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:

• Brooklyn Bridge Park (Night)

• 6th Ave Christmas Balls & Lights

• Bryant Park Ice Skating Rink

• Gantry Plaza (Night)

• Bryant Park Christmas Shops

• The Plaza Hotel

• Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree

• Lotte New York Palace

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.

More Proposals at Lotte New York Palace | Location Here!

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

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

NYC Non-Profit Headshot - Joseph

I’ve photographed literally thousands of professional, editorial, and corporate headshots throughout NYC. While some are in studio, most are captured throughout New York City. The city provides context, character, and real personalization versus a standard colored background. Regardless of who you are, aspiring actor hoping to stand out in a sea of thumbnail images or a business professional wanting to revamp your LinkedIn profile, every success story begins with a powerful headshot.

For many people being photographed is an awkward and dreaded chore that they keep postponing year after year. It’s intimidating and even downright scary. If that sounds like you, you’ve come to the right place! I specialize in helping average people, like you and I, become relaxed and confident in front of the camera. I’ll guide you through the process every step of the way, help you to feel comfortable and show you how to put your best face forward.

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