If you want a proposal that feels relaxed, private and a little bit fancy, a winery is hard to beat. And of all the Mornington Peninsula proposal ideas we plan, a lakeside winery is the one couples talk about for years.
Crittenden Wines in Dromana has it all. A lake, some of the oldest vines on the Peninsula, weeping willows that sweep down to the water and a big old eucalyptus gum tree looking out over the vines.
The best part? The cover story writes itself. "I've booked us lunch at a winery" raises zero suspicion. Your partner gets dressed up, you get a great meal and nobody is wondering why you are acting weird.
We are the exclusive proposal planners at Crittenden, so any styled set up here comes through us. We know the grounds, we know the team and we handle everything from set up to pack down. All you need to do is turn up and ask the question.
Why Crittenden is our favourite winery proposal on the Mornington Peninsula
Crittenden is a family owned winery wrapped around a gorgeous lake. It is about an hour from Melbourne and feels a world away.
Most wineries give you one nice spot by the cellar door. Crittenden gives you a choice. Willows on the water, a gum tree over the vines and a covered deck if the weather turns, all on one estate.
And when it is done, you are already at one of the Peninsula's best winery restaurants. No driving, no rushing, just lunch and a glass of something good.
Where to propose at Crittenden
The weeping willows
This is the spot everyone falls for. The weeping willows are hidden away at the back of the property, right on the water's edge, with long branches that sweep down like a soft green curtain.
We set your proposal up in front of them, so the willows frame you both and the lake stretches out behind. The light filters through the leaves and the photos are unreal.
Best for a romantic, secret garden feel with the lake as your backdrop.
The lake
Everything at Crittenden happens around the lake. The vines roll down to it, the restaurant looks out over it and the Lakeside Villas sit right on the water.
We set your proposal up on the water's edge, with the lake stretching out behind you both. Still water, green all around and that soft Peninsula light. It looks like a movie set, without you having to do a thing.
It is also your secret weapon. "Let's go for a walk around the lake" is the most natural thing in the world to say at a winery. Your partner thinks it is a stroll. You know exactly where you are heading.
Best for a calm, open setting that looks incredible in every photo.
The eucalyptus gum tree
Want something even more exclusive? Around the other side of the lake is a huge old eucalyptus gum tree looking out over the vines.
It is about a 5 minute walk from the restaurant, which makes it the perfect excuse to take your partner for a little wander. "Let's go for a walk before lunch" and they will have no idea what is waiting at the end of it.
Best for the most private feeling spot on the estate, with vineyard views.
The deck
If the weather turns or you would like something closer to the restaurant, the deck gives you water views with cover nearby. Victoria does what it wants, so it is nice to have options.
Best for a wet weather plan that still looks over the lake.
After the yes: lunch, and maybe a night away
The second your partner says yes, wander up to the restaurant for a long lunch overlooking the water. Want something more intimate? We can arrange private dining near your proposal site too for an additional fee.
Want to make a weekend of it? The Lakeside Villas sit right on the water, a short stroll from the restaurant. We can even set up while you are both at lunch or a tasting, so you walk out to a surprise. Or as another option, we can set up on the deck of your accommodation too
Best for turning the proposal into a full Peninsula getaway.
Our three proposal set ups at Crittenden
Every booking includes a dedicated Proposal Planner who looks after the set up, styling, reservations, liaising with the winery and pack down. You do not lift a finger.
Package prices are for our styling only. Crittenden's venue fee is separate. See venue hire below.
Option 1: Our Perfect Picnic, $650 + venue hire
Our most popular set up, and it looks right at home in front of the willows.
White picnic rug with basket and cushions
"Will You Marry Me" on the picnic basket lid
Small cheese platter and Crittenden sparkling wine
2 faux floral pieces in red or white (option to upgrade to fresh floral pieces +$350)
Small bouquet for your partner to keep
5 sand candles with LED flame
1.5 hour duration
Best for a relaxed, romantic proposal that does not feel over the top.
Option 2: Boho Picnic, $900 + venue hire
Relaxed, earthy and full of texture. Natives, a floral arbour and French champagne, with the lake right behind you.
Boho themed picnic area
Triangle arbour adorned with florals
Small table with candles, florals and cutlery
Bouquet of native flowers to keep
Small cheese platter and Crittendens sparkling wine
1.5 hour duration
Best for the nature loving partner who wants something a little different.
Option 3: White or Red Floral Halo or Heart, $1,500 + venue hire
Go all out with our white or red Floral Halo, or our Floral Heart. Either one is set up with the lake and willows behind you, and this is the one that makes the photos.
