There are places that speak quietly; places that seem to whisper, “magic is about to happen.” For Brooke and Dustin, the outer tip of Cape Cod and Highland Lighthouse offered exactly that.

Living in Texas, they wanted something meaningful. Brooke loves Cape Cod… the salt in the air, the ocean breeze, the endless summer light. So Dustin decided to plan something unforgettable: a proposal that would bring together her favorite place and their favorite view.

Highland Lighthouse in North Truro (27 Highland Light Rd, North Truro, MA 02652) was the perfect choice. It’s not only the biggest lighthouse on Cape Cod, but one of the most breathtaking spots on the Outer Cape.

From the top, you can see the hook of the Cape all the way to Provincetown. Because it’s farther out, it feels peaceful and private, ideal for a moment this intimate.

With help from the Highland Lighthouse staff, we arranged to join the very last lighthouse tour of the day, which lets you climb all the way to the top.

As the golden light began to fade, the three of us climbed to the lantern room. And there, with the ocean stretching endlessly below, Dustin dropped to one knee.

Brooke tearfully said yes.

Afterward, we used the lighthouse grounds as a backdrop for portraits, celebrating the new “yes” with that soft Cape Cod sunset as our canvas.

The Story: Brooke and Dustin’s Unforgettable Climb to “Yes”

Dustin reached out wanting a plan that was both natural and cinematic — the kind of proposal that felt completely “them.” We knew that timing and light would be everything.

Since the last lighthouse tour begins at 4:30 p.m., I knew a late September date fit perfectly. That way, we’d get the best of both worlds: the warm golden glow of fall and the potential for sunset color after the climb.

The Highland Lighthouse staff were so kind and accommodating. They helped us coordinate everything seamlessly, and before long, we were climbing the narrow stairs to the top.

By the time we reached the lantern room, the air was warm — surprisingly warm, even for fall — and the glass walls shimmered in the last of the day’s sunlight. Dustin turned to Brooke, took a deep breath, and asked the question that changed everything.

Her answer? A teary, joyful yes.

From there, we took our time wandering the lighthouse grounds, capturing portraits that felt relaxed, full of light, and completely true to them.

Where Is the Highland Lighthouse and How to Get There

You’ll find Highland Lighthouse at 27 Highland Light Road, North Truro, MA 02652, on the Outer Cape.

It’s about a 15-minute drive from Provincetown and roughly 90 minutes from Hyannis. Because it sits so far out on the Cape, you’ll want to plan your trip intentionally. It’s not a place you accidentally wander to. But the views are worth every mile.

The lighthouse is part of the Cape Cod National Seashore, and the grounds are open year-round. Tower tours are seasonal, so always check the official Highland Lighthouse website for current hours and weather updates before planning your visit.

A Brief History of the Highland Lighthouse — Cape Cod’s Tallest and Oldest

For anyone who loves a place with a story, Highland Lighthouse has one of the richest histories on Cape Cod.

• The first lighthouse on the Cape, it was commissioned by George Washington in 1797 and became the 20th lighthouse in the United States.
• The current brick tower was completed in 1857, replacing earlier wooden versions.
• Due to severe coastal erosion, the entire structure was moved 450 feet inland in 1996 to prevent it from falling into the sea.
• It remains both the tallest and oldest lighthouse on Cape Cod and continues to serve as an active navigational aid.

(Sources: HighlandLighthouse.org and NPS.gov)

Choosing a place like Highland Lighthouse isn’t just about the view. It’s about the legacy. There’s something special about saying “yes” somewhere George Washington once deemed important enough to preserve.

Planning Your Own Highland Lighthouse Proposal

If you’re dreaming of a Cape Cod lighthouse proposal, here’s what to know before you climb:

Coordinate with the Staff

While no special permit is required for proposals or photos on the grounds, you do need to contact Highland Lighthouse in advance if you’d like to go inside or use the tower during a tour. The staff are wonderful and very helpful. Just let them know your plans when booking.

Choose the Right Season

The top of the lighthouse gets hot — even at the end of September, the three of us were sweating after just a few minutes. For that reason, fall proposals are ideal. The weather is comfortable, and you might even catch those soft sunset colors if you choose the last tour of the day.

Summer proposals can be beautiful too, but since the last tour begins at 4:30 p.m., the sun will still be high, and you’ll miss that romantic golden light.

Be Ready for the Climb

The staircase is narrow and steep…part of the charm! Wear comfortable shoes, avoid bringing large bags, and plan to move slowly if you’re carrying anything valuable (like an engagement ring).

Make the Most of the Grounds

Once you’re back outside, the entire area becomes your photo backdrop. From the lighthouse’s white façade to the windswept grasses and ocean cliffs, there’s no shortage of beauty. And if you’re lucky, the post-tour glow will give you those painterly sunset tones Cape Cod is known for.

What to Expect on the Tour and the Climb

The Highland Lighthouse tour takes you all the way up to the lantern room, which includes a panoramic view of the Atlantic and the rolling dunes of the Outer Cape. Your guide also shares the full history of the lighthouse.

When we joined the last tour of the day, the light was already soft and golden. The climb itself adds a sense of anticipation. Each narrow step brings you closer to that view (and in Dustin’s case, to the moment).

At the top, the glassed-in room offers a full 360-degree view of Cape Cod’s coastline. It’s breathtaking, warm, and just a little dizzying in the best way. Once the proposal moment passes, you can descend and linger around the grounds for portraits as the light fades.

FAQ — What You Need to Know When Proposing at Highland Lighthouse

Do you need a permit to propose at Highland Lighthouse?

No — you can walk the grounds freely without a permit. But if you plan to go inside or use the tower for photos, coordinate ahead of time with the Highland Lighthouse staff.

Can you take engagement photos at Highland Lighthouse?

Yes! The grounds are open to the public, and the tower tours allow for limited access inside. It’s one of the most photogenic spots on the Cape for engagement sessions or post-proposal portraits.

When are tours available?

Typically May through October, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with the last tour beginning at 4:30 p.m. Always confirm on the official website.

What’s the best time of year for a lighthouse proposal?

Fall, for both comfort and light. The weather is cooler, the crowds are smaller, and you can catch the sunset right after your climb.

Is Highland Lighthouse the biggest on Cape Cod?

Yes, it’s the tallest and oldest lighthouse on Cape Cod — and the one George Washington himself commissioned.

Closing Thoughts

For Brooke and Dustin, their Highland Lighthouse proposal was the start of a new chapter… one written on the cliffs of Cape Cod, under a fading sky.

There’s something poetic about the climb to the top of a lighthouse: the anticipation, the warmth, the height, the view. It feels like the world slows down just long enough for two people to make a promise.

If you’re dreaming of proposing somewhere meaningful, the Highland Lighthouse offers both story and setting, history and heart, all in one.

And if you’re looking for someone to document your own lighthouse moment, I’d love to help you plan every detail and capture it beautifully. Please click here for my contact form to begin.

Highland Lighthouse Photos: