Tim's Central Park Model Boat Pond Marriage Proposal

What’s so unique about the Model Boat pond in Central Park is how intimate and quiet this not so hidden NYC gym is. The tourists flock to Bethesda Fountain, the Bow Bridge, and the Gapstow Bridge, but the Model Boat Pond, not so much. Located on Manhattan’s Upper East Side this Central Park location is one of my favorite places to capture a surprise marriage 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

Nick's Plaza Hotel Christmas Proposal

CHRISTMAS PROPOSAL AT THE PLAZA IN NYC

Nothing feels more magical in New York City than The Plaza Hotel in December. The lobby glows with elegant Christmas décor, warm lights reflect off polished floors, and the holiday spirit drifts through every corner. It was the perfect stage for Nick’s surprise proposal just off to the side of the trees—intimate, festive, iconic.

Why The Plaza Hotel at Christmas is a Dream Proposal Setting

• Holiday Glamour & Décor — The Plaza Hotel’s lobby transforms into a winter wonderland each season. The Christmas trees, elegant garlands, and classic architecture combine to create an environment rich with tradition and warmth.

• Luxury + Romance — Telling your partner you have a “reservation” in one of The Plaza’s restaurants or bars adds to the experience. It feels elevated, special, and like a moment out of a storybook.

• Atmosphere of Intimacy Despite the Public Space — Though the lobby is open to guests and visitors, working with hotel staff to close off or designate a side area near the Christmas trees makes for a private, focused moment. Less distraction, more connection.

Capturing Nick’s Moment: Light, Surprise, Emotion

Nick’s plan was thoughtful. He coordinated with The Plaza to ensure a quiet side of the lobby near the Christmas trees could be sectioned off—making space for a surprise, but with the holiday grandeur intact. I arrived early to find the best angles: where the lights would reflect, how the trees framed the space, and where architecture and décor would accent the mood.

When the moment came, Nick led his partner through the lobby under the glow of lights and passed by the grand trees. With soft lighting, ornamental details, and quiet anticipation, he got down on one knee. Her surprise, his joy, the way the lights danced—every aspect carried significance. After she said yes, we used the surrounding decor, details like ornaments and reflections, to continue the story in portraits that feel both cinematic and heartfelt.

Planning Your Plaza Hotel Christmas Proposal

If you’re considering proposing at The Plaza during the holidays, a little planning goes a long way:

• Coordinate with the hotel in advance — Reaching out to staff beforehand ensures you can reserve a quieter corner of the lobby near the trees, so the moment feels private and intimate.

• Time it right — The Plaza’s holiday decorations are seasonal. Planning your proposal during peak décor and in the warm glow of evening lights creates the most romantic atmosphere.

• Choose a festive but tucked-away spot — Near the Christmas trees is perfect. You’ll have the magic of the holiday décor without being overwhelmed by crowds.

• Dress for the occasion — The Plaza has an elegant, timeless style. Outfits with winter textures, rich colors, or holiday tones complement both the décor and the photos.

• Hire a photographer experienced with holiday lighting — Christmas trees, chandeliers, and mixed indoor light can be tricky. An experienced NYC proposal photographer knows how to balance these elements so the photos feel warm, crisp, and cinematic.

The magic of The Plaza at Christmas isn’t just in the decorations—it’s in the way light, tradition, and anticipation come together to amplify the feeling of this moment. If you’re considering a proposal somewhere timeless, festive, and deeply emotional, The Plaza Hotel in December is hard to beat.

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

Tristan's Morning Proposal at The Edge

Proposing first thing in the morning is the best way to propose in New York City. You’ll avoid the crowds, relieve yourself of the nervousness, and then have the whole day to celebrate. Capturing surprise proposals atop The Edge at Hudson Yards is always memorable for our team of NYC Secret Proposal Photographers. The unobstructed views at The Edge are unimaginable every which way you look.

To propose at The Edge and have your moment photographed by a professional proposal photographer please reach out before you purchase your tickets! We have several recommendations on where up top you should propose and where, but I’ll tell you about that later! Using my experience as a professional NYC Proposal Photographer really pays off when it comes to photographing proposals at The Edge, or anywhere in New York City.

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

Tom's Liberty State Park Surprise Marriage Proposal

The views from Liberty State Park, NJ of the NYC skyline are unmatched to those in Brooklyn, Long Island City, or elsewhere. Although the sun is setting behind you, the Manhattan skyline is beautifully wrapped in the sunsets warm glow. The beauty of photographing a surprise proposal at Liberty State Park is the lack of tourists and crowds you see elsewhere.

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

Dom’s Radio City Secret Proposal Amid NYC Christmas Lights

There’s a special magic in New York City during the holiday season. The crisp air, festive lights, and glowing decorations turn the streets into something out of a storybook. For Dom, that magic became the backdrop for one of life’s most memorable moments—a surprise proposal near Radio City Music Hall and the giant holiday decorations off of Fifth Avenue.

As the city bustles with wrapped-up tourists, street vendors, and the holiday rush, the corner off Fifth Avenue near Radio City offers something different: big, festive decorations that feel intimate despite the crowds. Still close enough to Rockefeller Center to capture that iconic Christmas Tree glow for post-proposal photos, this location balances the grandeur of NYC at Christmas with the warmth of a private moment.

