Proposing at the Lawn by Turtle Pond (Central Park, NYC)
Just south of Central Park’s Great Lawn is a much smaller grassy area that provides phenomenal views of Turtle Pond and Belvedere Castle. This spot doesn’t have an official name, but it’s impossible to miss if you’re walking along the southern stretch of the loop path that circles the Great Lawn.
On this small lawn, there are multiple picture-perfect spots to pop the question, though my favorite is an intimate vantage point behind a large tree (once you’re on the lawn, you’ll see exactly where said tree is!). The exact location can be found here.
What makes this an ideal proposal location?
The views of Belvedere Castle, as well as the high potential for an intimate proposal experience!
What time should I propose here?
The lawn is actually closed off (via fence) until 9 am, so that’s the absolute earliest you can access this spot anyway. Mornings are great, but the absolute best lighting is typically 1.5 hours before sunset. Just know that it gets darker in the park much quicker than when you’re outside of the park (due to the trees)!
Is the lawn open year-round?
No. Like many other grassy areas in the park, this lawn is closed off for the season from Mid-November through late Spring.
Any other spots nearby for after the proposal?
If you’re planning to hire a photographer for your special moment, there are plenty of beautiful spots immediately nearby for follow-up photos - Belvedere Castle, the Great Lawn, Cleopatra’s Needle, Shakespeare Garden, Cedar Hill, and Glade Arch, just to name a few. You might even be able to sneak in a stop at Oak Bridge.
What’s a good cover story to get my partner to the location?
Use the good old museum cover story! If the streets ran through the park, this proposal location is roughly equivalent to 81st Street. It’s a perfect cut-through-the-park spot. Depending on what direction you’re walking in, you can say you’re going to the American Museum of Natural History (if you’re heading west), or to the Metropolitan Museum of Art (if you’re heading east).
How can I book a proposal photoshoot at the Lawn by Turtle Pond?
