How to Propose in New York City: Romantic Marriage Proposal Ideas

Sean & Allana's Proposal Story in New York City

How did you meet?

Work

What is your love story?

I saw Allana at work and thought "that's a bit of alright" so I asked my colleague if he knew her and if she was single, turns out she was. I then kept my eyes peeled for opportunities where I could speak to her. After a couple interactions I worked up the courage to add her on Facebook. I think she knew what she was doing by not accepting me as soon as she saw it and instead making me wait a full 5 DAYS! The chat between us came so easily and before I knew it 2 weeks had passed before I asked her if she wanted to meet up at the beach for a walk. To this day she's still adamant it "wasn't a date". How did I know she was the one? One of her first comments to me was "look at all your greys", and I thought hmm, no filter, I like that. Also with our easy flowing conversations and going on several dates, I cannot express into words how amazing I felt being in her company - She made me feel something I have never felt before, something I wanted to keep hold of and I knew instantly that this is the one - this sassy, no filter, 5ft5, kind, caring and bubbly personality human with a strong mindset. The best trait we have, is that we can chat about any issues and get down to the route cause and fix it.

What made you choose this proposal destination?

Allana has wanted to go to New York for years and we went for her 30th as the perfect excuse to get away. For my birthday we had been to Barcelona and Allana had planned a full day for me, again, another perfect opportunity for me to "plan a day" for us!

What is your proposal story?

I wanted to throw her off the scent a bit, I started the day strong by taking her to the Lego store where we made little lego versions of what we were wearing that day (or close enough). As soon as we left she told me I set the bar too high to start the day and she didn't think I would be able to keep it up! Little did she know. We started the long walk to the Brooklyn Bridge before the dreaded "my feet are sore" entered the chat. We then jumped in a cab for the rest of the way. This was not the only hurdle though because as soon as we got out at the viewpoint she says to me she's hungry! To be honest I should have considered she would be hungry as we ate breakfast at 8am and it was now 12:55. Demands were made to get a nibble so we stopped in a Starbucks which I then had to convince her not to get a coffee! I had to message Monika our photographer saying we were not going to make the 1 o'clock start time. We finally progressed round to the viewpoint and I was rummaging in the bag trying to get the ring out subtly and in to my back pocket. She then asked me to walk ahead to get candid photo to which I had to remove the ring from my back pocket and stick it in my front pocket without her noticing! I saw the pre-booked photographer ahead, and with the Friendly Tourist approach, she offered to take photos of us on my partners phone - at this point my heart was beating out my chest but still felt confident in relaying my speech, but, as soon as I reached for the ring and got down on one knee Monika switched to her camera to capture the moment and my emotions quickly expressed and I was lost for words...and the question, but the best moment was hearing Allana say yes! - a few hurdles not anticipated but it could not have gone any better. After the proposal, we got several photos taken at different locations followed by a really nice meal and bubbles at STK Steakhouse.

Best tip for proposing in New York City

If you book at lunch time, pack snacks. If she asks you if she needs to wash her hair, say yes, not "I don't think you do". You'll thank me later.

Proposed in New York City in July

Photo Shoot Location: Brooklyn Bridge & DUMBO

Monika in New York City for Flytographer

Barry & Erika's Proposal Story in New York City

How did you meet?

Bumble

Proposed in New York City in May

Photo Shoot Location: Gapstow Bridge & Skyline

Monika in New York City for Flytographer

Kendall & Nancy's Proposal Story in New York City

How did you meet?

Hinge

What is your love story?

When she messaged me our conversation was immediately nonstop and I knew that I never wanted it to end.

What made you choose this proposal destination?

We have a mutual love of broadway musicals and movies/shows filmed in NYC. I wanted her moment to feel iconic and Central Park felt like the perfect place for that.

What is your proposal story?

We traveled to NYC for the first time together and started our trip off with a tour of the cherry blossom trees in Central Park after the tour we wandered around on our own to a perfectly secluded spot my photographer helped pick out for the big moment.

