Blog Post

Next Steps ... Photographing Your NYC Proposal

Having photographed over 2,500 surprise marriage proposals in New York City, we’ve learned a lot about what makes a proposal perfect, beautiful, and stress-free. From lighting and crowds to how to get to “X” location at “Y” time without tipping anyone off—we’ve got you covered. Here is a quick guide to next steps once we are booked and some quick tips.

Step 1: Review the plan!

Double check all of the information on the agreement is still accurate! Ensure you know how to get to the spot. We sent a Google Map pin on the Google agreement, so you can easily navigate there.

IF YOU ARE NOT FROM NYC

CENTRAL PARK - Cars are not allowed in the park! Let Google Maps tell you where to go and how to get there; walking, subway, car. Plan your route using the “I am leaving at TIME” feature.

UBERS AND TAXIS: Allow time for traffic if you are taking a car. There is traffic and it’s going to be BAD traffic.

Walking: You’re going to have to walk to a lot of places. That’s just a fact.

Busy!: This is a city of 9 million + a BIGILLION more tourists. There are going to be people.

Step 2: Leading up to the day!

We’ll touch base week of, the day prior, and day of via text.

Step 3: Proposal Day! - We have a photo of you, you have a photo of us.

On the big day, your photographer arrives about 30 minutes early. We want to ensure we are 1) there before you and 2) the spot is good to go; lighting, crowds, and the view! We’ll send over a selfie that’s “marked up” (see below), so you know exactly who to look for and where /how to stand for the best angles. We emphasize catching authentic emotion; your partner’s reaction is always the priority. We move around as we capture.

When do you get your photos, and how many photos?

All photos captured are delivered edited, full resolution print ready, and without watermarks within 7 days. These are 100% your photos.

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

  • FAQ #1 - Are your proposal photos staged? No — all the proposals you see are real, not posed.

  • FAQ #2 - Do you hide somewhere? Not exactly. We stay close nearby, camera ready, but not hidden in bushes. NYC has enough lurking cameras already.

  • FAQ #3 - When do you start photographing? Once you’re clearly proposing. We wait for that moment so the surprise stays intact.

  • FAQ #4 - Do you know what you look like to my partner? Yes. We’ll exchange photos with you so your partner doesn’t recognize us early on.

    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 the 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 to snap a candid photo of you two with your phone just before you propose. It helps loosen things up, gives you a fun keepsake, and nobody suspects—the real camera is already ready.

BOOK NOW!

Our Guide to Planning and Photographing Your NYC Proposal

Having photographed over 2,500 surprise marriage proposals in New York City, we’ve learned a lot about what makes a proposal perfect, beautiful, and stress-free. From lighting and crowds to how to get to “X” location at “Y” time without tipping anyone off—we’ve got you covered.

Step 1: Let’s Talk Details

We’ll start with a call or email to discuss your proposal vision—date, time, location, and how you want the moment to feel. I’ll answer any and all questions you might have, and walk you through our process.

Step 2: Create an Agreement

Step 3: Proposal Day! - We have a photo of you, you have a photo of us.

On the big day, your photographer arrives about 30 minutes early. We want to ensure we are 1) there before you and 2) the spot is good to go; lighting, crowds, and the view! We’ll send over a selfie that’s “marked up” (see below), so you know exactly who to look for and where /how to stand for the best angles. We emphasize catching authentic emotion; your partner’s reaction is always the priority. We move around as we capture.

When do you get your photos, and how many photos?

All photos captured are delivered edited, full resolution print ready, and without watermarks within 7 days. These are 100% your photos.

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

  • FAQ #1 - Are your proposal photos staged? No — all the proposals you see are real, not posed.

  • FAQ #2 - Do you hide somewhere? Not exactly. We stay close nearby, camera ready, but not hidden in bushes. NYC has enough lurking cameras already.

  • FAQ #3 - When do you start photographing? Once you’re clearly proposing. We wait for that moment so the surprise stays intact.

  • FAQ #4 - Do you know what you look like to my partner? Yes. We’ll exchange photos with you so your partner doesn’t recognize us early on.

