I have been planning weddings in Central Park for some time now, and I have recently been receiving requests to help plan marriage proposals in Central Park. I have now added a Central Park marriage proposal package to my list of services.
Below are some tips and ideas to get you thinking about where and how you might like to propose in New York. I am biased and I love Central Park, so it will get a mention more than a few times, but there are lots of great spots in New York to propose. There are lots of beautiful spots in the Park, I discuss the various event locations in Central Park on my website. New York has many other lovely parks, though, and if you prefer somewhere less peaceful to pop the question, then New York is the place for you.
New York City has so many wonderful parks. Central Park is very popular for proposals, and for some more ideas on that then check out my blog on Central Park engagement tips, or my website where I offer help with planning a proposal in Central Park. Riverside Park on the Upper West Side is also very beautiful and has lots of quiet spots, and a lovely breeze coming off the Hudson River. Right at the top of Manhattan, the Cloisters’ Park has even more lovely spots, and has an amazing view of the river. The Parks are great places for a proposal in any weather, but when it is warm you could take a picnic. Check the weather forecast for the day you intend to pop the question, it might not be so romantic in the rain.
A helicopter ride over New York City is a simply unforgettable experience. If you have a head for heights then you could take your loved one on a trip over the skyscrapers and propose to them while you are up there. You could surprise them with the trip itself, but be sure that they are not afraid of heights!
If proposing at the top of the Empire State Building appeals to you then you certainly wouldn’t be the first. It is such an incredible and iconic view that many couples have got engaged here. Another great building that you can get to the top of is the Rockefeller Center, known as The Top of The Rock. Personally, I prefer this view, partly because you can see the Empire State Building from the Top of the Rock, but mostly because there is a much better view of Central Park from the Top of the Rock. Be aware that sometimes there are long lines to get up there. Consider booking ahead.
In the Winter, there are several outdoor ice rinks to choose from in New York City. I love the one at Wollman Rink in Central Park, that is great in the daytime, because you can see the skyscrapers behind the trees. At night time Bryant Park is lovely, they have a Christmas market around there, too. Of course the famous huge tree is by the ice rink at the Rockefeller Center.
If you are fond of large gestures then it is possible to rent a big screen in Times Square. You could get your loved one to the Square at the right time to see their name in lights on a big screen. There are lots of great rooftop bars around there at the moment, so you will have some great views if you choose one of those to toast your engagement.
Keep things low-key and traditional by proposing in a nice restaurant. I have written two blogs on my New York restaurant recommendations for your wedding day (an older list of best NYC restaurants is here), and many of those places would also suit a proposal. Choose one of the many places with a great menu, or choose one with a great view to help you to remember this special moment.
When thinking about what you want to say when you prose don’t make a big speech, just say the basic things. Your loved one will probably be so shocked and excited that they will not listen to all of it, and you may get too nervous to get it our properly. It is important to think hard about the person that you want to get engaged to, and your relationship. Do something unique, make it special to you two and your relationship.
When planning your proposal, keep in mind the weather, a walk outdoors in New York in the Winter may have to be kept fairly short because of the cold temperatures. You can get a breathtaking view from a building’s rooftop, but the wind is very strong in the Winter, few couples will be feeling too romantic when they are too cold. Also, be aware that the snow may look beautiful on photographs, but it is no fun to be outdoors in a heavy snowstorm. In high Summer, New York can be hot and humid, but Central Park or by one of the rivers is usually the freshest place to be in Manhattan in the Summer.
If you do decide that you want to propose in Central Park, then check out our website or email me for more information on how I can help you to plan your marriage proposal in Central Park. If you have any other great ideas of how or where you could propose in New York City, or a story of you own, then please share your comments below.
