canyon Road.

Old Los Angeles Zoo

If you want to bring a colorful urban streak to your photo shoot, then take a hike over to the ruins of the Old Los Angeles Zoo. The slightly creepy cages and (in my mind beautifully) graffitied walls are an interesting background for any type of photo shoot.

Lake Hollywood Park

If you are proposing at the Griffith Observatory, then my guess is you are going for an epic LA moment. Why not cap off the engagement with photos at the Hollywood Sign? Sure, you’ll have a solid view from the Griffith Observatory, but you’ll have an even better view from Lake Hollywood Park. Just put ‘Lake Hollywood Park’ in your GPS and drive.

Jerome C. Daniel Overlook

One nearby spot if you’re looking for views within driving distance is the Jerome C. Daniel Overlook. This is the classic view overlooking the Hollywood Bowl with the Los Angeles skyline in the distance. The view is best at sunset, though frankly it’s pretty marvelous any time of the day. The photo below is the view right after sunrise at about 9:00 a.m. Beware that the parking lot is the size of a postage stamp, so if you are planning to come here at sunset, get here early so that you can snag a parking spot.

Permits and Where You Technically Cannot Take Photos

Rules for taking photos at the Griffith Observatory

At the Griffith Observatory, you are allowed to take photos without a permit on the main lawn and on the ground-level terrace. The rule is that you cannot bring any extra lighting equipment or reflectors, and you cannot block steps or sidewalks. Staged photos, such as wedding and engagement shoots, are strictly prohibited on the rooftop terraces, on the terrace beside the café, and in any interior space.

Griffith Observatory Photo Guidelines

Permits required for taking photos in Griffith Park

To take photos in Griffith Park — and I am referring here to the forest and beyond the Griffith Observatory, including Ferndell — you technically need to obtain a permit from FilmLA. When I contacted FilmLA directly, I was quoted $104 for the application fee and $75 for the reservation. FilmLA’s general published fee schedule also lists additional charges, including a separate administrative fee and a notification fee, which may apply depending on the type of shoot. I’d recommend contacting FilmLA directly for your specific situation, since fees can vary. You must make the reservation at least three days in advance through the FilmLA website.

Final Thoughts

You can’t get more LA than a proposal at the Griffith Observatory. And now with this guide, you know exactly where to stand for the most epic proposal ever. Of course, proposing here comes with its own share of challenges – namely, crowds. But with a little planning and a good alarm clock, you are sure to get a ‘yes’ when you pop the question.

Enjoy the images, and I’ll have more photo adventures for you next week!

__________________________________________________________

If you found this where to propose at the Griffith Observatory useful, then check out these related posts:

Looking for a Los Angeles photographer for your proposal, engagement shoot, or family portrait? Drop me a line and let’s chat about how we can creatively collaborate.

To view more images from my portfolio, please visit my website – KellyWilliamsPhotographer.com