    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 the 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 to snap a candid photo of you two with your phone just before you propose. It helps loosen things up, gives you a fun keepsake, and nobody suspects—the real camera is already ready.

BOOK NOW!

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.

Here are some of our favorite Christmas proposal locations:

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 check this! Our team has captured countless picture-perfect secret proposals at the tree before leveraging our experience at Rockefeller Center during the Christmas season.

More Proposals at Rockefeller Christmas Tree | Location 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 to walk under 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.

More Proposals at Bryant Park Christmas Shops | Location Here!

The Plaza Hotel

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 does 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

More Proposals at The Plaza Hotel | Location 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 8 pm. Let’s go to DUMBO at 7 pm to check out the view.”

More Proposals at Brooklyn Bridge Park | Location 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: the Rockefeller Christmas tree, Radio City Music Hall, Bryant Park Christmas shops, and 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 on 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.

More Proposals at 6th Avenue | Location 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 the rink officials will stop your proposal. Working with the rink officials will provide you with a safe and beautiful moment.

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

More Proposals at Bryant Park Ice Skating Rink | Location 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.

More Proposals at Gantry Plaza | Location 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

BOOK NOW!

Our Guide to Proposing at The Edge Hudson Yards NYC as a Proposal Photographer

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 at The Edge in the morning is one of the best choices for those planning a NYC Proposal. The early light provides beautiful, natural photos and the lack of crowds creates an intimate moment. Plus, it gives you the entire day to celebrate your new engagement. While many visitors flock to the point or the southern side overlooking the World Trade Center, the eastern side of The Edge is our favorite. From here, you’ll enjoy an iconic and unobstructed view of the Empire State Building—a perfect backdrop for your NYC proposal photos.

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

We’ve photographed countless proposals at The Edge at Hudson Yards, one of New York City’s most iconic engagement locations. From private moments to public celebrations, we know how to capture the magic. In our experience, the best time to propose at The Edge is in the morning—when the soft light is perfect for photos and the crowds are minimal. While sunset can be stunning, it’s also the busiest time of day, making mornings the ideal choice for a more intimate proposal.

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

Unobstructed Views – The Edge offers floor-to-ceiling glass walls, unlike the Empire State Building’s waist-high concrete barriers, ensuring your photos capture the full skyline without obstruction.

Iconic City Backdrop – From The Edge, you can see the Empire State Building and Rockefeller Center behind you. Unlike being on the landmark itself, here you can actually feature these NYC icons in your engagement or proposal photos.

Spacious Observation Deck – With one of the largest outdoor decks in New York City, The Edge feels less crowded, giving couples more space and privacy for their special moment.

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

Recent Proposals at The Edge
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The Best Place to Propose in Central Park, NYC

As professional New York City proposal photographers, we’ve spent years capturing unforgettable moments throughout Central Park—one of the most iconic and romantic locations in the city. Over time, we’ve learned the best spots, lighting conditions, and times of day to make every proposal magical.

Whether you’re looking for a bustling New York backdrop or a quiet, intimate moment, Central Park has the perfect setting. Here are some of our favorite Central Park proposal locations:

1) Ladies Pavilion Cove

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.

Best time: Late afternoon – dusk

More proposals at the Ladies Pavilion Cove in Central Park | Location here!

2) Shakespeare garden

Shakespeare Garden on Manhattan’s West Side is a little-known spot with a ton of beauty. It’s a quick walk into the park, it’s not too busy, and it will allow you to have privacy.

Newly restored and lush year-round, this intimate garden is a quiet retreat from the city. It’s intimate, well taken care of, lush year-round, and the perfect place to propose. Central Park, but more specifically the Shakespeare Garden, offers such a contrast to the hustle and bustle of the city around you.

Best time: Anytime

More proposals at the Shakespeare Garden in Central Park | Location here!

3) Bow Bridge landing - San Remo View

Just beyond the iconic Bow Bridge lies a more secluded landing with incredible views of the San Remo towers rising above the trees. With its central location in Central Park and stunning scenery in every season, this hidden gem is one of our most requested spots. The late afternoon light here is especially magical, creating warm, glowing images.

