NY Proposal Photographer | Hudson Valley Proposals| NYC Wedding Photographer
Whether you’re proposing in NYC or considering an adventurous upstate New York proposal, this list of proposal photo locations all over our beautiful New York State will spark great ideas and options.
I’m a New York and NYC proposal photographer + wedding photographer, and I’ve captured amazing moments all over this state!
In this article, I’ve listed out over 40 locations below based on geography, plus 20+ New York proposal ideas:
– Famous NYC proposal locations
– Less-crowded proposal locations in Brooklyn, Manhattan, the Bronx, Queens, Staten Island, Jersey City, & more
– Beautiful proposal spots in the Hudson Valley and Westchester
– Places to propose in Upstate New York
Plus, I’ve listed proposal ideas based on activities and areas within NYC and New York State
Scroll down further, and you’ll find ideas for how to propose, as well as factors to consider when proposing

If you’re thinking of popping the question to your gal or guy (I’m an LGBTQ+ wedding photographer, so I photograph all couples!), then you’re probably wondering where to propose in New York! Whether you’re proposing in NYC or thinking of heading up to the Hudson Valley or the Finger Lakes, here are ideas and beautiful proposal spots in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, New Jersey, and upstate New York.
As a New York proposal, engagement, and wedding photographer, I’ll be the first to tell you that proposals never get old when I’m behind the camera. At the last one I photographed (mid-October 2021, a few days ago), I actually teared up behind the camera.
Without further ado:
First up: Famous places to propose in New York City:
Central Park
Bow Bridge
Bethesda Fountain / Bethesda Terrace
New York Botanical Gardens
Empire State Building
Brooklyn Bridge
Rockefeller Center ice rink / Rockefeller Christmas tree
DUMBO water street
Coney Island
While row boating near the Loeb Boathouse
Brooklyn Botanic Gardens
High Line
Times Square
Grand Central


Less famous / less crowded / still cool places to propose in NYC:
Promenade
Graffiti on LES
Roosevelt Island / views of Manhattan
Staten Island’s park
Wave Hill
Queens Park
Little Island
While biking around Governor’s Island, with skyline views
Building rooftop
Jersey City – amazing view of the NYC skyline
Where to propose in the beautiful Hudson Valley:
Westchester – helicopter over the city
Minnewaska State Park
Mohonk Preserve
Fahnstock State Park
Botanical Garden – Innisfree Gardens, Untermyer, Stonecrop
Waterfalls in the Catskills
Hiking to a fire tower
Bear Mountain Inn, Lookout, or Merry-Go-Round

Beautiful places to propose in Upstate New York:
Adirondack Mountains
Finger Lakes – Watkins Glen, Buttermilk Falls, Treman Falls
Niagara Falls
On a lake while boating around
On a bridge/Walkway Over the Hudson
At the state fair
At a waterfall in the Catskills
Letchworth State Park
On the Appalachian Trail
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Types of places and ideas for proposing
in New York:
At a waterfall
In an orchard
At one of the many beautiful overlooks, such as the New Paltz vista
At the bar where you met
On a sailboat
JFK airport, when your significant other lands from a flight
At a local park
In a pumpkin patch
While rock climbing the Shawagunks
Where you had your first date in the city
On a pier overlooking the Hudson River
While at an arcade
Over a bridge such as Walkway Over the Hudson
During a hike
On a river cruise or ride to the Statue of Liberty
During a fireworks show
While on an island, such as kayaking to Bannerman’s Island, Little Island in NYC, or Governor’s Island
During the Dutchess County Hot Air Balloon Festival
At a state fair while on a ferris wheel
While watching a sunset
As a New York proposal photographer, one of my favorite things is hearing from the person who is proposing (about 90% of the time, a guy, but women proposing to men is 100% awesome and encouraged!) about the story he’s concocted, how they met, and how excited he is to propose (so if you’re on the receiving end and just thought he was nervous, know that MONTHS of planning and secret-keeping went into it!).
If you’re proposing in New York or anywhere else, before you propose, think about:
- Would you prefer a lot of people or very few people?
- Do you want family members around, strangers nearby, or absolutely no one in sight?
- If you’re hiring a photographer to capture the moment, will she/he be able to hide somewhere or have a good excuse for being there?
- If photography is a must, you may want to call the venue ahead of time to make sure the person can get in/you’ve paid for their ticket/photos are allowed
- Will your partner mind what she/he is wearing (e.g. if you hike, will the person be okay in workout clothes and sweaty versus a dress or nice shirt/pants?
- Does your partner want to be completely surprised?
- Do you and your partner want to have your proposal in private, or would you like a photographer there? Book early, because most photographers are booked every Saturday with weddings.
- Will your partner want to be the only person who knows, or be thrilled to be surprised with an afterparty with friends and family? This is a big one. Many would hate if any other soul knew, some want traditional approval from the parents, and some want the whole world to know at once. Make sure you have some type of idea of what the person wants! Heck, you’re living with them for the rest of your lives, so make sure you don’t get this assumption wrong 😉
There are many facets of proposing to think about, such as weather, time of day, time of the year, code words…I’ve done some fun ones. Your photographer will be able to help you out with planning all this out if you’re just not sure, so don’t be overwhelmed!

Now back to the where! Where else can you propose in New York?
If you two don’t have a specific place in mind that’s is special to you in New York, try thinking about the type of place that would be special for both of you.
Think about activities or occasions you both love.
Are you big fans of Halloween? Propose in a pumpkin patch or while doing a corn maze
Do you love ice skating or snowshoeing? Have a moment to yourselves and pop the question on the trail.
If you’re into watersports and love sailing or kayaking, it’s hard to get more romantic than that. Just make sure the ring is secure!
Do you geek out over certain hobbies or collectables, like comic books, cosplay, steampunk, James Bond, or something similar? Propose at a museum or convention!

How to propose?
This one’s easy: Where to propose and how to propose? Well start with this: What do you like about your partner? And what do you love about her/him/they? You don’t need to read a whole book out, but a sentence or two that means something is perfect. Do you have a pet name? Do you have a place you want to live or go? You can mention how you felt when you first met, or how you’ve felt since dating them, or what you want in your future. No more than 30 seconds, and a, “Will you marry me?” will be all you need, in a place that means something to both of you.
I love photographing proposals so you can live and re-live that moment your partner feels that shock, amazement, and joy. Capturing a proposal requires a lot of planning, but it’s an adrenaline rush for everyone involved.
In the end, your partner is sure to love whatever you do. If in doubt, ask your photographer, your friend, or your partner’s friend to get the low-down. Being nervous is a-okay and to be expected, but play it cool, try to enjoy the moment yourself, and whatever happens…you’re sure to have a story you’ll be telling for the rest of your lives together!
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Kathryn Cooper Weddings: NYC Proposal Photographer | How to Propose | Proposal Locations NYC

Ah….all the feels with New York adventures….so many incredible choices around that timeless location!