Where to Take Your Engagement Photos in Philadelphia, PA - My 2024 Recommendations

Want to know a secret? Engagement sessions are my favorite! Don't get me wrong - I live for the emotion and pageantry of wedding day photography, but there's something really special about taking two people who love each other and letting them just BE together with no pressure and no real agenda.

I shoot totally in-love couples in all seasons, all over the greater Philadelphia area and I’ve learned some of the best places to get knockout shots. Some couples know exactly where they want their photos taken, but others are open to suggestions for new and unknown places to explore. The location of your session should be more than just a pretty space - it should be some reflection of you as a couple. If you don't like the beach, then we obviously won't go there. If you never go downtown, then we'll avoid that.

If you’re undecided and looking for the perfect place to take engagement photos in the greater Philadelphia region - look no further than the list below! In no particular order, here are my top picks in the region, along with notes and recommendations about how to get the best photos possible. Enjoy!

NOTE: This list is updated as of August 2021! Policies change frequently for many landmarks and public spaces, and while I try to update this post with current permit information whenever possible, I always recommend doing research on current photography policies for any public location before you visit, in order to avoid fines or fees of any sort.

Rittenhouse Square

Classic Philadelphia feel - perfect if you love brick, architecture, and the historic feel of the City of Brotherly Love. Ask about my favorite little residential street lined with white twinkle lights year round.

Philadelphia Art Museum

Awesome views of the Philadelphia Skyline from the top of the steps, a chance to pose with the “Rocky” Statue, and greenery behind the museum in the Azalea Garden for a change of scenery and more “natural” look. Expect crowds or tourists on weekends and evenings - great for the extroverted couple who isn’t bothered by showing a little PDA. A permit is required for wedding or engagement photos.

Old City / Race Street Pier

Dramatic views of the Benjamin Franklin Bridge, unique textures and architecture, and plenty of historic charm. A permit is required for certain areas in Old City.

Society Hill

My Old City / Elfreth’s Alley alternative for the couple who wants cobblestones and historic charm with fewer onlookers and a little more privacy. No permits required!

Fishtown

Street art and murals abound in Fishtown, making it the perfect location for any couple wanting to embrace a quirky Urban vibe.

Lock Ridge Park

About an hour drive north of Center City - home to amazing stone ruins for a dramatic and romantic backdrop to your photo shoot.

Wissahickon State Park

2,042 acres of parkland in Northwest Philadelphia, making it the perfect backdrop for city-dwellers who crave the great outdoors. Great at all times of the year.

Ridley Creek State Park

Similar to Lock Ridge Park, Ridley Creek offers a natural setting paired with stone structures, courtyards and more, about 30 minutes outside of Center City Philadelphia. As of summer 2021, I’m a pre-approved, permitted photographer for this beautiful park!

Wildflower Lookout

Four acres of wildflower fields blooming in Lancaster County! Fields are generally open from May - October, tickets / field rentals range from $10 - 40. Buy tickets here.

Recommended with Conditions:

Longwood Gardens

World-renowned as one of the premier horticultural display gardens in the United States ! You can’t get married at Longwood, so take advantage of it’s diverse and exotic backdrops for your engagement session! Indoor photography is no longer allowed in Longwood’s conservatories, and photography policies are dramatically changing over the next few years to include paid permits for every session. Learn more about Longwood’s updated photography policies here.

30th St. Station

Philadelphia’s answer to Grand Central Station - glamorous Art Deco architecture within - polished City views outside. Be prepared to shoot around crowds of busy commuters at almost all hours of the day. Better for an extroverted couple who doesn’t mind smooching in front of many passerby!

Philadelphia Navy Yard

Oversized boats, reflections off the water, and quirky signage make this an awesome location to take photos whether or not you’re a naval enthusiast. There’s no active naval presence here anymore, but it is the home to the Urban Outfitters corporate national campus. *2021 Update: I’ve been informed that photography isn’t allowed on the Navy Yard campus, but I’ve been unable to find any information online that confirms this. Rather than removing this location, I’d caution people to do some research before you go.

Elfreth’s Alley

The oldest continuously-inhabited residential street in America, many couples looking for historic charm opt to do engagement photos here. Unless you visit in the early morning, tourist groups make it difficult to find a private, romantic moment in Elfreth’s Alley. I’ve begun recommending other locations to couples who are looking to include cobblestones and a historic vibe to their photo session.

City Hall

The iconic view of City Hall from Philadelphia’s broad street is a must-have for many couples - but be prepared to dodge some traffic and wait for a break in the constant stream of cars / buses / bicycles to make this shot worth it!

Inside your favorite Bar / Restaurant / Coffeeshop

If you have your heart set on a working establishment with sentimental value, plan to call ahead and work around their schedule and availability. Some bars will allow photo shoots right at or before they open to avoid a rush of customers. Be prepared to accept any photo restrictions they may give you, and pass them along to your photographer (me!)