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24 Best Places To Propose in New York City

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

Empire State Building

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.

Times Square

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.

Rockefeller Center Christmas tree

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.

Grand Central Terminal viaduc and old entrance in New York

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.

Tiffany & Co. Building on Wall Street in the Financial District in Manhattan

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.

Central Park Horse Carriage Rides in Manhattan New York, USA

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

New York City, Strand Bookstore on 13th Street and Broadway in Manhattan

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.

The Little Red Lighthouse

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.

Coney Island in New York

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.

Jane's Carousel in Brooklyn Bridge Park

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.

Aerial View of New York City from The Edge Observation Deck at Hudson Yards

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

Gapstow Bridge NY

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.

The Bow Bridge in Central Park

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.

New York, New York, USA at Bethesda Terrace in Central Park

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.

Belvedere Castle NY

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.

Central Park South skyline from Central Park Lake in New York City.

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.

Wagner Cove on the Lake in the Central Park

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.

Shakespeare Garden in Central Park located in Manhatten

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

Brooklyn Bridge Park NY

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.

Aerial view on Governors Island ny

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.

The Highline NY

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.

The New York Botanical Garden

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.

Kingsland Wildflowers Green Roof

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.