14 Philly Spots for Holiday-Cheer-Filled Engagement Photos
Now all we need is some mistletoe.
A Longwood Gardens winter engagement photo session / Photograph by RingShot Photography
Winter may not be the most popular season for weddings, but it is a pretty spectacular time of year for engagement photos (and proposals, natch). With Christmas tree decorating, hot chocolate sipping, and so much more, there are plenty of ways to bring the holiday spirit to your winter engagement photos. Here are some of the (many!) amazing places to do just that around Philly. And if we missed the spot where you snapped your festive engagement photos, share them with us at kschott@phillymag.com.
Terrain Properties
Terrain at Styer’s / Photograph by Hilary Myers Photography
All three of the Terrain properties are picture-perfect for weddings — and engagement photos, too. The original Styer’s location in Glen Mills (above) might see you and your S.O. cozying up around an outdoor fire pit, while Terrain Gardens at Devon Yard has that beautiful nursery and seasonal installations. And at the new Terrain Gardens at DelVal? The outside ceremony garden or nursery are oh, so pretty this time of year. There’s a fee to hold a shoot at any of these locations and based on availability. Click here for more information.
A Christmas Tree Farm
Photograph by Heather McBride Photography
Okay, so this particular — and particularly adorable — photo was from a proposal, but you get the point. A Christmas tree farm, like Exley’s in Sewell, is a truly festive place to photograph your special moments during the winter. (It’s even better if you can decorate a tree with tinsel, ornaments, garlands and more!) Still scoping out locales? Consult our roundup of 22 places near Philly where you can get your tree.
Addison Street
Photograph by Martin Reardon Photography
The trees on the 1700 block of Addison Street are technically strung in white all year long, but they feel especially festive come winter — and draw folks to pop the question and snap engagement photos amid the lights.
Peddler’s Village
Photograph by Alex Subers
Consider this charming New Hope destination the closest thing in the Philly area to the North Pole. With plenty of festive light displays and decor, there’s a new backdrop around every corner for engagement photos, proposals, anniversary portraits — and any other snapshot that needs a helping of holiday cheer. A particularly popular spot? The gazebo, but of course. Advanced registration is required for photo shoots.
Washington Square
Photograph by Love Me Do Photography
There’s something about the combination of brick walls, black shutters, and snow-covered bushes that feels quintessentially “winter in Philadelphia.”
The Dandelion
Photograph by Cheryl Betances Photography
Red leather booths, a crackling fireplace, a touch of tartan, and plenty of holiday greenery and decor make this Rittenhouse restaurant the perfect place to cozy up for an e-sesh (or even hold your elopement dinner, if you’re thinking of the future). Advanced reservations for photo shoots are required. Want to lean into the season even more? Consult our list of festive bars in Philly for some over-the-top settings.
Rittenhouse Square
Photograph by RingShot Photography
Yes, it’s obvious. But it’s obvious for a reason, amirite?
The Poconos
Photograph by Emily Wren Photography
Seeking a winter wonderland backdrop? Look no further than the wooded forests of upstate PA — like this e-sesh at Skytop Lodge and its snowy surroundings.
McGillin’s Olde Ale House
Photograph by Morby Photography
It’s extremely Philly, and it’s extremely tricked out around the holidays. So it’s no wonder this iconic local watering hole continues to be a magical locale for meet-cutes, not to mention proposals (like this sweet one that was 40 years in the making!) and engagement photos.
Longwood Gardens
Photograph by Jessica Manns Photography
Longwood Gardens goes all out for the season, decking its plants, trees, lawns — basically everything — with festive lights and decor. Advanced reservations for photo shoots are not required, though all photography must take place outside.
18th Century Garden
Photograph by Liz Gibbs Photo
There’s something serene and special about strolling amid the plots and latticed gazebo.
The Steps of Anthropologie Rittenhouse
Photograph by RingShot Photography
Now just imagine you and your partner-in-life posing on those beautifully decorated steps.
Elfreth’s Alley
Photograph by RingShot Photography
Another obvious one. but it’s fun to play pretend with your S.O. and pose on the charming stoops, many of which are decorated with wreaths, garlands and more festive decor for the season.
LumiNature at Philadelphia Zoo
LumiNature at the Philadelphia Zoo / Photograph by Georgi Anastasov
The lights! The flamingo tree! Need we say more? (We do: Advanced notice is required for photo shoots, and the group must pay full admission.)
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