19 Super-Scenic Spots to Propose Around Philadelphia
From parks to rooftops, here’s where Philly’s pro photographers suggest popping the question.
These Philadelphia proposal spots are recommended by various photographers and include the Merchants’ Exchange Building and sentimental locations. / Photographs by RingShot Photography (left) and Jessica Manns Photography
Philly is a damn beautiful city. We all know this, and we’re all proud of it — even if our reputation has always been more, well, Gritty, than picturesque. There are so many pretty and unique places to take advantage of here. And, for folks getting engaged in the city they love, it’s only natural that they would want to find the perfect place to do it. To help spur some ideas for our local lovebirds, we reached out to a few engagement and wedding photographers to find out the most scenic Philadelphia proposal spots. Below, find our list of recommended locations where you can pop the question in style — and take a great snap in the process.
Cira Green
Photograph by Jessica Manns Photography
“Cira Green offers a great open area where you can see 360-degree views of the Philly skyline, so it is quite impressive in photos,” says Jessica Manns of Jessica Manns Photography.
On One of Philly’s (Many!) Rooftops
Photograph by Moon Honey Photography
“With a lot of our couples meeting and falling in love in Philadelphia, it’s no surprise that a rooftop proposal can be one of the best ways to capture the place where everything started,” says Colin Coleman of Moon Honey Photography about such panoramic places as the Bok Bar.
Race Street Pier
Photograph by Moon Honey Photography
“The Ben Franklin Bridge is an iconic structure,” says Coleman. “One of the best and closest views of the bridge is from Race Street Pier, where I’ve found myself on several occasions with couples I’ve photographed. Here, you’re out over the water, and the bridge towers above you with its passing cars and trains and the twinkle of lights that line it.”
On the Ben Franklin Bridge
Photograph by BeauMonde Originals
“My favorite proposal [took place] on the Ben Franklin Bridge,” says Cathie Berrey of BeauMonde Originals. “What’s NOT to love?”
RCA Pier on the Camden Waterfront
Photograph by BeauMonde Originals
“This is a hidden gem just across the river,” says Berrey. “It is not crowded, so you have a lot of privacy with a fantastic view of Philadelphia or the Ben Franklin Bridge. This makes for a great shot — especially at sunrise or sunset.”
Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens
Photograph by RingShot Photography
“We love Magic Gardens because it is so unique and unusual,” says Lori Smargiassi of RingShot Photography. “The proposals can be somewhat private — especially when coordinated with the staff prior to the event.”
Totally Philly Murals
Photograph by Moon Honey Photography
“There’s one thing you can be sure to find all over the city, and I’m not talking about cheesesteaks or football fans,” says Coleman. “Mural art is a long-standing tradition in Philadelphia, and luckily for photographers, these gems make incredible backdrops for any photo session. The key is finding one that speaks to the couple and represents them in a massive and colorful way, contributing to the story that they are creating for themselves.”
The Art Museum Steps
Photograph by UBara Studio
“One of the things that I love about the Art Museum steps is that, aside from the instant recognition in photos of the steps, it’s also a great way to showcase a formal outfit, and display and commemorate the city that you met and fell in love in,” says Tiana UBara of UBara Studio. “The steps symbolize so much, and for those couples who have triumphed over adversity and setbacks, the steps also represent that fight and victory.”
Behind the Art Museum
Photograph by Jessica Manns Photography
“The PMA is a popular proposal spot, but I think the real romantic place is behind the museum,” says Manns. It’s a little bit quieter and calmer than the usually bustling scene on the steps, but it’s gorgeous thanks to the surrounding foliage, sculptures and views.
Kelly Drive
Photograph by UBara Studio
“Philadelphia has some great spots that can accommodate really dressy outfits and casual outfits at the same time — I think Kelly Drive can be a great backdrop for both sartorial pursuits, depending on your needs,” says UBara.
Addison Street
Photograph by Martin Reardon Photography
“At this point, Addison Street is a Philadelphia proposal tradition,” says Martin Reardon of Martin Reardon Photography. “It’s popular because of the year-round sparkling lights, which make for a very dramatic background for a nighttime proposal. It also has classical, historic old Rittenhouse architecture, and it’s a relatively private street that doesn’t allow parking, so there aren’t a lot of cars in the background.”
Rittenhouse Square
Photograph by Liz Gibbs Photo
Winter, spring, summer, fall — there’s really no bad time to pop the question in Rittenhouse Square. It all comes down to what you’d like to be in your background. Some autumn leaves? Spring florals? We love it all! It’s an equally scenic spot for engagement photos, too, like this one by Liz Gibbs Photo.
Merchants’ Exchange Building
Photograph by RingShot Photography
“We have recently taken proposal photos here,” says Smargiassi. “It’s a beautiful backdrop and location. We enjoy being able to incorporate Philadelphia architecture whenever possible, and this building is so unique with many photo opportunities.”
The Carousel at Franklin Square
Photograph by Jessica Manns Photography
“I love the carousel at Franklin Square,” says Manns. “The ride, while lit up and spinning, has so much whimsy and romanticism while also being fun and charming.”
Grounds for Sculpture
Photograph by Shannon Collins Photography
“Visiting the Grounds for Sculpture makes you feel like you’re being invited into a secret world that is tucked away in Hamilton Township, N.J.,” says Shannon Collins of Shannon Collins Photography. “So many of the sculptures beg to be interacted with, which is why it’s a perfect place for a proposal. There’s no shortage of backdrops to explore as a photographer inside this sculpture park, which has 42 acres of property — not to mention awesome peacocks.”
Your Favorite Local Park
Photograph by Sweetwater Portraits
“My favorite proposal spots feature a natural backdrop and some privacy,” says Julie Melton of Sweetwater Portraits. “Local neighborhood parks, like John F. Collins Park (pictured), Bartram’s Garden and the Wissahickon are all great places to propose because they offer a serene, calm setting so that you can savor the moment. My husband proposed on a mountain top with no cell service, no cameras, and no surprise engagement party afterward. For me, it was perfect. What is most important is considering what is best for just the two of you. You will always have time to celebrate with friends and family later.”
Elfreth’s Alley
Photograph by RingShot Photography
It’s a sweet, iconic spot in Philly. So why not add your own sweet, iconic moment to its living history? It’s no wonder Smargiassi has snapped a fair share of proposals here. “From the colorfully painted doorways, flower boxes and flags hanging from the buildings to the brick-and-stone-paved street, it makes you think that you have stepped back in time,” she says. “It provides the perfect backdrop for a proposal that says ‘Philadelphia!’”
Your Own Home
Photograph by RingShot Photography
“Planning a proposal in your home or outdoor space can add a special element and be very personal,” says Smargiassi. “Home proposals can be decorated in ways that may not be possible in a public location. They tend to be more private too!”
Somewhere Sentimental to Your Relationship
Photograph by Jessica Manns Photography
“A sentimental place holds a memory or value to you both already, so it feels special when you remember your engagement anniversary and where you were,” says Manns, who photographed the couple above when he proposed in front of their first apartment together. “It also shows your partner how much care and attention you put into the proposal by remembering something important or special in your relationship. And since it’s already special in some way to you both, it’ll be a sweet place to continue visiting each year for your engaged anniversary.” Berrey agrees: “I always say to do a proposal somewhere that has meaning to you. Maybe your local neighborhood, your favorite pub, your favorite park — those kinds of things.”
For more Proposal Season content, go here.
These interviews have been edited for clarity and length.
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