Best Places to Propose in New York: Private, Iconic and Romantic Places to Propose in NYC

Ring? Check. Romantic place to propose in New York? Check. Whether you’re looking for a romantic, iconic spot that exudes NYC, or a more low-key, private spot sans tourists, here’s a list of the 10 best places to propose in New York that work for both visitors and residents alike.

Brooklyn Bridge Park: one of the best places in New York to propose

1. Brooklyn Bridge Park

There is no alternative for Brooklyn Bridge Park when you’re looking for NYC views, which makes it one of the best places to propose in New York if you’re looking for an unforgettable and iconic spot. Located in Brooklyn, directly across the East River from Manhattan, you’ll have a front-row seat to see the iconic skyline, as well as the Brooklyn Bridge and Manhattan Bridge. A promenade snakes along the waterfront, offering plenty of opportunity to pick a bench and ask the question. As a bonus, DUMBO (the adjacent neighborhood) has turned super trendy in the last few years, and you’ll find tons of restaurants and bars for a post-“yes” champagne toast.

Low-key alternative: Gantry State Park

Head to another borough, Queens, and you’ll also get phenomenal views of Manhattan. A former shipyard, Gantry State Park in Long Island City has 12 acres of spruced-up riverside real estate. Go at sunset to catch golden hour when you propose.

 

The Met: one of the best places in New York to propose

2. The Metropolitan Museum of Art

The Met is the largest art museum in the United States, so you’ll have your pick of the exhibits to get down on bended knee. I am partial to the Temple of Dendur, showcasing a large Egyptian sandstone temple, man-made river and soaring glass windows.

Low-key alternative: Hayden Planetarium

Want to propose under the stars? Take a trip to the Hayden Planetarium at the American Museum of Natural History. The Star Theater utilizes a customized Zeiss Star Projector system, replicating an accurate night sky as seen from Earth. Your significant other will never expect such a dreamy proposal in the middle of the day.

Brooklyn Botanic Garden: one of the best places in New York to propose

3. Brooklyn Botanic Garden

52 acres of lushness, including blooming flowers, a lily pond, a calming Japanese zen garden — it’s no wonder that the Brooklyn Botanic Garden is a top contender for one of the best places to propose in New York. Located adjacent to Prospect Park in Brooklyn, the garden has over 14,000 types of plants, and, perhaps equally importantly, dozens of gorgeous spaces to get down on bended knee.

Low-key alternatives: St. Luke in the Fields gardens, Riverside Park 91st Street Garden

If you don’t need acres and acres of fieldage to impress and would like the potential for more privacy, hit up a smaller neighborhood community garden is a less-trodden area, like these options in the West Village and Upper West Side.

 

Bethesda Terrace: best places to propose in New York

4. Central Park’s Bow Bridge or Bethesda Terrace

Central Park is vast, so its almost impossible to not find a good place to propose. However, there are definitely the well-trodden areas and the not-so-touristed areas. Among the most popular would be Bow Bridge and Bethesda Terrace, a stone’s throw away from each other. Both these areas have ornate ornamentation, the Bridge in the form of interlocking circles, and the Terrace with its decorative mosaic tile ceiling and painted archways.

Low-key alternatives: Central Park’s Conservatory Garden, The Ramble

If you want to leave the crowds behind, head to the Conservatory Garden or the Ramble. The Conservatory Garden is a formal English garden with blooming flowers and fountains, but its uptown location deters many would-be visitors. The Ramble is a quiet, forested area that is less manicured than other park areas, but also more private.

 

Top of the Rock: Best places to propose in NYC

5. Top of the Rock

While you can see skyscrapers from a lot of locations in NYC, the Top of the Rock offers the unique birds-eye vantage point from its observation deck of the Empire State Building. Sunset is typically very crowded, but early morning is sparse; go early if you want more privacy.

Low-key alternative: The Cloisters

While The Met Cloisters isn’t low-trafficked, it’s certainly larger than the Top of the Rock observatory deck, giving you the possibility for more privacy. Instead of city views, you’ll see European medieval architecture; the gardens on the main and lower levels are particularly proposal-worthy.

 

 

Thinking of getting married in NYC?

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