Philadelphia is a beautiful and diverse city with historic architecture, charming neighborhoods, waterfront views, and plenty of natural scenery just outside the city. With so many unique places to choose from, finding the perfect location for your engagement photos can feel overwhelming. That’s why New Pace Weddings is here to help!
Whether you already have your heart set on a meaningful place, like where you and your fiancé first met, or you’re simply looking for a beautiful backdrop, there are plenty of options throughout Philadelphia and the surrounding areas. Here are some of our favorite engagement photo locations to consider:
Boathouse Row, Philadelphia, PA
1 Boathouse Row, Philadelphia, PA 19130
If you’re looking for a peaceful setting with a mix of nature and city views, Boathouse Row is a beautiful choice for engagement photos. Located within Fairmount Park along the Schuylkill River, the historic 19th-century boathouses create a timeless backdrop surrounded by greenery and water.
You can choose from several romantic backdrops throughout the area, including the historic boathouses, the river with the Philadelphia skyline in the distance, and the surrounding trails for a more natural feel.
Old City, Philadelphia, PA
Old City District, Philadelphia, PA
Old City is the heart of Philadelphia and a favorite for couples who love historic charm. The neighborhood’s cobblestone streets, brick buildings, and classic architecture create a timeless backdrop for engagement photos.
Elfreth’s Alley, America’s oldest residential street, is one of the most recognizable spots in the area and offers a charming historic feel. The surrounding streets also provide plenty of opportunities for photos, from colorful doors and historic buildings to quiet corners and seasonal blooms.
Merchant Exchange Building, Philadelphia, PA
143 S 3rd St, Philadelphia, PA 19106
The Merchant Exchange Building is a stunning historic location in Philadelphia’s Old City neighborhood. This National Historic Landmark features soaring columns, a dramatic stone staircase, and an elegant curved facade that creates a sophisticated backdrop for engagement photos.
The surrounding area offers even more variety, with cobblestone streets, nearby parks, and charming city corners that are perfect for more relaxed and intimate photos.
Water Works, Philadelphia, PA
640 Waterworks Dr, Philadelphia, PA 19130
For couples dreaming of Philadelphia skyline views and historic architecture, Water Works is one of the city’s most picturesque engagement photo locations. Located along the Schuylkill River, the area offers beautiful views of the water, the Philadelphia skyline, and the historic Fairmount Water Works.
The surrounding pathways and architecture create plenty of variety, and the Philadelphia Museum of Art is nearby if you want to incorporate another iconic Philadelphia backdrop into your session.
18th Century Garden, Philadelphia, PA
On Walnut Street, between 3rd and 4th Streets
The 18th Century Garden offers a charming and romantic setting in the heart of historic Philadelphia. The garden features a gazebo, vine-covered pergola, lush flower beds, and brick and crushed stone pathways that create a variety of beautiful backdrops for engagement photos. It’s a great option for couples who want a quiet, garden-inspired setting surrounded by the historic character of Old City.
Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia, PA
18th and Walnut Streets, Philadelphia, PA 19103
Rittenhouse Square is a classic Philadelphia setting for engagement photos, offering a beautiful mix of greenery, historic architecture, charming stoops, and bustling city streets. The park itself provides a natural backdrop in the heart of Center City, while the surrounding neighborhood adds plenty of variety with elegant buildings, outdoor cafés, and tree-lined sidewalks. It’s especially beautiful in the spring when the trees and flowers begin to bloom.
Race Street Pier, Philadelphia, PA
Race St, Philadelphia, PA 19106
Race Street Pier offers a modern waterfront setting with beautiful views of the Delaware River and Benjamin Franklin Bridge. The open space, brick-paved paths, waterfront benches, and modern architectural details provide a variety of backdrops for engagement photos.
It’s a great choice for couples who want a more relaxed, contemporary feel while still incorporating an iconic Philadelphia landmark.
Manayunk, Philadelphia, PA
Manayunk, Philadelphia, PA 19127
Manayunk is a great option for couples looking for a more relaxed neighborhood feel for their engagement photos. The area is known for its charming Main Street, colorful row homes, brick sidewalks, and unique shops and restaurants, creating a variety of fun urban backdrops.
With the Schuylkill River and nearby trails just steps away, you can also incorporate more natural scenery into your session for a mix of city and outdoor photos.
Engagement Photo Locations Outside Philadelphia
If you’re open to venturing beyond Philadelphia, the surrounding suburbs and nearby destinations offer even more beautiful settings for engagement photos. From elegant estates and gardens throughout the Main Line and surrounding suburbs to scenic parks and charming Jersey Shore towns, these locations offer a change of scenery while still being within reach of the city. Here are some of our favorite spots outside Philadelphia:
Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square, PA
1001 Longwood Rd, Kennett Square, PA 19348
Longwood Gardens is one of the most beautiful locations for engagement photos near Philadelphia. The expansive botanical garden features formal gardens, open meadows, fountains, winding paths, and a stunning historic conservatory.
The scenery changes beautifully throughout the seasons, from colorful blooms in the spring and summer to vibrant foliage in the fall. The conservatory also provides an elegant indoor setting, making Longwood Gardens a beautiful option for engagement photos throughout the year.
The Willows, Villanova, PA
490 Darby Paoli Rd, Villanova, PA 19085
The Willows offers a beautiful blend of classic architecture and natural scenery for engagement photos. The historic estate is surrounded by expansive lawns, mature trees, gardens, and charming architectural details, creating a variety of elegant backdrops throughout the property.
It’s a great option for couples looking for a romantic, timeless setting with a more relaxed feel just outside of Philadelphia.
Ridley Creek State Park, Media, PA
1023 Sycamore Mills Rd, Media, PA 19063
Ridley Creek State Park offers a beautiful mix of nature, history, and classic Pennsylvania scenery. The park features wooded trails, open fields, streams, gardens, and the historic Hunting Hill Mansion, providing a variety of backdrops throughout the property.
With so many scenic spots to explore, Ridley Creek is a great choice for couples looking for romantic engagement photos surrounded by nature.
Cairnwood Estate, Bryn Athyn, PA
1005 Cathedral Rd, Bryn Athyn, PA 19009
Cairnwood Estate offers a stunning backdrop for engagement photos with its grand historic architecture, manicured grounds, and beautiful stone details. The elegant estate feels timeless and romantic, with plenty of opportunities for both classic portraits and more candid moments throughout the property.
It’s a beautiful choice for couples looking for an elevated and sophisticated setting just outside of Philadelphia.
Cape May, NJ
Cape May, NJ 08204
For couples who love coastal scenery, Cape May offers a charming and romantic setting for engagement photos. Known for its Victorian architecture, beautiful beaches, and seaside atmosphere, this historic shore town provides plenty of unique backdrops.
From colorful streets and historic homes to sandy beaches and waterfront views, Cape May is a great option for couples looking for a destination feel without traveling too far from Philadelphia.
Planning Your Engagement Photos?
If you’re planning your wedding with New Pace, we’re here to help you find the perfect location for your engagement photos. From iconic Philadelphia landmarks to beautiful locations throughout the surrounding areas, we’ll help you choose a setting that feels true to you and create images you’ll treasure as you look forward to your wedding day.
Ready to start planning? Get in touch with our team to learn more about our wedding photography and engagement sessions.
