Despite the excitement that surrounds a wedding and the couple’s ensuing marriage, there is a lot of work and preparation required to pull off a great wedding. Among the many considerations is the actual location of your ceremony and the ability of your photographer to capture memories at that site which you cherish for decades.

When it comes to wedding photography, Philadelphia is a fantastic city. With its urban setting, historic buildings, beautiful parks and reputation as the “city of love,” it’s hard to go wrong in Philly. For a list of some of the best wedding photo locations in that great city, 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.

JFK Plaza or LOVE Park

What could be more romantic than photos taken under the infamous LOVE statue in Philadelphia’s Love Park? Officially, the park is named JFK Plaza, but is lovingly referred to as LOVE Park thanks to the infamous Robert Indiana LOVE sculpture overlooking the park in Philadelphia’s city center.

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’s Garden

As one of the nation’s oldest botanical gardens - Bartram’s Gardens - are steeped in history and tradition. They’re also incredibly beautiful, making them the perfect location for wedding photography. Philadelphia residents will instantly recognize the beautiful stone courtyard and classic coach house.

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.

The Steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art

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.

With its eight pillars and stunning steps, it’s a perfect photo spot. Also, fans of the Rocky movie may recognize these iconic steps from the popular film. However, to use those steps as a wedding photography location, you or your photographer must obtain a permit from the Fairmount Park Commission ($50 per hour).

Rittenhouse Square Park

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.

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