Angela Nikolau, 33, and Ivan Kuznetsov, 32, climbed to the top of the building's antenna spire in black sleeveless outfits, documented the stunt on social media, and displayed a banner reading: "When the power of love beats the love of power, the world knows peace".
After reaching a lower platform on the antenna, Beerkus proposed to Nikolau, who later shared a photo of her engagement ring on social media.
The New York Police Department closed nearby streets and arrested the couple without incident.
The pair are facing a wide range of charges, including reckless endangerment, criminal mischief, criminal tampering, criminal trespass and disorderly conduct. Police stated it was unclear whether the couple accessed the antenna.
An Empire State Building spokesperson described the climb as unauthorised and noted the couple could have chosen the building's $USD1,000 ($AUD1,439) Happily Ever Empire Proposal Package.
Nikolau's father, Russian circus artist Dmitriy Nikolau, defended the stunt and expressed no concern about the risks involved.
"I think it is normal to climb up a roof in any country, including the United States, according to any constitution,” Nikolau said.
"Why should I be worried? I climb up roofs myself."
The couple previously gained attention for illegal rooftop climbing, documented in the 2024 Netflix film Skywalkers: A Love Story.
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