How to plan a romantic central park proposal

I've been photographing proposals in Central Park the past five years and I have some hot tips for you that you'll definitely want to take into consideration before you ask of the most important questions you'll ever ask someone else!

In my essentials list below, I'm going to encourage you to at least consider (and potentially plan for) some elemental factors and practical factors-- after years of doing this, I've seen it all: not allowing enough time, insane NYC weather, harsh lighting or not enough lighting, the location you thought was available is not, a shocking case of the nerves, big touristy crowds, etc.

As a photographer, I also want you to have amazing photos, and I think there are some really essential things that need to happen in order to guarantee you have the photos you (and your Future Fiancé) dreamed of.

First, let me introduce myself! I'm Stacie, I've been photographing couples in NYC for five years. When you choose me as your proposal photographer, I work with you to make sure your proposal is both romantic and visually stunning, while also giving you my professional guidance and creative planning strategies as you pick your location and plan your day. I want you to feel sure of your plan and I want you to know what to expect before it all goes down! It's your moment, and I want to make sure it's exactly as you planned!

How to plan a romantic central park proposal:

The sweetest spring proposal at Eaglesvale Bridge in Central Park, one of my favorite non-touristy paths; also the location for the proposal at the end of The Materialists movie!

Plan a proposal moment both of you will enjoy.

Before you plan for a time and location, I want you to consider the person you'll be proposing to first! What's their personality like? Do they love big crowds? Will they be uncomfortable if there are people watching? Will it feel more romantic if you're in a more secluded area or will they love having strangers or loved ones gathering around and cheering afterward?

I'd also like you to consider your own self! If you tend to get nervous speaking in front of a crowd, I would recommend opting for a more intimate space. I find proposers underestimate the amount of nerves they're going to have when it comes time for them to propose-- consider whether or not you will get to say all the things you want to say if a huge crowd is present. Also see my tip about Planning What To Say below.

I've photographed crowded flash mob proposals at Bethesda Fountain and quiet intimate proposals in The Ramble (for a future fiance who would have hated a crowd watching) because every couple is different and needs something different.

Does your Future Fiancé value a great outfit? If you think they'll care about what their appearance is (and what your appearance is!), I want you to consider how you can get them dressed up (inconspicuously of course). Maybe you suggest going on a fancy date to an upscale restaurant that requires a certain attire? Maybe you get invited to a "fancy rooftop brunch" by a close friend for their birthday (but really, there is no brunch and you've managed to get your future fiance dressed up and out of the house).

How to plan for and be realistic about travel time in New York City when you're proposing.

This is New York City, there's always an unexpected train delay or road closure due to a parade. Please, do yourself and your investment a favor, plan ahead when it comes to travel. If you're walking from the bottom of Central Park to Bethesda Fountain, consider how much time that will practically take you. Will your partner walk quickly? Do they like to slowly meander?

In a similar vein, consider how long it takes for your Future Fiancé to get dressed and ready. I've had more than a handful of Proposers text me frantically telling me their partner took thirty extra minutes getting ready and they are behind on schedule. Those are thirty minutes they didn't anticipate or plan for. Thirty minutes they've now lost and there might not be time to take extra photos after they get engaged.

With proposals there will always be a delay because of the element of surprise- which is why I encourage you to do all that you can to get your partner to your proposal location on time.

When you book with me, I give you the option to add on extra time after your one hour has ended, just in case you want extra photos or a big delay keeps you from missing out on most of your proposal time.

Keep in mind, if you want a romantic proposal, rushing around is the last thing you want on your proposal day.

The number one thing you're not thinking about when it comes to proposing? The proposal angle!

If you want your proposal photos to also feel romantic, have this discussion with your photographer ASAP.

Almost all of my clients thank me for asking them what angle they want photographed when it comes to their proposal.

Let's talk about what it means to choose an angle.

1. There's over the shoulder of the asker

2. Over the shoulder of the proposie

3. From directly behind the asker

4. My personal favorite, parallel to the camera (we can usually see both of your faces this way, and personally, it's my favorite angle).

I also highly recommend staying 10 feet away from your photographer so they can get a proper photo. Walking right up to your photographer and getting down on one knee does not make it easy for your photographer to capture your moment. You wouldn't think I'd have to tell you this, but I've had this happen many times, so I like to mention it. Stick to the spot you agreed you would propose and your photographer will take care of the rest.

What if the weather is bad on the day I'm proposing?

With all my clients, I make sure I'm keeping an eye on the weather for their photo session. If it looks like the rain might be too crazy, we can always reschedule (I make sure to keep a rescheduling clause in my contract, because rainy NYC is always a thing!), but I try not to reschedule unless we absolutely have to-- or if anything, we can take your proposal indoors.

While a rainy proposal would be incredibly romantic, consider whether or not your partner would be into that. If so, then hey! Let's do it!

What Time of day should i propose for Best Cinematic/Romantic Lighting:

If you like my style of photography, I recommend we set up your session in the morning or near sunset if you want photos that will look like what's in my galleries. Because of the buildings surrounding Central Park, we can sometimes have more flexible time with the lighting-- it's always worth a conversation with your photographer.

In late spring, summer, and early fall, best times to book are: 6am-9:30am or 6-8pm.

In early spring, winter, and late fall best times to book are: 8am-10am or 4pm-6pm.

