Your engagement session is such an amazing opportunity to take a deep breath, and just be with the person you adore. One of the best things about this great city we love, Philadelphia, is it’s proximity to so many exquisite backdrops to capture your love for all time.
If you have an idea of what type of engagement session you’d like to have, this list is a great place to start. Otherwise, just start scrolling! You’ll see that Philadelphia engagement session locations are so beautiful and diverse!
Botanical Gardens & Arboretum Engagements
If you’re the sort who love the manicured beauty of botanical gardens and arboretums, you are certainly spoiled for choice, but these are our favorites:
Longwood Gardens
There is simply no way this list could begin any way else. The seasonal changes and fantastical displays at Longwood make this a perennial favorite of ours. No two visits are ever the same!
In the spring, the bright blooms burst forth and the colors inspire us to new levels of creativity. In the height of the summer, the deepest shady greens and water displays make for a refreshing engagement session despite the heat. As the weather cools and autumn makes its grand appearance, the trees begin their annual fireworks display. The long light only adds to this golden array. Even in the dead of the winter, the holiday light extravaganza twinkles and sparkles. You and your honey can snuggle for warmth and bask in the warm glow of the season.
In all seasons, in all weather — the conservatory is a great place for a rainy day session — Longwood Gardens is a fabulous place for your engagement session.
Longwood Gardens • 1001 Longwood Dr, Kennett Square PA 19348
Morris Arboretum
Did you know that the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania has an official arboretum? It does. And it’s the outrageously beautiful Morris Arboretum. Located in Chestnut Hill and with over 150 acres of stunning vistas and differing gardens, a magical treetop promenade, and plenty of flowers to delight, there is no shortage to the scenes we can set for you and your fiance. We’ll wander the grounds with you finding the perfect light and place to create images that you’ll want to look at every day.
Morris Arboretum • 100 E Northwestern Ave, Philadelphia PA 19118
Tyler Arboretum
Similar to the Morris Arboretum, the Tyler Arboretum is a great place for your engagement session. Conveniently located in Delaware County, this charming and massive refuge allows you to escape the demands of everyday life and engage the whimsy you had as a child. There are towering trees, bubbling brooks, meandering meadows, and bright blooms that appear with the seasons. There are even some charming buildings and treehouses that we can incorporate into your engagement session. The possibilities are endless!
Tyler Arboretum • 515 Painter Rd, Media PA 19063
Notable Mentions
Bartram’s Gardens on the riverfront is a hidden gem in Philadelphia. It’s a peaceful oasis in the midst of the urban sprawl and a great place to slow down for your engagement session. You can even rent a canoe and enjoy some time on the water!
Heading north a bit, Tyler Gardens in Newtown is a great option for a traditional English garden feel. The tiered levels are perfectly trimmed, lined with great stonework, and are punctuated with flowering trees. A great spot for any engagement session.
The Fairmount Horticulture Center is a gorgeous celebration of nature. There’s a Japanese garden, plenty of greenhouses, and an air of whimsy that permeates through everything. It’s like being in a place you read about long ago. We’ll be just as excited as you are to spend some time here capturing the beauty.
Iconic Philadelphia
We often contend that Philadelphia is simply the best city ever, but we are never more convinced of this fact than when we think of all the amazing places there are to capture incredible portraits. There are places that range from the iconic to the truly unique all within the city limits. Here are just some of our favorites — there really are too many to list!
- Old City Landmarks
- Penn’s Landing & The Waterfront
- The Squares
- Cira Green
- The Art Museum & Waterworks
- The Neighborhoods
- Notable Mentions
Old City Landmarks
Just off Penn’s Landing, the Merchants’ Exchange Building is a wonder of marble and striking architecture. The rounded shape and towering columns of the Merchant Exchange Building are visually interesting without being distracting. The cobblestone street that surrounds brings a heavy dose of historic charm, while the neutral marble allows you to stand out.
Just a couple blocks from the MEB and each other, the First Bank and Second National Bank introduce their own design element to the mix. Featuring more beautiful marble works and columns, but with an added bonus: stairs. Stairs for sitting, climbing, dancing, and whatever else you can do with stairs.. Changing the perspective even just a bit, makes these locations worth a stop.
