14 Amazing Spots for Engagement Photos in Philadelphia 

October 27, 2023

A couple kissing while standing at the top of a plaza staircase overlooking a city during engagement photos in Philadelphia

Are you looking for the perfect spots for engagement photos in Philadelphia? Well, you’re in luck. There are so many spots throughout the city that give you the perfect backdrops for dream engagement photos. 

As a Pennsylvania photographer, I have had the chance to travel all over the state and find some of the best places to celebrate your love with your partner. Whether it’s parks, museums, or piers, there is no shortage of options for photo spots. 

Let’s take a look at some of the top places for engagement photos in Philadelphia! 

Top Spots for Engagement Photos in Philadelphia

Fishtown

Fishtown is a neighborhood in Philadelphia that has a lot of character to it. With various murals throughout, small alleys to explore, and cafes and restaurants to stop and grab a cup of coffee or a slice of pizza, there is no shortage of places to stop!

This is a great option if you want to go somewhere where you can walk around and explore the area during your session. This is also a great place to go if you want to be a bit more active during your photoshoot or have something to do to make you more comfortable! 

Graffiti Pier

As you can guess by the name, Graffiti Pier is a pier covered in graffiti. This waterfront park has amazing views, and the art throughout creates a unique backdrop for your engagement photos! 

The pier has an arched walkway underneath it that creates the perfect path with colorful art all around you. Not only that, but you are right on the water, so you can capture colorful and waterfront photos all in the same spot! 

Fairmount Park 

Fairmont Park is a bit of an oasis in the middle of the city. Spanning 2,00 acres, you can not only find amazing views throughout the park, but you can also find some quiet places throughout for some more intimate moments. 

At one end of the park is the Philadelphia Museum of Art, with beautiful views of the boat houses. You can also find fountains, the Shofuso Japanese House and Garden, and plenty of open spaces.  

Morris Arboretum and Gardens 

For a colorful and nature-filled engagement session, the Morris Arboretum and Gardens is the perfect place to go. The gardens themselves are beautiful and create a stunning backdrop for your photos. 

Throughout the gardens, you can find some great fountains, colorful plants and trees, gazebos, and more. This is another great place to go if you want to walk around and find different quiet places to take intimate engagement photos. 

Chestnut Hill

Chestnut Hill, aptly named the Garden District, is the neighborhood in Philadelphia where the Morris Arboretum and Gardens are located. Not only can you find these beautiful gardens, but you can also find historic mansions and townhomes throughout. 

With so many trees and gardens throughout the neighborhood, this is a great spot to go if you are looking to catch a glimpse of some fall colors in your photos. 

Longwood Gardens

For a really stunning garden experience that almost makes you feel as though you are transported to another country, head over to Longwood Gardens. Not only are the grounds covered in beautiful flowers, but there are also grand fountains, a conservatory, an open-air theatre, and so much more. 

You can do an entire photoshoot here and get so many different views and backgrounds you’ll feel as though you spent the whole day exploring completely different areas. What makes this an even better spot for engagement photos in Philadelphia is that you can visit year-round. 

There are different seasons and exhibits set up throughout the year, so even in the winter, you are sure to get amazing photos!

Eastern State Penitentiary

This may be one of the most unique spots for engagement photos in Philadelphia and maybe in the state in general. This historic prison is partially in ruins, and while it may not be what it once was, it is a really unique experience on its own. 

While the Eastern State Penitentiary is a cool place to visit for a tour, it is an even cooler place for engagement photos. Just be aware that doing a photoshoot here does require a permit and has to be done before or after the operating hours of the penitentiary. 

Rittenhouse Square

Rittenhouse Square is a popular area in Philly to hang out, and it is clear to see why. When it comes to engagement photos, you get the best of both worlds. 

You’ll find beautiful open areas with plenty of greenery (or fall colors) to add a pop to your images. But you’ll also have the city skyline behind you, tying together all that this amazing city has to offer! 

Fitler Square

Fitler Square is seen as one of the best neighborhoods in Philadelphia, and it is a beautiful spot for engagement photos. The surrounding area is a more residential area, so it is a bit more quiet and laid back than other parts of the city. 

The buildings around the area are beautiful and create the perfect backdrop for your engagement photos. Plus, there is a small park (Filter Square Park) that is the perfect place to take some more relaxed pictures. 

Society Hill

Society Hill is a neighborhood filled with picturesque cobblestone streets and 18th-century homes. It is right around Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell, so there is so much history that is imbedded into this area. 

What is great about this location is that there are so many side streets and alleys that you can slip away into to get a bit of intimacy in the middle of the city. 

Washington Square Park

Washington Square Park is an almost 6.5-acre park that is perfect for an outdoor engagement session. There are so many paths leading through the park that you can explore, and plenty of spots to stop for pictures. 

If you are looking for a place to have the perfect fall photos, Washington Square Park should definitely be on your list. The colors are so vibrant against the surrounding area and really make your photos pop. 

Race Street Pier

For a more laid-back engagement session, head over to Race Street Pier. This space has amazing panoramic views of the water and has great spaces for you to sit down and get comfortable with your photos. 

You could even opt to bring a picnic blanket and picnic to the pier. Not only will this make for a fun engagement session, but it can also help you feel a bit more comfortable during the session! 

Benjamin Rush State Park

State parks are amazing locations for photoshoots, and Benjamin Rush State Park is no different. While this park is beautiful on its own, it is also unique in that it is actually within the Philadelphia city limits. You don’t often see a state park like this in a major city. 

This park really is like an escape from the city without actually leaving. If you are looking to get amazing sunset photos, this is definitely the place to be. 

Wissahickon State Park

Finally, we have Wissahickon State Park. This park has miles of trails that you can walk along to find the perfect areas for your engagement photos. There is also a really beautiful river running through the park that even has a stone bridge over it at one point. 

The fall colors here are unmatched, and the park gives you a dream forest escape right in the city! 

Final Thoughts on Philadelphia Engagement Photo locations 

There you have it, a few of my favorite places for engagement photos in Philadelphia. The city is full of history, life, art, and so much more. Whether you are looking for a city location with cafes and restaurants or beautiful outdoor locations with tons of color, Philly has it all. 

Now that you know where to go, all you need is a photographer who knows how to find the best spots in the city for you and your partner. As a Pennsylvania photographer, I’ve had the opportunity to capture so many love stories in this beautiful city. 

If you are ready for your story to be next, click here to check out my services, or head over here to get in touch to talk about how we can make your dream engagement session a reality!


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