Best tip for proposing in New York City

I proposed in spring and the foliage was beautiful but the unpredictable weather was a little stressful. It ended up work perfectly, the slight rain throughout the day helped make Central Park feel much less crowded. Lean into your photographers knowledge of the city and then walk by places on google maps so you can get a feel for what works best for you!

Proposed in New York City in April

Photo Shoot Location: Central Park

Nicole in New York City for Flytographer

David & Tara's Proposal Story in New York City

How did you meet?

Church

What is your love story?

It was amazing when we first met to find out that we came from similar backgrounds and even graduated the same year from high school and we had never met or crossed paths until finding each other at the church we both loved and grown apart of. We shared much in common but most importantly our love and faith for the Lord, and to live by his commandments! It was most obvious to me when I saw that we could have a strong considerate relationship despite difficult circumstances and navigating difficult conflicts together. We can only thank and point to God, who showed us it was meant to be!

What made you choose this proposal destination?

I wanted our proposal to be special and since we have already spent a lot of time in the Big Apple, I wanted to choose somewhere both visually incredible and where neither of us have been. The Edge is the highest point of New York City and holds one of the best unobstructed views of the city and presented such an amazing proposal I've never seen before! I'm so happy we were able to capture a video of the moment!

What is your proposal story?

The day of the proposal began so amazingly, we took some time to get breakfast in the morning and spend some a beautiful city morning together over some bagels and lox. Afterwards we both got ready for "couples photos" we wanted to take for Christmas cards etc. When we arrived at the Edge it was an incredible time viewing all the shops that were adorned with many Christmas lights at every turn. When the time came to meet Anna we bumped into her right where I planned to meet her and took some lovely pictures on the escalator and bypasses. However, when we came to the line for the Edge balcony entrance I was shocked to find out the line wrapped around an entire shopping area fro what seemed like a mile. This is when, with Taras help, we expertly navigated to the front of the entrance line and were able to quickly start down the line to the elevator! Quickly the disaster was avoided and we made our way to the top with Anna! When we arrived to the top of the Edge, I was contacting Tara's sisters, who secretly came to surprise Tara during the proposal. I was afraid that they wouldn't have been able to make it up remembering the harrowing line we just luckily skipped. However, Tara's family is so resourceful its scary! Her three sisters and best friend were able to talk to a line attendant, quickly explain the proposal situation and incredibly were led to the Edge balcony through the "back door." Having arrived after Tara Anna and I, they ended up arriving on the balcony long before we made it through the line to the elevator and lied in wait for us! Once at the top and after some "couples pictures" we made our way through a line to the top of the balcony with a corner view of New York City. After some time Tara's sister, Tricia, asked one of the security guards to assist Tara Anna and I to secure the perfect crowdless space for the proposal. As soon as we made it the the corner and Anna posed Tara positioned away from me, I dropped to one knee and brought the ring out! When Anna turned Tara around she was presented with an incredible ring and I asked her to marry me. The security guard also had Tara's sister phone was able to capture the entire proposal for us. It was the most incredible experience despite the odds, it turned out more perfect than one could hope for. Thank you Lord for answering my prayers and thank you Anna and the Edge staff for coordinating an unforgettable experience.

Best tip for proposing in New York City

PRAYER! I tried to plan as much as I could and even through some short sightedness, the proposal turned out better than my dreams anticipated. If proposing on the Edge interests you, arrive well in advance to your appointment time as the lines will crush your plans on holidays or use some finesse and pray the Lord opens the doors for you.

Proposed in New York City in December

Photo Shoot Location: Custom Route

Anna in New York City for Flytographer

Deepak & Swathi's Proposal Story in New York City

How did you meet?

Friends/Family

Proposed in New York City in December

Photo Shoot Location: Brooklyn Bridge & DUMBO

Anna in New York City for Flytographer

Bradley & Jonathan's Proposal Story in New York City

How did you meet?

At a bar

What is your love story?

We met at a bar... Jon was way too drunk and too persistent in getting me a drink. We chatted for a bit, but I was quite short with him as I wasn't all that interested. At that time I lived in a different province and told him that nothing would work out as we lived too far apart. I only really noticed him later in the evening when he was dancing with someone else & I'd lost my opportunity! Fast forward 4 months, I moved back to his province for work. I let him know I'm back in town, we went on a dinner date, and the rest just happened!

