Bright Summer Day Proposal at Carl Schurz Park, Upper East Side Proposal

As a NYC proposal photographer, I’m always drawn to locations that combine lush greenery, open light, and a peaceful New York City atmosphere. Carl Schurz Park on the Upper East Side is one of those rare gems. On June 20th, the sun was high, casting a warm glow across the park’s manicured lawns and winding paths, creating the perfect setting for a short, intimate daytime proposal.

Why Carl Schurz Park is Perfect for a Daytime Proposal

Carl Schurz Park offers couples a serene escape from the city while still providing iconic Manhattan views. The park stretches along the East River, giving unobstructed waterfront vistas, mature trees, and flowering gardens that feel secluded yet quintessentially NYC.

Couples love Carl Schurz Park for:

• Abundant natural light — ideal for crisp, vibrant photos during daytime proposals.

• Lush greenery and paths — perfect for candid, romantic shots.

• Quiet, peaceful atmosphere — the Upper East Side location keeps the park relatively private compared to other city parks.

Capturing the Moment

I arrived early to scout the best spots bathed in sunlight. The couple wandered along the river path, with the light filtering through the trees, and paused at a scenic overlook for the big moment. I captured every subtle reaction — from nervous glances to joyous smiles — all framed by the bright greenery and shimmering river. Even during a short session, the combination of natural light, park charm, and candid emotion produced timeless images.

Planning Your Carl Schurz Park Proposal

If you’re considering this park for a daytime proposal:

• Choose a mid-morning or early afternoon time for the best natural light and minimal crowds.

• Walk the paths in advance to find the most photogenic spots.

• Keep it short and sweet — even a brief session in a beautiful location can yield unforgettable photos.

Hiring a professional NYC proposal photographer ensures every detail — from lighting to composition — is thoughtfully captured, preserving the genuine emotions of your special moment. Carl Schurz Park is perfect for couples looking for a bright, green, and intimate urban escape for their 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.

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

Greg's Carl Schurz Park Upper East Side Surprise Proposal

Capturing the Perfect Moment: Greg’s Afternoon Proposal at Carl Schurz Park on Manhattan’s Upper East Side

When Greg decided to propose to his partner, he knew he wanted the moment to be as unique and memorable as their story. After careful consideration, he chose Carl Schurz Park on Manhattan's Upper East Side for the special occasion. While Central Park is often considered the go-to spot for proposals in New York City, Carl Schurz Park offers a quieter, more intimate alternative that can elevate your engagement photography to another level. If you live on the Upper East Side you must have visited Carl Schurz atleast once.

In this blog post, we'll walk you through the beauty of Carl Schurz Park, why it's an ideal location for a proposal, and the unforgettable experience of photographing Greg's afternoon engagement.

While Central Park has earned its iconic status as a proposal hotspot, Carl Schurz Park offers its own set of unique advantages that make it a hidden gem for couples looking for something more serene and personal.

1. Tranquil, Less Crowded Setting Central Park, while stunning, is often bustling with tourists, joggers, and photographers. For a more private and peaceful atmosphere, Carl Schurz Park provides a quieter setting on the Upper East Side, with fewer crowds, which allows for a more intimate experience. The serene environment makes it easier to connect with your partner and focus on the moment without distractions.

2. Stunning Views of the East River and Roosevelt Island One of the standout features of Carl Schurz Park is its breathtaking views of the East River. The park offers panoramic vistas of Roosevelt Island, the Queensboro Bridge, and the Manhattan skyline, creating a picturesque backdrop that perfectly complements the beauty of the proposal. Whether you're near the water’s edge or nestled in one of the park’s lush green spaces, the scenery adds a dramatic flair to your photos.

3. Diverse Photo Opportunities The park's design, which includes tree-lined paths, blooming gardens, and elegant statues, provides a range of picturesque backdrops for engagement photos. From the iconic Gracie Mansion (the official residence of the Mayor of New York City) to the tranquil riverside, the location offers a variety of scenic spots that will make your engagement photos look as though they belong in a storybook.

Jonathan Heisler Photography is comprised of 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

Photographing an Upper East Side rooftop proposal

What made photographing this Upper East Side (UES) rooftop proposal so special were the details and the meaning behind it all. From the rose petals, to the champaign, to the ring, and our mini-engagement session in Carl Schurz Park along the East River, everything was so well thought out. This client chose to propose in a private and timeless fashion with nothing being overdone; no 3 foot “Will You Marry Me” letters or LED signs here!

Out of all the places we go as NYC’s leading Surprise Proposal Photographer, Carl Schurz is one of our favorite and least chosen spots. We often hear from Upper East Side couple’s this park has so much meaning to them and they love it for it’s private (zero tourists).

Jonathan Heisler Photography is comprised of 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

Will's Upper East Side Proposal at Carl Schurz Park

In preparation of photographing Will’s surprise and secret marriage proposal at Carl Schurz Park on the Upper East Side, Will scoped out the perfect spot. Together, we discussed the time of the day, how he’d get her there, the best location to avoid crowds and to get capture the best lighting possible. Out of all the places we go as NYC’s leading Surprise Proposal Photographer, Carl Schurz is one of our favorite and least chosen spots. We often hear from Upper East Side couple’s this park has so much meaning to them and they love it for it’s private (zero tourists).

As New York City’s top proposal photographer we’ve developed countless tips and tricks to succesfully capture a surprise marriage proposal in NYC.

Lighting: Natural light can be your best friend. If the proposal is happening in the morning or late afternoon, you'll get beautiful, soft lighting. Overcast days can also be great for even lighting without harsh shadows.

1. Discretion: Be as unobtrusive as possible to keep the surprise intact. Blend in like just another tourist with a camera. We don’t start photographing until they are clearly proposing, and then it’s GO TIME!

2. Backup Plan: Have a backup plan for different weather conditions or unexpected changes. If it’s raining, we can either move the proposal up or back to avoid the weather. Or we can find an alternative location. Regardless of the situation, we’ll clearly communicate in advance.

3. Lighting: Natural light can be your best friend. If the proposal is happening in the morning or late afternoon, you'll get beautiful, soft lighting. Overcast are also great for even lighting without harsh shadows.

Jonathan Heisler Photography is comprised of 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

Melissa and Justin's Upper East Side Proposal

Photographing a NYC proposal at Carl Schurz on the Upper East Side has been on my to-do list for way too long.

When Justin reached out asking to secretly photographing his surprise proposal at his favorite park I was ecstatic. As an Upper East Sider, Carl Schurz Park is also my and my fiance’s favorite park. It’s private, has a great view looking down the East River, has a ton of green space, and holds some neat architectural features. For years, I’ve wanted to photograph either a proposal here or an engagement session, but the opportunity never arose. Well, I obviously said yes.

A PROFESSIONAL PROPOSAL PHOTOGRAPHER CAN EASILY CAPTURE YOUR SURPRISE

Jonathan Heisler Photography is comprised of 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