Central Park Proposal Location Guide
Welcome to my Central Park Proposal Location Guide! Here, you’ll find plenty of ideas for fantastic spots to pop the question.
Many of these spots will include photos of past proposals I’ve captured, while others are spots that I’ve personally scouted and am just waiting for the opportunity to photograph.
Each location includes coordinates, the best way to get there, and overall thoughts.
A Few Quick Tips
Managing Crowds:
The lower section of the park (59th-79th St) has most of the popular sites, and thus the largest crowds.
Intimate experiences are possible at popular landmarks, as long as you arrive early in the morning (before 8am, if not earlier). Otherwise, expect large crowds.
Further north = fewer crowds - this is especially true above 98th St (above the Reservoir).
Use bad weather to your advantage - rather than postponing your proposal if it’s raining, embrace the weather and the intimate opportunities that come with it.
Navigation:
Depending on which location you choose, getting to the exact spot may not be super easy.
If you live in NYC, I recommend doing a practice run so you know the route.
Otherwise, try using a known landmark as your point of reference, especially if your proposal spot isn’t a point of interest that you’d typically see on a map.
Ploy Ideas:
One of the trickiest components of a Central Park surprise proposal is finding a believable way to convince your partner to get to the spot. I’ve put together a guide with some ideas on how you might want to approach this!
Location Overview: One of multiple gazebos and landings that border the Lake, this structure is relatively new, but still portrays that classic Central Park vibe. You can expect a fantastic backdrop of the Lake, the San Remo building off to the right, and partial views of the skyline.
How to Get There: The Ramble can be confusing to navigate, so the recommended easiest starting point would be to cross the Oak Bridge into The Ramble (you’ll know you’re going in the right direction as you cross the bridge and see the skyline to your right). Once you cross the bridge, immediately follow the path to the right, and you’ll soon see the steps down to this spot.
Timing Suggestions: This is one of those spots where you have to negotiate what matters most to you - lighting or crowds. The best lighting is typically 1-2 hours before sunset, however the entire Lake area can be a bit more crowded at this time. The morning (although not as good lighting as the evening) is still wonderful. Fortunately, the layout of this spot makes it a bit easier for your photographer to ask other people to stay clear.
San Remo Viewpoint
Location (rough estimate)
Location Overview: One of the most iconic views in all of Central Park, the unofficially named ‘San Remo Viewpoint’ offers stunning views of the historic San Remo, a two-towered apartment building on Central Park West. With the Lake in the foreground, this is a very romantic proposal location that highlights what Central Park is all about.
How to Get There: This lookout is easy to miss, so the best way to find it is by starting at Bow Bridge and walking north. Stay on the left-hand path, and you’ll spot a short trail on your left that takes you to the viewpoint.
Timing Suggestions: The main concern here isn’t tourists, it’s other proposals. This is one of the most popular proposal spots in Central Park, and it’s not uncommon to find another photographer setting up an elaborate scene. I recommend going early in the morning to make sure you can secure the location without any competition.
The Point
Location Overview: The Point literally lives up to its name - a humble moniker for a humble location. Tucked along the shoreline of the Lake, directly across from Bethesda Terrace, this spot somehow manages to remain hidden even if it’s surrounded by some of the busiest sites in the park.
How to Get There: It depends where you’re coming from, but I would recommend using either the Central Park Boathouse or Bow Bridge as your starting point.
Timing Suggestions: Crowds aren’t as much of an issue at this spot, versus in the background across the water at Bethesda Terrace.
The Pond at Central Park
Location Overview: As far as Central Park locations go, the Pond has it all - a beautiful pond (obviously), the Gapstow Bridge, phenomenal skyline views (primarily Billionaires’ Row and the Plaza Hotel), rocky outcrops, and overall beautiful scenery.
How to Get There: Multiple routes and options to get to this one!
Timing Suggestions: Due to its convenient location (southeast corner of Central Park), the Pond is a tourist hotspot. That means, if you want any sense of privacy, you should arrive super early in the morning.
Hernshead Rock
Location Overview: Hernshead Rock juts out from the western edge of the Lake, right beside the Ladies’ Pavilion. It’s one of the best spots for sweeping views of both the water and the NYC skyline. While the rock offers plenty of open space, only a few areas are truly practical for a proposal (from a flat and safe standpoint).
How to Get There: Just look for the big rock next to the Ladies’ Pavilion.
Timing Suggestions: Like any spot in the park, early in the morning is the best way to avoid crowds. Otherwise, crowds at Hernshead Rock can be unpredictable - quiet one minute and packed the next. It’s a popular part of the park, so during peak hours you never quite know what you’ll get. In short, it’s a beautiful spot, but one to use at your own risk.
Hernshead Boat Landing
Bethesda Terrace & Fountain
Location Overview: One of the most visually stunning sites in all of New York City, Bethesda Terrace features an extravagant golden-ceiling arcade, in addition to the legendary Bethesda Fountain. A unique location where you can incorporate both “indoor” and outdoor shots, Bethesda Terrace is the crown jewel of Central Park for good reason!
How to Get There: From the south: Enter at 72nd St and 5th Ave, then walk northwest through the Mall (the tree-lined promenade) until you reach the Terrace. From the west: Enter at Central Park West and 72nd St, walk east toward the Mall, then continue to Bethesda Terrace.