Another point of interest at the First Bank, is the ability to incorporate a bit of greenery behind you, spring through autumn. This transforms the mood to more of a fairy tale castle vibe. The Second National Bank has its own party piece. A giant set of iron doors that bring drama and mood to your images as it stands out against the neutral marble.
Second National Bank • 420 Chestnut St, Philadelphia PA 19106
Merchant’s Exchange Building • 143 S 3rd St, Philadelphia PA 19106
First Bank • 120 S 3rd St, Philadelphia PA 19106
Penn’s Landing & the Waterfront
In the shadow of the expanse of the Ben Franklin Bridge, Race Street Pier is worth a stop for a few portraits during your engagement session. The sweeping drama of the bridge, the sparkle of the water, and the industrial feel of the area lend their talents to your session. Sometimes there are outdoor yoga classes, and other times it’s completely deserted and you have the whole place to yourself. If you like a little bit of wind in your hair, the breeze off the river makes this a great spot for you!
In the dead of summer, just a little ways down the road from Race Street Pier is Spruce Street Harbor Park. This waterfront park has just about everything you can imagine. There’s a floating beer garden, colorful hammocks, lawn games, great food, and fantastic atmosphere. The trees are lined with twinkle lights in bright shades and after dark, it’s a magic place. Grab a bite and a drink and wander the promenade hand in hand, stop to play giant Jenga, or cuddle up in a hammock big enough for two. Definitely a great spot for a date after your engagement session!
Race Street Pier • Race St & Christopher Columbus Blvd, Philadelphia PA 19106
The Squares
One of the unique design features of the city of Philadelphia is that it was designed by William Penn to feature five squares: Rittenhouse, Logan (technically a circle), Washington, Franklin and, in the middle, City Hall. These delightful patches of greenery and refuge are a cozy place to capture the history of the city without feeling like you are in a purely urban environment. The rich greens, fountains, brick walls, and their differing features offer plenty of interesting backgrounds for your love story to play out.
Each has their own bonus, Washington Square is just across the street from our favorite staircase in Philadelphia. We’ll be sure to stop there for a moment or two during your engagement session! Rittenhouse Square has a beautiful blue reflecting pool that is perfect for a quiet moment – even if it’s empty. Logan Circle has an epic fountain and a grand view of the Art Museum and the stunning Basilica Cathedral of Sts Peter and Paul. Franklin Square has a carousel and hosts an amazing Chinese lantern festival every year. Last but not least, City Hall has plenty of architectural features that make it a great destination for engagement photos. The splendid arches and the reflective granite are just a few things you can use to create something special.
Cira Green
When we discovered Cira Green in 2016, we fell instantly in love with it. This rooftop park between two of the glittering Cira towers has one of the best views of the city we’ve seen. The Philadelphia skyline looks larger than life just a little ways beyond the park edge. You feel as though you’re on top of the world. This is also one of the best places to capture sunset in the city as it sinks behind you. The long rays light the city on fire with the reflections of the dying sun in the glass windows that line the iconic skyline. You’ll be flying high after your engagement session here.
Cira Green • 80 S 30th St, Philadelphia PA 19104
The Art Museum and Waterworks
No list would be complete without mentioning the Philadelphia Art Museum. Is there anyone who doesn’t picture Rocky running up the stairs (a scene that plays itself out roughly a billion times a day in our fair city)? But if that’s all you know about the Art Museum, you are missing out! There are so many beautiful ways to incorporate this titanic icon into your engagement session.
The courtyard has pretty gardens and cozy corners. You can capture a grandiose image of you dwarfed by the massive span of the museum. Around back, there’s another flight of stairs that is perfect for a spot of sitting – and far less crowded than the famous front. As you venture down further from the rear of the Art Museum, you enter the Waterworks area. There’s a charming gazebo that overlooks the river and gives you a spectacular view of the sun sinking over Boathouse Row. There’s a large lawn and gardens, providing one of the largest swaths of green in the city. There’s seemingly no end to what kind of beautiful images can be created here.
Philadelphia Museum of Art • 2600 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy, Philadelphia PA 19130
Philadelphia Water Works • 640 Waterworks Dr, Philadelphia PA 19130
The Neighborhoods
One of the greatest things about Philadelphia is how the city has naturally broken down into robust and unique neighborhoods. Each has its own distinct identity and some truly fantastic places to create beautiful portraits.
