"Where to propose in NYC" is often the #1 question our inquiries ask, so please read through our top suggestions and recommendations below. After having photographed over 2500+ secret proposals throughout NYC, we decided to create a go-to guide of our favorite spots.
As Professional New York City Proposal Photographers, our top 12 favorite places to secretly photograph a proposal in NYC are (not listed in any specific order) list below. When creating this list we thought about places that were private, with views, and locations that were quintessential New York City! - Thinking of Central Park read about our Top Central Park Proposal Locations here!
1) Ladies Pavilion - Central Park NYC
“Find somewhere off the beaten path where you’ll have privacy” is what we tell clients when helping them plan their proposal. Ladies Pavilion on Manhattan’s West side is a great location to propose and to have your moment photographed. It’s a quick walk in to the park, it’s not too busy, you’ll have a view of the city, and there are plenty of places in the area for post-proposal photos.
*Recommended Time Of Day to propose | Late afternoon - Dusk
2) Shakespeare garden - Central Park NYC
Shakespeare Garden on Manhattan’s West side is a little known spot with a ton of beauty. It’s a quick walk in to the park, it’s not too busy, and it will allow you to have privacy. It’s one of the most private places in Central Park to propose.
*Recommended Time Of Day to propose | Anytime
3) Gantry Plaza - long island city
Gantry Plaza in Long Island City is one of our favorite places to photograph proposals. The unobstructed views of New York City and the Empire State Building are unrivaled. If you love New York City and it is a part of your story, then Gantry Plaza is the place to propose. It’s also not a busy NYC location for tourists. This spot beats Brooklyn Bridge Park if you’re looking for views of NYC and a private place to propose.
*Recommended Time Of Day to propose | Mornings and Sunset
4) Brooklyn bridge Park - DUMBO
Whether you are visiting New York or you are a native, this proposal location is just breath taking. Proposing on the Brooklyn Bridge with the NYC Skyline behind you first thing in the morning is one the best places to propose in all of New York City. The photos we can capture on the Brooklyn Bridge and then in DUMBO go well beyond just photographing the proposal moment.
*Recommended Time Of Day to propose | Mornings before the crowds grow
5) The Edge at Hudson yards
Photographing at The Edge in Hudson Yards, with its stunning views of NYC, is special. Your proposal photos at The Edge will have unobstructed views of New York City, whether that’s looking uptown, downtown, towards Brooklyn, New Jersey, and Long Island. Even though this proposal spot is a NYC go to for tourists, it’s spacious and crowds are kept in check with pre-purchased timed tickets.
*Recommended Time Of Day to propose | Mornings and late afternoon.
6) Manhattan’s pier 25 or 45 at Hudson river park (West side)
Photographing proposals at Pier 17 on Manhattan’s East Side provides you that iconic view of the Brooklyn Bridge. It’s also a great location for brunch and an easy excuse for getting them out of the house, and looking nice.
*Recommended Time Of Day to propose | Mornings and afternoons
8) LIncoln center
We are always helping people come up with a convincing plan on how to get him/her out of the apartment, and out of the apartment dressed up. The best way to get that special person dressed up is to go to a show at Lincoln Center and plan an evening they’ll never forget.
Proposing outside of Lincoln Center puts on a show she’ll never forget!
*Recommended Time Of Day to propose | Late afternoon
9) Rooftop proposal
It’ll feel like you’re on top of the world when you propose on top of a NYC rooftop with the bustling city below you. We’ll help you secure a roof top spot of your own or photograph the moment on a rooftop / balcony of your choosing.
More rooftop proposal locations
*Recommended Time Of Day to propose | Anytime - Just depends on location.
10) Bow Bridge landing - Central park
Just past the iconic Central Park Bow Bridge is our favorite late afternoon spot called the “Bow Bridge Landing”. Tourists will walk to the Bow Bridge just to check it out and stop. They don’t go past it. A few people will go past the bridge and take a look at the landing, but not go down the path. This keeps the spot private and generally open. Winter, Spring, Summer, or Fall the afternoon here is perfect for a proposal. Another benefit of this spot is it’s central location within the park.
More proposals at the Bow Bridge Landing in Central Park
*Recommended Time Of Day to propose | Late afternoon - We can NOT photographed here until the late afternoon due to lighting. Imagine taking an iPhone photo in front of a very bright window, the background will be bright and you will be dark.
Jonathan Heisler Photography is comprised of New York City photographers specializing in photographing private NYC proposals, as well as engagement sessions and weddings.