Joseph's Surprise Proposal at Gantry Plaza Proposal in Long Island City

Joseph planned a surprise proposal at Gantry Plaza State Park in Long Island City. He chose this location for its skyline views and waterfront setting. The Empire State Building, the United Nations, and the bridges are visible, which provide strong visual elements in the background. Gantry Plaza also offers more privacy compared to many Manhattan locations.

The Proposal Story

Joseph arrived with his partner shortly before sunset. The light was soft, and reflections on the water were becoming more pronounced. We proceeded to a pier overlooking the East River. As the city lights began to turn on, Joseph knelt and popped the question. The moment was captured from wide angles to include both skyline and reflections, and from closer frames to record expressions. Few bystanders were nearby, which allowed for more freedom in framing and time to take multiple shots without rushing.

Why Gantry Plaza State Park Is a Good Choice

• It provides unobstructed views of major NYC landmarks (Empire State Building, UN, bridges), giving proposals a strong visual identity.

• The waterfront offers water reflections which add depth to photos especially around golden hour or when lighting is changing.

• The park has multiple vantage points (piers, walkways, gantries) that allow flexibility in composition.

• Compared to many Manhattan proposal spots, Gantry has less foot traffic especially later in the day, enabling more private moments.

Tips for Planning a Gantry Plaza Proposal

• Time your proposal for late afternoon or early evening—when natural light is softer and skyline lights start to come on.

• Arrive a little early to scout the spot, account for lighting, water reflections, and possible crowd patterns.

• Select a vantage point that includes both skyline and water; piers often work well.

• Dress in colors that contrast with the skyline and water for better subject separation (avoid colors that blend into the background).

• Work with a photographer who knows LIC/Gantry → someone experienced with waterfront light and reflections.

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

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Pascal's Spring Proposal at Gantry Plaza LIC

Pascal planned a surprise proposal at Gantry Plaza State Park in Long Island City during spring. He and his partner were visiting from Germany, and this was their first time coming to Gantry. To make sure everything went smoothly, Pascal and I prepared in advance — I sent him a map showing the route, marked where his partner would walk, and showed examples of where their proposal moment could happen.

The Proposal Story

We met at Gantry Plaza before sunset. With daylight still good and spring foliage starting to show, the walk along the waterfront was calm. Pascal waited for the right spot — a pier with a view of the skyline and water. When his partner arrived, he proposed. Photographs included wide shots showing the skyline and river, medium frames to focus on the couple, and close-ups to capture emotion. Because we planned the location ahead, we had time to choose angles and prepare without rushing.

Why Gantry Plaza State Park Is a Good Proposal Location

• Offers clear views of major NYC skyline landmarks (Empire State Building, United Nations, etc.)

• Waterfront setting allows for reflections in the water, adding depth to images

• Multiple vantage points (piers, walkways, gantries) give flexibility to move depending on light and composition

• More privacy compared to many Manhattan spots, especially in spring evenings before crowds peak

Tips for Planning a Gantry Spring Proposal

• Plan ahead: look at maps, pick your route, decide where the proposal moment will be, especially if your partner hasn’t seen the location before

• Time the proposal close to golden hour (late afternoon / just before sunset) so light is soft and flattering

• Arrive early to check light, explore possible spots, and avoid surprise obstacles

• Dress in season-appropriate attire and colors that work well with skyline + waterfront backdrops

• Use a photographer experienced with waterfront light and reflections

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Proposing In Long Island City's Gantry Plaza | Pierre and Allyson

With NYC skyline views, waterfront piers, and fewer late-night crowds, Gantry Plaza State Park is a strong choice for proposals at night. Pierre chose this location because it balances iconic city elements—Empire State Building, Midtown lights—with a quieter, more private atmosphere than many Manhattan locations.

The Proposal Story

Pierre and Allyson arrived at Gantry Plaza in the evening, after sunset. The city lights were on, the skyline visible, and the piers slightly less crowded. Pierre led Allyson to one of the waterfront piers that frame the skyline with the East River in front. At that vantage point, he proposed.

