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 greenspaces, 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 and 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

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, trees 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

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 has lovely water views.

 

 

Addison Street

1700 Block of Addion 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 St 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

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.

 

 

 

Penn’s Landing 

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. 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

 

 

 

Elfreth’s Alley

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

 

 

 

Rodin Museum

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 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 reflecting pool for 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’s “must-see when in Philadelphia” list.

Check out this engagement session at The Philadelphia Museum of Art.

 

 

 

18th Century Garden

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. Keep in mind that you will need to secure a permit for photos at any of the National Park locations.

 

 

 

Love Park

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

One of my favorite places to escape the city while still being in the city, is Wissahciken 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 Wissahciken Valley Park.

 

 

 

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 that 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.

 

 

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