AJ's Surprise Proposal at 620 Loft and Garden Rockefeller Center

AJ truly could not have picked a more amazing spot, on a more amazing day of the year to propose atop the rooftop of 620 Loft & Garden!  This intimate NYC rooftop is true hidden gem and the perfect spot above Manhattan’s busy Rockefeller Center for a romantic proposal.  

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

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Secret Proposal Atop The World Trade Center

As the defining feature of the Manhattan skyline, ASPIRE at One World Observatory offers an unrivaled and unforgettable space at the top of One World Trade Center for your surprise marriage proposal. The Observatory’s event space is located on the 102nd Floor of the building and offers 360* views. Featuring clear floor-to-ceiling views in all directions, this architectural marvel provides a stunning and exclusively private setting for your NYC proposal.

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

Science Saturday STEM Learning

What separates my photography apart from the competition? My background in marketing and advertising. Not only do I know how to technically capture a beautiful and engaging photo, but I too know how capture photos that can actually be used in a clients marketing/advertising collateral; space for text, subjects that are divers and excited, and not too busy. Simply put, I know what images need to be captured.

Science Saturday at The Rockefeller University in Manhattan, NY brought real scientists, experts in their respective fields, to engage with children and teach them bite size pieces of science that they could understand; physics, biology, anatomy, and more.

Tim's Central Park Model Boat Pond Marriage Proposal

What’s so unique about the Model Boat pond in Central Park is how intimate and quiet this not so hidden NYC gym is. The tourists flock to Bethesda Fountain, the Bow Bridge, and the Gapstow Bridge, but the Model Boat Pond, not so much. Located on Manhattan’s Upper East Side this Central Park location is one of my favorite places to capture a surprise marriage proposal.

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

The Best Spots for a Secret NYC Christmas Marriage Proposal!

There is something truly magical and festive about New York during the holiday season. The Christmas Trees, the sparkling decorations, the store windows, and the energy of this amazing, hustling, and bustling city make it the perfect place for a surprise marriage proposal. Below are some of my favorite spots for your NYC Christmas season proposal.

Here are some of our favorite Christmas proposal locations:

Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree

When you think of New York City and Christmas, you instantly think of the world-famous Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree. While this is a magical and festive place, it’s also one of the most densely populated and crowded places in NYC during the holiday season. Don’t believe us on how crowded this area is, then check this! Our team has captured countless picture-perfect secret proposals at the tree before leveraging our experience at Rockefeller Center during the Christmas season.

More Proposals at Rockefeller Christmas Tree | Location Here!

Lotte New York Palace

The Christmas Tree at the Lotte New Palace is timeless, and their courtyard celebration is special. There are carolers, hot chocolate, and decor all around. What’s not present here are the thick crowds, as the Lotte New York Palace is one block away from the chaos of Rockefeller Plaza.

Bryant Park Christmas Shops

If it’s hard to walk under the Rockefeller Christmas tree, it’s going to be impossible to get down on one knee. Bryant Park features its own Christmas tree and countless holiday shops with festive decorations. The spot we choose in Bryant Park for secret marriage proposals tends to be less crowded than other parts, and would feature the Empire State Building in the background of their proposal.

More Proposals at Bryant Park Christmas Shops | Location Here!

The Plaza Hotel

I don’t think anything is more iconic than New York City’s historic Plaza Hotel during the Christmas season. The staff at the Plaza does an amazing job of decorating the lobby, which is open to the public. For Nick’s proposal, we worked with the hotel to close off an area just to the side of the Christmas trees. What’s nice about a Plaza Hotel proposal is you can tell your partner you have a “reservation” at one of their restaurants or bars. This give

More Proposals at The Plaza Hotel | Location Here!

Brooklyn Bridge Park (Night)

Brooklyn Bridge Park offers a unique view of Lower Manhattan with the Brooklyn Bridge, World Trade Center, and the Empire State Building looking North. This area has several iconic restaurants such as The River Cafe and Celestine, which you can leverage for a reason to be there at a set time; I.e., “I have dinner reservations at 8 pm. Let’s go to DUMBO at 7 pm to check out the view.”

More Proposals at Brooklyn Bridge Park | Location Here!

