It was a very special trip for Simon and his girlfriend, first time in New York and he wanted to make it special. Long before the trip he already knew that at 6.30 pm he will pop the question in the middle of the Rockefeller Center ice skating rink. And that was a magical moment!
In New York City, a bustling metropolis with some 8.2 million people, privacy is a hot commodity—especially privacy for a proposal. But don’t give up hope yet! We have several destinations across the Big Apple where you can ask the big question in peace and quiet.
Interested? This guide will cover all the details of planning an unforgettable proposal in private in New York City. Read on to find out where and how to find that “yes” moment!
Picking the right place to pop the question will make your proposal memorable for all the right reasons. Since solitude is the goal here, you’ll have to choose your venue carefully to provide a more intimate experience.
2. Arrange Decor and Recording
Though our proposal packages include decorations and a photographer, you may want to consider other add-ons. A colorful rose petal aisle or a floral arch will make your proposal all the more romantic, while video recording or extra guests can also be arranged.
No matter what you have in mind, you should decide these details well in advance to ensure the big moment goes off without a hitch.
3. Get Your Partner to the Proposal
Now that you’ve decided when, where, and how you’re going to propose, you need to find a way to get your partner to the proposal. Though convincing him or her to join you in Central Park or on a rooftop in Midtown Manhattan might seem difficult, this part is all about strategy.
Consider what the “backstory” might be here, giving your partner a realistic reason that you want them to head to your private proposal spot. The better your story, the more pleasantly surprised your significant other and the more memorable your proposal.
4. Have a Backup Plan in Place
Rain isn’t exactly unusual in New York City, so you should have a backup plan if you plan on proposing outdoors. A few clouds shouldn’t overshadow your big day! Though you can change your proposal location, you may be better off embracing Mother Nature’s mood swings.
A rainy evening can be a deeply romantic setting—after all, some of the most famous love stories, from “Pride and Prejudice” to “The Notebook,” feature rainy scenes. Come prepared with umbrellas, or work with our dedicated proposal planner to explore your options. We also have a lots of venues with the indoor locations, that might work perfectly for a rainy day.
We hope our guide has given you some ideas as to how you can propose in private in New York City. The Big Apple has all kinds of settings and locations to suit your love story, so make sure to book one of our private spaces soon for a truly magical start to your marriage.
Tatiana Caicedo
One of the most frequently asked questions we receive is, “What if it starts raining on my proposal day?” Since marriage proposals are typically a surprise, we understand the difficulty of changing the date and rearranging all the plans.
Therefore, our best advice is to either proceed with the proposal as planned or book a location with both indoor and outdoor areas to avoid any weather-related issues. Venues with indoor and outdoor options may be more expensive, but they offer peace of mind. The weather in New York can be unpredictable, making it difficult to predict the conditions on your chosen day.
How can you ensure your proposal is perfect, even on a rainy day?
First of, embrace the rain and make it romantic. Instead of focusing on how bad it is, think of how romantic it will be to share a kiss under the umbrella with the raindrops reflecting the lights. Some of the most beautiful and emotional proposals happen in the rain. A skilled photographer can capture stunning, cinematic shots, making your rainy-day proposal look even more magical. Just be sure to bring clear umbrellas for stylish, rain-proof photos, and embrace the moment rather than stress about the weather.
With the indoor/outdoor venue options, you can propose inside and then step out on the terrace to take romantic pictures with the umbrella.
Secondly, make sure your post-proposal plans are set. If rain is in the forecast, secure a dinner reservation and arrange transportation in advance. Once the rain starts, finding a car or a great table at a restaurant can be challenging, and walking between locations in bad weather can dampen the celebratory mood. Planning ahead ensures a smooth and enjoyable experience after the big “YES!”
Focus on what you can control.
This might sounds easy, but from experience, people are too focused on the weather and how ‘it should be’ that they are not focusing on the moment itself. Focus on what you can control—the experience, the emotion, and the love behind the moment. Think of this as a unique part of your love story that you will remember forever.
How to choose a right venue?
We’re all about NYC skyline views, so we always recommend choosing a venue with both an indoor space and an outdoor terrace to enjoy the best of both worlds. The beauty of a private venue is that it offers more than just a stunning backdrop—it gives you complete control over your special moment. You can invite close friends and family, decorate the space exactly how you envision it, play your favorite music, and take photos comfortably without strangers watching.
Yes, you can propose at a hotel bar or a public observation deck, but the experience won’t be the same. A private venue ensures intimacy, exclusivity, and a stress-free atmosphere, allowing you to focus on the moment without distractions. Plus, with unpredictable NYC weather, having an indoor-outdoor setup guarantees that your proposal will be perfect, no matter what.
A little rain won’t stop a beautiful proposal—it might even make it more unforgettable. Whether you embrace the romance of a rainy-day moment or opt for a venue with indoor options, the most important thing is the love and excitement of the day.