In University City, the lovely campus quad of the University of Pennsylvania is definitely worth wandering through. Some of the most beautiful brownstone buildings are there. There’s magnolia trees that herald spring with the pink-purple blooms and entrancing smell. Sprawling greens, charming cafes with plenty of outdoor seating, and even some interesting works of art including a smaller version of the famous LOVE statue are just some of the reasons to visit.
As you head down Broad Street towards the stadiums, you’ll hit the unmistakable neighborhood of South Philly. This eclectic and sometimes eccentric neighborhood has amazing food, people, and some truly astonishing places for your engagement session. In the midst of the plethora of small alleys with adorable homes, there’s the Magic Gardens. A massive mosaic work of art that brings the creative to the forefront. There’s so many facets to this wonder that you will probably want to stay and explore some more even after your session is over!
In West Philly, there’s an amazing series of 50 murals known as A Love Letter For You. These can be found all along Market Street between 45th and 63rd streets. The phrases communicate a range of love from sweet puppy dog love to deep and abiding love. You can pick your favorite to incorporate into your session, or grab the checklist and hit them all. One of our favorites is at 48th street if you want a starting point.
Notable Mention
Broad Street. This iconic view of Philadelphia isn’t just for your wedding day! You can bring the drama of City Hall into your engagement session too. Just a couple minutes on Broad Street is all it takes.
Beaches & Boardwalks
Just a 90 minute drive from the city, the Jersey Shore is a great option for those who love to feel the sand between their toes and bask in the glow of a sunrise over the ocean. We love taking a break from the typical Philadelphia area engagement session to dip our toes in the water and stroll the boards, even in winter!
Avalon
If you want a wide open beach with few interruptions, Avalon is the place for you! We highly recommend a sunrise session or heading over to the bay side to capture the sunset. The continuously shifting waves and soft sand allows you to relax. Playing in the surf is highly encouraged and if you’re very daring, we may ask you to wade in a bit further towards the end of your engagement session for some truly romantic photos. The dunes are also a great place to bring a bit of variety to your session. Snuggling up together at the foot of a dune with it’s splashes of green and gently slope of sand changes things up just a bit, but is still obviously a beachy spot.
Ocean City
Maybe a stroll on the boardwalk is a bit more your style. Casually walking past Wonderland and laughing at the people screaming on the rides. Getting an ice cream at Kohr Bros or pizza at Manco & Manco. Taking in the sights of the ocean glimmering just a short distance away and the kitschy shops with all their bright colors and souvenirs. All of these can blend to create a bright and interesting scene for your engagement photos. For an empty beach & stunning light, we recommend a sunrise session before the rest of the beach-goers arrive.
Cape May
Besides a beautiful beach, Cape May boasts an historic town with some utterly charming architecture. The stunning Congress Hall elicits a feeling of 1920’s glamour. The outer walk under the giant columns overlooks a perfect yard of green. You just want to don a massive beach hat and wrap yourself in an elegant beach dress and stroll along with every bit the grace of Audrey Hepburn. If the quaintness of the town begins to lose its luster, just head towards the beach and enjoy a quiet moment in the sand together as the sun sinks low.
Notable Mentions
On the northern shore of New Jersey lies Barnegat Lighthouse State Park. This beach boasts a beautiful lighthouse, hence the name. It’s a great place to bring an extra beach element into your session.
Atlantic City is great for a night on the town. Get glammed up and then enjoy a night at one of the resorts together!
Another darling boardwalk is Asbury Park. They have fantastic live music here and colorful shops to lend that true beach vibe to your session.
Natural Surroundings
Sometimes you just want to take a deep breath of fresh air and get away from the bustle of the city. Fortunately, we are surrounded by some beautiful places that allow you to get off the beaten path and enjoy the beauty of nature with your love.
Valley Forge National Park
Basically in our backyard, Valley Forge National Park is an amazing place to go for engagement photos. There’s history and romance, drama and intrigue. There’s fields that stretch for miles, a winding stream, plenty of trails for finding your own unique spot, and it’s easy to get to! Always a plus. We love this place in all seasons, but autumn has a special place. The golden fields simply glow and the trees are resplendent. Everywhere you turn there is something beautiful to see. The old farmhouses and stone buildings bring the colonial charm to center stage. No session here is ever the same.