6th Avenue Christmas Balls & Lights

(Near Radio City Music Hall) - During the holiday season, there is no other place to be than New York City! The city offers so many different places to get that iconic Christmas look and feel: the Rockefeller Christmas tree, Radio City Music Hall, Bryant Park Christmas shops, and Central Park. While the city is very crowded during this time of the year, there are ways to capture big moments like a secret marriage proposal and make it look more intimate than it is. The big Christmas decorations on 6th Ave near Radio City are a great festive alternative to the Rockefeller Christmas tree, and yet close enough to the tree where we can go there for post proposal photos.

More Proposals at 6th Avenue | Location Here!

Bryant Park Ice Skating Rink

Step 1: Coordinate with the Bryant Park Ice Skating Center to obtain permission. During the holidays, the rink is very busy, and a proposal on the ice with the public skating around is strictly prohibited. It would be dangerous, and the rink officials will stop your proposal. Working with the rink officials will provide you with a safe and beautiful moment.

Step 2: Select a time and work with us to photograph the moment.

More Proposals at Bryant Park Ice Skating Rink | Location Here!

Gantry Plaza - Long Island City (Night)

As an experienced professional NYC Proposal Photographer, I know where you should propose and where you should not propose at night. Long Island City’s Gantry Plaza State Park is 110% where you should propose, day or night, as it captures the NYC skyline perfectly.

More Proposals at Gantry Plaza | Location Here!

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

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Nick's Plaza Hotel Christmas Proposal

CHRISTMAS PROPOSAL AT THE PLAZA IN NYC

Nothing feels more magical in New York City than The Plaza Hotel in December. The lobby glows with elegant Christmas décor, warm lights reflect off polished floors, and the holiday spirit drifts through every corner. It was the perfect stage for Nick’s surprise proposal just off to the side of the trees—intimate, festive, iconic.

Why The Plaza Hotel at Christmas is a Dream Proposal Setting

  • Holiday Glamour & Décor — The Plaza Hotel’s lobby transforms into a winter wonderland each season. The Christmas trees, elegant garlands, and classic architecture combine to create an environment rich with tradition and warmth.

  • Luxury + Romance — Telling your partner you have a “reservation” in one of The Plaza’s restaurants or bars adds to the experience. It feels elevated, special, and like a moment out of a storybook.

  • Atmosphere of Intimacy Despite the Public Space — Though the lobby is open to guests and visitors, working with hotel staff to close off or designate a side area near the Christmas trees makes for a private, focused moment. Less distraction, more connection.

Capturing Nick’s Moment: Light, Surprise, Emotion

Nick’s plan was thoughtful. He coordinated with The Plaza to ensure a quiet side of the lobby near the Christmas trees could be sectioned off—making space for a surprise, but with the holiday grandeur intact. I arrived early to find the best angles: where the lights would reflect, how the trees framed the space, and where architecture and décor would accent the mood.

When the moment came, Nick led his partner through the lobby under the glow of lights and passed by the grand trees. With soft lighting, ornamental details, and quiet anticipation, he got down on one knee. Her surprise, his joy, the way the lights danced—every aspect carried significance. After she said yes, we used the surrounding decor, details like ornaments and reflections, to continue the story in portraits that feel both cinematic and heartfelt.

Planning Your Plaza Hotel Christmas Proposal

If you’re considering proposing at The Plaza during the holidays, a little planning goes a long way:

  • Coordinate with the hotel in advance — Reaching out to staff beforehand ensures you can reserve a quieter corner of the lobby near the trees, so the moment feels private and intimate.

  • Time it right — The Plaza’s holiday decorations are seasonal. Planning your proposal during peak décor and in the warm glow of evening lights creates the most romantic atmosphere.

  • Choose a festive but tucked-away spot — Near the Christmas trees is perfect. You’ll have the magic of the holiday décor without being overwhelmed by crowds.

  • Dress for the occasion — The Plaza has an elegant, timeless style. Outfits with winter textures, rich colors, or holiday tones complement both the décor and the photos.

  • Hire a photographer experienced with holiday lighting — Christmas trees, chandeliers, and mixed indoor light can be tricky. An experienced NYC proposal photographer knows how to balance these elements so the photos feel warm, crisp, and cinematic.

The magic of The Plaza at Christmas isn’t just in the decorations—it’s in the way light, tradition, and anticipation come together to amplify the feeling of this moment. If you’re considering a proposal somewhere timeless, festive, and deeply emotional, The Plaza Hotel in December is hard to beat.

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

BOOK NOW!