For wedding photography, Philadelphia is probably the best city in the country. It’s urban, steeped in history and culture, filled with gardens and parks and dubbed the “city of love” for a reason. For five of the city’s best wedding photography locations, keep reading.
Longwood Gardens
It’s hard to go wrong at Longwood Gardens, the grounds are massive, but also pristine and positively stunning. With water fountains, flowers and beautiful foliage, the Gardens make for an incredible backdrop setting for your Philadelphia wedding photos.
However, before you arrive at the Longwood gates with your wedding party, photographer and lights in tow, you should know the Gardens do allow photography, but there are policies you must follow. All attendees are required to pay the $16 entrance fee, and no tripods or lights can be used at any time. You may also be required to sign a permission form saying the photos are for personal, not commercial, use.
LOVE Park
Philadelphia’s JFK Plaza is lovingly nicknamed LOVE Park thanks to the iconic LOVE statue made by Robert Indiana situated at the head of the park. It’s an urban, Center City setting with a romantic fountain and a locale that simply embodies the city.
It’s free to take photos in LOVE Park, but be prepared to compete with other wedding parties, especially if you’re shooting on a busy June Saturday. To avoid disappointment, set aside some extra photography time in case you run into another wedding.
Bartram Gardens
Bartram’s Gardens are the country’s oldest public gardens, and the setting is both romantic and idyllic. With its stone courtyard, historical buildings and beautiful garden setting – it’s a great spot for wedding photography. Philadelphia photographers should know the location well.
While Bartram’s Garden can be rented out for photos only, brides should be aware that the site is often booked for special events, including weddings. For strictly photos, it can be secured for between $200 and $250 an hour.
Art Museum Steps
As the major focus of Philadelphia’s Fairmount Park, the Philadelphia Museum of Art is massive and a true landmark of the city. For those looking for a real taste of Philadelphia in their wedding photos, this could be it.
The steps are massive and high, while the eight pillars are a stunning backdrop. You may recognize the popular photo setting from the Rocky movies as the steps that Rocky Balboa climbed during his training. Keep in mind that wedding parties require a $50 per hour permit from the Fairmount Park Commission to shoot on the location.
Rittenhouse Square
Smack dab in the middle of Center City, Rittenhouse Square is both a convenient and beautiful spot for wedding pictures. Philadelphia residents will instantly recognize the urban park’s green setting and natural beauty. The best part? You don’t need a permit to shoot.