Valley Forge National Park • 1400 N Outer Line Dr, King of Prussia PA 19406
Ridley Creek State Park
Ridley Creek State Park and the beautiful mansion that serves as its offices are always on the top of our natural session list. Plenty of greens and gardens; including the magnificent tiered garden outside the mansion. There’s a quiet reflecting pool, hemmed in by towering trees in a perfect line, stone stairways, sunlit porticos, and so much more. If you’re willing to walk the trail a bit, you can dip your toes in Ridley Creek and soak in the peacefulness of the setting. Or, if you love horses, you can walk right over to a farm with lots of them!
Ridley Creek State Park • 1023 Sycamore Mills Rd, Media PA 19063
Wissahickon Valley Park
This sprawling park follows the Wissahickon Creek as it meanders gently through Montgomery County into Philadelphia. And despite the imposing name of the main road through — Forbidden Drive — there is nothing scary about this place. It is a stunning park with an easy trail to follow, even in heels! There’s darling footbridges, a dramatic overpass, sunlight speckled clearings and, of course, the creek itself! This is a refreshing hideaway in the summer and a fireworks display in the autumn. Even the starkness of winter would be stunning here. Take a quiet stroll together and enjoy the beauty of this place while capturing the time you spent engaged.
Notable Mentions:
Tyler State Park has an easily accessible creek peppered with giant rocks, perfect for setting up some awesome portraits. If you’re adventurous, we can even try catching minnows and slowly squelching our way up the creek together!
There is a beautiful white farmhouse that sits on the land of the John James Audubon Center. It’s beautiful deck is a great place for a quiet moment together while looking out over the hillside. Take a little stroll on the path and stop in the orchard to smell the ripening fruit!
Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve. The name just about says it all. This stunning land preserve bursts into color in the spring and the show doesn’t stop until winter. And even then, there is still stark beauty to capture. This is a great place for an engagement session at any time of year!
& Beyond
We do enjoy extra local travel! There’s any number of reasons why you would like your engagement session to take place outside our fair city. Maybe it’s where you currently live, or where you fell in love in college, or you threw a dart at a map! Whatever the reason, we’re happy to head beyond the Delaware Valley and capture your love where it thrives. And as anyone who follows us on our Instagram stories knows quite well, Ashley is always driving from Baltimore to Philly. Why? Because she lives there too! Because of this, we are regularly in the Baltimore and DC areas for engagement sessions!
Washington D.C
There is so much to love about Washington. The monuments, the cherry blossoms, the picturesque views over the water. There’s so much beautiful and neutrally toned architecture that you can really bring your own life and flair to your session and stand out. The Navy Yard is the hippest part of town with a bustling waterfront, industrial vibe warehouses, sip-worthy wineries and so much more!
If you’d prefer to be out of the metro area, the adorable town of Georgetown is a great place to wander. The streets over the canals make a romantic place to walk hand in hand, maybe even dance in your own little world for a moment or two. There are historic homes that line the streets and are every bit as quaint and charming as you could hope for. Not a bad place to spend some time with someone you love!
New York City
If we have to leave our fair city, New York is where we’d love to be. Do we really have to explain the vast diversity of this bustling metropolitan monster? Central Park, Brooklyn Heights, the Fashion District, even Times Square makes for some really interesting images. We’ll even hang out in Hoboken for the day to capture the glimmering skyline behind you. Just say the word!
The Poconos
If mountain vibes are your jam, we love getting to head north to the Poconos. Take a hike and stop to soak in the views. Golden hour and sunset set the ridges aflame and bring a true warmth to your engagement session.
Bushkill Falls
This amazing hike to a huge cascading waterfall is sure to thrill those who love the great outdoors. A change of clothes is a must, but once you’ve made the trek, the reward is incredible. The deep woods and mysterious water are punctuated by the sound of crashing waters. This is an absolutely epic place for an engagement session. Take a little dip and things get even more amazing!
Notable Mentions
College towns are a great place for your engagement session and we have found some that are perfect for engagement sessions. Rutgers campus in northern Jersey has a charming historic campus along with its more modern counterparts. West Chester University has a sweet little town just a few blocks away that’s full of charm. Villanova University has a stunning campus with lots of fantastic architecture. Whatever your college stomping grounds, we know that there are memories embedded in those places and would love to bring those into your engagement session!
