Are you planning a proposal at the Kentucky Derby? Whether you’re a local who loves the biggest event in the state, or coming from out of state to experience it for the first time – I’ve got plenty of tips to help make your Derby proposal magical!
I’ve photographed several events, including proposals, at Churchill Downs. Every year, couples visiting for Derby get engaged during the most exciting weekend in the state of Kentucky!
Proposals require intentional planning, and coordinating a surprise this big during THE most crowded event of the year? You’ll want help from a professional with the expertise to pull it off. That’s why I’m sharing everything you need to know to pull of a successful proposal at the Kentucky Derby.
Planning a surprise proposal during Derby
The number one thing you need to do if you plan a proposal at the Kentucky Derby is hire a photographer EARLY. I can’t overemphasize how important, and busy, this weekend is in the entire state. Photographers get hired for Derby weddings, corporate events, local concerts and parties, and many locals take time off to enjoy the festivities themselves.
Book a photographer at least a month in advance to ensure you’ll be able to have your Derby engagement professionally captured, plus have time to coordinate logistics.
When to propose during Derby weekend
Oaks Day and Derby Day are the two most exciting days of Derby Week. You can read more about each day of the Derby festivities at the track on Churchill Downs’ site.
Timing and weather are important factors to consider for your proposal. Derby is notorious for being blazing hot, or having a torrential downpour…sometimes a little bit of both. If you have tickets to the track for one or more days, you have flexibility in case of bad weather. However, you’ll also need to consider photographer availability in case it ends up raining on your Plan A, which will likely be built into the cost of their services on the busiest weekend for events in Kentucky.
The earlier you go to the track, the fewer people will be there. Later in the day when the main races happen is when it’s the most crowded. When you can make a proposal at the Kentucky Derby happen will likely depend on what time you can arrive to Churchill Downs via shuttle, how long you plan to stay, and how long you can keep the proposal a surprise before your heart bursts!
I recommend proposing earlier in the day for fewer crowds, before everyone gets sweaty or has too much to drink, and to spend the rest of your time celebrating the engagement with your group.
Proposing at Churchill Downs during Derby Weekend
If you’d like to propose inside of Churchill Downs, you’ll need to buy a ticket for your photographer. Tyler and Joshlyn’s families hired me to photograph their proposal, as well as their two days at the track. This was a really fun way to experience the Derby, celebrating a huge relationship milestone and the joining of two families with quality time on their visit to Kentucky!
Alternatives for your proposal outside of Churchill Downs
If comping an extra ticket or having your group photographed for the day isn’t in the cards, we can still capture the magic of Derby in the vicinity of Churchill Downs, outside of the ticketing area.
Other spots I suggest…
- The bronze statue outside the Kentucky Derby Museum: This is located right next to the ticketed area of Churchill Downs before entering. This is a common photo op spot, making it easier to hide in plain sight. Cell service is better here than inside the track, and no ticket purchase is required. This is actually the spot where I took the proposal photos in this blog post!
- Dawn at the Downs: This is one of my favorite events prior to Derby. Watch the horses warm up in the morning, see them get hosed down afterwards and take photos near the horse stables! Personally, I find this to be a more romantic, less chaotic setting for a proposal.
- Kentucky Derby Museum balcony: Arrange a tour of the KY Derby Museum, and propose on the balcony with view of the Churchill Downs spires, or down below where they have a horse in their paddock.
- Elsewhere in Louisville: There are plenty of beautiful locations to get engaged in Louisville that won’t be crowded with 156,710+ people (that’s how many people attended Derby in 2024, by the way). Reach out to discuss alternatives at other scenic spots around the city where you can propose.
Other factors to consider in your proposal at the Kentucky Derby
Prepare to be flexible: With crowds at the track, ever-changing weather, and all the logistics required to coordinate a surprise, you’ll likely need to hire a photographer for several hours and be flexible if the plan needs to change at the last minute.
In addition, there are so many people at the track that cell service is extremely spotty. Trying to find each other without ruining the surprise gets more complicated this way.
What I’ll provide as your Derby proposal photographer
Before the beautiful proposal you see photos of here, I worked closely with Tyler’s mom. She and I coordinated the whole thing to ensure they knew what I looked like and plan every detail of the proposal, and Joshlyn was so surprised!
As a local who is familiar with Churchill Downs and the events of Derby, let me help you make this a magical experience you and your fiancé to be will never forget! Whatever your plan, I’ll help you make your proposal at the Kentucky Derby a memorable experience for you both.
Reach out for a comprehensive proposal package that includes ample coordination, next day previews, quick gallery delivery, and more.
If you loved this blog post, check out
What to Wear to the Kentucky Derby: The Ultimate Style Guide
See more photos from this Proposal at the KY Derby
About your Derby photographer
Johanna Hribal is a wedding and event photographer based in Louisville, Kentucky. I’ve been to Derby quite a few times, and love the people watching and the vibrant energy it brings to the city! People love my colorful, vibrant, and true to color edits and the way I captures people’s love in a natural and non-intrusive way. Click here to visit her website and let’s pull off the BEST surprise ever…your proposal at the Kentucky Derby. Follow me on Instagram to see more engagement sessions, weddings, and events I’ve been photographing!
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