Photograph by: Armando

How to Propose in New York City

Featured New York City Proposal Tips
  • Choose a special location to pop the question in New York City
  • Practice getting down on one knee beforehand
  • Think about what you will say
  • Make reservations so you have a reason to dress up
  • Hire a proposal photographer to plan and capture the moment

Since 2013, Flytographer has captured thousands of surprise proposal photos all around the globe. Explore romantic proposal ideas and tips from real couples, including their top proposal ideas and tips, and the best ways and the best places to propose in New York City. Explore our customers’ heartwarming New York City proposal stories below.

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David & Tara's Proposal Story in New York City

How did you meet?

Church

What is your love story?

It was amazing when we first met to find out that we came from similar backgrounds and even graduated the same year from high school and we had never met or crossed paths until finding each other at the church we both loved and grown apart of. We shared much in common but most importantly our love and faith for the Lord, and to live by his commandments! It was most obvious to me when I saw that we could have a strong considerate relationship despite difficult circumstances and navigating difficult conflicts together. We can only thank and point to God, who showed us it was meant to be!

What made you choose this proposal destination?

I wanted our proposal to be special and since we have already spent a lot of time in the Big Apple, I wanted to choose somewhere both visually incredible and where neither of us have been. The Edge is the highest point of New York City and holds one of the best unobstructed views of the city and presented such an amazing proposal I've never seen before! I'm so happy we were able to capture a video of the moment!

What is your proposal story?

The day of the proposal began so amazingly, we took some time to get breakfast in the morning and spend some a beautiful city morning together over some bagels and lox. Afterwards we both got ready for "couples photos" we wanted to take for Christmas cards etc. When we arrived at the Edge it was an incredible time viewing all the shops that were adorned with many Christmas lights at every turn. When the time came to meet Anna we bumped into her right where I planned to meet her and took some lovely pictures on the escalator and bypasses. However, when we came to the line for the Edge balcony entrance I was shocked to find out the line wrapped around an entire shopping area fro what seemed like a mile. This is when, with Taras help, we expertly navigated to the front of the entrance line and were able to quickly start down the line to the elevator! Quickly the disaster was avoided and we made our way to the top with Anna! When we arrived to the top of the Edge, I was contacting Tara's sisters, who secretly came to surprise Tara during the proposal. I was afraid that they wouldn't have been able to make it up remembering the harrowing line we just luckily skipped. However, Tara's family is so resourceful its scary! Her three sisters and best friend were able to talk to a line attendant, quickly explain the proposal situation and incredibly were led to the Edge balcony through the "back door." Having arrived after Tara Anna and I, they ended up arriving on the balcony long before we made it through the line to the elevator and lied in wait for us! Once at the top and after some "couples pictures" we made our way through a line to the top of the balcony with a corner view of New York City. After some time Tara's sister, Tricia, asked one of the security guards to assist Tara Anna and I to secure the perfect crowdless space for the proposal. As soon as we made it the the corner and Anna posed Tara positioned away from me, I dropped to one knee and brought the ring out! When Anna turned Tara around she was presented with an incredible ring and I asked her to marry me. The security guard also had Tara's sister phone was able to capture the entire proposal for us. It was the most incredible experience despite the odds, it turned out more perfect than one could hope for. Thank you Lord for answering my prayers and thank you Anna and the Edge staff for coordinating an unforgettable experience.

Best tip for proposing in New York City

PRAYER! I tried to plan as much as I could and even through some short sightedness, the proposal turned out better than my dreams anticipated. If proposing on the Edge interests you, arrive well in advance to your appointment time as the lines will crush your plans on holidays or use some finesse and pray the Lord opens the doors for you.

Proposed in New York City in December

Photo Shoot Location: Custom Route

Anna in New York City for Flytographer


Deepak & Swathi's Proposal Story in New York City

How did you meet?

Friends/Family

Proposed in New York City in December

Photo Shoot Location: Brooklyn Bridge & DUMBO

Anna in New York City for Flytographer


Bradley & Jonathan's Proposal Story in New York City

How did you meet?

At a bar

What is your love story?

