It’s that time of year again; Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. Because of this romantic holiday, February is also a big month for engagement proposals and wedding planning. Couples who have set the date for this coming summer or fall will also be preparing to announce their engagement. But when it’s cold outside, it can be challenging to find the perfect location for an engagement photo shoot. You want to feel happy and comfortable while taking pictures with your fiancé so that the images will be a great keepsake for years to come. Plus, you want a unique spot so that your pictures will stand out. To help you find a beautiful backdrop for your engagement photography we have compiled a list of the top 10 places around Philly.
1. Blue Cross River Rink
Over the past 25 years, the ice-skating park along Philadelphia’s iconic riverfront has become a favorite local spot. With the Ben Franklin Bridge and the city as the background, it’s an idyllic place for taking memorable pictures. Blue Cross RiverRink – open on weekdays and weekends from late November through early March – has a fun winter vibe and lighthearted atmosphere. Your engagement photos can be sporty and sweet as you and your fiancé skate. You can also cuddle up around the fire pits or in the lodge cabin lounges which are perfect for a winter-time shoot. Then, at night, the lights of the city skyline and on the bridge make for a dramatic scene.
2. Race Street Pier
If you and your fiancé are willing to face the chilly winds off the Delaware River, the Race Street Pier can make for pretty pictures, even in February. Bundle up and embrace each other for romantic shots overlooking the waterfront and the unmistakable Benjamin Franklin Bridge. On a sunny day, your photographer can take advantage of the scenic park and the views of the city from the pier. You can apply for an engagement photography permit online.
3. Academy of Music
This is a true historic landmark. The Academy of Music in Philadelphia is the oldest opera house in the country which is still used. For local couples who are passionate about the arts, this location is perfect. It became a National Historic Landmark in 1962 and has hosted all types of international performances in the last 160 years. The music hall is ornate and features old-world architecture. By requesting special permission, you can make this beautiful location the stage for a show-stopping engagement photography session. Plus, the winter weather in February won’t be an issue as this location is indoors.
4. Longwood Gardens
Longwood Gardens – just west of Philadelphia in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania – offers the feeling of spring, even in the winter. The botanical gardens are a local legacy. It has a spectacular display of fountains, architecture and, of course, flowers in bloom all year long. In February, you can have romantic pictures taken in front of delicate orchids in virtually every color, different varieties of lilies, interesting foliage and more exotic plants. The garden directors even provide a handy “What’s in Bloom” tool so that you can plan around the flowers’ schedule.
5. Fairmont Park
Considered one of the largest city park systems in the country, Fairmont Park has a wide variety of spots that can make for great engagement photos. There are intimate spots and stunning green areas that make great scenery. Consider the rocky cliff and garden pathway leading up to the back side of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the gazebos overlooking the Schuylkill River. You can also snap some shots under the Smith Memorial Arch or standing along the railing of the Fairmount Water Works. If your looking for a more natural setting, consider heading up the Forbidden Drive trail or going to the Morris Arboretum of the University of Pennsylvania. These all can be wonderful locations even in chilly weather.
6. Boathouse Row
Just behind the Philadelphia Museum of Art, are the picture-perfect boathouses of the Schuylkill River. When the warm light of the sunset coming from the west shines on this uncharacteristically peaceful corner of Philly, Boathouse Row makes for stunning engagement pictures.
7. Addison Street
Nothing is more romantic than Addison Street illuminated by strings of white Christmas lights. This charming area of Old Town has a special wintery feeling all year round. In fact, residents never take down the lights decorating the trees along this charming street. It’s a truly unique location for a special engagement photo shoot.
8. Philadelphia Parkway
Connecting the famous City Hall to the Museum of Art, the Parkway is an icon of the city. Here, your photography session can include locations like the Philadelphia LOVE Park, the Swann Memorial Fountain and the steps of the Franklin Institute. Plus, the photographer can snap a picture of you and your partner against the famous city skyline as the city traffic whizzes by; it’s a great backdrop, day or night.
9. Philadelphia City Hall
This location isn’t just for tourists. Locals love getting engagement and wedding pictures on Broad Street with the landmark City Hall at their shoulders. It can be a dramatic setting for a session in any season. Plus, during the winter, you can take pictures in the central courtyard which offers some protection from the cold Philly wind. Even in February, you will feel comfortable posing in the stylistic archways.
10. Assembly at the Logan Hotel
For a local setting that’s different, look up! Assembly is the modern rooftop bar with a refined design. Located nine floors up, on top of the Logan Philadelphia Hotel, it offers views of the Benjamin Franklin Parkway and the rest of the city. For a February photo shoot, you and your fiancé could warm up in front of the fire pits on this beautiful open-air lounge.
Getting Engaged? Talk to a Jewelry Expert
Janvier Jewelers is an independent, family-owned jewelry dealer and designer. We have proudly served the greater Philadelphia community since 1975. We take pride in providing high-quality service and knowledgeable assistance. Janvier Jewelers is certified by the Gemological Institute of America and our associates have extensive experience working with fine jewelry and engagement rings. Call us at (302) 366-7448 or see the selection of engagement rings at our fine jewelry store.
