Blog Post

Our Guide to Planning and Photographing Your NYC Proposal

Having captured over 2,500+ surprise marriage proposals throughout New York City has proven invaluable when helping new clients plan their big moment. We know where, when, and how to propose when crowds, lighting, and the view are just some of your concerns. Even how to get your partner to “X” spot at “Y” time is a task we know how to handle.

Step 1

Let’s talk on the phone or over email. Once we get the details ironed out, I’ll put together an agreement summarizing your proposal plan; Date, Time, and Location with an “X” marks the spot. Along with the agreement, I will also ask for a photo of you both, so I know who to photograph.

Step 2: Once we receive all the necessary information we are confirmed!

As we get closer to your NYC Proposal date (Week of, Day prior, Morning of, and upon our arrival) we’ll text you confirming all the information for your proposal plan is still correct.

Step 3: The Day of Your NYC Proposal

Upon the photographer’s arrival, 30minutes ahead of you, your photographer will text over a marked up selfie (see below). This marked up selfie is crucial in helping you 1) know who to look for and 2) with where to stand, so we capture optimal photos. We always prioritize your partner’s reaction in our photos.

FAQs on how we capture a picture perfect surprise marriage proposal in NYC

  • FAQ #1 - All proposals on our website are real, and are NOT staged

  • FAQ #2 - NO - We do not hide in a bush! This is NYC and every tourists has a camera in their hand or at their side. We sit close by with our camera at our side and wait.

  • FAQ #3 - We don’t start photographing until you are clearly proposing - We don’t want to ruin the surprise.

  • FAQ #4 - We have a photo of you, and you have a photo of us - Your partner has no idea who we are!

    Tips and tricks to being a ROCKSTAR NYC Proposal Photographer

  • TIP #1 Let us know what you’re wearing and text us when you’re 5minutes away, so we can ensure spot is ready for you and not crowded.

  • TIP #2 The photographer will stand in the spot, so no one else is there. As you approach the spot, your photographer will walk out of the spot, and you’ll walk in to the spot.

  • TIP #3 Ask us for a photo of you both on your cellphone. We’ll help you pose, take the photo on your phone, and then you’ll propose. Don’t worry, out camera is at our side and we’ll quickly swap to the real camera.

When do you get your photos and how many photos?

The Best Spots for a Secret NYC Christmas Marriage Proposal!

There is something truly magical and festive about New York during the holiday season. The Christmas Trees, the sparkling decorations, the store windows, and the energy of this amazing, hustling, and bustling city make it the perfect place for a surprise marriage proposal. Below are some of my favorite spots for your NYC Christmas season proposal.

Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree

When you think of New York City and Christmas, you instantly think of the world famous Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree. While this is a magical and festive place, it’s also one of the most densely populated and crowded places in NYC during the holiday season. Don’t believe us on how crowded this area is, then checkout this! Our team has captured countless picture perfect secret proposals at the tree before leveraging our experience at Rockefeller Center during the Christmas season.

See more examples of a Rockefeller Center Christmas proposal here!

Lotte New York Palace

The Christmas Tree at the Lotte New Palace is timeless and their courtyard celebration is special. There are carolers, hot chocolate, and decor all around. What’s not present here are the thick crowds, as the Lotte New York Palace is one block away from the chaos of Rockefeller Plaza.

Bryant Park Christmas Shops

If it’s hard just to walk at the Rockefeller Christmas tree, it’s going to be impossible to get down on one knee. Bryant Park features its own Christmas tree and countless holiday shops with festive decorations. The spot we choose in Bryant Park for secret marriage proposals tends to be less crowded than other parts, and would feature the Empire State Building in the background of their proposal.

See more examples of a Bryant Park Christmas proposal here!

The Plaza Hotel and Lotte New York Palace

I don’t think anything is more iconic than New York City’s historic Plaza Hotel during the Christmas season. The staff at the Plaza do an amazing job of decorating the lobby, which is open to the public. For Nick’s proposal, we worked with the hotel to close off an area just to the side of the Christmas trees. What’s nice about a Plaza Hotel proposal is you can tell your partner you have a “reservation” at one of their restaurants or bars. This give

See more examples of a Plaza Hotel Christmas proposal here!