If you’re feeling unsure about how to plan a weather-proof proposal, we’re here to help! Our team specializes in crafting seamless, stress-free proposals, ensuring that everything goes perfectly—rain or shine.
Tatiana
An engagement ring is the beginning of a beautiful love story. From the moment it was picked to the surprise proposal, an engagement ring has a story. It symbolizes the beginning of a new life and we love seeing different rings every year. Here are some of the most beautiful and interesting engagement rings of 2024:
As a marriage proposal planning company in New York, we can help you with everything you need for a flawless proposal. From picking up the location, and customized decorations to a secret photography and video. If you planning to propose in NYC this year, contact us now at head@proposal007.com and our experienced team will create the marriage proposal of her dreams.
Tatiana and Vlad
In the age of social media and romantic comedies, public marriage proposals have become increasingly popular. From the grand gesture at a baseball game to the flash mob at the Times Square, public proposals offer a memorable way to pop the question. However, with the rise of these spectacles comes the need to understand the etiquette that underpins them.
If you’re considering taking your proposal to the public stage, here are some critical guidelines and tips to bear in mind.
Proposing in public means that the location you choose will be open to the other people as well, who can take pictures and videos of you and your proposal. This might add an extra pressure on both of you or on the other hand make it easier.
While many cherish the thought of a public proposal, others may feel put on the spot or pressured. Know your partner’s preferences beforehand. It’s essential that the proposal is more about their comfort and happiness than it is about making a grand gesture.
If you’re planning to propose in a specific public location like a restaurant, park, or monument, it’s essential to get the required permissions. Many places have rules or restrictions, and getting prior approval ensures you won’t run into any unforeseen interruptions. For example the popular proposal spot in Dumbo is required 21 day notice for the permit. Same applies to the charming gazebos in Central Park which requires the permit in order to secure the desired day and time.
Remember that a public proposal will inevitably have an audience. Be considerate of those around you. Avoid proposing during crucial moments at events, such as during a concert’s climax or in the middle of a theatre performance or at someone else proposal. If you see proposal decorations at the location that you wanted to propose, consider moving to another place.
While the idea is to propose publicly, finding a spot that allows for a semblance of privacy within that space will enable a genuine, heartfelt exchange. A quiet corner in a park or a secluded spot by a water fountain can offer a good balance. Central Park has lots of secluded gazebos, so even if you are at the park its still private and intimate proposal. Those location however require a permit, so plan accordingly.
Outdoor proposals especially are subject to various unpredictable factors like weather or unexpected events. Always have an alternative idea or location in mind, just in case. Weather in New York is very unpredictable, so if you proposing outdoors always think of the inside place ( hotel room or private venue).
It’s natural to want to capture this pivotal moment. If you’re planning to have a photographer or videographer, ensure they’re discreet and don’t intrude on the moment. Likewise, be respectful of others around you. Not everyone may want to be included in your personal memories.
Should your partner be taken aback or need a moment, respect their feelings. Every individual reacts differently, and it’s crucial to be supportive and understanding regardless of the response. Especially if its a crowd of people around you, protect your partner and give them a minute to get together.
Public locations are not wedding/ engagement venues. You can not bring confetti, glitter, balloons, sparkles, alcohol to it. Also clean up after the proposal to leave the place as you find it.
Public proposals can be magical and memorable. However, the key to a successful proposal lies in meticulous planning and a deep understanding of your partner’s preferences. Respect for others and the location is paramount. When done right, this grand gesture can be a story you both cherish for a lifetime.
Remember, regardless of the location you choose, it’s essential to consider your partner’s personality and preferences. Some might love the grandeur of Times Square, while others might prefer the serenity of Central Park. Tailor the proposal to ensure it’s memorable and meaningful for both of you. And, if you’re planning an elaborate proposal or need a particular spot at an attraction, always check in advance for any required permissions or reservations.
If you are planning to propose in NYC and don’t know where to start, contact us now at head@proposal007.com and our experienced team will help you create the most unforgettable marriage proposal experience in New York.
Oh, what a wonderful year it was! we helped 1500 couples get engaged in New York and even planned proposals in Italy and Paris. This year was full of romance and amazing love stories. Here are the best marriage proposal reactions of 2023. Enjoy!
Our NYC proposal planner Tatiana Caicedo organized more than 1000 proposals this year. From secret locations in Central Park to picturesque NYC rooftop proposals we have done it all. Our head photographer Vlad Leto documented more than 1500 secret proposals around the New York City area. We are grateful for all the love and trust from our clients and ready to start the new year.
If you planning to propose in New York this year and don’t know where to start, contact us now at head@proposal007.com and our experienced team will help you to create the most unforgettable marriage proposal experience in New York City.
Tatiana and Vlad