Dom’s Proposal Story:
Dom had planned it as a secret. He led his partner through the glowing lights, toward the towering decorations that deck the streets every December. Under the festive displays—strings of lights, ornate wreaths, and the hum of holiday energy—I watched as he paused, dropped to one knee, and asked the question. The reaction, the surprise, the joy—it all played out against the festive backdrop of lights and architecture. Moments later, we moved toward Rockefeller Center for more photos under the massive tree, letting the city’s holiday spirit shine through.

Capturing Festive Holiday Proposals:
Photographing proposals during NYC’s holiday season is one of my favorite challenges. There are lights, reflections, crowds, and color everywhere. Key considerations:

• Light & Timing: The best time is right after dusk, when decorative lights are glowing but there’s still ambient light in the sky. Early evening can also work—but crowds will be heavier.

• Crowd Management: Holiday season means big traffic (both human and vehicle). Arriving early, scouting out vantage points, and having flexible plans help.

• Festive Atmosphere: Leverage what NYC has to offer—ornamented storefronts, street decorations, wreaths, festive arches. They frame proposal shots beautifully.

• Outfits & Weather: Make sure to dress warmly, layer appropriately. Think about what accessories (coats, scarves, etc.) might enhance the holiday feel.

Why This Location Works So Well:

• Iconic NYC feel: The lights, the decorations, Radio City’s sign, and the proximity to Rockefeller Center give immediate visual recognition and seasonality.

• Photo Opportunities galore: When you choose this spot, you get multiple scene options in close range: the decorations, passersby, storefront windows, and the tree.

• Emotional ambiance: The holiday decorations don’t just look pretty—they create mood, romance, anticipation. Everyone’s more festive, more present, more open to magic.

Tips for Planning a Holiday Proposal in Midtown NYC:

• Aim for weekdays or earlier evenings to avoid peak holiday crowds.

• Scout the exact time of sunset—during winter, light changes fast.

• Consider permits or rules if doing something elaborate near busy landmarks.

• Hire a photographer who knows how to shoot in low light with mixed lighting sources.

Dom’s proposal reminds us that even in the busiest season, you can find intimacy, beauty, and romance. The lights, the decorations, the glow—they combine to make moments feel bigger and more unforgettable.

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

Photographing Mitchell’s Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Proposal

When you think of New York City during the holidays, the famous Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is one of the first images that comes to mind. It’s a place of sparkle, nostalgia, and magic—but also one of the busiest spots in NYC during December. That’s what makes Mitchell’s proposal here even more special: amidst the lights, crowds, and festive energy, he created a moment of surprise, intimacy, and joy.

Mitchell’s Proposal Story:
Mitchell wanted a classic New York holiday moment. He brought his partner to Rockefeller Center, under the illuminated tree, surrounded by the energy of the city at its most festive. As they stopped to take in the scene, he dropped to one knee. The moment had warmth—even with the hustle around them—because the emotions were authentic, heartfelt, and beautifully framed by lights.

Behind the scenes, I positioned myself carefully to catch wide shots of the tree, close-ups of their expressions, and medium shots that include the architecture and glowing decorations throughout the plaza. The contrast between the glowing decorations and the evening sky gave us dramatic color, while reflections in storefront windows added extra depth.

Photography Notes & Creative Choices:

• Light & Timing: We scheduled during the “blue hour” (just after sunset), so the decorative lights were vivid but the sky still held color—perfect balance.

• Crowd Awareness: By arriving early, I was able to scope the scene, anticipate where gaps in the crowd might open up, and select vantage points that framed the couple without too much visual clutter.

• Composition: Shots included the full tree, glimpses of nearby architecture, and close emotional moments. Mirrors and reflective surfaces were used when available to give variations.

• Weather & Wardrobe: Cold winter air meant warm clothing—scarves, coats, and layers. Jackets added to the holiday feel, and their breath in the air added to the atmosphere.

Why Rockefeller Center is a Powerful Choice:

• It’s instantly recognizable: the tree sets a mood that says “holiday in New York City.”

• Multiple layering possibilities: tree lights, street decor, ice rink, storefronts, and ambient city lighting.

• Emotionally charged environment: people are usually already in a festive frame of mind; the backdrop evokes nostalgia, warmth, and joy.

Tips for Proposing at Rockefeller Center During Christmas:

• Visit on weekdays if possible—crowds are lighter early in the evening.

• Aim for dusk or “blue hour” when lights are on but there’s still ambient light.

• Have a backup spot nearby in case the most iconic positions are too crowded or blocked.

• Choose clothing that complements holiday decor (warm tones, festive accessories).

• Work with an experienced photographer who knows how to handle mixed lighting and crowded scenes.

Mitchell’s proposal at Rockefeller Center shows that even in the heart of holiday bustle, you can carve out something truly intimate—and magical. When done right, the lights, décor, and energy of the season only add to the memory.

If you’re planning a holiday proposal in NYC—at Rockefeller Center or anywhere that holds meaning—Jonathan Heisler Photography would be honored to help you craft your moment and capture it beautifully.

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