Brooklyn Bridge Park (Night)

Brooklyn Bridge Park offers a unique view of Lower Manhattan with the Brooklyn Bridge, World Trade Center, and the Empire State Building looking North. This area has several iconic restaurants such as The River Cafe and Celestine, which you can leverage for a reason to be there at a set time; I.e. “I have dinner reservations at 8pm. Let’s go to DUMBO at 7pm to checkout the view".”

See more examples of a Brooklyn Bridge Park night time proposal here!

6th Avenue Christmas Balls & Lights

(Near Radio City Music Hall) - During the holiday season there is no other place to be than New York City! The city offers so many different places to get that iconic Christmas look and feel; Rockefeller Christmas tree, Radio City Music Hall, Bryant Park Christmas shops, Central Park. While the city is very crowded during this time of the year, there are ways to capture big moments like a secret marriage proposal and make it look more intimate than it is. The big Christmas decorations off of 6th Ave near Radio City are a great festive alternative to the Rockefeller Christmas tree, and yet close enough to the tree where we can go there for post proposal photos.

See more examples of a 6th Ave Christmas Decoration proposal here!

Bryant Park Ice Skating Rink

Step 1: Coordinate with the Bryant Park Ice Skating Center to obtain permission. During the holidays, the rink is very busy and a proposal on the ice with the public skating around is strictly prohibited. It would be dangerous and rink officials will stop your proposal. Working with the rink officials will provide you a safe and beautiful moment.

Step 2: Select a time and work with us to photograph the moment.

See more examples of a Bryant Park ice skating rink proposal here!

Gantry Plaza - Long Island City (Night)

As an experienced professional NYC Proposal Photographer I know where you should propose and where you should not propose at night. Long Island City’s Gantry Plaza State Park is 110% where you should propose, day or night, as it captures the NYC skyline perfectly.

See more examples of a Gantry Plaza Long Island City night time proposal here!

Jonathan Heisler Photography is comprised of Professional New York City photographers specializing in photographing private NYC proposals, as well as engagement sessions and weddings.

LEARN MORE ABOUT HIRING A PROPOSAL PHOTOGRAPHER IN NYC

Proposing at The Edge Hudson Yards NYC

How to HIRe A PROPOSAL proposal PHOTOGRAPHER FOR THE EDGE

Planning this unique proposal location requires some coordination and planning. First, you have to purchase a ticket to guarantee your time slot is available (a must during the holidays). We’ll purchase our ticket for 15 minutes before you. This will guarantee we are in the spot and ready to go before you arrive to the top of The Edge. Once you’re up top, on The Edge, you’re allowed to stay there for an unlimited amount of time. There is no time limit.

FINDING THE BEST SPOT TO PROPOSE atop the Edge CAN BE CHALLENGING! Here is hoW we CHOOSE A SPOT.

Proposing in the morning not only makes for great photos because the lighting is great, but no crowds. It also means an amazing full day of celebrating. The best spot at The Edge is on the eastern side with the Empire State Building behind you. While most people congregate at the point or on the souther side facing the World Trade Center our favorite side is the eastern side of The Edge because you’ll have an iconic view of the Empire State Building

When is the best time of the day to propose at The Edge NYC?

From opening to closing, and from public to private we have captured countless proposals at New York City’s newest Icon, The Edge at Hudson Yards. In my experience the best time to propose here is in the morning, it has great soft lighting and it’s just less crowded. While we have captured wildly beautiful photos up here during sunset, sunset is also the most popular time to go to the Edge. It will be crowded.

Why should i propose at the edge versus Empire State building or top of the rock? Well the Edge has:

- Unobstructed views- Floor to sky glass walls, verses a waist high concrete wall at Empire State Building. 

- Full view of the city - With the Empire State Building and Rockefeller in the background. If you’re on the icon, how can you photograph it?

- Larger observation deck - It’s just not as crowded at The Edge, as it’s a large observation deck with plenty of space.

Some of our favorite proposal photos from The Edge NYC

Jonathan Heisler Photography is comprised of New York City photographers specializing in photographing private NYC proposals, as well as engagement sessions and weddings.

LEARN MORE ABOUT HIRING A PROPOSAL PHOTOGRAPHER IN NYC

The Best Place to Propose in Central Park NYC

As experienced Professional New York City Proposal Photographers, we have gained invaluable knowledge on where and when to propose in Central Park. We have a bunch of recommendations based upon time of day, lighting, privacy, and how you plan to propose. Some of our favorite locations are linked below: (not listed in any specific order):

1) Ladies Pavilion - Central Park NYC

Central Park Proposal Photographer

“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.

