Ryan Reynolds and Sandra Bullock took an adventure to Sitka, Alaska in the 2009 movie, but we’ll tell you a little secret: Most of the movie was not actually filmed here. Let’s check out where it was actually filmed, the movie magic that made it feel a bit like Sitka, and how you can still have The Proposal Sitka experience.Â
Where was The Proposal Filmed?
Many of the movie locations were filmed on the other side of the country, in Massachusetts and Rhode Island.
Film Vs. Reality
The Paxton House
Reality: The Paxton house is actually at 5 Gales Point Road in Manchester by The Sea, MA
Filming Illusions: The first time you see this home, at about 27:00, you will see the Three Sisters mountains in Sitka photoshopped behind it, giving the illusion of being filmed in Sitka.
The house is shown just to the right of this image, setting the Paxton house just off shore of downtown Sitka.
Downtown Sitka
Reality: Downtown Sitka was actually filmed in Rockport, Massachusetts.
Filming Illusions: The town was transformed a bit to appear like Sitka, and again, snowy mountains were photoshopped into the background.
St. Michael’s Orthodox Cathedral is a big part of Downtown Sitka’s Charm.
Totem Poles
What is a totem pole? Totem Poles are works of art that tell stories or teach lessons. They are made by the indigenous peoples of Alaska and many other areas of the world.
Reality: The Totem Poles shown are not real, they were placed as props around the town and house.
Filming Illusions: There are many real Totem Poles in Sitka, ALaska, carved by master carvers of the Tlingit tribe and other southeast tribes. See some in Sitka National Historic Park.
Tlingit Dance & Song (From Betty White)
Reality: The wedding march was actually written by Edward Littlefield, a Sitka local and member of the Tlingit Tribe.
Filming Illusions: This is not the Kaagwaantaan Clan’s wedding chant as the clan did not want their chant used in a commercial production. But Littlefield translated the producer’s lyrics into the Tlingit language which is what Betty White sings in the movie.
In English she is singing:
“Our heavenly father
Bless our two children
Who are coming together in marriage”
The Sheet’ká Kwáan Naa KahÃdi house showcases traditional Tlingit performances in Sitka.
“Sitka Skyways” Plane
Reality: Unfortunately you can’t fly on Sitka Skyways to get to Sitka. This was a fictional name.
Filming Illusions: But the Sitka Rocky Gutierrez Airport is really! If you are looking to visit Sitka, you will most often fly in on your usual jet. You can fly by air, travel by sea, or even take a cruise ship into town.
Sitka’s 7,200 ft. runway surrounded by water on three sides can be a thrill to land on.
How can I still have a Proposal experience?
We’d recommend seeing Sitka for what is had to offer.
- The downtown is quite quaint, and full of character. Check out the local shops, eat local food, and walk around the town.
- Check out Crescent Harbor, which of one of five harbors in Sitka, but maybe avoid the high heels on the dock.
- Learn about Tlingit culture and Sitka’s history at the Sheldon Jackson Museum, Sitka National Historic Park, and Sheet’ká Kwáan Naa KahÃdi house.
- Take a guided tour to learn about Sitka.
- Stay in a beautiful house on the water, but watch your cellphones with the eagles.Â