We met at a bar... Jon was way too drunk and too persistent in getting me a drink. We chatted for a bit, but I was quite short with him as I wasn't all that interested. At that time I lived in a different province and told him that nothing would work out as we lived too far apart. I only really noticed him later in the evening when he was dancing with someone else & I'd lost my opportunity! Fast forward 4 months, I moved back to his province for work. I let him know I'm back in town, we went on a dinner date, and the rest just happened!

What made you choose this proposal destination?

I'm interested in architecture and New York has always represented a majestic architectural giant with different shapes, shades, lines and textures around every corner. The city scape view from Brooklyn provides the best background to any shoot!

What is your proposal story?

I had planned to propose during our photo shoot with Flytogrpaher, however Jon also had his own plan which I didn't know about! He popped the question a day before my plans! It was very casual, we were walking on the High Line back to our hotel after a day out and took a rest at the observation deck. Jon went down on one knee and I pulled him up right I away! I said: "Put it away! This is supposed to happen tomorrow, I've planned something!"

Best tip for proposing in New York City

Relax - don't plan too much, don't over think it - it will all work out in the end!

Proposed in New York City in January

Photo Shoot Location: Brooklyn Bridge & DUMBO

Kari in New York City for Flytographer


Ethan & Michele's Proposal Story in New York City

How did you meet?

School

What is your love story?

We met at school and started dating, we’ve been together for almost 4 years, and decided we wanted to spend the rest of our lives together! I knew then that I wanted to propose!!

What made you choose this proposal destination?

New York City has always been special to us, we’ve always have dreamed of living there, and Christmas in New York is amazing!!

What is your proposal story?

We went to Central Park, and I proposed on Gapstow bridge! She was so surprised, and everyone around us cheered!

Best tip for proposing in New York City

Make sure to budget extra time for the subways, it can take longer than expected to get to your destination!

Proposed in New York City in December

Photo Shoot Location: Gapstow Bridge & Skyline

Monika in New York City for Flytographer


Luke & Cali's Proposal Story in New York City

How did you meet?

Friends/Family

Proposed in New York City in December

Photo Shoot Location: Custom Route

Jordan in New York City for Flytographer


Kyle & Grace's Proposal Story in New York City

How did you meet?

School

What is your love story?

Grace has been my best friend ever since elementary school. Our love continues to grow for each other with every minute we spend together. I have always known she is "the one" because for 9+ years I get the same first date excitement every time I see her beautiful face!

What made you choose this proposal destination?

Incredible views overlooking our favorite place in the world

Proposed in New York City in December

Photo Shoot Location: Custom Route

Anna in New York City for Flytographer


Ash & Nisha's Proposal Story in New York City

How did you meet?

Friends/Family

What is your love story?

We could talk about anything for hours on end and even had tough conversations about the future early on. Never thought about kids or future until she asked me early on and it felt good saying yes.

What made you choose this proposal destination?

We always take walks on the boardwalk overlooking NYC and Empire State Building and take any opportunity to stop by to admire it. Made perfect sense to do it there.

What is your proposal story?

Told her we were going for an early date evening to enjoy the start of thanksgiving week. Coordinated with the photographer, Sehee, to meet up in a great spot overlooking the city. As we were driving to the supposed destination, I drove past the planned location and said let's take a quick walk before going to the bar. We walked by Sehee and as the plan was starting to unfurl, my fiancé was completely surprised when I got down on one knee and fumbled with the ring.

Best tip for proposing in New York City

Try to stay away from crowded areas with less control and plan a trip to the intended spot at the time you want to do the shoot to get an idea of crowds etc. Also, give extra time for parking.

Proposed in New York City in November

Photo Shoot Location: Custom Route

Sehee in New York City for Flytographer


B & Kendall's Proposal Story in New York City

How did you meet?

Work

What made you choose this proposal destination?

It’s our favorite place to travel to and be together.

Proposed in New York City in August

Photo Shoot Location: Custom Route

Monika in New York City for Flytographer


Erik & Maria's Proposal Story in New York City

How did you meet?

School

Proposed in New York City in June

Photo Shoot Location: Brooklyn Bridge & DUMBO

Johnny in New York City for Flytographer


Scott's Proposal Story in New York City

Proposed in New York City in June

Photo Shoot Location: Custom Route

Anna in New York City for Flytographer


Neil & Arpita's Proposal Story in New York City

How did you meet?

