You’ve found the one, and now you’re ready to plan a picture-perfect proposal in New York City. Whether you want something dramatic to show the world how much you love your partner or an intimate proposal with just the two of you, there are many excellent locations for a romantic New York City proposal. Keep reading to discover the best places to propose in New York City!
Iconic New York City Proposal Locations
1. The Empire State Building
Few places are more iconic to New York than the Empire State Building. For smaller crowds, visit first thing in the morning or after 10:00 pm. For an extra memorable experience, book a VIP proposal package, sunrise viewing, or a guided tour.
2. Times Square
Times Square has been called the heart of the world and the center of the universe. What better place to tell your sweetheart they are the center of your world? It’s one of the best places to propose in New York City if you want something big and bold.
To really go all out, put your proposal on a billboard. Several companies offer big screen proposals on the giant, central billboard in the middle of Times Square.
3. Rockefeller Center
Top of the Rock has spectacular views of Manhattan, including Central Park and the Empire State Building, making for the perfect backdrop to a romantic proposal.
Rockefeller Center is even better during the holiday season if your partner loves Christmas. Go ice skating together and ask your partner to marry you in front of the giant Christmas tree.
4. Grand Central Terminal
Grand Central Terminal is a beautiful place full of history. The whispering gallery is an incredibly romantic spot to ask the question. Because of how sound carries over the unique arches, something whispered on one side of the room can be heard from the opposite side. Your partner will be thrilled to hear “will you marry me” whispered from across the room.
5. A Harbor Cruise
Few things are more romantic than a New York harbor cruise, especially at sunset. Sail along the Hudson river with stunning views of the city, the Brooklyn Bridge, and the Statue of Liberty. For the ultimate romantic experience, book a private charter just for the two of you.
6. Tiffany & Co
What girl doesn’t want to pick out an engagement ring from Tiffany & Co? Pop the question outside before going in, choose a ring together, or find a spot to propose inside the beautiful flagship store. If you call ahead, the staff may be able to arrange something special for your proposal.
7. Horse & Carriage Ride
A private carriage ride with your sweetheart will set a romantic mood for your proposal. Many carriage companies offer proposal specials with flowers and other extras. If you want something simpler, ask your partner in a quiet moment as you enjoy your ride together.
Unique Places to Propose in New York City
8. The Strand Bookstore
If your partner is a book lover, they’ll love the thoughtfulness of a unique proposal at The Strand. The central location on Broadway at 12th street has many nooks and hidden spots that are perfect for a private proposal or pop the question right out front.
9. The Little Red Lighthouse
The Little Red Lighthouse in Fort Washington Park is a lovely location for a quiet, romantic New York city proposal with just the two of you. Step under the bridge or climb to the top of the lighthouse to pop the question as you enjoy the view together.
10. Coney Island Beach & Boardwalk
It may not seem like the most romantic location at first, but if your relationship centers around having fun together, then Coney Island might be one of the best places to propose in New York for you. Find a spot to propose in the amusement park or take a walk on the beach together.
11. Jane’s Carousel
Jane’s Carousel in Brooklyn Bridge Park is another whimsical New York City proposal location. The carousel is a beautifully restored antique structure with Forty-eight intricately carved horses and two carriages. The carousel is protected inside a beautiful glass pavilion and is open year-round.
Take a walk with your new fiance after they say yes. The park has beautiful views of the Brooklyn Bridge and New York City.
12. The Edge
Feel like you’re on top of the world with your partner at The Edge, the highest outdoor observation deck in the United States. Look out over the city as you ask your partner to spend their life with you. Book a champagne admission ticket and celebrate with a toast when your partner says yes.
Best Places to Propose in Central Park
13. Gapstow Bridge
Gapstow Bridge is a romantic proposal location with a stunning view of the city. The stone bridge and surrounding trees offer a beautiful, natural setting in the heart of the city. Propose on the bridge, or for a bit more privacy, go around to the north side of the bridge, where there is a small, secluded path. From here, you’ll have an excellent view of the bridge with the city in the background.
14. Bow Bridge
The Bow Bridge is a romantic spot both in film and real life. The bridge has been featured in several romantic movies such as The Way We Were, Made of Honor, Keeping the Faith, and many more. Recreate a scene from your favorite movie, or create your own unforgettable scene when you ask your partner to marry you.
15. Bethesda Terrace and Fountain
The Bethesda Fountain is one of the most well-known fountains in the United States. It can be busy at the fountain, so for fewer crows, try visiting early or later in the evening.
The Terrace itself is stunning, especially inside, and makes a beautiful backdrop for a perfect New York City proposal.
16. Belvedere Castle
Make your sweetheart feel like a prince or princess with a proposal at Belvedere Castle. Climb the castle and propose on one of the balconies with a stunning view of Central Park. Or propose from the ground with the castle in the background.
17. Central Park Lake
Central Park Lake is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a quiet New York City proposal location away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Rent a row boat for just the two of you, or take a private gondola ride. Row your boat to a quiet spot on the lake and share an intimate proposal with your love.
18. Wagner Cove
Not far from Bow Bridge, Wagner Cove is another quiet proposal location. It’s somewhat off the beaten path so it’s less frequented by tourists and other park visitors. The cove has a beautiful little gazebo that is the perfect spot for an intimate proposal.
19. Shakespeare Garden
The Shakespeare Garden is a beautiful and tranquil spot, especially in spring when all the flowers are in bloom. It’s the perfect setting for a romantic New York City proposal.
Best Places to Propose in New York City for Nature Lovers
20. Brooklyn Bridge Park
Pebble Beach in Brooklyn Bridge Park has stunning views of the Brooklyn Bridge and Manhattan, and it’s especially beautiful at sunset. Take your honey on a romantic stroll and pop the question while the sky is glowing for an unforgettable proposal.
21. Governors Island
Governors Island has several parks that are perfect for a romantic picnic or leisurely stroll.
Outlook Hill is the highest point on the Island and offers fantastic views of the surrounding area and the New York City skyline. Hammock Grove has many flowering bushes and hammocks that are a cozy spot to propose.
22. The Highline
The Highline is an elevated park in the center of New York City. Take a walk with your sweetheart and enjoy the views before popping the question. After the proposal, there are plenty of restaurants nearby to celebrate your engagement together.
23. New York Botanical Garden
The New York Botanical Garden is a beautiful place to propose, especially for plant lovers. Several indoor and outdoor locations in the garden provide a lovely backdrop in every season, and the garden even offers proposal packages to make the occasion extra special.
24. Kingsland Wildflowers Green Roof
The Green roof of Kingsland Wildflowers is filled with colorful flowers from late spring to early summer. They are open to the public for very limited hours, but if you’re planning to pop the question between April 22nd and June 24th, you can’t find a more beautiful place to propose in New York City!
Tips for Planning the Perfect New York City Proposal
Choose a Meaningful Spot
Sometimes the best place to propose in New York City is the one that has meaning for you as a couple. Maybe it’s the place you first met, where you went on your first date, or a place you’ve always talked about visiting together.
Know what your Partner will Like
Some people like big, flashy proposals with a large audience, while others prefer something more private. Make sure you know which one your partner would rather have before planning an over-the-top proposal; they might not be comfortable with an over-the-top proposal.
If you’re unsure what they’d like best and want your partner to be surprised, ask close friends for advice.
Wrapping up the Best Places to Propose in New York City
Are you ready to pop the question at one of the best places to propose in New York City? If you need a restaurant recommendation to take your honey on a romantic dinner after they say yes, check out the best restaurants in New York.