Secret Sunset Proposal at Pier 25 — Hudson River Park, NYC

Finding the best spot to propose in New York City

When it comes to proposing in New York City, finding a location that offers both intimacy and breathtaking views can be a challenge. Pier 25 in Hudson River Park provides the perfect blend of both. With unobstructed views of the World Trade Center, Statue of Liberty, and the Jersey City skyline, it's an ideal spot for a surprise proposal.

Why Pier 25 is a Hidden Gem for Proposals

• Scenic Waterfront Views: The pier offers panoramic views of the Hudson River and the Manhattan skyline, making it a picturesque setting for a proposal.

• Less Crowded: Compared to other popular spots like Central Park or Brooklyn Bridge Park, Pier 25 tends to be less crowded, providing a more intimate atmosphere.

• Golden Hour Lighting: The pier's orientation allows for stunning sunset views, casting a warm golden glow that's perfect for capturing memorable photos.

Capturing the Moment

On a beautiful summer evening, I had the privilege of capturing a surprise proposal at Pier 25. The couple arrived under the guise of a casual evening stroll, unaware of the special moment that awaited. As the sun began to set, casting a golden hue over the river, the proposal took place. The backdrop of the Manhattan skyline and the soft evening light created a romantic and cinematic atmosphere.

After the proposal, we took advantage of the golden hour to capture candid moments and portraits, ensuring every emotion was beautifully documented.

Jonathan Heisler Photography is comprised of Professional New York City photographers specializing in photographing private NYC proposals, as well as engagement sessions and weddings.

Ben and Jenn's Brooklyn Bridge Park Sunset Proposal

Why Brooklyn Bridge Park is the perfect place to propose NYC

Brooklyn Bridge Park offers magnificent views of Manhattan, the Statue of Liberty, the World Trade Center, and a glimpse of the Empire State Building. This iconic NYC destination is a top destination for tourists and locals alike for obvious reasons. So, why choose DUMBO’s Brooklyn Bridge Park for your proposal? Simply put, your photos will have NYC in them.

Photographing a DUMBO Brooklyn Bridge Park Proposal

DUMBO and the area around the Brooklyn Bridge Park facing West is a great option for a sunset proposal and photography session. The lighting in DUMBO provides a ton of spots and angles to photograph as the warm sun sets. This part of Brooklyn has so much character in the look and feel of the buildings, the Brooklyn Bridge, and the park that your photos will be guaranteed unique.

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

Keegan and Maggie's Central Park Engagement Session

Planning your Central Park engagement session

New York City is a city of a million possibilities. Selecting the right spot for your engagement session can be overwhelming. However, I always recommend selecting a destination that has meaning, either for your relationship or for the moment. For New Yorkers, I always recommend selecting a place with meaning; i.e. “We always go to Central Park every Sunday morning to sit on the same bench with a coffee”. And for those visiting from out of town, I suggest a place that is iconic NYC; Bethesda Fountain, Bow Bridge.

Fun Facts About New York City’s Central Park

The park is now managed by the Central Park Conservancy, an organization that was formed in 1980 by a group of private citizens. The Conservancy works with the city to maintain the natural features of the park and also organizes various cultural events throughout the year. Their work is on constantly on display everywhere you look, as garden hedges are perfectly manicured, lawns religiously mowed, and park benches cleaned.

Central Park’s popularity has continued to grow over time and it is now one of the most-visited sites in New York City, attracting more than 35 million visitors a year.

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 or ENGAGEMENT SESSION PHOTOGRAPHER IN NYC

Photographing Ryan's Surprise Central Park Proposal

Proposing in Central Park in the middle of the day

There’s something charming about proposing in the middle of the day in Central Park—though it comes with its own challenges. For Ryan’s surprise proposal, we embraced those challenges and turned them into opportunities. The warm summer sun, bright greens, and classic NYC backdrop all came together to make a midday moment unforgettable.

The Proposal Story

Ryan arranged for the surprise on a bright summer afternoon. Central Park was lush with foliage, the paths were alive with walkers, and beams of sunlight filtered through the trees. Despite harder light (which can create strong shadows), we found spots under trees and near the park’s architecture to soften the rays.

