Pier 17 Proposal Photographer

Skyline Love: Jonathan’s Romantic & Serene Pier 17 Proposal in NYC

Pier 17 Is a Hidden Gem for NYC Proposals

In a city as iconic as New York, finding a proposal spot that feels both personal and picturesque can be a challenge — but Pier 17 in the Seaport District offers exactly that. With sweeping, unobstructed views of the Brooklyn Bridge, the Manhattan skyline, and the East River, Pier 17 sets the stage for an unforgettable "yes."

For Jonathan, it was the perfect place to propose to the love of his life — combining the serenity of the water with the energy of the city skyline, and just enough privacy to make the moment feel completely theirs.

What Makes Pier 17 a Perfect Proposal Location

While many flock to Central Park or DUMBO for their big moment, Pier 17 offers something truly unique: a waterfront location that’s cinematic, calm, and a little less crowded. Nestled in the historic South Street Seaport, this modern venue brings together panoramic skyline views, wide-open space, and easy accessibility — making it one of the most underrated proposal locations in Manhattan.

  • Incredible Views of the Brooklyn Bridge & East River

  • Unobstructed, panoramic skyline views of Lower Manhattan

  • More privacy and fewer crowds compared to other popular NYC spots

  • Iconic sunsets over the water and skyscrapers

  • Easily accessible by subway, ferry, and car

  • Versatile setting for both casual strolls and luxury events

Pier 17: A Romantic, Scenic NYC Proposal Spot Worth Discovering

If you’re planning a proposal in New York City and want a setting that offers unforgettable views, elegance, and intimacy, Pier 17 deserves a spot at the top of your list. Whether you choose the open-air pier or the more exclusive rooftop venue (Rooftop at Pier 17), you’ll be creating a once-in-a-lifetime moment in one of the city's most spectacular yet relaxed locations.

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

Secretly Photographing Mitchell's Pier 17 NYC Tropical Storm Marriage Proposal

Why you should choose pier 17 for your nyc proposal

Pier 17 on Manhattan’s East side is such a great place to propose, day or night. Close to the beautiful and historic cobblestoned Fulton Street, revitalized Pier 17 offers not only an amazing view of the Brooklyn Bridge, but top notch restaurants. And for the icing on the cake, this area is not heavily visited by tourists unlike DUMBO Brooklyn Bridge Park, Central Park, or other parts of the city where we frequently photograph.

When helping clients plan their secret marriage proposal anywhere in NYC my tops questions are:

  • How are you going to convince your partner to look nice?

  • How are you going to get them there rain or shine?

  • Why do you have to be there at exactly or close to “Y” time?

The answer to these questions: make a brunch or dinner reservation and make it somewhere with a view. This is exactly what Mitchell did for his Friday night proposal on Pier 17.

How do you plan a proposal when you can’t plan the weather in new york city?

Rain, Rain, Go away… and maybe come back another day? I am always looking at the weather and I am always trying to plan ahead. However, I never look too far ahead. At most, I look 2-3 days ahead to gauge what could happen on an hourly basis. Two days before your proposal is when I start to come up with a plan. Is it going to rain all day, just in the morning, between 2pm and 4pm, or is it going to rain for just a few minutes?

Working with Jonathan Heisler Photography you get a team of photographers offering you flexibility. If it’s going to pour at 1pm, let’s move your NYC proposal 12pm or 2pm. If you were going to propose after dinner and now it’s going to monsoon, let’s propose before dinner and call dinner a celebratory dinner.

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

Capturing Justin's Pier 17 Secret Marriage Proposal

Where to propose in Manhattan and Still have a great view of the city

What makes Pier 17 rooftop in Lower Manhattan, NYC unique is its’ free unobstructed views of the Brooklyn Bridge, it is open to the public, and it’s not a busy tourist destination with large crowds.

Photographing an engagement in the rain

On today’s proposal, the weather threw every challenge at us and we still came out ahead! Justin and I watched the weather throughout the week, but instead of the weather getting better as we got closer to his proposal date, it got worse and worse. While visiting out of town gave Justin a limited window to propose and I suggested alternative locations, Justin still chose his original plan. The plan: Visit Pier 17 for brunch and propose with the Brooklyn Bridge in the background.

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

Jacob's Lower Manhattan Pier 17 Proposal

Photographing this secret rooftop proposal was a real unique nyc moment

What makes Pier 17 rooftop in Lower Manhattan, NYC unique is, it’s free to access and open to the public. If you’re looking to guarantee your own closed off area and decorate the space, then I’d highly recommend working with The Greens Restaurant, as Jacob did for his private proposal.

How to plan a secret proposal?

Jacob worked with Ashley’s friends to make her believe she was going to a brunch.

How to plan your perfect proposal

KISS - Keep It Simple Silly | Don’t over think how you’re going to propose because plans change. When I helped Jacob plan his proposal we chose the rooftop of Pier 17 in Lower Manhattan because the restaurant atop Pier 17, The Greens, had a private outdoor seating area. We coordinated with the restaurant to use their private outdoor seating area and agreed to dine at The Greens restaurant post proposal, where the staff prepared champagne and a charcuterie board.

Choosing to propose on the roof of Pier 17 is a great choice. To start, the views of the Brooklyn Bridge, Manhattan Bridge, and Brooklyn are unobstructed. Next, the rooftop is never all that busy.

Decorating his proposal

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

Ari and James - Pier 17 NYC Proposal

Congrats James and Ari!

How to plan a secret marriage proposal with a photographer

Several weeks before James’ proposal the two of us met at Pier 17 to rehearse where and how he’d propose to his girlfriend, Ari. The only thing we could not plan was the weather. Prior to James’ proposal, I asked him all of the key questions I needed to, so I could perfectly photograph the moment he asked Ari to marry him.

  • What time are you going to propose?

  • Which direction will you be coming from?

  • How are you going to get her to the location?

  • What’s your Plan B if it rains?

NYC Proposal Photographer in action

Right on time, James and Ari walked through Pier 17, and towards our planned location. The weather could not have been more perfect, nor could the view of the Brooklyn Bridge. The second I saw the couple approaching I started photographing. Ari did not suspect a thing!

Popping The Question - New York City Style

After James popped the question we took several posed photos and then did a mini-engagement shoot along Pier 17 and throughout South Street Seaport.

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