Best Philadelphia Engagement Photo Locations
This time of year is what we like to call “Engagement Season” because a lot of couples get engaged over the holidays and then jump right into planning in the New Year. As wedding photographers, we know that many couples love to take engagement photos before the big day. It’s a great way to get comfortable in front of the camera and of course get to know your photographer a little better. Since many couples come to us asking where the best spots are for their engagement photos, we decided to put together a list of what we consider the Best Philadelphia Engagement Session locations. There are the popular spots that you might come to recognize like Love Park, but as experts we know all the best spots that are less crowded and make for a stunning backdrop for your Philadelphia Engagement Session!! Here are some of our favorites below.
1. Benjamin Franklin Bridge
In nice weather, this spot along the Race Street Pier can get pretty crowded but with the right camera angles, we can really work the scene to our advantage and get a very dramatic look for our couple’s engagement or wedding photos!
2. Philadelphia Museum of Art
The Pillars
This might not be an obvious choice since most people tend to request the iconic photo on the steps of the Art Museum but we love using the large pillars for a more architectural and artistic look. There’s so many different ways we can shoot for a variety of looks as well!
Top of the Steps
And of course we can’t leave out the most iconic look for a Philadelphia Museum of Art engagement session, which is atop the steps! This is by far one of the most crowded Philly locations but with a bit of expertise and the right equipment, we’re able to capture our couples in the most intimate way featuring the City of Brotherly Love.
3. Boat House Row
The historic Boat House Row located along Kelly Drive and the Schuylkill River is a very picturesque backdrop for your engagement photos. We love this green area right behind the Philadelphia Museum of Art which overlooks the river.
4. Water Works Philadelphia
This National Landmark, which was once home to the engine room of Philadelphia’s water department, offers a very unique and architectural look for engagement and wedding photos. The historical building is also a wedding venue and was recently purchased by the popular Cescaphe Event Group. Nestled right behind the Water Works Restaurant and overlooking the River, this gazebo with it’s unique structure is the perfect location for a Sunset Engagement Session in Philadelphia.
5. Washington Square Park + City Hall
Washington Square Park
We love Washington Square park because it’s one of the less crowded parks in Philly and offers a nice combination of greenery as well as architecture.
City Hall
This is of course one of the most popular and iconic shots you think of when you hear about any Philadelphia photoshoot. City Hall in Philadelphia is at the very center of this bustling City of Brotherly Love. It’s well known for cameos in popular hit movies and TV shows so no wonder couples want the opportunity to have their photo taken there!
6. Wooden Trellis on Kelly Drive
We absolutely love the romantic look of this wooden trellis located just behind the Philadelphia Museum of Art. In the Spring it’s surrounded by gorgeous greenery and in the Fall it’s shrouded in a beautiful earthy tones and golden hues from the changing foliage!
7. Elfreth’s Alley Engagement Session
Named one of the oldest residential streets in the United States, this adorably quaint spot is the perfect location for romantic engagement photos. From the narrow cobblestone street to the arched walkways, it’s a wealth of opportunities for any engagement or wedding photographs!
8. University of Pennsylvania
For any UPenn alumni, this location holds a special meaning to them. This is Locust Walk is in the heart of the busy campus and any person who went there has walked this street many times during their college career. We love the historical brick walkway surrounded by beautiful trees and private benches.
9. Race Street Pier
Finishing off this post right back where we started, this is the City View from Race Street Pier, showing that even one location has the potential for multiple photo opportunities! As professional photographers, it’s our job to see the potential of every location we shoot and we consider ourselves experts when it comes to the Best Philadelphia Engagement Session Locations!
