New York City, as the song goes, is where dreams are made of. Perhaps that’s why a wedding proposal happens in every corner of it, at every minute you can imagine, whether in a park, a building, a tram, a bridge, or even underneath it. There’s something about this beautifully perplexing city that makes it a favorite witness of the promise of commitment and a million possibilities of a life lived together in love. In this list, we’ve randomly collated the best places to propose in NYC.
Tips On How To Propose
Consider these friendly tips to help you with your marriage proposal.
- Get an engagement ring. The ring in the marriage proposal symbolizes the formal agreement to future marriage. So don’t forget to get a ring before you kneel. It doesn’t matter if it’s fancy or not. What matters is your pure intention.
- Inform families ahead of time. If possible, ask your future fiancée’s parents about your intention before you propose. This goes the same for your parents as well. I’m sure your sweetheart’s heart will melt to know that you asked for your parents’ blessings before you move forward to one of the most significant life events in your lives.
- Make your proposal unique. Proposing to the one you love is a milestone and something that both of you will remember for the rest of your life. So as much as possible, make it unique and special in your own way.
- Come up with a speech. To make things more romantic, make a speech, even just a short message. Try to write it down because men sometimes tend to get speechless because of nervousness during the proposal.
- Have someone capture the moment. A marriage proposal happens once in your lifetime (considering that you will only get married once). Have someone to capture that emotional moment so you will have a remembrance of that very special day.
New York Spots For Your Dream Proposal
Here are some of our recommended proposal spots that will surely help you get the big YES!
Park Proposal
1. Central Park
As difficult and exciting as popping the question, ‘Will you marry me?’ is to ask, ‘Where to propose in Central Park?’ In all its 83 acres, Central Park offers countless proposal spots that are all picturesque and romantic. The most popular so far are the iconic Bow Bridge and the Bethesda Fountain. The Gapstow Bridge near 62nd street also offers a great view of the New York skyline, making it a great spot to get down on one knee.
The Belvedere Castle is also a romantic location to proclaim love, especially with its grand architecture. But if you are looking for a bit more privacy, the Ladies Pavilion also presents an immaculate white palatial backdrop. The Conservator Garden is also a quiet nook at Central Park, where you can both savor the glorious moment of a wedding proposal. The garden and the pavilion may also be rented out as a location for intimate events.
2. Prospect Park
An alternative to Central Park is Brooklyn’s Prospect Park which is just as picture-perfect for a proposal. A backdrop could be the lovely boathouse surrounded by many playful sights like boats bobbing, bikes parked, roller skaters frolicking in the rink, and idyllic paths. Prospect Park, though not as popular as Central Park, is definitely one of the best places to propose in NYC, especially when the proposal is done on horseback. Most blogs have some great tips on booking a horseback ride with Kensington Stables and their friendly guides.
3. The High Line
Welcoming visitors since 2009, this park high above the city has become one of the best places to propose in NYC with its view of the Hudson River and the magnificent Manhattan skyline. Built on old train tracks, the High Line is a mile long and attracts droves of visitors. If you are the type who wants to proclaim your love for your fiancée to the whole world, you could use an ‘audience’ that naturally flocks to the High Line on weekends. But if you want it low key and private, then it’s best to avoid the weekend and opt for a proposal in the middle of the week. However, weekends could work too but choose an early morning proposal or a late-night surprise to escape the crowd. For celebratory meals and drinks, The Park and a host of restaurants await as you descend the High Line.
4. Brooklyn Bridge Park
Proposals on the waterfront are always worth swooning over, and you can have that at the Brooklyn Bridge Park. There are a good number of choices for the ideal spots to profess your commitment. Jane’s Carousel in DUMBO gives you a great view of the Brooklyn Bridge and the Lower Manhattan skyline. Dumbo stands for ‘Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass’, and the latter surely sounds as romantic as it is, as an engagement spot.
Another option is to go up the Brooklyn heights, along the promenade, which is just as picture-perfect, giving you a panorama of all of Manhattan. The River Café, now with a fresh new, romantic look, serves as a great backdrop for proposals, too.
Near Clear Water Proposal
1. Coney Island Boardwalk
Proposing at the Coney Island Boardwalk will surely be bright and cheery as its amusement park rides and tents. This is a perfect spot if you are a playful couple who love the beach. Getting down on one knee here is made more romantic by the beach and the splash of color that is distinctly Coney Island. Or you could also do it during a Ferris wheel ride, just as you reach the top and have an exhilarating view of the sea. After the fiancée said yes, enjoy Coney Island’s best, from munching on Nathan’s Famous hotdogs to strolling along the Manhattan Beach.
2. Pier A Harbor House
There’s something so special about a proposal done right by a body of water, as everything just feels pure and fresh and clean as the new start that a marriage promises. Pier A Harbor House gives you that relaxing clarity as it is located along the Hudson River, calmly cradling sailboats. Propose on the waterfront or right where there is an unobstructed view of the Statue of Liberty in the middle of shrimp and cocktails. If you fancy proposing in the middle of a candlelit dinner, reserve a table at the high-end BlackTail that’s as romantic and exotic as a Havana night.
In Transit Proposal
1. Roosevelt Island Tram
A special vehicle or mode of transportation could best symbolize the start of a journey, from living apart to finally coming together in marriage. That’s why the Roosevelt Island Tram while traversing up in the air, makes for a great proposal idea. This aerial tram connects the Upper East Side to Roosevelt Island, and you could either propose right in the middle of the five-minute ride or once you dock on the Roosevelt Island, just before getting off the tram. The Roosevelt Island is also a tiny but romantic stretch where you can have a stroll.
2. Grand Central Terminal
For a truly cinematic proposal, muster the courage to do it at the Grand Central Terminal with its iconic architecture. There are some quaint, romantic locations at the train station where you can propose. The double staircase made of Botticino marble would make great photographs. Or stand underneath the Zodiac ceiling or at the four-sided opal clock to pop the question. A proposal at the Grand Central Terminal pays homage to the many heartwarming reunions and tearful promises between lovers to stay in touch before departure.
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Conclusion
You can never run out of romantic engagement locations that it’s quite hard to squeeze in one tiny list of all of the best places to propose in NYC. There’s the Empire State Building and the Statue of Liberty, and the plush Gramercy Park Hotel, the Lincoln Center for fine arts, and the Cloisters near the Metropolitan Museum. For the best time of the year to do a wedding proposal in all these beautiful spaces in NYC, head on to Expedia for advice and assistance in making the perfect proposal itinerary.