Top of the Rock, the famous Art Deco-style skyscraper, also known as “30 Rock”, boasts three floors of indoor and outdoor observation decks at over 800 feet above street level. With 360-degree views of the New York City skyline, this must-see NYC attraction is an unforgettable experience (and provides unbeatable photo opportunities).
Why pop the question on the Top of the Rock?
Top of the Rock is one of the most iconic proposal spots in New York because it gives you the city in a single breathtaking view. Unlike most observation decks, it has views of both the Empire State Building and Central Park. So you can get the nature and architecture in your backdrop.
There are three open-air terraces, which means you can find a less crowded corner for privacy, or pick the one that matches the light and vibe you want. If the weather’s too hot or windy, you can even propose inside first and then step out for photos.
You can choose the exact time of the day you want to propose: sunrise, golden hour, sunset, or city lights sparkling at night, and our photographer will be there to capture the surprise.
Things to know before you go:
- It is not private. The observation deck has three levels open to the public, and there will be other people on the deck, and depending on the time you plan to propose it might be very crowded. If you are looking for a more private location, explore our private rooftop proposal options in NYC.
- Tickets vary from $36 to $155 per person. We highly recommend obtaining the VIP express pass for $155, which lets you skip the lines and arrive at any time. With a regular entry ticket you can spend around 30 minutes to get upstairs.
- You cannot install any decorations or bring champagne there. Since it is a public place, you can hire a musician or order flowers, but nothing can be placed on the ground.
- Avoid Top of the Rock Skylift Ride. Located on the 70th floor, this open‑air glass platform takes you three stories above the Top of the Rock. It might seem like a perfect proposal spot, but we do not recommend it: the space is very limited and there isn’t enough room for both the photographer and the couple. Use it for photos after the engagement.
- Make sure you hire a professional photographer for your surprise engagement on Top of The Rock. Top of the Rock is a challenging place for surprise proposals. If you want unforgettable photos, hire an experienced proposal photographer.
- You need to purchase tickets in advance on official Top of the Rock website.
- There are metal security checkpoints. Do not hide the ring in a backpack or in your pockets: you may be asked to empty them. Keep the ring box discreetly with you and follow staff instructions.
Top of the Rock Proposal Photo and video Packages
What is the best time for the proposal at the Top of the Rock?
When it comes to timing, we usually recommend planning your proposal either in the morning or in the evening after sunset.
- Morning proposals (around 9 am) are one of our favorites because the deck is much less crowded, the atmosphere is calm, and the soft natural light makes photos look stunning.
- Evening proposals (30 minutes – 1 hour after sunset) are another great option. Once the sun has set, the crowds thin out and the skyline starts to sparkle with city lights, the kind of romantic backdrop you can only get in New York.
While sunset may sound like the dream moment, it’s also the busiest time of day at the Top of the Rock. Be ready for large crowds and even other proposals happening around you at the same time. If your vision is a more intimate experience, early morning or after-dark proposals will give you the privacy and atmosphere you’re looking for.
Where to celebrate your engagement :
After the surprise proposal on the deck you can celebrate your engagement at the Weather Room restaurant, located on the 67th floor of Rockefeller Center. It offers stunning skyline views and serves chill champagne for celebration.
If you are looking for a dinner place, the Jupiter restaurant would be a great choice. Located at the Rink Level of 620 Fifth Avenue, this Italian restaurant is an ideal choice for a formal celebration. All-day pasta and new Italian wines make this place unforgettable.
Keep in mind that sometimes the weather conditions might prevent you from having a view. Because the observation deck is very high, fog may cover the skyline and you can’t see much of the city.
The rooftops that we offer won’t have this problem as they located lower and because of that we always have a view.
If you want to add the personal touch, you can hire a musician to perform your love song. It can be guitar, violin or saxophone. But not the musical band and no equipment is allowed to be on the ground.
Where to take pictures after the engagement:
Rockefeller Center is a perfect place for an engagement session, especially during the Holiday season. The Rockefeller Center Christmas tree and the iconic ice rink are ideal for those after-the-proposal photo sessions. The marble St. Patrick’s Cathedral on the 5th avenue is another worthy location for engagement pictures. Central Park is also just steps away, so you can walk to the park and take pictures there.
Our experienced photographer will be with you every step of the way, to make sure you have the most iconic background for the pictures. You can check our options for proposal photography and videography here are our proposal photography and videography packages.
Did you know you can find our work right in the heart of the Rockefeller Center?
Yes, right at the Welcome Gallery on the Mezzanine Level of 30 Rockefeller Plaza, you can see pictures from our previous proposals at the Top of the Rock. Our professional photographer, Vlad Leto, was invited to collaborate on this project and we are proud to be a part of this interactive experience.
If you would like to pop the question on the Top of the Rock feel free to contact us by email head@proposal007.com or phone/WhatsApp +1(347)926-9458 for more information.
Your personal proposal planner Tatiana Caicedo.
