As featured inThe New York TimesBusiness InsiderNBC NewsDaily MailCosmopolitanEuronews

Central Park Photographer

On June 2020th, I moved from LIC Queens to Upper West Side, just half a block from Central Park. And the Park opened for me from a new perspective. Even before, I was visiting Central Park almost every day, but that was mostly for photoshoots. Now I spend most of my time outside in the Park. I walk here with my dog, go for a run, for hike and picnics. Almost every day, I find a new place for a photoshoot. I watch the light as it lays on people and on the landscape in different parts of the Park. If you are interested in Central Park photoshoot, I can offer my photography skills and my knowledge of the Park.

“Like a Spy, He Photographs Marriage Proposals in New York City”
The New York Times

Also featured in

Bow Bridge and Lake Plaza

Man proposing on one knee on the wooden platform under Bow Bridge, red roses along the railing on an autumn morning

Two Central Park proposals at Lake Plaza: one among autumn leaves, one inside a heart of red rose petals

Night proposal on the lakeside platform below Bow Bridge, surrounded by candles and fairy lights

All-white flower setup on the lakeside platform below Bow Bridge, rowboats passing on the Lake

The most photographed water in the park, dressed a different way each time

Bethesda Terrace and Western Shore Boat Landing

Evening proposal under the arches of Bethesda Terrace, a ring of candles on the stone floor

Proposal at the Western Shore Boat Landing in Central Park, white flowers on the railing and the Lake behind

The arcade at Bethesda Terrace, and the covered landing that works in the rain

Central Park Proposal Decorations

Packages already include photography and start from $950

Check availability

Central Park is the most popular proposal area in NYC. It’s very good for proposals and gives amazing opportunities for photography. While Central Park is already a very beautiful place for proposals, it can only benefit from some decorations.

Decorations should never overshadow a location, but rather enhance it. Personally, I’m not a fan of massive setups in the park, like huge arches or oversized lettering. My goal is always to highlight the natural beauty of the space, not overpower it.

My favorite locations are Bow Bridge, San Remo View, Lake Plaza View, and Wagner Cove. The best decor for these locations would be a flower heart during the day or a candle heart after sunset. A small “Marry Me” letters could also be a good addition.

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Central Park gazebos

Secret Central Park gazebo lit up at night with a red heart and MARRY ME letters, the Midtown skyline behind

Proposal at the Dene Summerhouse in Central Park at blue hour, white flowers and a petal aisle, city lights beyond

White flower heart with a Will You Marry Me sign set up inside the Cop Cot gazebo in Central Park

Two proposals at the Cop Cot gazebo in Central Park, one with a white flower heart, one with red petals and MARRY ME letters

Ring of red and pink flowers with a neon Will You Marry Me sign in a Central Park gazebo, petals along the aisle

Rustic gazebos tucked into the park, with the skyline just above the trees

Central Park Gazebo Proposal

The price starts from $1,700 and includes photography and the permit.

Check availability

If you’d like to bring your Central Park proposal to the next level and add some privacy, I recommend proposing in one of Central Park’s beautiful gazebos. My favorites are Cop Cot, Dene Summerhouse, and Ladies Pavilion.

But keep in mind that these places require a permit, and the permit must be applied for in advance. My favorite proposal setups for Central Park gazebos include candles, strip lighting, flower arches, and large “Marry Me” letters

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What couples say

    
 
 
       Posted on Google  
   
   Felipe Valenzuela 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great personalized experience! Compare to others photographers, Vlad quickly scheduled a call with me to hear my ideas and the plans. The service was easily coordinated and perfectly executed by himself. I definitely recommend his services!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   manny junior 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Vlad has been the best photographer I’ve worked with thus far. He responds right away and event sent the fully edited pictures and videos before the promised time. He shot my proposal. I would definitely reach out to hire him for my wedding in the near future.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Nick Carr 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Vlad helped me with my proposal and I couldn’t be happier with this service. Extremely knowledgeable, professional and very responsive. Highly recommend! Can’t thank you enough for all of your help with this special moment in our lives.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Anthony Vocaturo 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Working with Vlad was an A+ experience and we’re so grateful for his beautiful photos. Couldn’t picture the day without him. Highly recommend!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Lazarus Eastcoast 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The best. Ver professional... ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Anthony Thompson 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Vlad and his team transformed our proposal into an unforgettable experience. As someone not from the area, I was initially concerned about organizing such an important event from afar. However, Vlad's professionalism and clear communication quickly alleviated any worries. What impressed me most was Vlad's exceptional talent and creativity. He didn't just take photos; he captured moments, emotions, and the essence of our special day. After extensively researching local photographers, I'm confident that choosing Vlad was the best decision I made. His passion for photography is evident in every aspect of his work, from the initial planning stages to the final delivered product. Vlad isn't just a photographer; he is someone who truly invests in creating magical moments for his clients. Our proposal wouldn't have been nearly as special without his expert touch. We're incredibly grateful for the memories he's given us.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Utku Guleviz 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We loved our secret proposal pictures and video! All the setup was great, and more than enough to leave us a forever memory😊 Thank you Vlad 🙏🏻
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Andre Hernandez 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Vlad is an outstanding person to work with. Not only was he helpful throughout the proposal planning process, but is extremely talented in his photography. With the help from Vlad, I’m able to have memories that I will never forget. I would strongly recommend Vlad’s photography to anyone!