School

What is your love story?

Arpita and I both met in our second year of college. From being study buddy’s to hanging out everyday, we learned a lot of each other. Four years had passed just like that in school and library’s. We even then started traveling with each other. Arpita was the one to fill all my imperfections. It was like, she knew everything about me and I knew everything about her. From there on, our love story grew and I knew I had found my soulmate.

What made you choose this proposal destination?

Arpita had always wanted to visit NYC and in particular the Brooklyn Bridge. It was an easy place for me.

Proposed in New York City in May

Photo Shoot Location: Brooklyn Bridge & DUMBO

Anna in New York City for Flytographer


Steve & Jen's Proposal Story in New York City

How did you meet?

Work

Proposed in New York City in May

Photo Shoot Location: Central Park

Anna in New York City for Flytographer


Ben & Mary's Proposal Story in New York City

How did you meet?

Friends/Family

What is your love story?

We met through our 2 friends who set us up when we were living in DC. During our first conversation we realized we both grew up nearby each other in New Jersey. A few weeks went by when we serendipitously bumped into each other on the subway. We started dating and within the first date I knew she was special. Did not take long for me to realize she was going to be the only one

What made you choose this proposal destination?

We live nearby and wanted the NY skyline to be a part of our big moment

What is your proposal story?

We got up and went to the spot in Dumbo. Another group of people beat us to the spot 10 minutes before our arrival. The photographer Johnny was able to text me ahead to time about the intrusion and figure out another spot with clear instructions for where to propose on the spot. The pictures came out perfect

Best tip for proposing in New York City

Go earlier in the day before there are too many people out

Proposed in New York City in April

Photo Shoot Location: Brooklyn Bridge & DUMBO

Johnny in New York City for Flytographer


Andrew & Kaitlin's Proposal Story in New York City

How did you meet?

Friends/Family

What made you choose this proposal destination?

We were neighbors in NYC when we met, I lived at 42 Morton St, she lived at 40 Morton St. Proposing in between the two buildings we used to live in only felt right.

Proposed in New York City in February

Photo Shoot Location: Custom Route

Anna in New York City for Flytographer


Peter & Erin's Proposal Story in New York City

How did you meet?

Sports

Proposed in New York City in January

Photo Shoot Location: Custom Route

Anna in New York City for Flytographer


Jeremy & Estefania's Proposal Story in New York City

How did you meet?

Sports

What is your love story?

We met at a run club in Ottawa Canada

What made you choose this proposal destination?

We always loved New York and have both ran NYC marathon and just love the city and Central Park

Proposed in New York City in December

Photo Shoot Location: Gapstow Bridge & Skyline

Anna in New York City for Flytographer


Joey & Caroline's Proposal Story in New York City

How did you meet?

Work

What is your love story?

I was building a few buildings out of town for an oil company, and she came to run the kitchen I had just constructed for them. We crossed paths through work and that evolved, and by the time I was wrapping up the project, she was moving back to my home city with me! I always knew she was special and that I wanted to marry her, and I knew she felt the same. So then I was just waiting for the right opportunity to pop the question!

What made you choose this proposal destination?

She went to culinary school in New York and some of our friends had invited us to tag along for a trip up there with them. I knew she loved the city and wanted to make it something special, so with the help of our photographer and her friends I was able to surprise her with a proposal in front of a beautiful bridge in central park.

What is your proposal story?

We went out to lunch and I could barely eat I was so nervous, then caught an Uber to central park to "meet up with friends". When we got there I told her we were a little early so we walked into the park and I led us to the Gapstow Bridge. We milled about while I waited for some of the crowd to clear out then asked if she wanted to take a picture. While she was distracted I got down on a knee and pulled out the ring I had been hiding. She was shocked and excited but she caught her breath enough to say yes!

Best tip for proposing in New York City

It gets dark really early in the winter, like way earlier than you would expect. Also try to plan around a spot with less people. I had considered the tree at Rockefeller but after visiting it, I know that would have been real tough to pull off!

Proposed in New York City in December

Photo Shoot Location: Gapstow Bridge & Skyline

Monika in New York City for Flytographer


Daniel & Mary Stewart's Proposal Story in New York City

How did you meet?

