Many people have fallen in love in New York City, whether in person or through cinema, literature, and music.
Its romantic settings, twinkling lights and the sense that anything can happen, have made it a destination where couples in love flock to in droves.
For those who choose to make the Big Apple the setting for the Big Question, we have compiled a list of spots that are the perfect places to propose.
Some may take a little bit more planning, some might sweep you away in the moment, but whichever way you choose to pop the question, you’ll be sure to find a beautiful backdrop for it here.
So, before you book your next luxury holidays to New York, take a look at our list of enchanting places to get engaged in New York. A city so good, they’ve named it twice.
On a boat on Central Park Lake
Classics are classics for a reason. A romantic boat ride ensures nature, fresh air and plenty of privacy, and Central Park is definitely one of best places in New York to propose.
You can pack a picnic for two and set out on a small rowing boat or choose a roomier gondola from Loeb Boathouse.
By Brooklyn Bridge in DUMBO
If you love a stunning backdrop in a cool location, then it doesn’t get more iconic than the view of Brooklyn Bridge from Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass.
You can do it during the day when the sun is shining, or at night with the city lights glistening in the background.
By the cascading waterfall in Greenacre Park
Sure, Central Park is more famous but this lesser known yet equally romantic patch of greenery is the ideal setting for a proposal.
With a beautiful waterfall, heavenly scented flowers, and a cosy romantic atmosphere, you’ll have everything you need to make the moment magical.
The park is open from April to December so make sure to book during that time.
At Grand Central Terminal
It’s one of the most breathtaking buildings in the city. The high ceilings and detailed architecture at Grand Central Terminal make for an absolutely stunning setting to propose.
You can even get on a train afterwards and set off on an unforgettable adventure.After all, why not celebrate this romantic occasion with the most romantic way to travel? Perfect.
At the New York Botanical Garden
If you want to keep it green, then pop the question at the New York Botanical Garden.
The Water Lilies and Lotuses, the Perennial Garden, Rose Garden and the Cherries all provide beautiful backdrops that will make that ‘yes’ moment extra special.
On Governors Island
Only 800 yards from Lower Manhattan, this small but mighty island has a multitude of spots to get down on one knee.
With views of the New York Harbor and the Statue of Liberty, your engagement pictures will have the absolute best background.
Go round on Jane’s Carousel in Brooklyn Park
Getting engaged is a joyous occasion and doing so on a fun and whimsical carousel will make it ever so more fun. Boasting 48 carved horses and two chariots, this antique attraction has stood there since 1922.
Whether you opt for a daytime proposal in the sunshine, or at night when the carousel is all lit up and romantic, you and your betrothed are in for a wonderful ride.
On the Staten Island Ferry
For a free trip with priceless views of the city, get on the Staten Island Ferry.
Staten Island has had a bit of a glow up recently with its famous residents Pete Davidson and Colin Jost being in relationships with Kim Kardashian and Scarlett Johansson respectively.
The Saturday Night Live comedians also own a ferry themselves, so if it’s good enough for them, it’s good enough for us.
At Washington Square Park
This smallish park is full of character and history and the perfect place to get engaged. In the evenings the iconic archway is lit up and frames the Empire State Building on the horizon. A guaranteed yes.
On a helicopter ride
For truly unrivalled vistas of New York, you can’t get more of a bird's eye view than from a helicopter.
You can book a sunset trip and pop the question miles up in the air, while taking in the beauty of the bustling city below you.
At the roof garden at the Met
Take in the inspiring exhibits at the iconic Metropolitan Museum of Art before popping the question at the rooftop garden. With a beautiful view of Central Park, you’ll be swept up in the moment when you look into the eyes of the one you love.
At Strawberry Fields Forever
Beatles fans can imagine a life as one at this iconic Central Park memorial to the legendary John Lennon.
You can come together in this quiet section of the park and walk through the serene scenery that includes sprawling elm trees, rocks, and flowers. They’ll surely ‘wanna hold your hand’ throughout.
Via billboard in Times Square
For fans of expressing themselves for all to see, this type of proposal is perfect. Surrounded by people from all around the world in the hub of the city, you can make a splash with your own personalised message on one of the Times Square billboards.
At the Statue of Liberty
Arguably the most iconic beacon of New York, Lady Liberty would love to be part of your love story. You can book a cruise to the island and propose onboard, with the world-famous statue in view.
You can also choose to make the 354-step journey to the top and get down on one knee in the crown viewing platform. Either way, the experience will be unforgettable.
Bow down at Bow Bridge
Central Park offers an array of proposal locations and the Bow Bridge is probably the one most seen on the big screen. You can stroll hand in hand through the park before you get to the beautiful bridge.
Top tip, it looks most picturesque in the autumn when the leaves turn a romantic shade of red that works wonders with the fall sunlight.
On the High Line
This mile and a half walkway is built on an old railway line, which means there are plenty of scenic spots along the way to propose. With gorgeous city vistas, just choose your favourite time of the day and go for it.
Breakfast at Tiffany’s
Probably the most iconic and romantic movie set in New York is Audrey Hepburn’s seminal classic, Breakfast at Tiffany’s. You could recreate the magic by grabbing a coffee, croissant, and the unmistakable little blue box to make Holly Golightly proud.
Present your rock at 30 Rock
One of the most recognisable buildings in the city, 30 Rockefeller Plaza offers a host of proposal themes.
TV fans can watch their favourite NBC show recording and do it in the studios or you can theme it around Christmas and book an ice-skating session for the ultimate yuletide yes.
With smiles all round at Coney Island
For the more quirky and unconventional couples, a trip to Coney Island is just the ticket.
With a cute carnival boasting rollercoasters and merry-go-rounds, not to mention plenty of sweet treats and a sprawling boardwalk by the beach, this type of proposal trip will be a fun-filled one.
At the top of the Empire State Building
Sleepless in Seattle, An Affair To Remember, and Gossip Girl, all featured a huge romantic scene on the viewing deck of the Empire State Building. You can create your own unforgettable moment by proposing in one of the most picturesque locations in New York City.
By the little red lighthouse
Thinking of some more unique New York proposal ideas? Well, think no more. Situated in Fort Washington Park, this historic landmark is the last remaining lighthouse in the city and a beautiful monument to witness your romantic declaration.
Which hotels have their own proposal spots?
Many New York hotels have gorgeous city views and private suites with their own rooftop terraces where you can organise absolutely everything.
From champagne in the room, rose petals on the bed and candles around the soaking bath, you can create the perfect setting in the comfort of your own luxury suite.
What hotel is best to stay at for a Central Park proposal?
The St. Regis New York and the Four Seasons Hotel New York are near the park so you can prepare for the event before you embark on that special trip and you can rush back to celebrate after.
What activities can I book for after the proposal?
The city, very famously, never sleeps so whatever the time and location, there will be a place to celebrate after you hear that resounding yes.
New York City is filled with spots where real and fictional couples strolled hand in hand. They kissed, they fell in love, they proposed and now you can too.
Whether you choose to get engaged high in the sky or surrounded by nature, you’ll be sure to find the perfect place to experience romantic New York City with the one you love.
Already married? Why not visit this awe-inspiring city and stay at one of the best luxury honeymoon hotels in New York!
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