This story is part of “I Do” Downtown, a series on all things weddings in Lower Manhattan. Find the series here.
With all due respect to the neighborhoods located north of Chambers Street, we think Lower Manhattan is the most romantic neighborhood in all of New York City. You’ve got miles of waterfront views, sky-high restaurants where you can take in the glittering cityscape and plenty of places to buy your beau something sparkly for their ring finger. If it’s time to take your relationship to the next level with a proposal, there’s no better place to do it than downtown Manhattan.
We’ve gathered some of our favorite neighborhood spots for every step of the journey, from ring shopping to the proposal itself to the post-proposal celebration. You can thank us with an invite to the wedding!
Where to Get the Engagement Ring
First things first, you’ll need to buy a ring. Whether you’re looking for a classic heirloom piece or something chic and trendy, there are plenty of jewelers downtown for every style and budget.
Martin Busch Jewelers
Martin Busch Jewelers has an impressively wide range of engagement ring styles. The longtime downtown family-run business offers lab-grown diamonds, natural diamonds and gemstones that can be placed in a variety of settings, from simple solitaire bands to pavé rings to multi-stone designs. You can choose from the selection of ready-to-buy engagement rings, or work with a talented team member to design your own custom ring — the shop’s speciality! Note that custom work takes about six-to-eight weeks to complete. (85 John St.)
Tiffany & Co.
After all, that little blue box is famous for a reason. At Tiffany & Co., an advisor can help you design the diamond engagement ring that’s just right for you and your beau. They’ll guide you in choosing the right setting, shape and metal for your ring. And the service doesn’t stop once you’ve proposed: Tiffany & Co. offers a complimentary cleaning service over the lifetime of the ring, which includes routinely checking that the stones are secure in their setting. Plus, when it’s time to buy wedding bands, you can do that here, too. (37 Wall St.)
William Barthman Jeweler
William Barthman Jeweler has been operating in the Financial District since 1884, but its collection of diamond rings is anything but old-fashioned. We’re talking about ultra-minimalist diamond bands, elegant sunburst-inspired designs, mixed-metal rings and more by Damiani, Chimento and Pasquale Bruni. And when it’s time for an anniversary gift in a few years, come back to check out the shop’s curated assortment of luxury timepieces and fine gifts. (20 Broad St.)
Pandora Jewelry
If you thought Pandora Jewelry was just for cute charm bracelets, think again. The downtown outpost has a curated collection of gorgeous engagement rings, including lab-grown diamond rings, engravable rings and dainty designs made with cubic zirconia or other gems. Many of Pandora’s rings — including diamond rings — are less than $1,000. That’s more money you can put towards the honeymoon. (185 Greenwich St.)
Steph Mazuera
The diamond rings at Steph Mazuera are the perfect blend of timeless and trendy. They’re simple designs with unique elements, like a flush set diamond in a band thick enough for everyday wear. Each piece is handmade, which means you can customize it to your preferences. The shop offers complimentary design consultations to help you create the ring that’s cool enough for the coolest person you know. (161 Water St.)
Proposal Spots
Once you have the ring, it’s time to start thinking about where to pop the question. Sky-high restaurant? Serene waterfront park? At a poetry library? You know your partner best, but if you get down on one knee at any of these destinations, we’re pretty sure they’ll say yes.
Manhatta
The ring won’t be the only thing that’s truly dazzling if you propose at this fine-dining restaurant located 60 stories above street level. Manhatta’s proposal packages allow you to pop the question in a private dining room with floor-to-ceiling views of Lower Manhattan and celebrate with a champagne toast. For a truly memorable night, you can also upgrade your package to include a 10-course tasting menu for two with a wine pairing. (28 Liberty St.)
Governors Island Outlook Hill
This is an ideal proposal location for a couple who bonded over their love of all things NYC. From Outlook Hill on Governors Island, you’ll enjoy 360-degree views of the Statue of Liberty, New York Harbor, the Verrazano-Narrows bridge and of course, the city skyline. How romantic! Pro tip: Book a reservation for your post-proposal dinner at Three Peaks Lodge, the onsite restaurant at Collective Governors Island.
South Cove Park
Sure, South Cove Park is a public park, but it has plenty of serene, secluded spots for a romantic moment. At sunset, find a spot on the esplanade or climb to the top of the raised metal tower to pop the question, which would be a great location if you’re hiring a photographer to capture the moment (hint hint). It’s very scenic and near plenty of tourist attractions, so your partner won’t be too suspicious if they spot someone with a camera in tow. (50 Battery Pl.)
