
This rooftop view from the terrace of the Bok Building in South Philadelphia was the perfect place for this surprise proposal! With the help of friends who were able to come early, flowers were set, champagne was chilled, and everything was in place for the big moment. Such a sweet setup for a memorable proposal!


I love the sweeping views of Philadelphia from the private 7th-floor balcony of the Bok Building. You can really get an expansive view of the city. It feels pretty special to have this open-air terrace for an engagement session and Bok building proposal photos. I would have to say this location is up there as one of the best locations to get down on one knee and ask for a hand in marriage. The event staff at the Bok Building were kind, attentive, and went above and beyond to make this moment go smoothly.
What is better than sipping a glass of cold bubbly champagne after getting engaged on the rooftop terrace? You really can’t beat this moment. There were lots of smiles and hugs as they celebrated together. Then we took some time for couple’s photos on the Bok rooftop.

I really enjoyed photographing this sweet proposal with panoramic views of center city and South Philly. Here are three reasons to propose on the rooftop of The Bok Building:
1. It’s Private
Having a private space to propose can be nice. There is no one who will accidentally walk into the photo while you are down on one knee, and it can bring a little more calm to the planning. When you propose in a public place, you just never know what might be happening when you arrive. Not too long ago, I was photographing a proposal along a river walk, and when I arrived, there was a themed 5K race happening where people were dressed in costumes! Having a space that is all yours avoids these kinds of situations. It also can make the moment feel more intimate and romantic and you have the freedom to set out decorations and champagne if you like.
2. Skyline Views
If you live in Philadelphia or are visiting, having the skyline behind you really shows off the city and makes for great photos and an unforgettable experience. Since the Bok Bar is not downtown in the midst of all the buildings, you get a wider view. Some other places that I like taking photos with the skyline are Cira Green and The W Hotel. Each offers its own unique vibe and view. This Philadelphia rooftop is a little off the beaten path, making it a unique location for a proposal in Philadelphia.
3. It’s unexpected
Since it’s not right downtown, the location might feel a bit unexpected! In the warmer months, when the Bok Bar is open, you can pop over there afterwards to celebrate or the delicious Irwin Upsatirs for seafood, handmade pasta, and tasty wines right in the same Bok Building. The element of surprise is often sought after when planning out a proposal, and this location seems to have a sense of casual, cool, and unexpected.
Wondering how to book the Bok Bar Rooftop Terrace for your proposal? Just reach out to their event staff by filling out the contact form on the Bok Building website.

The Bok Building is located at 1901 South 9th Street in Philadelphia, PA. It is a building full of workspaces for small businesses, makers, artists, and non-profits. The building used to be a high school, and many of the spaces remain just as they were. It is a very lively building with everything from a hair salon, a bakery, a coffee shop, ESL classes, and so much more. This community space often hosts events and even offers tours. If you haven’t yet been to the Bok Builidng it is worth checking out. Of course, you now know this is a great location for proposal or engagement photos, and they also host weddings!
The Bok Bar is an award-winning rooftop bar in the Bok Building at 800 Mifflin Street. It is only open during the warmer months (April – October), where you will find delicious drinks, tasty food, and amazing views! Add this to your list for happy hours if you haven’t had the chance to soak in the sun and sip on a cocktail at this fun Philadelphia location.
If you want to browse through more Philadelphia proposal ideas and locations, here are a few links to check out. I love sharing the many proposal sessions I have photographed all over the city. From the Philadelphia Museum of Art to Rittenhouse Park, there are so many iconic locations for proposal photos. If you are still trying to decide on which location would be the best fit for your proposal, check out this blog that shares the Best locations for marriage proposals in Philadelphia.
Here are a few other blog posts you might enjoy:
Race Street Pier Proposal (Scenic Waterfront Park along the Delaware River)
Bartrams Gardens Proposal (Peaceful nature-filled oasis along the Schuylkill River)
If you are looking for private locations to rent for a proposal in Philadelphia, check out these ideas:
If you are in the process of planning a Philadelphia proposal and looking for a photographer to capture the moment, I would love to hop on a call with you to hear more about the proposal session you have in mind. Whether you are planning a private rooftop proposal or still brainstorming ideas, I would be happy to chat! As a Philadelphia area proposal photographer, I have lots of experience with photo sessions throughout the city. Just fill out the contact form for Heidi Roland Photography, and I will get back to you to schedule a phone call. I can’t wait to hear from you!
