I'll keep it simple. As an experienced photographer, who has captured countless photo sessions, I've come across some of the most breathtaking locations that this city has to offer. Here are my top favorites, considering not only the main photo where you will propose but all the area surrounding, where you might have a mini-photo session afterwards. Every location idea will have a dropped pin on Google maps attached to it so you know exactly where to go!

Central Park, Manhattan

Central Park - Location idea 1

Google maps location for idea 1 in Central Park

This is a very popular location in Central Park. Crowds are always present. Crowds can be kept out of the frame by photographing vertically. Proposing in the rain like Jordan did here will also be helpful since the rain will keep the crowds away!

Another idea for having an intimate scene in this very popular spot is to propose at sunrise like Marcin did in the photo example below.

Google maps location for idea 2 in Central Park

This location overlooking the popular The Eldorado building works best in late autumn, winter and early spring, when the trees surrounding the spot do not have leaves yet, so there will be plenty of light for you to be visible. My advice is to consult with your photographer before choosing this location.

Google maps location for idea 3 in Central Park

This location gives everything that Central Park has to offer in terms of background elements: buildings, trees and the pond.

Google maps location for idea 4 in Central Park

Out of all the ideas so far, this location is the most intimate one. The surrounding area is small so there can't be a lot of people around. That also means that if there are people around they will be very close to you. Usually if you wait a few minutes, they would enjoy the view briefly, snap a few selfies and leave. Then you can freely propose to your significant person!

Google maps location for idea 1 in DUMBO

All DUMBO locations are pretty popular and crowded. The photographer can keep other people out of the frame by photographing vertically. You can also propose at sunrise in order to be less crowded. Clouds also keep the area clear, but just a little.

Google maps location for idea 2 in DUMBO

Google maps location for idea 3 in DUMBO

Google maps location for idea 4 in DUMBO

That's it for now! These are just a few examples, I believe in secret proposals if you combine the popular real estate saying: "Location, location, location!" with "Meaning, meaning, meaning!" you hit the jackpot in choosing where to propose to your significant other.