A marriage proposal is a major life event that is so full of joy and excitement for the future. When you are planning your secret proposal why not treat yourselves to some professional pictures?

“What I love about photographing a marriage proposal,” says award-winning wedding photographer Karen Wise, “Is that there is naturally so much joy and emotion in these photos. From the exciting moment they get down on their knee with the ring, to the happy portraits that follow, there are so many candid and photogenic moments to capture. Compared to an engagement session alone, which is beautiful but more composed, there is mystery to the proposal shoot. Where will he stand? Will she be in shock or start to cry? How will the passersby react? I love photographing all of these unpredictable occurrences.”

“After the proposal, we transition into an intimate and joyful engagement session near the proposal location,” says Wise. “Although these portraits after the proposal are similar to my typical engagement shoot, what makes them unique is that I don’t have to do as much directing to get cute shots. Because the couple are on a natural high, they literally pose themselves!”

If you're ringing in the new year with a wedding proposal, use this guide to find romantic and safe outdoor proposal locations and engagement session spots.

3 Outdoor Locations for Proposal or Engagement Photos in NYC

1. Central Park

If you're looking for quintessential New York engagement photography, there's no better spot than Central Park. Whether you choose a snowy wonderland as your backdrop or wait until spring for the cherry blossoms, you'll find no shortage of photogenic shots throughout the park. Due to its vast size, it's also easy to maintain a safe social distance while capturing unique portraits.

2. Prospect Park Brooklyn

Brooklyn provides a similar if not better location for unique proposal and engagement photos in NYC. Prospect Park's outdoor trails are quiet and perfect for popping the question. By contrast, the main meadow in Prospect Park is beautiful and open. Although it is open, it is peaceful in the winter time, for instance if you plan to propose around Valentine's Day!

3. Brooklyn Bridge Park

Brooklyn Park Bridge offers amazing views of the East River and local landmarks like Jane's Carousel, St Ann's Warehouse, and Patsy's Pizza. South Brooklyn is also known for its beautiful neighborhoods, like Park Slope, Brooklyn Heights, DUMBO, and Red Hook, due to their beloved brownstones and waterfront views of Manhattan. Brooklyn Bridge Park, adjacent to the Brooklyn Bridge and Manhattan Bridges, near DUMBO, is an ideal outdoor space for proposal and engagement photos all year round. 

The backdrops of South Brooklyn are breathtaking: they include views of the bridges, views of the Manhattan skyline and views of the Statue of Liberty. Red Hook and DUMBO have historic cobblestone streets and artistic graffiti, while Park Slope, Brooklyn Heights, Cobble Hill and Carroll Gardens have historic architecture such as brownstones and limestones and tree lined streets. 

There is no shortage of romantic backdrops in Brooklyn to set the scene for your proposal and engagement pictures.

Plan your proposal or celebrate your engagement in the new year by contacting Karen Wise Photography in Brooklyn, NY. Specializing in wedding and engagement photography, Karen Wise has been featured in acclaimed publications such as New York Magazine, Martha Stewart Weddings, and VOGUE. Schedule your session today by calling (917) 539-9908 or visit her online to learn more about her services. More on Wedding and Family portraits on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/karenwisephoto/ and https://www.instagram.com/brooklyn_stoop_portraits