What made you choose this proposal destination?

I'm interested in architecture and New York has always represented a majestic architectural giant with different shapes, shades, lines and textures around every corner. The city scape view from Brooklyn provides the best background to any shoot!

What is your proposal story?

I had planned to propose during our photo shoot with Flytogrpaher, however Jon also had his own plan which I didn't know about! He popped the question a day before my plans! It was very casual, we were walking on the High Line back to our hotel after a day out and took a rest at the observation deck. Jon went down on one knee and I pulled him up right I away! I said: "Put it away! This is supposed to happen tomorrow, I've planned something!"

Best tip for proposing in New York City

Relax - don't plan too much, don't over think it - it will all work out in the end!

Proposed in New York City in January

Photo Shoot Location: Brooklyn Bridge & DUMBO

Kari in New York City for Flytographer

Ethan & Michele's Proposal Story in New York City

How did you meet?

School

What is your love story?

We met at school and started dating, we’ve been together for almost 4 years, and decided we wanted to spend the rest of our lives together! I knew then that I wanted to propose!!

What made you choose this proposal destination?

New York City has always been special to us, we’ve always have dreamed of living there, and Christmas in New York is amazing!!

What is your proposal story?

We went to Central Park, and I proposed on Gapstow bridge! She was so surprised, and everyone around us cheered!

Best tip for proposing in New York City

Make sure to budget extra time for the subways, it can take longer than expected to get to your destination!

Proposed in New York City in December

Photo Shoot Location: Gapstow Bridge & Skyline

Monika in New York City for Flytographer

Luke & Cali's Proposal Story in New York City

How did you meet?

Friends/Family

Proposed in New York City in December

Photo Shoot Location: Custom Route

Jordan in New York City for Flytographer

Kyle & Grace's Proposal Story in New York City

How did you meet?

School

What is your love story?

Grace has been my best friend ever since elementary school. Our love continues to grow for each other with every minute we spend together. I have always known she is "the one" because for 9+ years I get the same first date excitement every time I see her beautiful face!

What made you choose this proposal destination?

Incredible views overlooking our favorite place in the world

Proposed in New York City in December

Photo Shoot Location: Custom Route

Anna in New York City for Flytographer

Ash & Nisha's Proposal Story in New York City

How did you meet?

Friends/Family

What is your love story?

We could talk about anything for hours on end and even had tough conversations about the future early on. Never thought about kids or future until she asked me early on and it felt good saying yes.

What made you choose this proposal destination?

We always take walks on the boardwalk overlooking NYC and Empire State Building and take any opportunity to stop by to admire it. Made perfect sense to do it there.

What is your proposal story?

Told her we were going for an early date evening to enjoy the start of thanksgiving week. Coordinated with the photographer, Sehee, to meet up in a great spot overlooking the city. As we were driving to the supposed destination, I drove past the planned location and said let's take a quick walk before going to the bar. We walked by Sehee and as the plan was starting to unfurl, my fiancé was completely surprised when I got down on one knee and fumbled with the ring.

Best tip for proposing in New York City

Try to stay away from crowded areas with less control and plan a trip to the intended spot at the time you want to do the shoot to get an idea of crowds etc. Also, give extra time for parking.

Proposed in New York City in November

Photo Shoot Location: Custom Route

Sehee in New York City for Flytographer

B & Kendall's Proposal Story in New York City

How did you meet?

Work

What made you choose this proposal destination?

It’s our favorite place to travel to and be together.

Proposed in New York City in August

Photo Shoot Location: Custom Route

Monika in New York City for Flytographer

Erik & Maria's Proposal Story in New York City

How did you meet?

School

Proposed in New York City in June

Photo Shoot Location: Brooklyn Bridge & DUMBO

Johnny in New York City for Flytographer

Scott's Proposal Story in New York City

Proposed in New York City in June

Photo Shoot Location: Custom Route

Anna in New York City for Flytographer

Neil & Arpita's Proposal Story in New York City

How did you meet?

