15 Secret Spots to Propose in New York City

The effortlessly chic ladies at The Lane

, a cutting-edge bridal and lifestyle fashion site, reveal the most romantic proposal spots in the larger-than-life city.

A city full of wonder and surprise, of story and secret, New York is our inspiration when searching for something enchanting and romantic, which is why it's the perfect place to pop the question. From an abandoned Art Deco subway to a terraced garden on the skyline, here are our favorite places to propose in New York City.

Prospect Park Boathouse

A historic boathouse in a breathtaking setting, The Boathouse at Prospect Park boasts elegant architecture as well the allure of light play off water. There is, perhaps, nothing more intrinsically beautiful than the expanse of a body of water as the view for an occasion full of meaning and gravitas. 

Built to be the jewel of the NYC subway system in the early 1900s, the achingly beautiful arched space of the City Hall Stop was closed down and boarded up due to an expanding IRT line only 40 years after its completion. While restorative work began in early 2000, the events of September 11 quickly put an end to public access. For those in the know, this secret space can still be seen as the train enters the turnaround point on the Brooklyn Line and thus, we love the idea of staying a few extra minutes after the last stop—alone and in the extraordinary abandoned (but not forgotten) showcase of the subway—as an unexpected proposal space that is so much a part of the secret NY. 

A fully refurbished cocktail bar that was once the private office and salon of 1920s Tycoon John W. Campbell, The Campbell Apartment, Grand Central Terminal is considered one of the best bars in America. We love its moody, intimate atmosphere plush with soft furnishing and dark coloring—perfect for a midnight proposal unfolding in the most magical of ways. 

Old growth magnolias, internal courtyards, and secluded alcoves form the sweeping gardens around the buildings of The Frick Collection, one of the few remaining Gilded Age mansions. One word? Romantic. 

An intimate, romantic, and beautifully crafted old-world hotel, Hotel Delmano boasts a 100-bottle wine list, premium spirit selection, stunning turned bar and time-worn walls. This is the place to order a glass of Champagne and fresh plate of seafood before getting down on one knee and asking that all-important question. 

Paley Park is a serene, intimate park featuring an inner-city waterfall and courtyard. We're mesmerized by the idea of a backdrop of cascading water in a courtyard enclosed by ivy-covered walls. 

One of NYC's hidden treasures, the Carl Schurz Park lies alongside a promenade on the East River. With wide sweeping steps opening out onto a large circular space, the park is an architectural wonder imbued with an opulent old-world grace, a perfectly romantic spot for popping the question. 

The Brooklyn Heights Promenade is a romantic promenade looking out over New York City's skyline. The third-of-a-mile long walkway boasts panoramic views of Manhattan. A bottle of wine, a picnic, a proposal … all in view of the magic of the metropolis.

Also one of our favorite wedding venues, we love the spectacular view from The Blue Room at The Ides Rooftop at the Wythe Hotel. With marble tables, banquette-style seating, moody interior, and inspired menu, the rooftop venue space will set up a proposal steeped in the sentiment of the celestial, whether you pop the question at the intimate indoor bar, restaurant, or starlit balconied area.

The Nomad is one of those places with a sense of intimacy imbued in every orifice and alcove of its architecture. All beautiful, all elegant, all infused with mood and ambience, The NoMad has an Atrium, Parlour, NoMad Bar, Elephant Bar, Fireplace, Library, and Rooftop—a Clue board of proposal spaces! 

The Hayden Planetarium is a classic NYC spot—even Ross and Rachel had a romantic night of their own under these stars. A proposal under a constellation of stars speaks of a celestial and fated love. A starlit sky within an urban jungle, though constructed, is absolutely enchanting. 

Named after Isidor Straus and his wife, Ida, who both died onboard the maiden voyage of the S.S. Titanic, Straus Park is steeped in the sentiment of enduring love, of selfless love, and of noble sacrifice. As the story goes, Ida Straus made the decision to stay onboard the Titanic with her husband as it sank—remaining with her love, always, instead of boarding the lifeboat for women and children. 

Beneath the domed glass ceiling of a botanical hothouse, all steam and sentiment, The Enid A. Haupt Conservatory is the perfect romantic spot to ask your loved one to spend the rest of your lives together. Nothing feels more poetic than a proposal brought to life within a house full of blooms.

Amidst the colorful floral oasis of one of NYC's finest flower markets, a Sunday excursion to the Dutch Flower Line to buy an exotic arrangement of blooms can take a surprise turn with an unexpected and beautifully scented proposal. Pick out blooms of her choice, or a selection deliberately steeped in sentiment as so many florals have their own symbolic meanings. 

Set against the beautiful backdrop of stone walkways and a cascade of sweeping steps, the New York Public Library is the perfect proposal spot for the literary and the poetic and the beginning of a new story, shared life, and experience.