Best Engagement Photo Locations In Philadelphia

Just got engaged? Planning where to go for your engagement photos? Wondering where the best Philadelphia engagement photo locations are? Well, luckily you have lots of amazing locations right here in this dynamic city! Philadelphia runs the gamut from historic to modern from urban to green. Your engagement photos are an opportunity to express who you are as a couple. Do you love dressing up and sipping wine at a rooftop happy hour downtown? Or are you two more likely to be found on the hiking trails of the Wissahickon with your pup?

 

 

Old City Engagement Sessions

Merchant Exchange Building

Independence National Historical Park

143 S 3rd St, Philadelphia, PA 19106

Old City is full of historic locations, cobblestones, and charm. There are plenty of interesting places for photos. The Merchants’ Exchange Building was built in the 1800s in Greek Revival style and can be a nice stop. Just keep in mind that some of the most popular locations in Old City are part of the National Park and you will need a permit to photograph there. These locations include(but are not limited to) the Magnolia Garden, Rose Garden, 18th Century Garden, Benjamin Rush Garden The Second Bank of the United States. You could also choose to avoid the big landmarks and wander some of the little side streets such as American Street (located between 2nd Street and 3rd Street and Spruce Street and Delancy Street). The area around Headhouse Square is as quite appealing too.

 

 

Valley Green Inn Engagement Sessions

Wissahickon Valley Park

Valley Green Rd, Philadelphia, PA 19128

Wissahickon Valley Park is a true oasis in Philadelphia with wonderful wooded land and hiking trails. This forest location is the perfect place for an engagement session for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. There are many different pull-offs and parking areas to enter this woodsy wonderland. The Valley Green Inn is a great option as it offers convenient parking, lovely water views, hiking trails, and the Forbidden Drive walking path. If you and your fiance like to walk in the woods, sit by the river and breathe in the fresh air then this just might be an ideal Philadelphia engagement session location.

 

 

Boathouse Row Engagement Philadelphia

1 Boathouse Row, Philadelphia, PA 19130

Boathouse Row is another great option for couples’ photos. It offers a variety of different backdrops by the Schuylkill River. There are two pretty gazebos that lend themselves to photos. The Waterworks Gazebo overlooks the river. The other gazebo is perched on top of the hill closer to the back of the Philadelphia Museum of Art and you get a wider view from that height. In the spring you can catch some pretty blossoms too! I love the mix of elements with the water, the trees, and the architecture. You could even walk up toward the back of The Museum of Art where you get to catch a glimpse of some Philadelphia skyline views.

 

 

Philadelphia Art Museum Engagement Session

Along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, there are some iconic options for photos! The Philadelphia Museum of Art is a hotspot for engagements and it is easy to see why. The grand architecture and the amazing staircase are impressive and beautiful. From the top of the steps, you get a sweeping view of the skyline. It is a classic Philadelphia location for engagement photos. Further down the parkway, you will find the  Rodin Museum. This museum has a very picturesque courtyard that is a wonderful option for photos too. You will need to secure a permit for photos in the museum courtyard, but you can take photos on the outside without a permit.

 

 

Philadelphia Museum of Art

2600 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy, Philadelphia, PA 19130

 

 

Rodin Museum

2151 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy, Philadelphia, PA 19130

 

 

Center City Philadelphia Engagement Sessions

Center City Philadelphia is a popular option for engagement photos too. There is always a buzz in the air and no shortage of interesting spots for awesome photos. Broad Street, also known as the Avenue of the Arts, makes a great place for pictures. The classic Broad Street photo with Philadelphia City Hall in the background is a go-to for many couples. Love Park is also fun and just across the street from city hall. You can also incorporate one of the many city parks, such as Rittenhouse Square Park, in your engagement photos. Maybe you grab an ice cream in enjoy it on a bench in the shade!

 

 

AMOR Sculpture

210 N 18th St, Philadelphia, PA 19103

 

 

Philadelphia City Hall

1400 John F Kennedy Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19107

 

 

More Engagement Sessions Location Ideas

I know I said 5 locations, but I can’t help but give you a few more favorite spots for engagement photos!

 

 

Race Street Pier

N Christopher Columbus Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19106

Race Street Pier is another waterfront idea, on the Banks of the Delaware River. The bridge views are spectacular.

 

 

Love Park

The iconic “Love Statue” is a fun starting place for a center city engagement session and it’s just across the street from Philadelphia City Hall.

 

 

Your Neighborhood

Choosing the neighborhood you live in or one that you enjoy visiting can be fun, such as the Italian Market.

 

 

Your Favorite Restaurant

Picking a restaurant with a fabulous view to have a quick glass of champagne together can be fun.

 

 

Go on an Adventure

You could even do an activity during your engagement session. I once photographed a couple who love rock climbing and they decided to incorporate this into their photos. There you can see more from their adventurous engagement session here.

 

 

 

These are some of my favorite Philadelphia engagement photo locations but truly the possibilities are endless and what’s most important is that it resonates with you. Think about the season, the style, and what the two of you like to do together or some of your favorite or meaningful spots around the city!