This Central Park proposal went off without a hitch! Central Park is certainly one of the most popular parks, recognizable from movies new and old. It is a classic and timeless choice as far as NYC locations go. Even from season to season, the park provides gorgeous backdrops and a wide variety of locations.

Colin got in touch with me a few weeks ago planning the perfect surprise proposal for Riordan. One of the first things Colin mentioned to me was that he wanted a quiet location. While Central Park is a great respite from the city, it can sometimes be a challenge to find a secluded space that is completely private.

After a planning session, we settled on meeting up at Shakespeare’s Garden for this Central Park proposal. This semi-secluded location is near the west side of the park, with the nearest entrance at 79th street. Since Colin opted for an early morning proposal, this did help mitigate the crowds. And thanks to the rather cold temperatures, we ended up practically having this section of the park to ourselves. There were a few runners here and there.

Are considering proposing in NYC and are wondering what location might be right for you? I made a post covering all my favorite locations for photos in NYC – check it out here.

Seasons in the Park

Fall: Fall is one of the more preferred seasons to have photos made in Central Park. The weather is incredibly ideal with moderate to cool temperatures. Another bonus is that you could catch the leaves changing if you plan for the right time. While there isn’t a way to guarantee that you catch the leaves changing,

Winter: This particular proposal was what I consider a winter session. Fall had just passed us by and you can see many of the trees have lost their leaves entirely. While there is less foliage, the park is somehow still gorgeous.

Spring: Rivaling fall as the most popular season in the park, spring is also great for moderate temperatures. Time it just right and you just may be able to hit the cherry blossoms in late spring.

Summer: At this time, the park is full of green, but can get very hot! I love to wake up early for sunrise sessions in summer the park so we can beat the heat.

Central Park Proposal Challenges

1. Finding each other can be a challenge when planning a surprise proposal in the park. I have a couple of ways I try and mitigate this that I discuss in my post linked above.
2. Unforeseen closures for events and park maintenance can sometimes pop up. Having a plan B is always a good idea!

Are you planning a Central Park proposal? Check out my NYC proposal guide. Get in touch at the bottom of this page to inquire about my availability!