Andrew's Private Empire State Building Proposal

Photographing Andrew’s private surprise Empire State Building rooftop proposal is a moment I won’t forget. It made my job as a NYC Proposal Photographer the best job in the world.

Proposing in New York City during March could be hit or miss with the weather. However, on today’s proposal Andrew rolled the dice and came up with the perfect weather. We could not have asked for a more perfect morning. The sun was out, the wind remained calm, and the visibility was stunning each and every way we looked.

How did Andrew propose?

Andrew told Jess they were going for a private tour of the Empire State Building via his friend. Upon reaching the top floor observation deck they walked around. Immediately they were in awe of the view. After a few moments of taking in the view, Andrew proposed.

Planning a Rooftop Proposal atop the Empire State Building takes planning.

Do you want your moment to be private, semi-private, or on the spot with it being open to the public? These are things to think about. If you work with the Empire State Building Marketing team you could have a totally private proposal, or you could do a semi-private proposal with a portion of the viewing deck roped off. You could have unlimited access to the observation deck at hours that are not usually available. It’s totally up to you. Each experience is special and unique, and has its benefits.

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

Capturing David's Grand Central Station Proposal

At the center of the hustle and bustle is Grand Central Terminal. During the week hundreds of thousands of commuters pass through its halls, and on the weekends tourists from around the world flock to admire its grand architecture. Regardless of if you are a tourist or a local, Grant Central puts you in awe of its grand stature. There’s nothing quite like it. It is quintessential NYC. It’s an icon. For David, Grand Central Station is one of his favorite places in New York because of its beauty, and it is where he met Sarah.

PROFESSIONAL PROPOSAL PHOTOGRAPHERS CAN EASILY CAPTURE YOUR SURPRISE GRAND CENTRAL TERMINAL PROPOSAL.

Grand Central Terminal offers a few different locations for you to propose. Outside the terminal with the building in the background (East 40th street) is my favorite way. However, inside of the Terminal, on the West side of the station off of Vanderbilt Avenue, opposite of the Apple Store is the best spot. Here you have an unobstructed view of the terminal from a high vantage point, and less traffic entrance allowing you room to drop down to one knee.

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

Brant's Manhattan Rooftop Proposal

When you want a proposal that feels personal, elevated, and drenched in the romance of the city skyline, a private rooftop setting can deliver everything. That’s exactly what Brant did when he proposed to his partner from the balcony of his private room at the Marlton Hotel in Manhattan—an evening that was all atmosphere, emotion, and stunning views.

Why the Marlton Hotel Rooftop Works Beautifully for Proposals

• Private & Sophisticated Ambience — Instead of battling crowds in parks or public squares, a rooftop balcony at a boutique hotel like the Marlton gives you intimacy. It’s just you, the city, and the moment.

• City Views Against a Rooftop Sky — From elevated vantage points, the Manhattan skyline becomes art. Rooftops allow for dramatic skyline lines, glowing windows, and a feeling of being above it all.

• Room + View in One Location — Having a private room with balcony access means fewer logistics, more comfort, and privacy before, during, and after the proposal. It’s both romantic and practical.

• Evening Light & Golden Hour Beauty — Though later in the day, the city’s ambient lights begin to harmonize with remaining daylight. That mix of natural and artificial lighting gives photos depth, warmth, and cinematic quality.

Capturing Brant’s Proposal: Crafting the Emotion

I arrived ahead of time to scout the room’s balcony, the angles, and how the light would fall as daylight faded. Brant chose the balcony as the stage—somewhere sheltered, connected to his private room, with sweeping city views.

As the sky darkened, the first stars showed, and the city lights flickered on, Brant asked. The moment was intense, emotional, quiet—yet rich in context. We captured those smaller details: the reaction, the skyline in the background, glimmers of light reflecting off windows, and city sounds drifting up.

After she said yes, we stayed on the balcony for a few more portraits, walking out under the sky, letting the moment settle—letting the city be part of the story. The resulting images are both intimate and grand: a quiet promise with Manhattan as witness.

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

Francisco's TWA Hotel Proposal

It almost felt like March 2020, with the new wave of COVID19 sweeping through New York City. However, this time was different. In the midst of the hysteria, we all knew so much more than before.

Francisco gave us the privilege to witness and photograph what life is all about: love, adapting to change, and enjoying happiness. Trent photographed Francisco’s proposal just outside of the swanky TWA hotel at JFK Airport. Francisco chose the TWA hotel for their combined love of travel and aviation.

What I loved about photographing a proposal at the TWA Hotel is …

As a professional NYC proposal photographer, many of my requests are for the iconic locations such as Central Park, The Edge at Hudson Yards, The Highline, and the Top of the Rock. For Francisco and Cristina, from Mexico, Francisco chose a spot that was unique and fitting of their interests.

Photographing, proposing, and just being at the TWA hotel is an experience in itself. The staff at the TWA Hotel are dressed in period correct outfits, the music is from the 1960’s, the architecture, the lighting, and the mood just takes you back to another time. Regardless of if you’re from New York City or not, or if you just arrived on a modern plane, the TWA Hotel is special.

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

Judson's Morning Proposal in Central Park NYC

Proposing in Central Park means finding somewhere private and not generic. For Judson and Taylor’s proposal photos I wanted to capture parts of the New York City skyline behind them, so there would be some context in their photos. Ladies Pavillion on the West Side is a fantastic place to propose and have your moment photographed by a professional NYC photographer.

The best place to propose in New York City’s Central Park is …

The best place to propose in Central Park on the West Side is Ladies Pavilion. It’s only a short trip in to the park and it shouldn’t take much convincing for you to get them to the spot. We really like photographing proposal at Ladies Pavillion for the following reasons:

• You’ll have bits of the Manhattan skyline as the backdrop to your big moment.

• You’re surrounded by water, so there won’t be people behind you in your photos.

• It’s not terribly crowded because it’s just off the beaten path.

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