Elopement Photographer Philadelphia

Eloping in Philadelphia

It used to be that when you heard the word elopement, you pictured a couple sneaking off and getting married without telling a soul.  These days, the term elopement has expanded and become more popular as a thoughtful and well-planned intimate marriage ceremony that can mirror the couple’s values, desires, and love. In Philadelphia, an elopement can range from a city hall ceremony to exchanging vows at a park, a restaurant, a small wedding venue or even in your own backyard.

 

 

Elopement Photography in Philadelphia

Many couples who choose to go the route of an elopement still hire professional photographers to capture this important day.  As an elopement photographer in Philadelphia, I have had the joy and privilege to photograph countless intimate wedding ceremonies around the city. This allows me to offer my years of experience not only as a photographer, but also my knowledge of some of the best locations for small wedding ceremonies in Philadelphia and some of the best locations for wedding photos around the city. This guide for choosing your elopement photographer will not just share photo tips, but also other helpful info for eloping in Philadelphia.

 

 

Marriage License

No matter if you are having a full-blown wedding ceremony with a ballroom full of guests or if you are eloping at Philadelphia City Hall, you will need to get a marriage license. Use this link for the ​​Philadelphia Marriage License Bureau to get all the details on how and where to get this. The state of Pennsylvania also offers a unique option of a self-uniting marriage license, which allows you to get married without an officiant and instead with two witnesses. This option can be appealing to those planning to elope in Philadelphia by eliminating the need to have an officiant.

 

 

Elopement Location Ideas In Philadelphia

Philadelphia truly has endless locations for an elopement. Since these ceremonies are often short and sweet, you can choose a location that fits the two of you as a couple. Whether it’s nestled in the trees in The Wissahickon Park or on the rooftop terrace of the W Hotel in Center City, with the Philadelphia skyline as your backdrop. When picking your location, keep in mind your ceremony and also your photos after the ceremony. Do you want to be out in one of Philadelphia’s many parks or inside a small wedding venue? Do you want to be in a cozy greenhouse or the grand Philadelphia City Hall? You can also pick a location based on the neighborhood. Perhaps you want to choose the neighborhood you live in, and then you can take photos at the places you frequent in your daily life together. Maybe there are other neighborhoods that are near and dear to your heart, whether it’s Old City Philadelphia, The Italian Market, Fairmount, Fishtown, Germantown, or one of the many others. Here are a few locations you could consider, as well as links to real weddings in these Philadelphia locations, so you can get a sense of what your elopement photos could look like.

 

 

Philadelphia City Hall Elopement

Location: 1400 John F Kennedy Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19107 (Center City)

Real elopement at Philadelphia City Hall

 

 

Wedding Wednesday at Love Park

Location: 16th Street and JFK Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA 19102 (Center City)

Real wedding at Wedding Wednesday at Love Park

 

 

Philadelphia Wedding Chapel

Location: 3502 Scotts Lane Building 3, Philadelphia, PA 19129 (East Falls)

Real Wedding at Philadelphia Wedding Chapel

 

 

Vaux Wedding Chapel

Location: 1209 Spruce St, Philadelphia, PA 19107 (Center City)

Real Wedding at Vaux Wedding Venue

 

 

For more location ideas, check out these blog posts:

Ultimate Guide for Small Philadelphia Wedding Venues

Small Outside Wedding Locations in Philadelphia

 

 

 

Choosing Your Philadelphia Elopement Photographer

Let’s talk a little bit about how to choose your Philadelphia elopement photographer. Perhaps you are searching through photographers’ websites, but feeling a little overwhelmed about how to pick the right photographer for your wedding day. Here are a few questions you may want to ask, and I how I would answer these questions:

 

 

What is your photo style?

This is an important question that you can probably be best answered by looking at the photographer’s photos. Take your time and really look through the photographer’s website. If they have a Blog, certainly spend time there and get a sense of what you can expect.

I would describe my photo style as clean, classic, and true to life. Here is a link to my blog, where I encourage you to check out the many Real Philadelphia Weddings and elopements.

 

 

Do you have experience photographing elopements?

Not all wedding photographers specialize in smaller weddings, micro-gatherings, and or elopements. It can be helpful to work with a photographer who has experience with this and understands the nuances and flow of smaller wedding celebrations.

I have always had a soft spot in my heart for elopements and micro weddings. Since I started photographing weddings over 10 years ago, I have been photographing Philadelphia city hall weddings, backyard weddings, and sweet park gatherings.

 

 

Do you offer smaller packages specifically for elements?

Don’t be shy about understanding packages and pricing structure for the photographer you’re talking with. It’s important to know if they have minimum packages and what’s included in each package.  Do you get the high-resolution print-ready images automatically, or is those an additional fee for these?  Do you get printing rights for the photos?  How many photos can you expect?

As a Philadelphia elopement photographer, I do offer packages that suit the needs of those looking for shorter coverage. The high-resolution print-ready images are included in every wedding package I offer, whether it be an elopement or a full-scale wedding. The couple will have printing rights of their digital images, allowing them to order prints from any lab they choose.

 

 

 

 

 

How Long Have you Been Photographing weddings in Philadelphia?

This is good information to have. Working with a wedding photographer who is experienced can help your day go more smoothly.

 

I have been lucky enough to be a full-time wedding photographer for over 10 years.  This has allowed me to gain years of experience, and I have had the opportunity to photograph in many different locations and venues in Philadelphia, from more traditional venues to off-the-beaten-path locations such as breweries, museums, parks, and restaurants.

 

 

How many hours of Photography will I need for my elopement?

The answer to this question is very personal and can vary greatly from one hour of Photography to 6 hours or more, depending on the flow of your day and what’s most important to capture. Going over your timeline together and the most important aspects of the day with your photographer will help you get a clearer sense of how many hours would be best for your Philadelphia elopement.  Talking this through on an inquiry call can help your timeline come into focus.

 

 

Schedule an Inquiry Call!

If you are reading this, I’m guessing you are in the process of planning a Philadelphia elopement. I would love to chat with you about photography for your special day. You can reach out to me via the online contact form for Heidi Roland Photography, and I will get back to you quickly to schedule a call. I can’t wait to hear from you and learn more about the elopement you are planning!