Photographs include wide views of the skyline, medium shots closer to frame their expressions, and closer portraits to capture emotion. Because lighting changed quickly (serving both ambient light and city lights), multiple angles were used to ensure both the couple and the background were well-exposed.

Why Gantry Plaza State Park Works Well for Night Proposals

• City skyline visibility — landmarks like the Empire State Building and Midtown lights are clearly visible, making for visually striking backgrounds.

• Waterfront reflections — at night, the calm water and lights reflect well, adding depth and visual interest.

• Less crowded at night — fewer people on the piers after dark allow more flexibility with framing and less pressure from bystanders.

• Multiple vantage points — piers, walkways, and gantries offer varied compositions (wide skyline shots, close intimacy) without needing to move far.

Tips for Planning a Night Proposal at Gantry Plaza

• Arrive 30-60 minutes before sunset to scout lighting, shadows, and reflection opportunities.

• Use locations that allow you to see both skyline lights and water reflections. Piers generally work well.

• Dress with layers—nights by the river can be chilly. Accessories like coats, scarves help both comfort and visual layering.

• Bring lighting considerations: city lights, existing lampposts etc. A photographer familiar with low light will help avoid over/ underexposure.

• Choose angles that balance light from the skyline with ambient light so the couple is properly lit without losing the city glow.

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

Mike and Amanda - Long Island Gantry Plaza NYC Proposal

Mike planned a secret proposal for Amanda at Gantry Plaza State Park in Long Island City. He chose this location because of its strong skyline views, waterfront piers, and more privacy compared to many Midtown spots.

Together, Mike and I scouted the area in advance and tracked weather. He planned the proposal while balancing work and commuting, arranging all the logistics beforehand. The day of, I arrived early to pick vantage points and confirm lighting and framing.

As Mike and Amanda approached one of the piers, I asked a few nearby people to step aside so the view would be clean. Mike proposed out by the pier with skyline and water in the frame. After the proposal, we moved through nearby locations for mini engagement portraits—changing angles, removing or adding jacket layers, capturing expressions, and using the Long Island sign in the background (a meaningful detail for them).

Why Gantry Plaza Works Well for a Proposal

• Clear skyline views (Midtown, bridges, waterfront) make photos instantly recognisable.

• The waterfront provides reflective surfaces that add depth and variety to images.

• Gantry has piers and open walkways that allow multiple composition options (wide shots, close-ups).

• Better privacy than many Manhattan locations, especially during off-peak times.

• Meaningful details (like the Long Island sign) can be integrated into the photos if relevant to the couple.

Tips for Planning a Gantry Plaza Surprise Proposal

• Scout ahead of time: identify the pier or vantage point, test light, check if skyline is visible from that spot.

• Arrive early so you can set up quietly and manage crowd flow.

• Plan backup options in case weather or lighting change (cloud cover, glare, etc.).

• Use layers: jackets, accessories—these help change looks for portraits post-proposal.

• Work with a photographer who knows Gantry Plaza: familiarity with angles, light reflecting off water, how to avoid unwanted background clutter is helpful.

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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.

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Gantry Plaza Long Island City - Sunset Proposal

Congrats Danielle and Nick!

The best Lic Marriage proposal photographer is one that comes prepared.

Nick chose Long Island City’s Gantry Plaza for his marriage proposal as the couple lives down the block and they spend most of their free time in the park, along the East River over looking Manhattan. The timing of the proposal couldn’t have been more perfect, as the sun set behind New York City on this early Fall evening.

long island city’s gantry plaza captures what makes nyc great. its view of manhattan is a favorite of mine. plus, its rarely busy.

Just as the sun was setting Nick popped the question and Danielle instantly said “YES!”. Prior the big night, I coordinated with Nick on the timing and location of his proposal. I knew I would be loosing lighting throughout the proposal and he wanted to take family photos afterwards as well. So, I brought a small flash.

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