Read all reviews on Google

Where to propose in Central Park

Every one of these is inside Central Park, and I have photographed a proposal at each of them - that is the only reason any of them is on this list. They sit close enough together that you can see two or three on one walk, and differ enough that the photographs do not come out looking alike. Some are busy and some are quiet, a few will not allow decorations at all: the badges on each card tell you which is which. More detail where it helps - Central Park spot by spot, the observation decks and what to do if it rains.

01
Bow Bridge
Central Park
The most requested spot in the park. Cast iron over the Lake, Upper West Side behind you.
- My favorite
- Busy midday
02
Bethesda Terrace
Central Park
The arcade stays cool and empty right after sunrise.
- Busy midday
- Decor not advised
03
Summerhouse at the Dene
Central Park
Candles work here after dark. Midtown sits lit behind the trees.
- My favorite
- Best after sunset
- Decorations welcome
04
Cop Cot
Central Park
Wooden gazebo on a rise, five minutes from the south entrance.
- Permit required
- Decorations welcome
05
Wagner Cove
Central Park
A hidden cove off the walking path. Nobody passes by.
- Permit required
- Decorations welcome
06
The Lake, San Remo view
Central Park
The twin towers frame the shot from the water’s edge.
- My favorite
- Decorations welcome
- Best later in the day
- Busy midday
07
The Pond, Plaza view
Central Park
The Central Park South towers stand straight behind the water. A flower heart on the ground is a nice addition.
- My favorite
- Decorations welcome
08
Conservatory Garden
Central Park
Formal garden, quiet on weekday mornings, peak bloom in May.
- Permit required
- No decorations
09
Western Shore Boat Landing
Central Park
A landing under a roof on the west shore of the Lake. The one spot in the park where rain changes nothing.
- Permit required
- Decorations welcome

Write to me to arrange a proposal shoot in New York. Tell me which of these places you have in mind, or let me suggest one, and I will take care of the timing, the permit and the decorations.

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Giving back, volunteering.

Let's be in touch.
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Since Central Park is providing me with so much, I feel my self grateful to it.Since 2019 I’m a member of Central Park Conservancy and I additionally donate some part of my income I made from photoshoots there. Plus, every week, my team and I participate in volunteering. We pick up trash and do other seasonal works with the central park volunteering community.

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About Me

Vlad Leto

I’m a New York Times featured photographer who specializes in surprise proposals, intimate weddings and couples photography. In addition to capturing over 4000 proposals and weddings throughout New York City, I’ve been profiled in Business Insider, Cosmopolitan, the New York Times, Euro New and a number of other US and International Publications. I acquired my Masters Degree in photography from SVA NYC and have been based in New York City since 2010.
Vlad Leto is a New York Times featured photographer who specializes in surprise proposals, intimate wedding and couples photography. He has a Masters Degree in photography from SVA NYC and has captured over 4,000 proposals and weddings throughout New York City.
Vlad has also been profiled in Business Insider, Cosmopolitan, the New York Times, Euro New and other US and international publications.
Since 2010 he’s been making photographic magic in NYC.And today, I wake up beaming with pride to be a professional photographer in the amazing city of New York.
Vlad has also been profiled in Business Insider, Cosmopolitan, the New York Times,
Euro New and other US and international publications.
Since 2010 he’s been making photographic magic in NYC.

More about me

Press about me

Like a Spy, He Photographs Marriage Proposals in New York City.

This guy has been secretly photographing marriage proposals in New York.

Vlad Leto hides in crowds all over the city and snaps that special moment when a marriage proposal is about to be made.

Photographer goes undercover to capture intimate paparazzi-style pictures of 200 proposals in New York City.

Secretly shoot your marriage proposal in the Big Apple.

14 Photos of surprise engagements that will have you sobbing into your cat.

FAQ

What Are Other Great Proposal Locations in NYC?

Besides Central Park, DUMBO in Brooklyn offers lots of options for creative decorations, and private rooftops are some of my favorite locations.

The best thing about rooftops is that they’re private and have amazing views of the city. They also give us a lot of flexibility to be creative with the decorations.

Can you help me with rooftop rentals?

Absolutely. We have sourced the best 10 private rooftops in Manhattan and Brooklyn, and will gladly share them with you over email.

Can you help me with planning?

Yes. A member of my creative team is a professional proposal planner and she has helped a great many of my couples to have an incredible day. Please send me a message to let me know that you would also like to talk with our proposal planner.

Can you arrange for flowers at the proposal?

Yes. Just let us know that you’d like to have flowers and we will make sure to surprise your loved one with them! If you have particular flowers in mind, please ask and we will try our best to source some for you. Please note that most types of flowers are seasonal; have a look online for the flowers that are in season and we will get onto it!

Can you capture my proposal on video?

Yes, definitely! In fact, I think it’s necessary to have the proposal not only photographed but also filmed. Video gives a wonderfully rounded perspective to your proposal that perfectly complements the photography.

I shot and edited my first marriage proposal video in the summer of 2015 using two cameras and a drone. The video was published online and quickly went viral: it became one of the ‘Best Proposal Videos of 2015,’ awarded by HowHeAsked.com, one of the most popular wedding proposal websites around. I have plenty of film package options available to suit all budgets. Just send me a message with your ideas and I’ll get back to you with some suggestions.

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