Where to propose in Central Park

Written By Emily Chan
A couple holding hands under the Bethesda Terrace in Central Park

I always recommend shooting as early in the morning as possible for the best combination of light and the fewest people in the backgrounds of the photos. For the most part, clients are more than happy to sacrifice some sleep for the best photos for their investment, but sometimes, especially when it comes to proposals, early mornings just aren’t doable without raising suspicions, or worse—ruining your partner’s morning.

But what if you still want something quiet and intimate without a bunch of people watching or walking through the backgrounds of your photos? What’s the best place to propose in Central Park?

While I can’t guarantee that you won’t have an audience, there are a couple spots around the park that might offer at least a bit more privacy than the Bethesda Fountain area in the afternoon (iykyk). Keep reading for some of my favorites!

San Remo Viewpoint

A man on one knee, proposing to his girlfriend, in Central Park, with the lake and San Remo Building in the background
A couple embracing immediately after a proposal in Central Park, with the San Remo Building in the background of the photo

Located near the iconic Bow Bridge, this spot technically doesn’t have an official name (that I know of, at least) and doesn’t show up on Google Maps, so I call it the “San Remo Viewpoint,” for the building with the two towers in the back. It extends off the main path from the Bow Bridge to the Ramble, offering a bit of privacy away from the main crowds around the bridge. Because you’ll be right by the water, you won’t have anyone behind you in the photos unless the boats are out, but hey, that only adds to the classic Central Park vibes!

This spot is quite popular for proposals, so it’s always good to have a backup plan. I’ve seen this spot taken over by elaborate floral arches and light up “MARRY ME” signs when doing other sessions in the park, so just know that you might not be the only person wanting to propose there on any given day!

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Wagner Cove

A man on one knee, proposing to his girlfriend, at Wagner Cove in Central Park
A couple embracing and smiling at each other at Wagner Cove after a proposal

Located just west of Cherry Hill, Wagner Cove is a little rustic shelter by the water. It’s only accessible by a small path near the Cherry Hill Fountain (right by the more famous Bethesda Fountain), making it a very quiet and secluded spot for a private proposal, even when everyone is out and about in the park.

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Gapstow Bridge

A man on one knee, proposing to his girlfriend, with the Gapstow Bridge and fall foliage in the background

This spot is less private, with onlookers passing by, sitting on the benches at my back, or watching from the bridge itself, but at these people won’t feature in your photos!

By now, you’re probably sensing a theme with this blog post—as long as you propose by the water, you’re probably going to be able to get photos where it looks like you have the park (almost) to yourself, even if there are other people around.


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Shakespeare Garden

A couple kissing while standing on a path in the Shakespeare Garden in Central Park
A couple smiling at each other, surrounded by flowering plants at Shakespeare Garden in Central Park

Tucked away near Belvedere Castle, Shakespeare Garden generally doesn’t get as much foot traffic as many other parts of the park, and the winding stone paths, hidden benches, and leafy alcoves create natural pockets of privacy. This location is best suited for late spring, summer, or early fall proposals, when the garden is at its most lush.

Because there are so many private nooks here, this is a spot that I would highly recommend checking out together prior to the proposal so that we can coordinate and ensure that we’re in the same spot for the surprise!

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Cop Cot

A couple kissing under the Cop Cot in Central Park
A waist-up image of a man hugging his new fiancée from behind at the Cop Cot in Central Park

Built on a rock outcropping under a canopy of trees above the park's Center Drive, the Cop Cot gives off dreamy, treehouse-like vibes, and is super popular for proposals, small weddings, and other events.

One of the perks of choosing the Cop Cot is that you can reserve this spot by filling out the park’s Special Events Permit for just $25 to ensure that you have it all to yourself for your proposal. Once approved, you’ll be able to set it up with whatever decorations you’d like, or leave it as is!

You must apply at least 21 days in advance—they won’t take applications within 21 days. Otherwise, this spot is first come, first serve, and someone else might have the spot when you want to propose (which has happened to one of my couples before, causing us to have to pivot last minute).

You can submit your application here: https://nyceventpermits.nyc.gov/parks/

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Bethesda Landing

A smiling woman on one knee, proposing to her boyfriend

Like I mentioned at the top of this post, the Bethesda Fountain and Terrace area is one of the busiest parts of Central Park—for good reason! Located at the edge of the Bethesda Fountain area, this spot by the water will not be private AT ALL in the afternoons. We may not be able to get a wide shot like the one above, unless we’re lucky, and will have to get a bit creative with the angles to avoid kids feeding ducks, but it is still worth mentioning.

It does get fenced off in the winter so that people don’t fall into the freezing lake, so that is something to keep in mind, depending on the time of year you want to propose.

Regardless of where you want to propose in Central Park, it’s always a good idea to have a backup plan in case someone else is proposing or eloping in the same spot, at the same time, or in the event of inclement weather. Once you’re ready to plan your proposal with me, we can chat through all the possibilities!

Emily Chan