Timing Suggestions: Bethesda Terrace truly shines in the early morning, typically between 6:30–7:30 AM depending on the season. You’ll catch stunning golden light and beat the crowds that start pouring in later. While early proposals or photoshoots aren’t for everyone, the serene atmosphere and gorgeous views make it more than worth it.
Middle Section Ideas
Shakespeare Garden
Location Overview: A somewhat hidden gem in a fairly popular section of the park, Shakespeare Garden feels like a brief escape from the noise. Aptly named for Shakespeare, the garden features multiple bronze plaques with his quotes, plus the foliage is very specific - it’s all shrubbery mentioned in Shakespeare’s poems and plays. Multiple levels and paths provide for fantastic photo compositions, and you’re also conveniently close to the northern section of the Ramble.
How to Get There: This garden can be easy to miss if you’re not paying attention. Use the Delacorte Theater (home to Shakespeare in the Park) for reference. If you specifically walk behind the standalone bathroom next to the theater, you’ll find the staircase to the garden.
Timing Suggestions: Spots that are basically built into paths are tough to keep entirely empty. While this location isn’t chaotic, the best time to come is easily early in the morning for warm light and smaller crowds.
The Lawn by Turtle Pond
Location Overview: Just south of the Great Lawn is a smaller grassy area that feels like an extension of the lawn itself. While you’ll see plenty of sunbathers and picnickers, head straight to the fence by Turtle Pond. From here, you’ll get incredible, unobstructed views of Belvedere Castle, and depending on the angle, some great skyline shots too, even including the San Remo. This area is great because there are about 3 or 4 different spots you can stand at, so if we at all need to pivot due to something going on at one spot, you can go right to the next one!
How to Get There: This small lawn is super easy to find! It’s immediately south of the Great Lawn.
Timing Suggestions: This spot is officially closed from dusk until 9am, so we’ll make sure your shoot isn’t during this time! Lighting wise, I would definitely recommend evening golden hour, but the morning can be good, too.
Cedar Hill
Location Overview: Cedar Hill is a gently sloping, open grassy area just south of the MET. Its elevated position offers sweeping views of the Upper East Side, and it’s a relatively underrated spot compared to what’s nearby.
How to Get There: Enter the park at the southwest corner of 79th and 5th. The large hill will be impossible to miss!
Timing Suggestions: While this spot isn’t completely overrun, it definitely draws crowds, especially at some of the more picturesque areas that you can find in the shade. Besides that, the positioning of the sun is all the more reason to come here in the morning. You don’t need to come at the crack of dawn, so really any time in the early-to-mid morning will do.
Upper Section Ideas
Location Overview: When it comes to skyline views in Central Park, this is easily my top pick. Unlike the busier areas south of the Reservoir, this spot stays relatively quiet, offering the perfect mix of sweeping skyline views, classic park greenery, and a bit of privacy. Even in winter, when the trees are bare, the skyline alone makes this spot a standout.
How to Get There: There are two easy ways to reach this spot, depending on your starting point. From the east side, enter at 97th St & 5th Ave. From the west side, enter at 93rd St & Central Park West. If you choose this location, I can share the exact routes.
Timing Suggestions: As crowds aren’t usually a concern here, we can definitely prioritize lighting, which is best about 2 hours before sunset. That timing gives us flattering light for the proposal while the sun is still high enough to filter through the trees, but not so low that it slips behind the west-side buildings.
Gothic Bridge (Bridge No. 28)
Location Overview: Recently restored in November 2024, the Gothic Bridge resides above the Bridle Path’s northwest corner (near the tennis courts). It’s stunning, underrated, and the spot where I proposed to my wife!
How to Get There: From the west side (closest walk to the bridge): enter at 93rd St and Central Park West. From the east side (longer walk): enter at 97th St and 5th Ave
Timing Suggestions: For best lighting, 2 hours before sunset is most ideal, or midday on weekday to minimize crowds.
Central Park Conservatory Garden
Location Overview: The Conservatory Garden is made up of three sections, inspired by English, Italian, and French-style architecture. Each garden features seasonal floral arrangements, winding paths, and unique photo compositions. My favorite of the three gardens is the English one. While the Burnett Fountain is the big draw of the English garden, crowds can be hit or miss and really depend on the exact moment of your arrival - but don’t worry, there are plenty of great secluded spots to choose nearby!
How to Get There: The main entrance to the Conservatory Garden is the Vanderbilt Gate, located at East 105th Street and 5th Ave. However, there are a handful of side entrances to get into the garden from within Central Park.
Timing Suggestions: 1-2 hours after sunrise or 1-2 hours before sunset is most ideal. Be aware of the garden’s hours of operation, which you can find here.
Grassy Area Just South of the Conservatory Garden
Location Overview: This spot doesn’t have an official name (which might be why it’s so underrated). It’s a quintessential Central Park spot - lots of trees, greenery, and a big rock. You won’t get any iconic skyline views (though you’ll possibly see some nice buildings on 5th Ave in the background), but you’ll also find lots of privacy and multiple unique photo compositions to choose from.
How to Get There: Enter Central Park at East 102nd Street and 5th Ave, and take a right (walk north). As you follow the path towards the English Garden entrance of the Conservatory Garden, you’ll see the broad grassy area on your right.
Timing Suggestions: Late morning is most ideal, when the sun is still rising, but has cleared above the buildings of the east side. This will usually allow for some good backlighting through the tall trees.
Inquire here for availability for your Central Park proposal or photoshoot!
