27 Popular & Offbeat Philadelphia Engagement Photo Locations
The best part about having engagement photos in Philadelphia is that you have so many great options to choose from for backdrops. There are a ton of classic photo spots like in front of City Hall or at the Art Museum, and many others that are a little more off the beaten path but can provide awesome views of the city, unique artwork, and even more natural and woodsy vibes if you prefer that!
Our list of Philly engagement session locations is made up of places we’ve been to before and photographed at. This list grows all the time as we frequent the city and are always exploring new locations for some amazing shots!
Philly Museum of Art
Address: 2600 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy, Philadelphia, PA 19130
The Philadelphia Art Museum is one of the iconic locations in the city. You’ll know it from the famous Rocky scene where he runs up the steps (and if you don’t know it – you’ll probably see it recreated by a bunch of people while you’re here). This is a great location because it has great views of the city from the top of the steps, as well as cool architecture that makes for fun photos around the museum itself.
Lemon Hill
Address: Lemon Hill Dr, Philadelphia, PA 19130
Not far from the Art Museum is a little park that runs parallel with Boathouse Row. The park itself is pretty simple, but is a nice little escape for couples who want a quieter location. The best part is it has great views of the city and art museum. We also really love the steps leading up to the park and during Spring the cherry blossoms that bloom in this area.
Water Works
Address: 640 Waterworks Dr, Philadelphia, PA 19130
In the fall of 2020 we photographed a wedding at Water Works, but the location is just as perfect for engagement photos. It’s located right behind the Art Museum. The gazebo is a popular spot for photos. What we love the most is that the architecture has a vibe that reminds us more of Italy than Philly, but we’ll take it. It’s a beautiful and elegant spot. At night, there are also some great views of Boathouse Row all lit up!
JJ Anderes Park
Address: 2600 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy, Philadelphia, PA 19130
From the top of the Art Museum steps, you’ll be looking at JJ Anderes Park and two large fountains on the side. This is a fun location for couples already at the art museum to get some additional photos – especially during the summer when the fountains are running.
University of the Arts
Address: 320 S Broad St, Philadelphia, PA 19102
This location is a great starting point to meet and take a few pictures before exploring more areas around Center City. The marble steps make for a great seated backdrop!
InterAct Theatre Company Mural
Address: 302 S Hicks St, Philadelphia, PA 19102
While Philly is known for a lot of great murals, this is one that can easily be overlooked despite being close to the city center. We love the pop of vibrant colors and lines!
Wissahickon Park (Forbidden Drive)
Address: Valley Green Rd, Philadelphia, PA 19128
On the outskirts of the city is a popular park for everyone who needs to get out of the house and be around nature. We meet couples near the Valley Green Inn, and will walk around and explore everything from wooded areas to the riverbank. It’s a great spot if you want to dip your feet in for some fun photos too!
Race Street Pier
Address: N Christopher Columbus Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19106
One of the “classic” Philly engagement locations is Race Street. You get awesome views of the George Washington Bridge, as well as just really epic sunrises and sunsets. Not to mention, our favorite spot on the pier is actually with couples in front of Cherry Street Pier (right across the way) – when it’s lit up with string lights it makes these photos extra special. It’s easy one of our favorite locations in the city.
Christopher Columbus Blvd (Hidden Tree Spot)
Close to Race Street Pier is a particularly hidden gem that can be easily overlooked. A tree lined spot in the middle of the street. During the spring with cherry blossoms in full bloom makes this location extra special.
Elfreth’s Alley
Address: 124-126 Elfreth's Alley, Philadelphia, PA 19106
Elfreth’s Alley is a popular historic destination in the city – the street dates back to 1703! The brick and cobblestone makes for a really great and unique backdrop in the heart of Old City. Photos here are always great, and despite its popularity, often very quiet.
Penn Treaty Park
Address: 1301 N Beach St, Philadelphia, PA 19125
As far as parks go in Philadelphia, few can really compare with Penn Treaty for engagement pictures. We love the open spaces, riverfront, and views. Oh, and there are no permits required for sessions here – an added bonus!
The Fillmore
Address: 29 E Allen St, Philadelphia, PA 19123
The Fillmore is a popular music venue in Philly, and is a great spot for engaged couples to take photos together – especially if they love the venue! We photographed a couple who would frequent this venue all the time, which made it extra special.
