I LOVE being a Philly-girl – I love the city, the energy, the variety. Philadelphia is one of the oldest and most beautiful cities in the United States. Well… I’m my opinion, anyway!
Being a Philadelphia based wedding photographer, I get to see the most beautiful wedding locations in Pennsylvania and New Jersey – and a lot of those locations double as gorgeous engagement shoot locations too. Whether it’s Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve in Bucks County or the Grounds for Sculpture just across the river in New Jersey – every shoot is unique, beautiful, and so full of love that I could cry!
But what about spots for engagement photos IN Philadelphia? Like, in the city-city? I said it before and I’ll say it 5-billion-million-kajillion times more: Philadelphia is gorgeous! There are soooo many amazing spots for engagement photos in Philadelphia that will bring the romance you’re looking for.
Why take your engagement photos in Philadelphia?
There are sooo many reasons why I love taking engagement photos in Philadelphia, but here’s just a few that come to mind:
- The hustle and bustle of the city brings energy into your photos. There’s just something about the *vibes* that changes the way those photos feel. There’s movement, grandeur, momentum, and excitement that just can’t be recreated in a studio!
- Less travel time if you’re in the city. This can be a MAJOR bonus – cause we all know how any road with an interstate number gets trying to get into Philly.
- All of the variety! Philadelphia is so diverse with it’s historical architecture, soaring buildings, and gardens and parks. I mean, seriously, this city blows me away on every shoot!
So let’s get into it: here are my 5 favorite spots for engagement photos in Philly!
My favorite spots for engagement photos in Philadelphia:
Center City Parking Garage
I know, I know – you might think I sound crazy. Parking garage engagement photos?!?! But hear me out:
There are few other places in Philly that you will get more sweeping, grand photos of the Philadelphia cityscape. Honest to goodness – some of my favorite engagement photos I’ve ever taken were on the Center City parking garage. You get the best views of City Hall, the Masonic Temple, the Ritz Carlton, and a ton of other iconic, gorgeous buildings!
And the best part? No permit needed!
City Hall Gates & Dilworth Park
This one goes without saying… but imma say it anyway! Philadelphia’s City Hall is one of the most iconic buildings in the country – topped with good ol’ William Penn. It’s a staggeringly beautiful building that’s super photographable. Any angle of City Hall will be STUNNING in your Philly engagement photos. But I’m particularly fond of the wrought iron gates at City Hall. They are so ornate and gothic alongside the limestone building. I mean, it’s just *chef’s kiss*.
Along the west side of City Hall is Dilworth Park – another distinctly Philly location. It’s so green and quaint nestled right along City Hall. It’s the perfect place for engagement photos with both historical architecture and a touch of nature!
When it comes to permits, it’s a little complicated. So let me simplify it for you! All areas of City Hall *minus* Dilworth Park: FREE! No permit needed. Dilworth Park for engagement photos: Permit required. You’ll want to contact Laurie Heinrichs at rentals@centercityphila.org or at 215.440.5547 to get your permit!
Batram’s Garden
Nestled along the Schyullkill River is Batram’s Garden – nearly 50 acres of historic botanic gardens, 18th-century farm buildings, and a stunning view of the Philadelphia skyline. Batram’s Garden is the perfect example of finding a piece of paradise for your engagement photos in Philadelphia.
There are so many reasons why Batram’s Garden makes it into my favorite engagement photo spots in Philadelphia, but the best reason is the amount of variety. There’s flower gardens, a riverside meadow, epic views of Center City, trails, revolutionary war buildings – you name it! It’s a great place to get sooo many different photos to celebrate each other!
As far as permits go, you don’t need one! Batram’s Garden welcomes your memory-making photoshoot, but you may want to leave a donation for this INCREDIBLE non-profit!
Wissahickon Valley Park (Forbidden Drive)
This is another scenic getaway on the Schyullkill River. Wissahickon Valley Park is on the northwest side of Philadelphia, but despite being an urban park it feels like you’re in a world all your own. It’s full of trails, waterfalls, soaring trees, and my favorite – Forbidden Drive.
Forbidden Drive is a 5 mile trail that is just mind-bogglingly BEAUTIFUL! There’s no surprise that it’s been voted Pennsylvania’s best hiking trail multiple times. Forbidden Drive got it’s name when the trail was closed to vehicles – making it a pedestrian and biker’s paradise. The trail follows the Wissahickon Creek and trust me, it’s to die for! I love taking engagement photos on Forbidden Drive because it gives you the opportunity to casually strolling along this stunning road and capture a huge variety of pictures!
And if you’re worried about this being a “hiking” trail, breathe easy! Since Forbbiden Drive was original built as a turnpike, the paths are temperate and very easy to walk!
For your engagement photos in Wissahickon Valley Park, you will need to get a permit through Philadelphia Parks & Recreation.
Valley Forge National Historical Park
Just outside of Philly is Valley Forge National Historical Park. Obviously, Valley Forge is a huge part of our nation’s history, and it’s been so well preserved and taken care of. It’s a stunning location for engagement photos!
In my opinion, the National Memorial Arch is a MUST on your photo-tour, but there are plenty of other less-known photo-opts too! The Washington Memorial Chapel is beeeeaaauutiful, and I also love the Freedoms Foundation. And I mean, the landscapes are just *swoons*! Take a look!
For your Valley Forge engagement photos, you will need a permit. The short filming/photography permit should work just fine!
Bonus Spot: Longwood Gardens
I know that I promised my favorite spots for engagement photos IN Philadelphia, but this is a bonus one that’s too good not to include! Longwood Gardens is located in Kennet Square – about an hour outside of Center City. But I cannot overstate how WORTH IT that drive is.
If you follow me on Instagram, you’ll see that I take A LOT of engagement photos in Longwood Gardens – and they never disappoint. Grand greenhouses, blooming gardens, gazebos, fountains, woodlands, meadows…. it’s like a dreamland! The photos speak for themselves, but let me just say – I think this is my absolute favorite on this list!
And a bonus on this bonus: no permit required! You and your photographer only need to purchase your tickets for admission.
Celebrate your love in style…
So there you have it! My favorite spots for engagement photos in Philadelphia! But there are soooooo many other beautiful locations in and around the city. So choose a spot that YOU love, and the love you have for each other will shine through.
If you have a favorite Philadelphia engagement photo spot that I didn’t include on this list, leave it in the comments below!
And you know ya girl is ready to celebrate and capture your love with you! If you’re ready to book with this Philadelphia wedding and engagement photographer, click the link below to reach out. I can’t wait to hear your love story and begin telling your story.
