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When planning your Philadelphia wedding, you’ll find no shortage of beautiful and iconic spots to capture your love story. From the historic charm of Old City and the grandeur of the Art Museum steps to the lush greenery of Fairmount Park and the modern vibes of the Navy Yard, there’s a backdrop for every couple’s style.
Before you get started, though, it’s important to note that many of these locations require permits for professional photography.
Since the permits are scheduled in one-hour increments starting at the top and bottom of each hour, we’ll have to determine the specific timeframe required for the permit. Once we’ve established the timing, you’ll be required to complete the permit application for weddings at Independence Historic National Park in Philadelphia.
Thankfully, the National Park Service has enhanced the form to be significantly more accessible for users. It’s now simpler to request various sites and time slots. The site fee is a one-time charge based on the number of attendees. Typically, wedding groups and families consist of 3-30 individuals, incurring a fee of $150. Make sure you add in your team members like photographers + videographers as well.
Additionally, there’s a $25 application fee. In the event of unavailability, they’ll contact you with alternative options, often rearranging locations and schedules or proposing another site.
After submitting the paperwork and payment to the NPS, they will return a signed copy to you. You are required to sign the duplicate copy and return it to them. On the wedding day your lead vendor will print it and keep it with them just in case!
Other areas you can get a permit for not included in our “popular list” are: The Magnolia Garden, Rose Garden (handicapped accessible only from the Locust Street entrance), and Dock Creek (the lawn area on the south side of Carpenters’ Hall between 3rd and 4th Streets).
Nestled within the vibrant city of Philadelphia, the Rodin Museum stands as a beacon of artistic splendor and historical significance. Home to one of the most extensive collections of works by renowned sculptor Auguste Rodin outside of France, this museum offers a picturesque backdrop for wedding photography. The elegant architecture of the Beaux-Arts building, surrounded by lush gardens and tranquil reflecting pools, creates a timeless ambiance that perfectly complements the romance of a wedding celebration. From the grandeur of “The Thinker” to the delicate beauty of “The Kiss,” every sculpture within the museum’s walls provides a captivating setting for capturing cherished moments. With its blend of artistry and serenity, the Rodin Museum in Philadelphia offers couples a truly enchanting location to immortalize their special day through stunning wedding photographs.
The inner courtyard and reflecting pool are incredibly stunning. Securing this permit can be challenging due to frequent events held in this area that may conflict with wedding plans. However, it’s advisable to contact the venue to check date availability before submitting the permit application. We strongly encourage making this call to ensure a smooth process.
For those doing pictures during the middle of the day, Rodin Museum offers some of the most beautiful light in all of Philadelphia.
This spot is incredibly popular for wedding photos, with many drawn to the sweeping Rocky steps for their own memorable photo at the top. Alongside the main steps are small pathways to duck into for a less crowded and quieter spot.
While the front steps technically aren’t included in the Philadelphia permit for the Art Museum, enforcement appears lax, so there’s often an opportunity for that quintessential Philadelphia shot if you’re willing to take the chance. Alternatively, the rear steps of the Art Museum and the Azalea Gardens offer fantastic portrait settings with various aesthetics, and despite occasional weekend crowds, there are usually quieter spots available for relative privacy.
Additionally, the nearby Water Works provides stunning river views and glimpses of Boathouse Row, though permits are only granted until 3pm and availability may be limited on days when Water Works hosts weddings. Once more, we’ll need to discuss your wedding day schedule to determine the appropriate timeframe for permit application. Philadelphia Parks & Rec applies an hourly rate for permits rather than a fixed site fee.
When you’re prepared to apply, you can download the form from the provided link, select the relevant options, complete all required fields, and specify the exact location you’re requesting. The Azalea Gardens cover the rear area of the Art Museum, excluding the Water Works.
Please note that the flowers in the Azalea garden bloom during April/May months.
Please note that if there is a wedding happening at Water Works, photos may be limited.
If you envision capturing your portraits amidst the industrial backdrop of the Ben Franklin Bridge at Race Street Pier, with the serene flow of the Delaware River beneath, your dream is within reach. Philadelphia’s wedding permit process for this location is fairly straightforward.