City Hall
Address: 1400 John F Kennedy Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19107
The most popular Philly engagement session shot is in front of City Hall. There’s something about this epic building and being in the middle of traffic that can be pretty exciting. While this is a “classic” shot, there’s also a lot of great little spots around the area that make this a great location as you can get a ton of photos while here.
Dilworth Park
Address: 1 S 15th St, Philadelphia, PA 19102
On the western side of City Hall is an outdoor park. During the summer, you’ll see a ton of kids running around through the water fountain feature. We’ve included this spot in our list as when the fountain goes off, it can add something special to photos.
Rittenhouse Square
Address: 210 W Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia, PA 19103
Rittenhouse is a small park in a particularly hip neighborhood. It’s a great option if you’re wanting a little greenery to add into your city engagement pics.
Front Street Murals
Address: 1601 N Front St, Philadelphia, PA 19122
Some of the best murals in Philadelphia can be found on Front Street. Not to mention, they’re super accessible and parking is actually pretty easy.
The International Bar
Address: 1624 N Front St, Philadelphia, PA 19122
Right near the Front Street Murals are a ton of little offbeat spots that make for great photo backdrops. One we really love is the outside of The International Park with its mix of brick and vibrant yellow doors. We’ll often grab a couple of quick pics here just for something a little extra special for our couples photo galleries.
Suraya Restaurant
Address: 1528 Frankford Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19125
One of the coolest restaurants in Fishtown is Suraya. If the name isn’t enough to have you intrigued, the atmosphere inside will be sure to rope you in.
Greensgrow Farms
Address: 2501 E Cumberland St, Philadelphia, PA 19125
During a fun engagement session with did down in Philly, we took some photos around the outdoor plant shop our couple enjoyed visiting from time to time. As plant-parents, we loved it and especially loved that it was a place that really resonated with our couple. Not to mention, being in the middle of the city, having the option for different scenery is always fun!
Longwood Gardens
Address: 1001 Longwood Rd, Kennett Square, PA 19348
Okay, so Longwood isn’t right in the city – but it’s close enough that it’s worth including on this list. It’s one of our favorite places for engagement photos and days off alike. During the spring, summer, and fall especially – the abundance of natural beauty is just amazing.
Special note: there have been some changes to photography on the grounds lately due to the pandemic, as well as a lot of photography sessions that are held here. Photos inside the greenhouse are no longer allowed. However, you’re session can be held anywhere outdoors – and there’s so many amazing spots.
Divine Lorraine Hotel
Address: 699 N Broad St, Philadelphia, PA 19123
Engagement sessions at the Divine Lorraine are unfortunately just limited to people who live there but can serve as inspiration that you can honestly have an in home engagement shoot wherever you live. So many homes in and around the city have unique architecture that it can make perfect sense for the right couple.
Logan Square
Address: 200 N 19th St, Philadelphia, PA 19103
The area around Logan Square has a lot to offer for engagement photo sessions. The square itself is fairly plain with a little bit of greenery and a fountain. The real charm comes from places within a block of each other such as the outside of Ss. Peter & Paul Cathedral, the AMOR Sign, and the exterior of The Logan Hotel.
Valley Forge National Park
Address: 1400 N Outer Line Dr, King of Prussia, PA 19406
For couples who want something a little more low key, just outside of Philly is Valley Forge National Park. This is a great place with a wide variety of backdrops – ranging from wooded areas to historical monuments.
Schuylkill Banks
Address: 2501 Walnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19103
The Schuylkill Banks is a small riverside park that frequented by bikers & joggers, but offers plenty of great backdrops for engagement photos. You’ll see unique city views, as well as pockets of greenery and flowers.
Delancey Place
Address: Multiple streets around Rittenhouse
Walking down Delancey feels like you’re in a different world than Philly. It houses incredible mansions that date back to the Civil War era. The facades of the houses are gorgeous and make for some great backdrops for engagement photos. This is an easy neighborhood to walk around and right nearby Rittenhouse Square.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are virtually unlimited options for engagement session locations in Philadelphia. Now your big decision is to choose what location resonates most with you!
CIRA Green
Address: 129 S 30th St, Philadelphia, PA 19104
Cira Green holds one of the best views we've found in the city. It's actually this cool green space on top of a parking garage. Not only are the views amazing, but it's also a very convenient place to get to, as there's not really any concern with parking around here as you might find with other places in Philly.