At just the right moment, Ryan guided his partner to a quieter lawn area, paused beneath a canopy of trees, and dropped to one knee. Their laughter and joy echoed softly, mingling with the rustle of leaves and distant city sounds. After the proposal, we took advantage of shaded paths and natural greenery to balance the brightness, capturing portraits in medium and close-up frames that highlighted emotion and detail.

Why This Place & Time Work

• Midday light & greenery: While midday brings strong sun, the lush green trees, natural arching branches, and shaded spots help diffuse and complement the lighting.

• Classic Central Park ambiance: The mix of nature, architecture, and skyline elements gives photos a timeless, iconic feel.

• Readily accessible & meaningful: If parts of the park hold meaning for you (favorite walks, shared stops), proposing there brings in personal significance.

• Spontaneity & candid emotion: Daylight, activity around the park, natural surroundings—these invite genuine reactions that feel real and alive in photos.

Tips for Planning a Midday Summer Proposal in Central Park

• Scout your locations ahead of time. Identify shaded spots, tree cover, and areas where sun isn’t too harsh.

• Bring accessories to diffuse light (umbrellas, translucent fabrics) or plan to shoot near natural shade.

• Choose outfits with color contrast—brights or softer tones work well against green foliage and sunlight.

• Pick a spot that’s meaningful or beautiful, but also allows for flexibility (move if glare or crowds get in the way).

• Work with a photographer comfortable with high-contrast lighting and able to adjust quickly to changing conditions.

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

Slade's NYC Proposal at The Edge

The Proposal Plan: As far as Amanda knew, the plan was to checkout the amazing views of NYC atop Hudson Yards The Edge. Slade chose to propose at The Edge for it’s unobstructed views of Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn and any which way you could see.

HOW TO HAVE A PROFESSIONAL PROPOSAL PHOTOGRAPHER PHOTOGRAPH YOUR SECRET MARRIAGE PROPOSAL AT THE EDGE HUDSON YARDS

To propose at The Edge and have your moment photographed by a professional proposal photographer book your tickets, and have your NYC proposal photographer book his/her tickets before you. That way they are up top before you. I have several recommendations on where up top you should propose and where, but I’ll tell you about that later! Using my experience as a professional NYC Proposal Photographer really pays off when it comes to photographing proposals at The Edge, or anywhere in New York City.

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

Brian and Arielle's Brooklyn Bridge Park Proposal

When Manhattan comes to Brooklyn to propose.

Brooklyn Bridge Park offers magnificent views of Manhattan, the Statue of Liberty, the World Trade Center, and a glimpse of the Empire State Building. This iconic NYC destination is a top destination for tourists and locals alike for obvious reasons. However, from the Upper East Side, Brooklyn can seem a world away. If you’re looking to propose to your partner in Brooklyn, or elsewhere, and it’s a bit of a trek, think about the how, why, and when of your proposal. For tonight’s proposal, Brian convinced Arielle that they were going to a dinner in DUMBO.

Brian and Arielle arrived at Brooklyn Bridge Park in the late afternoon. The route from DUMBO gave them a walk over cobblestone paths and views of bridges and water that set the stage. As light softened, the skyline’s reflection in the East River became visible, and lampposts warmed into an amber glow. Brian chose a spot along the waterfront with open view lines to Manhattan, the Brooklyn Bridge, and the WTC. When he proposed, the ambient city backdrop and river added to the scene. The photographer used wide frames to capture the skyline and park, and closer frames for the emotion between them. Because it was evening, fewer people were around, and the light was flattering without harsh midday sun.

Why Brooklyn Bridge Park Works Well for Proposals

• Very strong skyline features — Manhattan, bridges, the WTC — are visible from many vantage points.

• Waterfront setting gives space for reflections and open frames that emphasize place and view.

• Paths, piers, benches, and other architectural elements offer flexibility in framing: wide, medium, and close.

• At sunset/evening times, crowd levels often drop, allowing more privacy.

• Lighting shifts in evening (sunset) help with softer shadows, color in sky, and balance between ambient (city) light and natural light.

Tips for Planning a Proposal at Brooklyn Bridge Park

• Time the proposal for late afternoon / just before sunset when light is warm and crowds start to fade.

• Scout out key view spots in advance so you know where skyline landmarks align best.

• Choose a path or pier with minimal clutter in the background for cleaner frames.

• Wear colors that contrast with the city skyline and river — avoid tones that blend into background.

• Work with a photographer experienced with waterfront lighting and low-light conditions.

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