Each hour spent at the site incurs a flat fee of $100. To initiate the process, prospective applicants can easily navigate to the Delaware River Waterfront Corp website and complete the requisite application form.
Prior to submission, we should discuss the desired timeframe. Should couples wish to extend their celebration across multiple hours or locations, a subsequent application accompanied by an additional $100 fee is all that’s required. Something different that this location requires is a Certificate of Insurance, this isn’t a problem however, we can easily provide one for your application. from the designated authorities is mandatory, underscoring the commitment to safety and compliance with regulations. It’s also worth noting that this platform facilitates permit requests for other enchanting locales like Spruce Street Harbor Park, adding a delightful dimension to the wedding experience.
Note: They do require a certificate of insurance from your photographer.
Located in one of Philadelphia’s oldest neighborhoods, the charm of the narrow streets and well cared for houses really shows off the best that Philadelphia has to offer. There are several spots within a small walkable area from Elfreth’s Alley as well, so if you have some comfy shoes and the weather is great, just wander and see what you can find!
If you have transportation, this pairs well with Race St Pier.
Weather is inconsequential when taking wedding portraits at Headhouse Square, making it a rare outdoor location in Philadelphia where couples can sidestep the threat of rain. A walkway of string lights also create a romantic atmosphere in the heart of a classic Philadelphia city block. This location is beautiful rain or shine, due to the various photo locations within the area.
Another bonus of headhouse square is ample parking!
Right next to Headhouse Market is Stamper Street. This small Old City Alley is close to Headhouse and creates beautiful wedding photographs in the Fall. Green and yellow decorate the cobblestones, so couples feel like they’re walking together in a whimsical colonial town.
Capturing wedding pictures at the FDR Park Boathouse in Philadelphia offers a picturesque backdrop amidst the serene ambiance of the park’s lush greenery and tranquil waters. The boathouse’s elegant architecture and scenic surroundings provide an enchanting setting for couples to immortalize their special day. With ample opportunities for both outdoor and indoor shots, couples can create timeless memories against the stunning natural beauty and architectural charm of this iconic Philadelphia landmark.
Just like the Waterworks + Art Museum area, FDR Boathouse does need a permit.
Hands down Broad St is the most popular photo spot in the entire city! Day, night, rain, or shine it doesn’t matter, we can get excellent images here no matter what. With City Hall as your backdrop it’s classic Philadelphia.
We strongly prefer Broad + Walnut as the spot to stop. You also have the option to take photos in front of the Union League, though we cannot guarantee availability for photos at this location.
One of the most dynamic spots in the entire city, city hall boasts staircases, columns, hallways, and some of the best light in the city.
It’s perfect for your first look, there is lots of room to spread out, and it’s great for a rainy day option.
In the heart of one of the city’s most expensive neighborhoods, Rittenhouse is an easy place to stop depending on your ceremony location. It’s got sweeping walkways, stone columns, and a beautiful fountain in the center.
Be aware, it’s a busy place year round!
The center of Logan Square is a popular beautiful fountain called Swann Memorial. It makes a great backdrop for family, wedding party, and couples portraits. It also makes a great spot for night pictures if you are coming from one of the popular museums or churches.
Named two of the most beautiful streets in Philadelphia, these cobblestone lined streets are wrapped in twinkle lights and boast multiple historic door fronts. It’s a great place to wander and find the best nooks and crannies in the city.
Taking wedding pictures at Penn Treaty Park in Philadelphia presents a delightful blend of history and natural beauty. The park’s waterfront location along the Delaware River offers stunning vistas of the city skyline as well as peaceful green spaces, providing a charming backdrop for romantic portraits. Couples can capture their love story against the backdrop of iconic landmarks and serene river views, creating timeless memories in this idyllic setting.
The best part, no permits required!
Philadelphia is a city full of vibrant and iconic spots perfect for capturing memorable photos. While we’ve highlighted some top locations, there are many more gems like Reading Terminal Market and Magic Gardens that didn’t make the list. If you have a specific location in mind that isn’t mentioned here, just let us know! We’ll check out any permit requirements and make it happen!
With our boutique approach, you’ll enjoy the journey as much as the photos and videos.
So, let’s get started!