Floral Halo: our white or red Floral Halo, 20 luxury sand candles with LED flame, flooded with petals, a bottle of Crittendens sparkling and a bouquet of roses to keep
Floral Heart: our white or red Floral Heart with neon "Will You Marry Me", white plinths with roses, roses, petals and LED candles all around, a bottle of Crittendens sparkling and a bouquet of roses to keep
Best for a statement moment and a jaw on the floor reaction.
Venue hire at Crittenden
Crittenden's venue fee is separate to our styling and goes straight to the winery. It depends on when you propose and whether you stay to eat.
During opening hours, staying for lunch: no venue fee, just a $200 minimum spend in the restaurant
During opening hours, no dining: $200 venue fee
Before opening, staying for lunch: $350, which includes $200 to spend on food and drinks
Before opening, no dining: $300 venue fee
So a Perfect Picnic during opening hours with lunch after is $850 all up, and $200 of that comes back to you as a dining credit in the restaurant. Want it completely private before they open? Add $150, so $1,000 all up.
Not sure which one suits? Tell us a little about your partner and we will point you in the right direction.
Add a proposal photographer
You only get this moment once. Add a proposal photographer to any styled set up for $450.
They hide in plain sight, capture the whole thing and then take portraits of you both around the lake and vines. Shoots run for 30 minutes.
Just want photos, no set up? Our photographer only package is $550 for 30 minutes. See our Mornington Peninsula proposal photographers.
Planning tips for a winery proposal on the Mornington Peninsula
Go early for privacy
Want it completely private? Book before the restaurant opens at 12pm and you get exclusive use, just the two of you. An 11am proposal is perfect. During opening hours there will be other guests around, so we use the quieter spots.
The cellar door is already open at that time, so it is the perfect excuse to arrive early. We get the Crittenden team to play along and direct you both to your proposal spot.
Propose first, lunch after
Nerves and a three course lunch do not mix. Get the question out of the way, then enjoy lunch as a newly engaged couple.
Keep the cover story simple
"Lunch at a winery" is all you need. Add "let's do a tasting at the cellar door first" and you have a reason to arrive early without a single question.
Have a wet weather plan
We plan a back up with the winery ahead of time. If the forecast looks rough, we will talk you through a time change or the covered deck.
Let us brief the winery
We talk to the Crittenden team for you, so the staff know the plan and nobody gives the game away.
Crittenden proposal FAQs
How much does a winery proposal at Crittenden cost?
Our styled set ups start from $650 for Our Perfect Picnic. Crittenden's venue fee starts from $200, or there is no fee with a $200 minimum spend if you stay for lunch during opening hours. A photographer is an extra $450.
Will it be private?
Yes, if you book before opening. Before the restaurant opens at 12pm you get exclusive use, so an 11am proposal is completely private. The cellar door is already open, so arriving early looks completely normal. During opening hours Crittenden is a working winery and restaurant, so privacy is not guaranteed. We use quieter spots like the willows at the back of the property or the eucalyptus gum tree on the far side of the lake.
How far ahead should I book?
As early as you can, especially for weekends and over spring and summer. A $200 deposit locks in your date and we look after the rest.
What happens if it rains?
We plan a back up with the winery ahead of time. If the forecast looks rough, we will talk you through the options, like a time change or the covered deck.
Can I bring my own stylist?
We are Crittenden's exclusive proposal planners, so any styled set up at the winery comes through us.
What are the best Mornington Peninsula proposal ideas?
A lakeside winery proposal at Crittenden is our top pick. Other favourites include Ashcombe Maze, Jackalope and Montalto. See our full list of Mornington Peninsula proposal ideas below.
More Mornington Peninsula proposal ideas
Still weighing up your options? These are the other Peninsula spots we love.
Ashcombe Maze: hedges, gardens and a fairytale feel. See all our Ashcombe Maze packages.
Jackalope: a luxury hotel in the middle of the vines, with in room or lakeside set ups. Read more.
Montalto and more wineries: compare every winery we work with in our Melbourne winery proposal guide.
Beaches, clifftops and gardens: see our 10 romantic Mornington Peninsula proposal ideas.
Ready to propose at Crittenden?
You bring the ring. We will handle the willows, the lake, the styling and the timing.
Send us your date, the set up you like the look of and a little about your partner, and we will take it from there.
Get in touch to start planning, or see our Mornington Peninsula proposal photographers.
