Our team of professional photographers have extensive experience covering Award Ceremonies and Galas, Conferences and Meetings, Fundraisers and Charity Events, Marketing and PR Events, Cocktail receptions, College and University Events, Luncheons, Formal Dinners, Holiday Parties, Company Retreats and Employee Appreciation Events, and so much more. Tonight’s fundraiser honored several first generation American’s making strides in their communities.
Gantry Plaza, Long Island City, is the perfect backdrop to capture a surprise proposal—with its sweeping New York City skyline and surprisingly peaceful vibes. There are a few spots in the city where you can see the Empire State Building, the United Nations, and the 59th Street Bridge all at once—and at Gantry Plaza, you get that view without the crush of tourists.
The Long Island City waterfront captures New York City perfectly because of those iconic skyline moments and golden hour magic. What I love most about shooting proposal sessions at Gantry Plaza State Park is how intimate it feels—despite the sweeping views. During golden hour, light softens everything: buildings glow, water shimmers, and the city seems to quiet just enough for real moments to shine.
If you’re considering popping the question at Gantry Plaza, here are a few tips to make your moment unforgettable:
Timing is everything — Sunset offers soft, flattering light and a dramatic skyline backdrop.
Scout the spot — There are multiple piers, garden paths, and hidden corners to choose from—each with its own view and character.
Hire a photographer — Proposals fly by; having someone there to capture the raw emotions means you can relive the moment forever.
Celebrate nearby — After, LIC has cozy restaurants and rooftop bars to toast your moment with views still in your heart.
Gantry Plaza State Park is often underrated, but it offers a mix of attributes that make proposals here feel special:
Panoramic Skyline Views — You get multiple iconic NYC landmarks in view, making for instantly recognizable photos.
Privacy + Calm — Compared to Midtown hotspots, LIC tends to be less crowded, especially during golden hour.
Versatility in Light & Angles — Waterfront paths, piers, and garden spots give lots of options depending on your style and the light.
Romantic Ambience — The combination of water, sunset glow, and open sky gives a cinematic feel without needing elaborate setups.
Ready to plan your unforgettable moment with the Manhattan skyline behind you? Let’s talk.
Jonathan Heisler Photography is comprised of Professional New York City photographers specializing in photographing private NYC proposals, as well as engagement sessions and weddings.
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:
“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!
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!
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*
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).
More proposals at the Bow Bridge Landing in Central Park | Location here!
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
Pier 45 on Manhattan’s West Village is right the West Village. It’s views are unique compared to the other NYC piers, as it’s slightly more North than Pier 25, it has no restaurants on it’s West End, and it has unobstructed views facing South (World Trade Center) and North (Empire State Building and Hudson Yards).
Jonathan Heisler Photography is comprised of Professional New York City photographers specializing in photographing private NYC proposals, as well as engagement sessions and weddings.
Dan proposed to Lindsay Friday night atop Rockefeller Center at Top of the Rock while they were in NYC for the weekend. After getting up to the 68th floor, he got down on one knee and popped the question with the breathtaking view of the city as a backdrop! Proposing at night added a whole new dimension and depth to their special moment.
Jonathan Heisler Photography is comprised of Professional New York City photographers specializing in photographing private NYC proposals, as well as engagement sessions and weddings.
The Central Park reservoir was a perfect location for this golden hour surprise marriage proposal! Brian chose this part of Central Park for both it’s quietness and for its’ meaning in the couples relationship. It’s a place that is special to them as they’d frequently walk this walk.
Jonathan Heisler Photography is comprised of Professional New York City photographers specializing in photographing private NYC proposals, as well as engagement sessions and weddings.
