Philadelphia is an amazing city for a wedding or elopement. There are so many funky venues and artistic photo opportunities. This year I got to attend a photography retreat in Philadelphia, and I left so inspired! I’m using the photos from the retreat to share five creative ideas for your Philadelphia wedding photos.
Creative Inspiration for Your Philadelphia Wedding Photos
Before you dive into these ideas, remember: Choose what feels true to you and leave the rest. Like everything else for your Philadelphia wedding, your photos should reflect your relationship. Some of these photo ideas might align more with your vision for your day than others. And that’s OK!
1. Night Portraits
If you’re hosting your Philadelphia wedding in Center City, Fishtown, or another similarly vibrant neighborhood, you might want to do night portraits. That “after dark” look preserves the feeling of the city in your wedding photos. They’re intimate and fun. Typically, you’re well into your reception by the time you do night photos, too, so it’s easier to let loose in front of the camera.
Make sure you choose your photographer carefully if you have your heart set on night photography. Getting it right requires a lot of technical skills. Ask to see examples of it from their portfolio so you can set your expectations accordingly.
2. Rooftop Photos
Is there anything as iconic as the Philadelphia skyline? Rooftop portraits are another way of capturing the city’s energy in your photos. Whether you take your portraits in the daytime or at golden hour, the skyline makes an amazing backdrop.
To get the rooftop photos you’re dreaming of, make sure you ask your venue if you’ll have rooftop access. You might be able to find a secondary location that can provide it. Also bring any props you might want. Flowers and other decor can make a fun addition to your pre- or post-ceremony photo session.
3. Garden Party Decor
Are you thinking about hosting your Philadelphia wedding in a park or garden? The city has so much green space. You have your pick of locations for a very nature-centered wedding. Combine the area’s natural beauty with Philly’s historic charm by including garden party-inspired decor.
For this styled session, we included a long picnic table decorated with gorgeous flowers. Vintage glassware and tapers elevated the look. It’s easy to imagine an elopement set up just like this – you, your partner, and your closest people enjoying a sunlit celebration.
If something like this appeals to you, you can DIY it or hire a luxury picnic company. (Yes, those exist!) Hiring someone else to sweat the details gives you freedom to be really present in your day.
4. Shofuso Japanese Cultural Center
For those still looking for the perfect Philadelphia wedding venue, consider the Shofuso Japanese Cultural Center. The center has a traditional Japanese house and garden. Beautiful murals fill the house. Water features cascade around the garden.
Shofuso is worth a visit any time of the year, but it’s especially gorgeous in the spring when the cherry blossoms are at their peak. Usually, that’s the end of March or very beginning of April. Pink and white flowers carpet the garden paths.
Like the picnic, Shofuso is ideal for elopements and small weddings. It can host up to 40 people for four hours. Since the center is in a lovely area of Fairmount Park, you could easily have a ceremony at Shofuso and a picnic elsewhere in the park.
5. Magic Garden Moment
The Magic Gardens is the ultimate destination for artistic Philadelphia wedding photos. Artist Isaiah Zagar started building the maze of mosaics in the 1960s. He uses glass, bicycle parts, tile, and other upcycled materials to create a breathtaking space.
Although you can’t host a wedding at the Magic Gardens, you can take photos there for a small fee. The Magic Gardens are right on South Street. It’s an easy stop to build into your wedding timeline if you’re getting married in South Philly.
A Photographer for Your Philadelphia Wedding
Are you looking for a photographer for your Philadelphia wedding? I’m a Buffalo wedding photographer ready to travel! If you couldn’t tell, I think Philadelphia is pretty cool. I’d love to document your day with colorful photos! Inquire with me today.
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