What's a good day to plan my Central Park Proposal?

In my experience, Saturdays and Sundays are great if you want a huge crowd to cheer and holler when you propose (Like, lots of people-- think Jamie and Aurelia at the restaurant in Brazil in Love Actually). If you want to avoid crowds, I recommend a weekday or a weeknight evening (for something a little more Mr. Darcy in a foggy open field all alone bearing his feelings).

What if an event or proposal is already happening in the spot I picked to propose?

Central Park is a bustling place and you might not be the only person proposing. It's a real thing. Sometimes spots have a full proposal set up with big "MARRY ME" signs or flowers.

I always encourage my proposers to have a backup location just in case there happens to be an event, marathon, wedding, or other proposal. We discuss this when we're doing creative planning.

Why You Should Plan What You're Going to Say When you Propose:

Some of you will hate this suggestion and not do it. Some of you will really consider what it is you want to say in the moment you're down on one knee or sitting across from the love of your life.

Why do I think you should take five minutes to think about it? First of all, that's incredibly romantic when you know what to say in spite of nerves.

But also--- NERVES. Nerves can really surprise you-- I've seen it a million times. All of a sudden you were calm and cool and collected and now you're shaking and hope you don't drop the ring and all meaningful words have left your brain. Or, like many of my previous clients, you are more emotional than you have ever been or thought you would be-- and trying to say what you want to say is really hard and you are self-conscious because people may or may not be watching.

I think it's great to write out what you want to say. Maybe you want to tell them why you love them, why you want to spend the rest of your life with them.... or you just want to tell them how much you need them. In the Materialists, Chris Evans character asks Dakota Johnson's character if she wants to "make a terrible financial decision". Say what feels right. And take your time. No reason to rush.

Time and Location Suggestions for Quiet Intimate Proposals in Central Park

1. The Harlem Meer (the side near the Conservatory Garden)

2. The Pool near 96 street has a lovely bench and a bunch of willow trees. Listen, willow trees are one of the most trending wedding venue searches on Google in 2025-- having a willow tree in your central park proposal, would be epic and so romantic.

3. Bethesda Fountain right at dawn. I know, it's crazy to wake up before dawn-- but if you want the most iconic photos at the only time Bethesda Fountain isn't busy-- you gotta go at dawn. It's amazing and I definitely recommend sacrificing your sleep to do so.

4. Have you ever been to The Conservatory Water (where the tiny sailboats are)? I once did a photo session there around 7am, and it was so quiet and serene. It truly was so lovely and intimate. I would definitely recommend that spot!

5. One of my most favorite spots in Manhattan is Dene Slope. It's on a hill and it's full of native to New York greenery and wild flowers. It would be a great spot to propose either in the morning or sunset.

Time and Location Suggestions for Crowds and very Public Proposals in Central Park

1. I love the windows of the Met's Egyptian Room. In the summer there's lots of ivy growing on the walls too. It's so romantic. It would be a lovely sunset proposal option.

2. The Shakespeare Garden is lovely but can tend to have tourists in the middle of the day and the evening. I recommend a morning proposal here. Espeically if your partner loves litearture.

3. Oak Bridge has great views of Manhattan. I definitely recommend early morning proposals for this spot, but I've had lots of couples get engaged here and most of the people walking by tend to stop and watch to stay out of the photos.

4. Bethesda Fountain is so lovely. You'll definitely get a crowd cheering for you. It's the location of so many movies and it's iconic.

5. Gapstow Bridge (also known as the Home Alone Bridge) is so lovely---but be prepared for tourists to definitely be in your photos if you aren't proposing here super early in the morning.

6. Cat's Rock has amazing views of Manhattan and is a very public place to propose. If you want amazing buildings in the background, this is the spot!

Cinematic Location Suggestions for Movie Lovers:

1. The Conservatory Garden- pick from their Italian, French, or English themed gardens. You'll feel like you're in a Jane Austen novel.

2. Bridge No. 28 is so pretty in the spring and is near the Resevoir where lots of Cherry Blossoms bloom. This bridge is also gorgeous in winter when there's snow. And fall. Almost all the times. You'll feel like Meg Ryan in a Meg Ryan Rom Com.

3. Eaglesvale Bridge is probably my number one recommended spot for proposals. It's shady almost any time of day. It is off the tourist path. It recently had a feature in the romcom, The Materialists.

Places in central park I do not recommend proposing:

1. Bow Bridge- this bridge is great for couples photos after your proposal, but proposing on the bridge isn't as pretty as you'd think it would be. It's better to have the bridge in the background of your photos. It's also incredibly busy.

2. Belvedere Castle- A cool spot, but pretty cramped in space and lots of room for error with lots of tourists walking around.

3. Bethesda Fountain on a saturday or marathon day- when it's busy, it's very busy and photographing your proposal can be challenging. Is it impossible? No, but it can be a very unpredictable space.

   
   

Questions your photographer should be asking you before your proposal:

• What location are you thinking?

• What time of day?

• Will there be any friends or family present?

• Will you be getting down on one knee or simply asking. I just need to know so I make sure I'm not waiting for you to get down on one knee and I miss the moment.

• Is there any shot in particular you're hoping I capture?

• Do you want to do any group photos or couples portraits after?

• Is there anything I can do to make this extra special for the both of you?