Many other lists telling you where to take engagement photos in Philly are either boring, cheesy or full of the same five places. This guide is for couples who want photos that feel authentic.
We’ll show you unique spots, give you practical tricks for a hassle-free session and help you find a backdrop that actually fits your vibe in the City of Brotherly Love.
For couples who love the city’s energy, history and grit, finding the perfect architectural elements for your Philadelphia engagement photos is about more than Rocky steps and cheesesteaks.
The Old City District is where 21st-century chic plays in America’s most historic square mile. Cobblestone streets and historic brick make for a can’t-go-wrong background, but you’ll have to work to get a unique shot if you head that way on the weekend. Schedule the shoot for a weekday morning to get the most from your session.
The pick of the Old City District is Elfreth’s Alley — a narrow cobblestone street of 32 red-brick houses where you can choose from Georgian or Federal facades. Blending historical character with modern touches, colorful window boxes and shutters, this is a photographer’s dream.
Go ahead, do the Rocky pose. Now that that’s out of your system, let’s find the better angles. The art museum steps are iconic, sure, but the real gems are the surrounding architecture and the views from Fairmount Water Works.
This landmark looks out over Boathouse Row and the Center City skyline from its waterfront on the doorstep of the Philadelphia Museum of Art. While this is a historically important engineering marvel, what you’re after is the neoclassical building on the Schuylkill River. The formal gardens, fountains and landscaped paths give you a choice of perfect spots to create quintessential Philadelphia engagement photos.
The nearby Italianate-style Lemon Hill Mansion provides a grand, historic backdrop for photos, while the surrounding Fairmount Park offers a variety of settings. They range from manicured lawns to open fields with mature trees and scenic views of the Schuylkill River.
This is the go-to for epic Ben Franklin Bridge views. It’s great for daytime and sunset shots with the bridge lights. The vibe is modern and industrial. The best spots for spectacular shots are the pier’s end for a classic backdrop of the river and bridge or climb the 16-foot silver spiral staircase wrapped around the “Land Buoy” sculpture for engagement photos that are edgy and completely unique.
If you want to expand your photoshoot, head for areas like Boat House Row or Penn’s Landing, which are nearby and have beautiful waterfront views.
Want to escape Philadelphia’s concrete jungle for the lush and green? Take your pick of manicured gardens or rugged trails.
This place is massive, so you’ll need a plan. You’re onto a sure thing when you head for the Conservatory. Top spots include:
There’s also plenty going on outdoors at the classic Fountain Gardens and Chimes Tower. Both provide natural beauty with interesting architectural features that give you opportunities to find a unique angle. There is a ticket fee but it’s worth paying for engagement photos that are full-on you.
This is a more adventurous option. For the couple that doesn’t mind getting a little dirt on their shoes for great engagement photos in Philly.
The area around the Valley Green Inn is ideal for classic path shots. The Wissahickon Trail has lots of charming nooks and stone stairs, and a creek for water-based photos. Other good locations include the stone bridges and the park’s overall rustic, wooded landscape, which makes it so popular for nature-themed sessions.
The park is particularly stunning in the fall due to the foliage, but the greenery of spring and summer also offers a beautiful backdrop.
This is the fairytale option with the stone Hunting Hill Mansion and sprawling, gentle hills in the background. It feels like you’ve left the Philly area entirely. If you want a romantic, old-world feel without the structure of Longwood, this is it.
Parking is available near the Parque wedding venue, which is a good starting point for exploring the area. Aim for “golden hour” — just after sunrise or before sunset for the best natural light that will give your photos a warm and flattering glow.
If you know where to look, there are less-common spots and great ideas for when the Philly weather inevitably does its thing.
More couples are moving away from traditional backdrops to take advantage of the city’s urban landscapes. In these diverse and textured locations, you can let your individuality lead the way.
If you want serious grit, Eastern State Penitentiary features a design with cell blocks radiating from a central hub. The crumbling, vaulted corridors, peeling paint, exposed brick and gothic, castle-like atmosphere provide dramatic visual contrast for what are sure to be one-of-a-kind engagement photos. You will need to book a private photo or video session, which comes with specific rules and associated fees.
Equally unusual but definitely more polished, perfect photo opportunities at William H. Gray III 30th Street Station include the grand main hall’s historic architecture and the outdoor steps or plaza for iconic city views. Inside, utilize the high ceilings and classical columns for dramatic portraits, while the exterior offers opportunities for dynamic shots with the station’s facade and surrounding urban environment.
This is one location that gives you a whole vibe. Use the murals, unique storefronts and the general creative energy of the neighborhood to find a unique angle. It’s perfect for a walking session that captures a slice of modern Philly life.
Head to the area near Cecil B. and Front Street, where you can find cool murals and a unique backdrop for photos. Another spot is the ivy-covered wall across from the International at Cecil and Front. For a surprising and stylish option, opt for the parking garage roof at the Acme on Girard Avenue.
Other nearby, unconventional options for Philadelphia engagement photos:
Now you know the spots, but the right location is only half the story. At Shutter and Sound, we capture authentic, non-cheesy moments for couples who do things their own way. Contact us today and let’s tell your story.