Best Locations for a Marriage Proposal In Philadelphia
If you have just started planning your engagement, you are probably wondering what are the best locations for a marriage proposal in Philadelphia?
Philadelphia is a dynamic city, from historic to modern, from rooftops to green spaces, Philadelphia truly has it all. As a Philadelphia proposal photographer, I have had the pleasure of photographing many amazing moments where the question is asked, “Will you Marry Me?” followed by an excited “Yes!” Let me share some of my favorite spots with you!
Picking a Proposal Location in Philadelphia
In planning the proposal location, it is important to think about what your partner would like. Are you a rooftop cocktails in center city kind of couple or a causal walk in the Wissahickon with your pup kind of couple? Would your partner prefer somewhere quieter and more private or does the hustle and bustle of a busy park excite them? Once you have thought through some of their preferences, it’s easier to start narrowing in on the perfect location to get down on one knee and pop the question in Philadelphia.
Best Proposal Locations In Philadelphia
Here are some of my favorite locations for surprise proposals in Philadelphia.
Race Street Pier Proposal
Race Street & N. Columbus Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA
Race Street Pier is one of the many amazing outside spaces in Philadelphia. Located on the Delaware River waterfront, this Pier has a green lawn, tree,s and some of the best views of the Benjamin Franklin Bridge. It is a perfect place for engagement photos and couples photos.
Check out this engagement session at Race Street Pier
Boathouse Row Area Marriage Proposal
1 Boathouse Row, Philadelphia, PA
Boathouse Row is along the East side of the Schuylkill River and there are many picturesque locations in the area, including Waterworks Gazebo, Azalea Garden, and the back of the Philadelphia Museum of Art. This pretty proposal location is just off Kelly Drive and has lovely water views. Keep in mind that if you choose the Waterworks Gazebo as your proposal location, you will need to get a photo permit.
Addison Street Surprise Proposal
1700 or 1800 Block of Addison St, Philadelphia, PA
This quaint residential street is a popular location for photos. The twinkle lights that are wrapped around the trees are lovely in photos, and in the spring, there is an extra special element of the blossoming flowers on the trees. Addison Street is definitely one of Philadelphia’s most romantic streets and could be where you ask for your partner’s hand in marriage.
See a real proposal on Addison Street
Rittenhouse Square Park Engagement
1800 Walnut St, Philadelphia, PA
Rittenhouse Square Park is a lively Philadelphia public park full of benches, a fountain, and lots of activity. There are often musicians playing, a farmer’s market on Saturday, and people relaxing and gathering on the grass. It has a wonderful feel and is a classic Philadelphia location that could be the backdrop for your special moment.
Click this link to see a Rittenhouse Square Park proposal in Philadelphia and get inspired by this park location in the city.
Penn’s Landing/Benjamin Franklin Bridge Proposal
Chestnut Street & N. Columbus Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA
Penns Landing is another Philadelphia waterfront location on the banks of the Delaware River. This area has year-round activities, attractions, and events. From ice skating in the winter to concerts and festivals in the warmer weather, there is always something to do. It is also popular for its walking path along the water, Spruce St Harbor Park, and the Independence Seaport Museum. There are also great views of the Benjamin Franklin Bridge.
See a real proposal at Penn’s Landing
Schuylkill Trail Along Kelly Drive Engagement
The Schuylkill Trail is a well-known and delightful walking and biking path along the Schuylkill River that runs beside Kelly Drive. In the spring, this area is especially lovely with all the trees, including cherry blossoms, on full display. This trail runs behind the Philadelphia Museum of Art, past Lloyd Hall, and all the way to Falls Bridge in East Falls through Fairmount Park.
Elfreth’s Alley Proposal
126 Elfreth’s Alley, Philadelphia, PA 19106
This cobblestone Street in Old City Philadelphia is full of history and charm, dating back to the 1700s. The street certainly has appeal, but keep in mind it can often be busy with tourists and visitors depending on the day and time you choose to visit.
See a real proposal at Elfreth’s Alley, and here is one more surprise engagement at Elfreth’s Alley to browse from this historic street.
Rodin Museum Proposal
2151 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy, Philadelphia, PA
The Rodin Museum has a beautiful enclosed courtyard that lends itself to proposal and engagement photos. You do need to secure a permit to be able to use this area for photos, so reach out to the Rodin Museum in advance to make sure you are able to use this space. The courtyard is still open to museum-goers but is generally pretty quiet. I love the landscaping and the reflecting pool for engagement photos.
