3 Best Photo Locations for Engagement Photos in Old City Philadelphia

engagements, Marriage Proposal

Proposal in Old City Philadelphia

This sweet surprise proposal was in one of the best places for engagement photos in Old City Philadelphia, 18th Century Garden. It was a beautiful summer day as they strolled through this historic section of the city. This National Park area has some beautiful hidden-away courtyards and gardens, and this is one of my favorites! The proposal was classic and sweet. With kind words, sweet gestures, and then the down on one knee moment and the “Will you marry me?” question that ushers them both into a new era of life. With a teary “yes!” and lots of hugs and some delighted gushing over the ring, these two were officially engaged. The pure love and excitement in a proposal moment will never get old. It’s hard not to tear up behind the camera when you get such an up-close glimpse of this love-filled moment. These two were filled up and overflowing with joy and excitement, and they didn’t stop smiling for the entire rest of their engagement session.

18th Century Garden Proposal photos in Old City Philadelphia 18th Century Garden Engagement photos in Old City Philadelphia Garden Proposal photos in Old City Philadelphia Philadelphia Engagement Photos in Historic Gardens Engagement photos in Old City Philadelphia National Park Summer engagement Photos by Heidi Roland Photography in Philadelphia PA

 

 

3 Best Photo Locations for Engagement Photos in Old City Philadelphia

The location that was picked for their Philadelphia proposal  was in Old City. Not only was it beautiful but it was also close by to many other dreamy backdrops for photos. The National Park area in Old City has some special places that lend themselves to a proposal moments and engagement photos. I am going to share 3 of the best proposal photo locations in Old City and then share a little bit about them. This couple made stops at all three!

Here they are, the top 3 most popular locations for photos in Old City Philadelphia:

        1. 18th Century Garden
        2.  The Merchants’ Exchange Building
        3. Second National Bank

If you are planning your engagement photo session and wondering what locations to consider, this area may be a good fit if you are looking for a historic neighborhood with cobblestone streets and impressive architecture.

18th Century Garden photos of newly engaged couple in Old City Philly Couple kisses in Old City Garden in Phialdelphia

 

 

1. Engagement Photos at The 18th Century Garden

Not far from Independence Hall, this hidden location for engagement photos in Old City is lovely! It is typically pretty peaceful and quiet at the 18th Century Garden. Located on Walnut Street between 3rd and 4th Streets, this walled garden is well-tended and the plantings rotate depending on the season. The raised bed of flowers and greenery is easy to enjoy walking along the gravel paths. Honestly, I could have spent our whole photo time at this one location, but I knew there was more to explore, so we headed out after 15 minutes or so. Just in this one little garden, there are so many cool views. From the ivy-covered pergola to the brick walls, there seems to be a photo moment everywhere you turn.

Happy couple engaged in Philadelphia

 

 

2. Merchants’ Exchange Building Engagement Photos

Our next stop was the Merchants’ Exchange Building. This majestic Building with captivate you with its size and Greek Revival style. Located at the convergence of  Dock Street, Third Street, and Walnut Streets. It is massive and beautiful and was built in 1834. The clean lines and bold feel will give your engagement photos a classic feel. I love the steps on either side of the building, the cobblestone courtyard that spreads out in front of it. If you are looking for refined, formal, and timeless photos, this location will offer that. This iconic Philadelphia building is always fun to photograph. The textures and colors of the building’s facade are intriguing; the elegant stonework is lovely in photos.

Merchant Exchange engagement Photos in Old City Philadelphia Merchant Exchange couples Photos in Old City Philadelphia Merchant Exchange engagement Photos couple sitting on steps couple cheering at Merchant Exchange engagement Photos in Old City Philadelphia

 

 

3. Second National Bank

Our third and final stop for their engagement session was the Second Bank of the United States in Philadelphia. Located on Chestnut Street, between 4th and 5th Street, this recognizable historic building presents a dramatic and bold backdrop. Pretty awesome – yes? You can walk right through the wrought iron fence and up the stairs to the columns. There are so many fun posing ideas you can include here, from walking up the stairs hand in hand to sitting on the side wall or leaning against the columns. There is a brick walkway leading up to the building and then cobblestones just before you enter the gate. There are some good shade trees along the sides too that can come in handy if its a bright sunny day and you need a little break from the sun.

Second National Bank engagement photos couple walking down steps Second National Bank engagement photos couple shows off ring Second National Bank summer engagement session couple sitting on wall

 

 

Old City Engagement Photos

Picking the right location for your proposal moment and engagement session takes a little thought and sometimes some location visits to see if it’s the best fit for you. Old City in Philadelphia is popular for couples to select, and popular for Philadelphia engagement photographers like myself to recommend, and here are a few of the reasons why:

 

 

1. Historic and Romantic – now there is a combination that’s hard to beat. This area of the old city really does have a lovely feel. It makes you slow down your walk from the “city speed walk” to a “leisurely stroll”. You want to linger and enjoy where you are.

 

 

2. Many Locations within walking distance – If you want a multi-location engagement session but don’t want to have to get in an Uber and hustle across the city, then choosing a location like Old City in Philadelphia would be a great idea! You can easily walk to more than one location, and you can pick from places such as The Magnolia Garden, The Rose Garden, First National Bank, Second National Bank, and more!

 

 

3. Beautiful in Every Season! No matter what time of year, Old City has iconic architecture and pretty places. Whether spring, summer, fall, or winter, you will be able to find romantic spots for engagement photos.

 

 

Want to See More Engagement Session In Philadelphia? 

There are truly so many vibrant neighborhoods and unforgettable locations all over the city that you could choose for your Philadelphia proposal or engagement. Here are some other blog posts to give a deep dive into engagement sessions in the city:

Best Locations for a Marriage Proposal in Philadelphia

Planning Your Philadelphia Proposal The Ultimate Guide

Old City Engagement Session, Philadelphia PA

Proposals In Philadelphia

 

 

Let’s connect!  

If you are planning your proposal or engagement in Philadelphia and looking for a photographer, I would love to chat! You can contact me to set up an informative and free consultation call where I can answer all your questions and share information about proposal photography packages and pricing! Click here to contact Heidi Roland Photography, and I will get back to you right away!

3 best Engagement photo locations in Old City Philadelphia PA

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