One of the Best Proposal Locations in the U.S. Is This Fairytale Castle in Central Park

Are you planning to pop the question in NYC? Turns out you don’t need a rooftop with skyline views or a five-star restaurant to set the scene—you need a castle. That’s right, Central Park’s Belvedere Castle was just named one of the top 10 proposal spots in the entire U.S. , according to a new ranking by *A Diamond Is Forever*. The 19th-century stone castle perched on Vista Rock has long been a favorite backdrop for engagements, but now it’s officially one of the most romantic places in America to say “yes.” Designed in 1869 by Calvert Vaux (one of Central Park’s original architects), the castle lives up to its name—“belvedere” literally means “beautiful view” in Italian. From its twin balconies, turrets, and sweeping skyline vistas , it’s basically a ready-made fairytale moment. The ranking scored 30 destinations nationwide on factors like cost, safety, amenities, and Instagrammability —and Belvedere Castle checked every box: * Free entry (10/10) : There’s no ticket required, meaning more budget for the ring (or champagne). * Insta appeal (9/10) : With 45,000+ posts tagged #belvederecastle , it’s one of the most photogenic spots in the park. * Romantic charm : Overlooking Turtle Pond, the Great Lawn, and the Ramble, it blends nature and city views in the most NYC way possible. * History : With over 150 years of romantic encounters, the castle has timeless appeal that makes every proposal feel like part of New York’s story. Each year, 40 million people wander through Central Park , but Belvedere Castle still manages to feel tucked away. Winding stone pathways, secret nooks, and terraces perfect for sunset make it one of the park’s most enchanting spots. It’s no wonder there’s practically an entire industry built around surprise proposals here. Other notable spots that made the list -------------------------------------- Beyond the top picks, the ranking also featured romantic destinations around the world. Spots like Hawaii’s Kaunaoa Beach , Dubai Miracle Garden , and Scotland’s Eilean Donan Castle all made the list. Closer to home, places like White Sands National Park in New Mexico , California’s Yosemite Falls , and even Niagara Falls right here in New York all earned high marks. See the full list here. Source: https://secretnyc.co/top-proposal-location-in-us-2025-belvedere-castle-a-diamond-is-forever-ranking/