Living so close to one of the most famous waterfalls in the world, I get a lot of inquiries to do couple shoots there. It is also the number one location in the WNY area to propose.
To get the most common question out of the way: What is the best side, the Canadian or American side? The answer is simply both! The Canadian side has the advantage of having the best views of both falls together. The disadvantage is that you basically only walk in one straight line along very similar views, parallel to the falls themselves. All kinds of different views are the strong suit of the American falls. The beautiful state park has just been completely renewed and offers a lot of different angels of both falls. From the Canadian side it is basically all the same view since you can’t change the angle too much.
To name some locations if you want to go in more detail: Goat Island is right between the two straight sections of the American falls. The horseshoe bend shaped waterfall is the Canadian part of the falls.
On a side note, the Niagara River itself acts as the border. Ideally if you have the time to do so, just take the beautiful walk across the Rainbow Bridge (a rainbow shows up in the mist as long as the sun is shining). That is how cars cross the border/river and there is a pedestrian walkway that offers unique views of both falls from a side angle. The height of the bridge you are on makes it even more spectacular, just make sure you are not afraid of heights before you choose that option.
Okay, let’s dive right into it. Here are a couple different views of the falls with multiple options of where to propose at Niagara Falls.
This is on the American side. The American falls are on the very left and the Canadian one is right behind it (mostly covered by the mist on this day). The city you see on the right is Niagara Falls, Ontario.
Same spot from a slightly different angle. The mist is not always that strong, it changes quite a bit depending on weather conditions such as temperature and wind. Definitely one of the best spots for a proposal!
As you can see here, on a different day a similar spot has a much better view of the Canadian Falls in the background because there is less mist.
Okay, this spot is super special! They are literally standing in two different countries. You might notice the sign right behind them that marks the border between the US and Canada. He chose this spot because at the time they were actually living in different countries. You might have guessed, he was living in the States while she lived in Canada. This spot is on the rainbow bridge (passport required) and you have a fantastic view of both falls.
Also on the rainbow bridge but a lot closer to the Canadian side. I like the raw feel of the concrete a lot in contrast to the nature in the background.
This the best angle of the American falls from the American side. It is shot from the observation deck that also acts as the elevator to go to a boat called Maid of the Mist. You might remember that boat from the wedding episode of the TV show The Office.
Also shot from that half bridge. While I put the emphasis on them for this one and they are blocking some of the view this is THE best spot to propose on the American side if you prefer to have both falls in the background. Please note that you may have to pay a dollar to get on the bridge (just tell them at the ticket counter that you just want to go on the bridge). If you are lucky however, entrance is free, for example if the boats are not running or in the off season.
Let’s switch gears a little bit. Another way of making this special (and having fewer people around) is to use the colors at night. It is different every night, but you can check the schedule beforehand if you are curious.
If you decide to go for a shoot at night, you should take advantage of the fireworks as well. They happen quite frequently, check the schedule here before you go.
Okay, this was a totally different shoot about cleaning the park but you get the idea. This is the main section of the American Falls from the other side. You can see the half bridge (the one with the tower) and the rainbow bridge right behind that. We are standing on Luna Island which will always be my personal favorite to explore the Falls! Sidenote— you can actually get married on Luna Island, I photographed a ceremony there once! This spot might be an amazing option if you go earlier in the day because of the light. Just check with your photographer what they recommend depending on the time of year and where the sun will be!
This is a better overview of Luna Island (the rectangle in the middle ground on the right). It also has the small section of the American Falls in the foreground that is called Bridal Veil Falls.
The new terrace layout of the renovated Niagara Falls state park. If you want the Canadian Falls as your backdrop, basically pick a spot anywhere on the railing.
Whew, last one! I guess if you made it this far you are really interested in doing your proposal at Niagara Falls, am I right? These are the Canadian Falls in 75% of their glory, shot from a slightly higher angle. Where the two guys in blue are walking could be a fantastic spot to propose if you prefer keeping the photographer hidden. The hill makes it easy to get you in the foreground and the falls in the background because they can be a little higher up.