*Recommended Time Of Day to propose | Anytime

3) 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.

4) Conservatory gardens - Central park

The Conservatory Garden is a very special part of Central Park. While it’s just a little bit further out of the way, compared to other parts of the park, it provides you unrivaled beauty and privacy.

More proposals at the Conservatory Garden in Central Park

*Recommended Time Of Day to propose | All Day

5) Bethesda fountain - Central park

Photographing proposals in Central Park is such a contrast from the typical New York City hustle and bustle. Bethesda Fountain offers so many angles to photograph a proposal from. This area is centrally located in Central Park and it’s easily accessible. With the Boathouse restaurant / cafe recently opening up, you have an easy excuse to venture to this part of NYC’s most iconic destination.

More proposals at Central Park Bethesda Fountain

*Recommended Time Of Day to propose | Anytime.

6) Cat’s rock overlook - Central park

If you have a special place in the park I always recommend proposing there. However, if you can’t pick just one spot and you want to incorporate a true NYC view, I always recommend looking at Cat’s Rock overlook. Here you’ll capture the famous 59th street “Billionaire Row” and other iconic NYC tall buildings with the park. Conveniently located near the ice skating rink.

More proposals at Central Park Cat’s Rock Overlook

7) Oak Bridge - central park

Proposals near the Oak Bridge offer a unique vantage point of Manhattan’s Upper West Side. This spot is semi-private, as it’s just off the beaten path and North of where most tourists venture.

More proposals at Oak Bridge

*Recommended Time Of Day to propose | Late afternoon - early evening

8) Gapstow Bridge

Super easily accessible and photogenic is how I’d describe proposing at the Gastow Bridge. We traditionally do not photograph proposals on the bridge itself because it is narrow and crowded. For post proposal photo we’ll go on the bridge and capture photos with the Plaza Hotel in the background.

*Recommended Time Of Day to propose | Mornings or afternoons / early evenings

More examples of Gapstow Bridge Proposals

9) The Ramble across from bethesda

Privacy and a view are the selling points of this exclusive spot in Central Park’s ramble. It’ll take you a minute to get here and non-high heels are the shoe of choice. You can tell your partner you have a reservation at the Boat House nearby.

*Recommended Time Of Day to propose | Anytime

More examples of Proposals in the Ramble

Jonathan Heisler Photography is comprised of New York City photographers specializing in photographing private NYC proposals, as well as engagement sessions and weddings.

LEARN MORE ABOUT HIRING A PROPOSAL PHOTOGRAPHER IN NYC

Where is the best place to propose in NYC?

"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

The Edge Proposal Photographer Hudson Yards NYC

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)

With Pier 25 and Pier 45 being fairly long it’s often pretty empty. This location is great for choosing a sunset proposal. Pictured above is a beautiful July morning proposal we photographed.

*Recommended Time Of Day to propose | Anytime

7) Manhattan’s pier 17 (East 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

Lincoln Center NYC Proposal Photographer

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

Bow Bridge marriage proposal Central Park Photographer

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.

LEARN MORE ABOUT HIRING A PROPOSAL PHOTOGRAPHER IN NYC

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Where to Propose in NYC - COVID Update

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The best place to propose in New York City, COVID or no COVID, is outdoors. New York City provides countless iconic locations with uniquely New York backdrops. Outdoor Zoos (Central Park Zoo, Brooklyn Zoo, and the iconic Bronx Zoo), Botanical Gardens, skyline vistas, and parks (Central park, Gantry Plaza, Washington Square Park…) are some of the most popular places to propose, and the safest during COVID.

While proposing in a restaurant is romantic, it entails logistics and careful coordination with the restaurant staff. Most restaurants or indoor facilities will not allow you to take off your mask with others around. They also have ugly dividers and makeshift precautions that will be in your photos. While Grand Central Terminal is usually my go to indoor location when it rains or there is bad weather, during COVID you must wear a mask while in the terminal. This means, you’re going to have masks on in all of your photos.

Currently, there are no tourists in New York City. New York is now for the real New Yorkers, and because of this we now have unobstructed access to the city’s treasures; Central Park Bow Bridge, Gantry Plaza, Brooklyn Waterfront DUMBO, Brooklyn Promenade. When photographing your proposal we no longer have people staring, looking, and gathering with awkward faces in the background.