*We can NOT and do NOT photograph here until the late afternoon due to lighting*

The Bow Bridge San Remo View … honest truth.

Social media ruins all good things. In the last few months and years, this spot has become super, super crowded with lines of people waiting for their moment to take a photo. And it’s been ruined by other photographers/proposal planners setting up large, over the top “Will You Marry Me” setups blocking others from enjoying this spot. More often than not, when I arrive, I have to pivot to the Bow Bridge itself or near by (examples below).

Located on the Upper East Side, the Conservatory Garden is one of Central Park’s most romantic destinations. This walled garden is divided into three distinct sections—Italian, French, and English—each with its own character and beauty.

While it’s a little farther uptown than other proposal spots, its elegance and privacy make it well worth the trip. The well-manicured landscapes, fountains, and seasonal blooms create a breathtaking backdrop for both the proposal and engagement portraits afterward.

More proposals at the Conservatory Garden in Central Park | Location here!

Best time: All day

5) Bethesda fountain and Terrace

Bethesda Fountain is perhaps the most iconic proposal location in Central Park. The grand staircase, intricate terrace architecture, and famous fountain give you endless options for photographs, from sweeping wide shots to intimate close-ups. Despite its popularity, there are plenty of ways to find a perfect angle that feels just yours. With the recently reopened Loeb Boathouse nearby, it’s easy to make this location part of a larger plan—like suggesting a walk by the water before popping the question.

More proposals at Central Park Bethesda Fountain | Location here!

Best time: Anytime

6) Cat’s rock overlook - Central park

If you’re looking for a classic NYC skyline view in your proposal photos, Cat’s Rock is hard to beat. Perched above Wollman Rink near 58th Street, this overlook offers sweeping views of Billionaire’s Row and the surrounding skyscrapers. It’s a dramatic and memorable location, especially if you want your images to include both the beauty of the park and the energy of Manhattan. The contrast of greenery with towering glass buildings makes for unforgettable photos.

More proposals at Central Park Cat’s Rock Overlook | Location here!

Best time: Anytime

7) Oak Bridge central park

North of the more crowded sections of Central Park, Oak Bridge is a semi-secluded spot that offers a serene atmosphere and picturesque views of the Upper West Side. The wooden bridge itself adds rustic charm, and the surrounding water and trees make it feel peaceful and private.

For couples who want something a little more unique and off the beaten path, Oak Bridge is a fantastic choice. It’s also a wonderful location for a post-proposal walk and portraits.

More proposals at Central Park Oak Bridge | Location here!

Best time: Late afternoon – early evening

8) Gapstow Bridge

Easily one of the most photographed bridges in Central Park, Gapstow Bridge offers a timeless New York scene in every direction. The bridge is narrow and often crowded, so we usually recommend proposing just nearby, where you can enjoy more privacy.

Afterward, portraits on the bridge itself with the Plaza Hotel in the background create an iconic NYC memory. In every season, whether surrounded by autumn leaves, snow, or spring blossoms, Gapstow delivers postcard-perfect proposal images.

More examples of Gapstow Bridge Proposals | Location here!

Best time: Morning or late afternoon/early evening

9) The Ramble across from bethesda

For couples who want something adventurous and private, the Ramble offers a wooded, natural escape within Central Park. This area feels more like a forest than a city park, with winding paths and hidden clearings that provide a quiet backdrop for your proposal. It’s best suited for couples comfortable walking in less formal shoes, as the terrain is uneven. The reward, however, is complete privacy and a view that feels worlds away from Midtown Manhattan—perfect for a surprise proposal.

More examples of Proposals in the Ramble | Location here!

Best time: Anytime

Planning Your Central Park Proposal

When we help couples plan their proposal, we consider lighting, accessibility, privacy, and the overall vision for the moment. Central Park offers a location for every couple—whether you’re drawn to iconic landmarks, skyline views, or quiet, hidden gardens.

Jonathan Heisler Photography specializes in private NYC proposals, engagement sessions, and weddings. We capture your story with a natural, unobtrusive style so you can relive the moment forever.

LEARN MORE ABOUT HIRING A PROPOSAL PHOTOGRAPHER IN NYC

Book now!
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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.