NYC Skyline Proposal Ideas (Without the Crowds)
When clients reach out to me about planning their proposal, two requests come up more than almost anything else: they want that iconic New York City skyline in the background, and they want a spot that feels private and intimate. It’s a dream combination, but in reality, it can be tricky to pull off. Finding the right balance between jaw-dropping scenery and a sense of seclusion takes a bit of insider knowledge, timing, and creativity. That’s what I’m here to help with!
Timing Considerations:
As a rule of thumb in NYC, most locations will be less crowded either early in the morning, on a weekday, or both. Understandably, this isn’t ideal for most peoples’ schedules, but if you can make it work, that automatically opens the door to many opportunities for an intimate proposal.
Weather Considerations:
Here at Michael Silverstone Photography, we fully embrace bad weather! Why? (1) bad weather means fewer people are outside. (2) overcast cloudy skies give us more compositional opportunities because of the uniform lighting. While you can’t always account for the weather when booking your proposal shoot, I would definitely recommend embracing the opportunity when it presents itself.
The Spots:
Western waterfront on Roosevelt Island:
Roosevelt Island lies next to Manhattan’s Upper East Side and Midtown East neighborhoods, just across the East River. While it is perceived as ‘annoying to get to’, it’s accessible by subway (F train), ferry, and tramway. Especially if you’re visiting NYC, these last two options can provide a very unique experience leading into your proposal.
Roosevelt Island is on this list because, compared to many other waterfront stretches, this area is far less popular. Perhaps it’s due to the island being mostly residential, or the perception of there being “not many things to do.”
While there isn’t one specific spot, the best stretch is easily on the southern part of the island, specifically equivalent to Manhattan’s 53rd to 51st streets. Here, you’ll have multiple open areas with clear skyline views, and no fence or railing obstructions.
Recommended timing: evening golden hour
Marsha P. Johnson Park/Bushwick Inlet Park (Williamsburg):
Marsha P. Johnson Park is probably best known these days for hosting Smorgasburg. But it’s about to become best known to you as the location of your proposal!
I’m putting Marsha P. Johnson and Bushwick Inlet together because they’re more or less the same park - odds are, if you propose in one, your mini shoot will take place in the other park as well.
When it comes to panoramic skyline views, these neighboring parks are tough to beat. Most of NYC’s iconic skyscrapers are in plain sight.
While Domino Park (slightly south) is also a fantastic spot, Marsha P. Johnson and Bushwick Inlet Parks are typically far less crowded.
Recommended timing: evening golden hour
North 5th Street Pier and Park (Williamsburg):
Okay, technically this area rounds out the trio of parks on the North Williamsburg waterfront (along with Marsha P. Johnson and Bushwick Inlet Parks), but I really thought this spot deserved its own entry.
There are technically four piers at this park, all varying in length and direction, however there’s one clear winner here - the longest of the four piers. While the other three piers jut directly out from land, this one juts out at a more northwestern angle, which results in straight on views of the Empire State Building.
If you choose to propose at this spot, I would recommend doing so at the very far end of the pier, at the right corner.
Recommended timing: evening golden hour
North of the Central Park Reservoir:
A relatively empty location in Central Park with great skyline views? Few would think it’s possible.
Enter the Central Park Bridle Path. As it wraps around the northern section of the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir, be sure to look directly south at many of Manhattan’s iconic residential and commercial skyscrapers. You can even see One World Trade Center if you know where to look!
My favorite spot up here is the flower bed located between the reservoir path and bridle path. It offers a unique foreground to compliment the epic skyline background.
Recommended timing: two hours before sunset
Pier 45 at Hudson River Park:
Located between 10th Street and Christopher Street, this scenic pier near the West Village offers many unique skyline perspectives. Your best bet is to walk as far out on the pier as possible. Only here can you truly take in the tremendous skyscraper scenery as intended.
From the north (right) side of the pier, glance back towards Manhattan and stare in awe at the Empire State Building. Or, walk to the south (left) side of the pier and look south at the Lower Manhattan skyline, with One World Trade Center in full view.
Recommended timing: morning (if you want to prioritize the Empire State Building), evening golden hour (if you want to prioritize the Lower Manhattan skyline)
Brooklyn Heights Promenade:
When most people think the Brooklyn waterfront, they most likely think of DUMBO and Pebble Beach, and for good reason. But that’s the key - “most people.” Expect crowds.
What if I told you there’s a slightly less popular stretch along the waterfront that’s far less crowded, but equally iconic - enter Brooklyn Heights Promenade.
Located above the upper level of the Brooklyn Queens Express, this elevated stretch offers fantastic views of Lower Manhattan and the Brooklyn Bridge, as well as the Statue of Liberty and Midtown Manhattan in the distance (south and north respectively).
Now while I wouldn’t classify this spot as a hidden gem, it’s certainly more intimate than some of the better known spots nearby.
As an added bonus, the promenade is right next to Brooklyn Heights, one of NYC’s most picturesque residential neighborhoods. So, once you’re done popping the question with the skyline in the background, head east just a few feet where you’ll be immersed in the architecture of brownstones, row houses, and mansions.
Recommended timing: evening golden hour
The Pond at Central Park (but really early or in bad weather):
Okay - this is somewhat cheating - this spot is typically very crowded (it’s in one of the most popular tourist areas in Manhattan). However, all it takes is some less than ideal weather, or some willingness to get here super early in the morning, and you might have this location all to yourselves.
Find yourself in the beautiful scenery of Central Park under the towering and intimidating backdrop of Billionaires’ Row, the JW Marriott Essex House, and the Plaza Hotel. The actual pond as well as the beautiful Gapstow Bridge will feel like added bonuses at that point.
But hey, even if you want to propose here while it’s crowded, hit me up for some spot recommendations :)
Recommended timing: morning for crowd control, 2 hours before sunset for best lighting (but expect crowds at that time).