School

What is your love story?

Ever since we started dating she has always been down for an adventure whether it’s anything from backpacking in the mountains to picking up and moving to the city and even when situations aren’t ideal she’s always patient and loving.

What made you choose this proposal destination?

She has always loved the city and everything NYC.

What is your proposal story?

Saturday morning I woke Mary up for a “brunch” and talked her into a walk through the park at 7:30am. Once we got down to the Bethesda Terrace we had the photographer as us if we wanted our photo taken. I said yes while Mary told me that it would cost money and that we shouldn’t. We took a couple photos and then the dropped down to a knee and popped the question.

Best tip for proposing in New York City

No matter what you do there will probably be a decent amount of people around so prep yourself for that.

Proposed in New York City in November

Photo Shoot Location: Central Park

Anna in New York City for Flytographer


Freeman & Jill's Proposal Story in New York City

How did you meet?

School

What is your love story?

Jill and I met in college in Montreal. After graduation, we both eventually ended up in graduate schools in New York City. I knew she was the one after just a few months of dating, but it took us almost 7 years of dating for me to pop the question.

What made you choose this proposal destination?

Originally I had chosen the Little Island in NYC as the proposal destination. Our photographer wisely mentioned however that, since the location was so new, it might be busy. Instead, the day before the proposal, I chose Pier A in Battery Park. Jill and I have fond memories of watching the sunset there, and it looks out at one of our old apartments. On the way to the location, Jill mentioned that maybe, instead of stopping at Little Island as I had planned, we should stop at Pier A, the new proposal location!

What is your proposal story?

I had asked Jill what she wanted for her dream proposal, and she had mentioned that she would love her parents to be there, and for it to be a surprise. The day of, we planned on going to a new restaurant to celebrate her birthday. I suggested we bike and watch the sunset beforehand. As we set up to watch the sunset, I asked Sehee, the Flytographer, to take a photo with my phone. Sehee set positioned us, and once we were in position, I proposed. Jill's parents were a ways away, hiding, and when she put on the ring, I pointed to them and they screamed happily.

Best tip for proposing in New York City

NYC is a busy city, so don't expect that the background will be perfectly free of people--it's part of the city!

Proposed in New York City in August

Photo Shoot Location: Custom Route

Sehee in New York City for Flytographer


Kristoff & Adaiah's Proposal Story in New York City

How did you meet?

School

What is your love story?

I've known Adaiah since middle school back in California. We didn't speak for almost 20 years since high school but reconnected in NYC and we knew there was something special in our connection. We both saw a family in our future and we learned we wanted to share that together, forever. True love, where despite the not-so-great days, still exist is very hard to find, and with Adaiah, I know that we can overcome all the obstacles life puts in front of us and still be in love with each other. Lastly, with the connection I also built with her 3-year-old son, I couldn't pass up the opportunity of a lifetime to ask her to be my wife.

What made you choose this proposal destination?

New York City is where we reconnected and doing it at the Top of the Rock, overlooking the Empire State building, is very hard to beat in terms of a memorable symbolism of the city.

What is your proposal story?

I wanted to surprise Adaiah as we both had a day off and typically, I always try to plan something that we've typically haven't done or experience in NYC. I told her I received free tickets from work to go up to the Top of the Rock and got a recommendation for a restaurant for lunch from a friend. I had to purchase a shoulder bag to put the ring in because there was a metal detector that we had to go through. After getting through that gauntlet, I went to the spot where Sehee, our photographer, would be the best views and got ready to start taking selfies with Adaiah. I spotted Sehee and knew per the plan we put together, had to ask Sehee to take a picture of us with my phone. Once Sehee said, "This shot is perfect," that was my cue to get on my knee and ask the question of a lifetime. Luckily she said yes and the rest of the day was history!

Best tip for proposing in New York City

There are so many options for proposing in NYC but certain things to consider are metal detectors if any for the engagement ring, covid protocols, and how crowded a place can be. I would highly recommend getting a professional photographer that's done engagement photos from the spot you want to do it at. They know what's best!

Proposed in New York City in August

Photo Shoot Location: Custom Route

Sehee in New York City for Flytographer


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