pier 17

A Morning Proposal at Pier 17

Pier 17 is one of those New York locations that feels open, bright, and unmistakably iconic. In the morning, the waterfront is calm, the air is cool, and the views of the Brooklyn Bridge stretch clearly across the East River. On this quiet morning, with soft light filling the pier, Jamie proposed with the bridge rising behind them.

The moment was simple, relaxed, and beautifully New York. The early hour kept the area peaceful, allowing the proposal to feel private even in such a well-known spot.

Planning and Capturing the Moment

Morning was the ideal choice for Jamie’s proposal. Pier 17 gets bright, even light earlier in the day, which helps create clean, flattering images and keeps the skyline crisp.

After the proposal, we walked through the pier and along the riverfront for portraits. The combination of waterfront boardwalks, open space, and views of both the Brooklyn Bridge and Lower Manhattan gave us a variety of angles and atmospheres. The quiet energy of the morning made the portraits feel natural and unhurried.

Why Pier 17 Is a Great NYC Proposal Location

Pier 17 offers some of the best views of the Brooklyn Bridge without the crowds of nearby parks. The open layout, modern architecture, and riverfront paths give couples plenty of space to enjoy the moment while still being surrounded by classic NYC scenery.

For anyone looking for a bright, clean, waterfront location with unmistakable New York energy, Pier 17 is an excellent choice — especially in the morning.

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

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Golden Winter Sunset Engagement at Pier 17, South Street Seaport

As a NYC engagement photographer, I’m always looking for locations that combine breathtaking views with a truly New York atmosphere. Pier 17 at the South Street Seaport checks every box — and on February 12th, this engagement session unfolded under one of the most beautiful winter sunsets I’ve ever seen. The golden light spilled across the East River, the Brooklyn Bridge glowed in the background, and boats moved gently in the harbor, creating a perfect canvas for timeless photos.

Why Pier 17 is a Stunning Engagement Location

Located in Lower Manhattan, Pier 17 offers a 360-degree visual feast: the Brooklyn Bridge to one side, the shimmering city skyline to the other, and the river stretching endlessly into the horizon. Its open-air decks and glass railings give you unobstructed views, making it easy to capture both intimate moments and sweeping cityscapes.

In winter, Pier 17 has a special kind of magic — the crisp air keeps crowds away, the sun sets earlier, and the light turns warm and golden against the cool tones of the water and skyline.

Couples love Pier 17 for:

  • Panoramic views — Brooklyn Bridge, Lower Manhattan skyline, and the East River all in one frame.

  • Dynamic backgrounds — ferries, sailboats, and seasonal décor on the pier.

  • Easy access — close to subway stops and charming cobblestone streets in the Seaport District.

Capturing the Session

We began the session just before golden hour, when the sky was still pale blue and the first warm tones were touching the skyline. The couple laughed and strolled along the pier, the Brooklyn Bridge arching gracefully behind them. As the sun dipped lower, we turned toward the water for those once-in-a-season shots — the skyline glowing, boats catching the last light, and the couple silhouetted against the river.

The final images were a perfect mix of candid joy and cinematic city views, the kind of photographs that tell both the couple’s story and the story of New York itself.

Planning Your Pier 17 Engagement Session

If you’re considering Pier 17 for your engagement photos, aim for a sunset session in winter or early spring. The light is unbeatable, and the cooler months mean more privacy. Pair your session with a stroll through South Street Seaport’s historic streets for a full gallery of varied, quintessentially NYC images.

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

BOOK NOW!