Roosevelt Island Proposal Photography

If you're planning to propose in New York City, you may immediately think of the iconic spots like Central Park, the Empire State Building, or the Brooklyn Bridge Park. While these locations are beautiful and well-known, they can also be crowded and lack the intimacy that such an important moment deserves. For those seeking a more secluded yet stunning setting, and an experience along the way, Roosevelt Island offers the perfect solution—a hidden gem that combines breathtaking views, a cool experience (the overhead tram getting there provides amazing views) and a relaxed atmosphere. Read below about why you should consider planning a secret proposal on Roosevelt Island, NYC below!

why you should consider planning a secret proposal on Roosevelt Island, NYC

1. Unbeatable Views of Manhattan

Roosevelt Island sits just off the East River, nestled between the boroughs of Manhattan and Queens. From this vantage point, you’ll get panoramic views of the iconic Manhattan skyline. The backdrop of the Empire State Building, and the shimmering lights of the city at sunset or nightfall will make your proposal even more magical.

2. Seclusion in the Heart of the City

While Manhattan and Brooklyn can often feel overwhelmingly busy, Roosevelt Island provides a quiet escape from the hustle and bustle. This relatively small island offers a peaceful and intimate environment, perfect for a private proposal. You can avoid the crowds that typically swarm NYC’s more popular landmarks and share a quiet moment with your partner in one of the many picturesque spots on the island.

3. Romantic Spots for Your Proposal

Roosevelt Island is full of picturesque locations that provide a romantic setting for your proposal. Consider these standout spots:

  • Four Freedoms Park: Located at the southern tip of the island, this park is a serene oasis with beautifully manicured gardens, paths, and statues. The park is dedicated to Franklin D. Roosevelt and celebrates the four essential freedoms—freedom of speech, freedom of worship, freedom from want, and freedom from fear. The park’s open spaces and dramatic views of the Manhattan skyline make it an ideal spot for a meaningful proposal.

  • The Roosevelt Island Tramway: For an unforgettable proposal, take your partner on a ride on the Roosevelt Island Tramway, which offers spectacular aerial views of the city. Propose while floating above the city, with the skyline as your backdrop—this is a moment both of you will never forget.

  • The Promenade: This long path stretches along the edge of Roosevelt Island, offering amazing views of the river and the surrounding skyline. It’s a quieter spot for a proposal, with benches and peaceful green spaces where you can stop and enjoy the view before popping the big question.

4. Accessible and Convenient

Roosevelt Island is easily accessible from Manhattan and Queens, making it a convenient choice for a proposal location. You can reach the island via the Roosevelt Island Tramway (which offers a unique experience), the subway (via the F train), or even by ferry. Whether you’re a local New Yorker or visiting from out of town, Roosevelt Island is just a short journey from the heart of Manhattan—making it a perfect spot for a proposal that combines convenience with intimacy.

Sam's Domino Park Williamsburg Brooklyn Sunset Proposal

I was so excited to share my favorite photos from Sam and Ruby’s surprise proposal in Williamsburg, Brooklyn! I love when new client’s reach out super excited because we photographed their friend’s surprise NYC marriage proposal. As New York City’s leading secret marriage proposal photographer, we are taken to the city’s top destinations, sometimes public and other times private. Domino Park along the East River waterfront is just one of those special places; minimal tourists, amazing view, and a ton of awesome places nearby to explore.

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

Thomas' Brooklyn Bridge Park Proposal

As a New York City proposal photographer I can confidently say “I LOVE MY JOB and I so dearly love this city”. Being able to be the first person to say “Congrats” and to be able to document the moment, and the moments that follow is amazing. The Brooklyn waterfront from Brooklyn Bridge Park to Williamsburg is a great place to capture your big moment with context. Our favorite spot in Brooklyn Bridge Park is right near the carousel as the World Trade Center and Brooklyn Bridge lineup perfectly behind you. Anik chose the perfect place with the perfect weather and lighting for his surprise proposal.

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

Jonathan and Becca's NYC Trash The Dress Session

What’s dirtier than a NYC sidewalk or the NYC subway system?  Not much! For Becca and Jonathan’s Trash the Dress session, we chose some really iconic New York vignettes; Central Park, The Met, Ralphs Coffee on the Upper East Side, a yellow taxi cab, and the subway. To be honest, I wasn’t sure what to expect on a “trash the dress session”. I’ve seen examples online where people throw paint at one another wearing their full wedding day outfits, they run in the ocean, or they roll around in the fall foliage. How much would this couple want to really trash or destroy their wedding day outfits?

The couple purposefully chose today as it’s their one year wedding anniversary, and they couldn’t have planned for better day. The weather was superb. Jonathan and Becca were super fun to work with as we wandered Manhattan.

Our Guide to Planning and Photographing Your NYC Proposal

Having captured over 2,500+ surprise marriage proposals throughout New York City has proven invaluable when helping new clients plan their big moment. We know where, when, and how to propose when crowds, lighting, and the view are just some of your concerns. Even how to get your partner to “X” spot at “Y” time is a task we know how to handle.

Step 1

Let’s talk on the phone or over email. Once we get the details ironed out, I’ll put together an agreement summarizing your proposal plan; Date, Time, and Location with an “X” marks the spot. Along with the agreement, I will also ask for a photo of you both, so I know who to photograph.

Step 2: Once we receive all the necessary information we are confirmed!

As we get closer to your NYC Proposal date (Week of, Day prior, Morning of, and upon our arrival) we’ll text you confirming all the information for your proposal plan is still correct.

Step 3: The Day of Your NYC Proposal

Upon the photographer’s arrival, 30minutes ahead of you, your photographer will text over a marked up selfie (see below). This marked up selfie is crucial in helping you 1) know who to look for and 2) with where to stand, so we capture optimal photos. We always prioritize your partner’s reaction in our photos.

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

  • FAQ #1 - All proposals on our website are real, and are NOT staged

  • FAQ #2 - NO - We do not hide in a bush! This is NYC and every tourists has a camera in their hand or at their side. We sit close by with our camera at our side and wait.

  • FAQ #3 - We don’t start photographing until you are clearly proposing - We don’t want to ruin the surprise.

  • FAQ #4 - We have a photo of you, and you have a photo of us - Your partner has no idea who we are!

    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 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 for a photo of you both on your cellphone. We’ll help you pose, take the photo on your phone, and then you’ll propose. Don’t worry, out camera is at our side and we’ll quickly swap to the real camera.

When do you get your photos and how many photos?