There are countless ways to say “I love you,” but when it comes to asking “Will you marry me?”—well, that’s when things get tricky. Some people have a clear vision of how they want it to go down (and if they’ve dropped hints, we strongly suggest you stick to the plan). Then there are those who love a spontaneous, caught-off-guard surprise. Luckily, New York was not only voted the best city in the world to meet your soulmate, but also one of the top destinations for a marriage proposal. So, if you’re still figuring out the right spot, let this list of 10 incredible places to propose in NYC do some of the hard work for you.
1. New York Botanical Garden
“A rose by any other name would smell as sweet,” the Garden of Eden, Monet’s floral muse, and Édith Piaf’s timeless “La Vie en Rose”—flowers, nature, pastel hues, and sheer beauty have been intertwined with love for as long as we can remember. And with 250 acres of blooming romance, the New York Botanical Garden offers the perfect setting to declare your love. Kneel in the Rose Garden, offer forever in the Thain Family Forest, or let the moment unfold by a waterfall or the historic Stone Mill.
2. The Morgan Library
Expecting to see The New York Public Library here? While it’s a popular spot for lovers eager to lock their relationships down, sometimes it’s nice to go for something more unique. The Morgan Library & Museum offers an original and historic setting, with its collection of love letters from Napoléon Bonaparte and Elizabeth Barrett and Robert Browning, handwritten passionate scores by Mozart, and romantic poetry collections. The library’s gilded details, stone fireplace, luxurious drawing room, and grand Rotunda create a sophisticated and timeless atmosphere, perfect for a romantic proposal.
But if this library doesn’t speak to you, there are other beautiful libraries to consider in NYC.
3. Grand Central Terminal
Whether it’s the flash mob scene in Friends with Benefits, a longing gaze between Gatsby and Daisy, or Cary Grant and Eva Marie Saint’s memorable kiss, Grand Central Terminal’s iconic backdrop has a certain je ne sais quoi that has provided the perfect setting for some of the most romantic and dramatic on-screen moments. So, why not add a touch of magic to your happily ever after and pop the question at Grand Central?
4. The Met
Depending on the tone you want for your proposal, The Met is a fantastic place to seek inspiration—it’s already swooning New Yorkers with its weekly Date Nights. It could be cinematic on the Grand Staircase, offer panoramic views from the Roof Garden, surround you with masterpieces by Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Van Gogh, envelop you in regality in the Medieval Art galleries, or provide a secluded, fairy-tale-like setting under the Met Cloisters.
5. 620 Loft & Garden
Take your favorite person to the top floor of the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) and take the next step—or the next kneel, if you will—at 620 Loft & Garden—an impressive rooftop venue offering some of the best views of St. Patrick’s Cathedral. A blend of natural beauty and the urban charm of the city makes for a spectacular setting for a monumental moment.
6. Central Park
You can’t really go wrong with a proposal in the very Instagrammable Central Park. Whether you choose to plan ahead and pick a picturesque spot, like Bow Bridge or under the iconic American Elm trees along the Mall, or decide to be spontaneous and pop the question in a more unexpected moment (although that might be a bit nerve-wracking!), Central Park offers endless possibilities. From the Carousel and The Lake to Bowling Green, the open lawns, beautiful gardens, and Belvedere Castle, you’ll never be short of romantic spots for such a big moment.
7. Candlelight concert
The Candlelight concert series has been enchanting New York’s music lovers for some time now. Picture thousands of flickering candles, a string quartet, and an extraordinary venue like St. Ann & the Holy Trinity Church—an unforgettable setting for a candlelit proposal. With performances paying tribute to legendary classical composers and contemporary artists alike, you’re sure to find a program that holds special meaning for your relationship.
8. Times Square
Undeniably, one of the best places to propose in NYC, recreate V-J Day in Times Square (aka “The Kiss”) or make your own unforgettable moment in the heart of a place famous for its New Year’s Eve ball drops. Times Square has long been a favorite for countless hopeless romantics, whether exchanging vows or renewing them during the annual Love in Times Square event. Among the chaos and electric energy of the city, ask your significant other to pause, be still with you, and choose happiness together for the rest of your lives.
9. Hotels—there’s no shortage of options
The city boasts some of the most breathtaking hotels, making them ideal places to propose in NYC. While it’s difficult to narrow it down to just one, perhaps an architecturally striking venue or one that holds a special shared memory stands out. Some of our personal favorites include The Ludlow Hotel for its earthy tones and warmth, the historic Beekman Hotel in Lower Manhattan, and Park Lane for its elegance. Plus, you can continue the celebrations by booking a room.
10. Brooklyn Bridge
Somehow, a proposal on the Brooklyn Bridge hasn’t become a cliché, despite the odds stacked against it with all the overdone bridge proposals. There’s something undeniably powerful and breathtaking about being proposed to 130 feet above the East River. Whether at sunset or sunrise, the pictures will be nothing short of epic.