Williamsburg/Greenpoint Waterfront Parks: NYC Proposal Location Profile
This spot (or really series of spots) might be good for you if: you want sprawling panoramic views of the New York City skyline (especially the Empire State Building) from Brooklyn.
The Williamsburg/Greenpoint waterfront offers a diverse range of public parks, all sharing the common thread of epic skyline views. I’ve had the opportunity to photograph engagements at many of these parks multiple times - what’s especially great is that they are all either directly connected to each other (or at worse, a few blocks walk from the next one), meaning that you can likely incorporate all or most of these parks in your photoshoot.
The parks:
50 Kent:
The newest of the five parks, 50 Kent is technically an extension of Bushwick Inlet Park. Like the Central Park Conservatory Garden, 50 Kent is fully of winding foliage-lined paths, providing seclusion from others. While its views of the skyline may not be as prominent as the other parks (though the views are special in their own right), 50 Kent is a great spot to pop the question.
Bushwick Inlet Park:
The crown jewel of north Brooklyn waterfront parks, Bushwick Inlet Park truly has it all. So many awesome compositions to choose from, with jaw-dropping skyline views. Whether you pop the question on a concrete path, patch of grass, or (if the water level is low enough) a hidden “beach”, you’re guaranteed pictures with Manhattan’s architectural standouts.
Marsha P. Johnson State Park:
Best known these days as the host of the Williamsburg edition of Smorgasburg, Marsha P. Johnson State Park may as well be a physical extension of Bushwick Inlet Park. However, it’s definitely unique in its own right.
North 5th Street Pier and Park:
Featuring four distinctive piers, North 5th Street Pier and Park is always a client favorite! Whether you’re coming from Williamsburg, or from the NYC Ferry terminal that literally stops at one of the piers, this park is worth anybody’s time, let alone for a proposal.
Of the four piers, I always recommend popping the question at the far end of the longest pier. This pier directly points at the Empire State Building, offering a view of the skyline icon that you can’t really get anywhere else.
Domino Park:
The southern-most of these parks, Domino Park is perhaps the most popular (or it certainly feels that way) - expect lots of crowds at this one!
But, with big crowds comes great views, specifically of the Williamsburg Bridge. Enjoy the scenery here to either kick off or close out a Williamsburg/Greenpoint waterfront photoshoot.