See a real Proposal at The Rodin Museum
Philadelphia Museum Of Art
2600 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy, Philadelphia, PA
The Philadelphia Museum of Art is a popular attraction not just for its impressive collection of art but also for its movie-famous steps from the iconic scene in the “Rocky” Movie. The architecture of the building and the grand staircase that leads up to the museum also make it a favorite stop for engagement and proposal photos. It is truly a majestic building and on many people’s “must-see when in Philadelphia” list.
Check out this engagement session at The Philadelphia Museum of Art.
18th Century Garden in Old City Philadelphia
339 Walnut St, Philadelphia, PA
The 18th Century Garden is a small garden that is part of the Independence National Historic Park in Old City. It features a lovely gazebo and landscaped pathways with a variety of greenery and flowers depending on the season. The National Park includes other locations that are worth considering, such as The Second National Bank and The Merchant Exchange Building.
Love Park in Center City
John F Kennedy Blvd and North 15th Street
Love Park is a center-city park right across the street from Philadelphia City Hall. One of the main attractions of the park is the “LOVE” Statue. Many visitors take photos in front of the well-known statue and I can see how it would be a fun place for a proposal.
Wissahickon Valley Park, Philadelphia PA
One of my favorite places to escape the city while still being in the city, is Wissahickon Valley Park. It is an expansive park with hiking trails and woods, and offers a reprieve from the concrete. If you are an outdoorsy couple this might be the right place to pop the question after a walk amongst the trees and then maybe dinner at the Valley Green Inn(a cozy and tasty restaurant perched right along the walking path). There are multiple pull-offs and entrances for the Wissahickon Valley Park, and they are all equally as lovely.
Check out this engagement session at Wissahickon Valley Park or this engagement session near the Valley Green Inn.
Cira Green Rooftop Park
Cira Green is a rooftop Park that is open to the public. From 12 floors up, you get some of the best Philadelphia skyline views in the city. It is open 7 Days a Week 7:00 am – 9:00 pm Sunday – Monday, 7:00 am – 10:00 pm Tuesday – Thursday, and 7:00 am – 11:00 pm Friday – Saturday
Location: 129 S 30th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104
Website: www.ciragreen.com
email: ciragreeninfo@bdnreit.com
Here is a link to a spectacular marriage proposal on the rooftop at Cura Green.
Your Own Philly Neighborhood
Another option to consider when trying to decide the best location for your Philadelphia marriage proposal is to do it right in your own neighborhood. Although I can see the appeal of going all out and fancy, I can equally see the appeal of keeping it close to home. Maybe you do it right in the park where you have your coffee at every day or the spot where you had your first date. Sometimes the most heartfelt gestures are not always the biggest and the most over the top, but instead the most thoughtful.
The Rooftop Terrace at The W Hotel Philadelphia
If you are looking for a private and luxurious experience with sweeping Philadelphia skyline views, I know just the proposal location for you! Check out this rooftop terrace on the 49th floor of the W Hotel in Center City Philadelphia. This view adds a wow factor, seemingly putting you right in the middle of the city but providing a private and romantic place to get engaged. Have a look at this epic proposal at the W Hotel Philadelphia.
Location: The W Hotel 1439 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19102
Website: https:www.marriott.com
Phone Number: (215) 709-8000
Shofuso Japanese Cultural Center
You can rent this beautiful garden at Shofuso Japanese Cultural Center in Philadelphia’s Fairmount Park and have it all to yourselves! It can be extra special to have a private space just the two of you. There is a photography permit fee, so reach out to Shofuso directly to find out all the details. See more from this fall proposal and engagement session at Shofuso.
Location: Lansdowne Dr & Horticultural Dr, Philadelphia, PA 19131
Website: https:www.japanphilly.org
Phone Number: (215) 878-5097
If you are still curious about some other options, here are a few more:
The Penn Museum
There is a fee for a photo permit here and there are limited spaces where you can take photos, but the outside courtyard is quite pretty(there are actually two), and the inside of this archaeology and anthropology museum at the University of Pennsylvania offers some interesting options.
Location: 3260 South St, Philadelphia, PA 19104
Website: www.penn.museum
Phone:(215) 898-4000
See More Philadelphia Proposals
Want to see more Philadelphia proposals? Check out this link for inspiration and more real proposal moments in and around the city.
Philadelphia Marriage Proposal
