As experienced Professional New York City Proposal Photographers, we have gained invaluable knowledge on where and when to propose in Central Park. We have a bunch of recommendations based upon time of day, lighting, privacy, and how you plan to propose. Some of our favorite locations are linked below: (not listed in any specific order):
1) Ladies Pavilion - Central Park NYC
“Find somewhere off the beaten path where you’ll have privacy” is what we tell clients when helping them plan their proposal. Ladies Pavilion on Manhattan’s West side is a great location to propose and to have your moment photographed. It’s a quick walk in to the park, it’s not too busy, you’ll have a view of the city, and there are plenty of places in the area for post-proposal photos.
*Recommended Time Of Day to propose | Late afternoon - Dusk
2) Shakespeare garden - Central Park NYC
Shakespeare Garden on Manhattan’s West side is a little known spot with a ton of beauty. It’s a quick walk in to the park, it’s not too busy, and it will allow you to have privacy.
*Recommended Time Of Day to propose | Anytime
3) Bow Bridge landing - Central park
Just past the iconic Central Park Bow Bridge is our favorite late afternoon spot called the “Bow Bridge Landing”. Tourists will walk to the Bow Bridge just to check it out and stop. They don’t go past it. A few people will go past the bridge and take a look at the landing, but not go down the path. This keeps the spot private and generally open. Winter, Spring, Summer, or Fall the afternoon here is perfect for a proposal. Another benefit of this spot is it’s central location within the park.
More proposals at the Bow Bridge Landing in Central Park
*Recommended Time Of Day to propose | Late afternoon - We can NOT photographed here until the late afternoon due to lighting. Imagine taking an iPhone photo in front of a very bright window, the background will be bright and you will be dark.
4) Conservatory gardens - Central park
The Conservatory Garden is a very special part of Central Park. While it’s just a little bit further out of the way, compared to other parts of the park, it provides you unrivaled beauty and privacy.
More proposals at the Conservatory Garden in Central Park
*Recommended Time Of Day to propose | All Day
5) Bethesda fountain - Central park
Photographing proposals in Central Park is such a contrast from the typical New York City hustle and bustle. Bethesda Fountain offers so many angles to photograph a proposal from. This area is centrally located in Central Park and it’s easily accessible. With the Boathouse restaurant / cafe recently opening up, you have an easy excuse to venture to this part of NYC’s most iconic destination.
More proposals at Central Park Bethesda Fountain
*Recommended Time Of Day to propose | Anytime.
6) Cat’s rock overlook - Central park
If you have a special place in the park I always recommend proposing there. However, if you can’t pick just one spot and you want to incorporate a true NYC view, I always recommend looking at Cat’s Rock overlook. Here you’ll capture the famous 59th street “Billionaire Row” and other iconic NYC tall buildings with the park. Conveniently located near the ice skating rink.
More proposals at Central Park Cat’s Rock Overlook
7) Oak Bridge - central park
Proposals near the Oak Bridge offer a unique vantage point of Manhattan’s Upper West Side. This spot is semi-private, as it’s just off the beaten path and North of where most tourists venture.
*Recommended Time Of Day to propose | Late afternoon - early evening
8) Gapstow Bridge
Super easily accessible and photogenic is how I’d describe proposing at the Gastow Bridge. We traditionally do not photograph proposals on the bridge itself because it is narrow and crowded. For post proposal photo we’ll go on the bridge and capture photos with the Plaza Hotel in the background.
*Recommended Time Of Day to propose | Mornings or afternoons / early evenings
More examples of Gapstow Bridge Proposals
9) The Ramble across from bethesda
Privacy and a view are the selling points of this exclusive spot in Central Park’s ramble. It’ll take you a minute to get here and non-high heels are the shoe of choice. You can tell your partner you have a reservation at the Boat House nearby.
*Recommended Time Of Day to propose | Anytime
Jonathan Heisler Photography is comprised of New York City photographers specializing in photographing private NYC proposals, as well as engagement sessions and weddings.