School

What is your love story?

Arpita and I both met in our second year of college. From being study buddy’s to hanging out everyday, we learned a lot of each other. Four years had passed just like that in school and library’s. We even then started traveling with each other. Arpita was the one to fill all my imperfections. It was like, she knew everything about me and I knew everything about her. From there on, our love story grew and I knew I had found my soulmate.

What made you choose this proposal destination?

Arpita had always wanted to visit NYC and in particular the Brooklyn Bridge. It was an easy place for me.

Proposed in New York City in May

Photo Shoot Location: Brooklyn Bridge & DUMBO

Anna in New York City for Flytographer

Steve & Jen's Proposal Story in New York City

How did you meet?

Work

Proposed in New York City in May

Photo Shoot Location: Central Park

Anna in New York City for Flytographer

Ben & Mary's Proposal Story in New York City

How did you meet?

Friends/Family

What is your love story?

We met through our 2 friends who set us up when we were living in DC. During our first conversation we realized we both grew up nearby each other in New Jersey. A few weeks went by when we serendipitously bumped into each other on the subway. We started dating and within the first date I knew she was special. Did not take long for me to realize she was going to be the only one

What made you choose this proposal destination?

We live nearby and wanted the NY skyline to be a part of our big moment

What is your proposal story?

We got up and went to the spot in Dumbo. Another group of people beat us to the spot 10 minutes before our arrival. The photographer Johnny was able to text me ahead to time about the intrusion and figure out another spot with clear instructions for where to propose on the spot. The pictures came out perfect

Best tip for proposing in New York City

Go earlier in the day before there are too many people out

Proposed in New York City in April

Photo Shoot Location: Brooklyn Bridge & DUMBO

Johnny in New York City for Flytographer

Andrew & Kaitlin's Proposal Story in New York City

How did you meet?

Friends/Family

What made you choose this proposal destination?

We were neighbors in NYC when we met, I lived at 42 Morton St, she lived at 40 Morton St. Proposing in between the two buildings we used to live in only felt right.

Proposed in New York City in February

Photo Shoot Location: Custom Route

Anna in New York City for Flytographer

Peter & Erin's Proposal Story in New York City

How did you meet?

Sports

Proposed in New York City in January

Photo Shoot Location: Custom Route

Anna in New York City for Flytographer

Jeremy & Estefania's Proposal Story in New York City

How did you meet?

Sports

What is your love story?

We met at a run club in Ottawa Canada

What made you choose this proposal destination?

We always loved New York and have both ran NYC marathon and just love the city and Central Park

Proposed in New York City in December

Photo Shoot Location: Gapstow Bridge & Skyline

Anna in New York City for Flytographer

Joey & Caroline's Proposal Story in New York City

How did you meet?

Work

What is your love story?

I was building a few buildings out of town for an oil company, and she came to run the kitchen I had just constructed for them. We crossed paths through work and that evolved, and by the time I was wrapping up the project, she was moving back to my home city with me! I always knew she was special and that I wanted to marry her, and I knew she felt the same. So then I was just waiting for the right opportunity to pop the question!

What made you choose this proposal destination?

She went to culinary school in New York and some of our friends had invited us to tag along for a trip up there with them. I knew she loved the city and wanted to make it something special, so with the help of our photographer and her friends I was able to surprise her with a proposal in front of a beautiful bridge in central park.

What is your proposal story?

We went out to lunch and I could barely eat I was so nervous, then caught an Uber to central park to "meet up with friends". When we got there I told her we were a little early so we walked into the park and I led us to the Gapstow Bridge. We milled about while I waited for some of the crowd to clear out then asked if she wanted to take a picture. While she was distracted I got down on a knee and pulled out the ring I had been hiding. She was shocked and excited but she caught her breath enough to say yes!

Best tip for proposing in New York City

It gets dark really early in the winter, like way earlier than you would expect. Also try to plan around a spot with less people. I had considered the tree at Rockefeller but after visiting it, I know that would have been real tough to pull off!

Proposed in New York City in December

Photo Shoot Location: Gapstow Bridge & Skyline

Monika in New York City for Flytographer