Poets House
True romantics will love a proposal that takes place in a room absolutely filled with poetry. Spend some time browsing through the poetry library with your sweetheart in the sunny space that has plenty of cozy little nooks. You could even find a love poem in the stacks, say “This one reminds me of you,” and get down on one knee while their nose is in the book. When they look up from the poem, there you are with the ring — now that’s a proposal story they’ll love telling over and over. (10 River Terr.)
Mercer Labs
Plenty of people propose in front of their favorite piece at the Met, but only the coolest people would think to do so at Mercer Labs. This art and technology museum has room after room of stunning immersive exhibits that will make for a memorable proposal. You’ll know the one that feels right to you, but we’d recommend The Map, which surrounds you in a wave of blossoming flowers. Pretty romantic, right? (21 Dey St.)
On a Private Sunset Sail With Tribeca Sailing
We can see it now: The two of you, taking in gorgeous views of the Statue of Liberty and the skyline at sunset, saying cheers to the next step in your relationship. Tribeca Sailing offers private sails departing from Liberty Street and South End Avenue that can make for a very romantic proposal. Its website it even suggests preferred photographers, musicians and florists, so rest assured they know how to make it a special evening. Sails can accommodate up to six people, so you can even bring a few family members or friends with you to celebrate. (Boats depart from Liberty St. and South End Ave.)
Warren Street Hotel
The thing about many of New York City’s most beautiful places is that they tend to attract a lot of people. And while that’s what makes the city so lively, it’s not ideal if you’re trying to plan a private proposal. That’s why you should consider booking a staycation at the Warren Street Hotel for your proposal. The colorful, artistic hotel has multiple rooms with private terraces or gardens that let you look out onto the city while you’re surrounded by nature — just the two of you. After the proposal, head downstairs to the Warren Street Bar and Restaurant, or just order a bottle of bubbly up to the room. (86 Warren St.)
Places to Host an Engagement or Post-Proposal Party
You proposed, they said yes (we hope!), happy tears have been cried, and now, it’s time to party with your family and friends. If you’re looking to surprise them with a room full of their loved ones right after the proposal, or just want to get a head start on planning the engagement party, here are six great spots to gather in the neighborhood.
Overstory
If you’ve got friends and family coming from out of town for your engagement party and want to ensure they’re truly dazzled, book your party at Overstory, a 64th-story cocktail bar. Your whole crew will love celebrating on the wraparound terrace with incredible views and elevated cocktails or mocktails. Private event inquiries can be made through the website. (70 Pine St.)
Della’s
This cozy neighborhood wine bar in Tribeca is perfect for an intimate engagement celebration. The top-notch team at Della’s will work with you to create a curated wine and food menu for the evening with items like oysters, lemon garlic chicken, charcuterie and more. Della’s offers partial or full buyouts of the space for up to 25 people. Inquiries for parties can be made through the website. (66 W. Broadway)
Delmonico’s
The historic steakhouse has multiple private and semi-private dining spaces that are ideal for a party. Celebrate your engagement with seafood, steak, oysters, martinis and baked Alaska, which was created at this very restaurant in 1867. One thing is certain: No one will leave your engagement party hungry. Spaces can accommodate anywhere from 16 people to 225 people. Inquire through the website to learn more. (56 Beaver St.)
Stone Street Tavern
For something more laid-back, book your party at the historic Stone Street Tavern. The pub-style party menu keeps things low-key with comfort food offerings like sliders, mozzarella sticks and mac-and-cheese. Open bar packages start at $45 per person for two hours. The space can accommodate parties of up to 40 guests; event inquiries can be made through the website. (52 Stone St.)
Lawn Club
If a cocktail bar or sit-down dinner isn’t exactly your vibe as a couple, why not have your engagement party at the Lawn Club? You and your guests can play bocce, cornhole, croquet or lawn pong (which is “like beer pong, but bigger” according to its website) while you sip on cocktails, beer or wine. Food menus include things that are easy to eat with one hand while you play games — think chips and guac, wings, lobster rolls, cookies and more. The fun venue offers private party packages for groups from 12 to 600. Private event inquiries can be made on the website. (1 Fulton St.)
Charter a Historic Vessel though the South Street Seaport Museum
For an engagement party your friends and family won’t soon forget, charter a boat around New York Harbor. But not just any boat — get your crew on one of the South Street Seaport Museum’s historic ships. Through the museum, you can charter the 1885 schooner “Pioneer” or 1930 tugboat “W.O. Decker,” which can hold up to 36 people for 2- or 3-hour sails and up to 14 people for a 2-hour ride, respectively. Catering can be coordinated with the staff when you make your reservation. Party inquiries can be made through the website. (Boats depart from Pier 16)
main photo: Paul and Sophia Ancin, photo by Caroline Fiss
