A Philadelphia elopement is the perfect solution for marriers who want to celebrate their love with a relaxed day in their favorite neighborhood. Your elopement day can be as nontraditional as you like, and you can get photos in your favorite places. Hiu and Dejah got married in East Falls. We explored East Falls and Manayunk to take their tender wedding photos. We got an amazing variety of photos in just a few hours together.

Hiu and Dejah’s Philadelphia Elopement

Hiu and Dejah reached out to me early on in planning their Philadelphia elopement. The plan changed a few times in the lead up to their wedding day, but the final outcome was great! They started the day with a quick ceremony at the Philadelphia Wedding Chapel. It was very convenient. Their loving vows made their little group of friends and family emotional. 

After the ceremony, Hiu and Dejah took time to wander around the neighborhood with their family. I was able to document a great variety of images from city sidewalks to lush parks. We even found a colorful mural tucked away under a bridge. All of the photos we were able to get goes to show that you don’t need a photographer around for ten hours to document the most important moments of your wedding day.

One benefit of getting married around East Falls and Manayunk is that they tend not to be as crowded as some other parts of the city. This is especially true on a weekday. If you’re eloping so you can embrace the moment, that can be easier to do when you’re not jostling for photo spots. There’s also usually parking, which makes things easier on you and your guests.

I often find that people don’t have a ton of experienced being photographed before their engagements and weddings. That’s why I’ve developed some ways to help people stay present instead of thinking about me clicking away. At Hiu and Dejah’s elopement, we kept the focus on them interacting with each other, so they could really relax in front of the camera. They always seemed to be touching each other’s hands or kissing each other’s cheeks. It was so tender and sweet – exactly what you’d hope for at a Philadelphia elopement.

Wedding Photos in East Falls and Manayunk

I really think East Falls and Manayunk are underrated neighborhoods for elopements and weddings in Philadelphia. There are so many beautiful parks and small venues that are quiet and convenient. Lark is a modern wedding venue in Manayunk. You can check out my post on that Philadelphia wedding venue here.

When you’re planning your Philadelphia elopement, you’ll want to build in time for portraits and candid photos. East Falls and Manayunk have lots of photo-worthy spots. Some of them are:

• The Schuylkill River: Relax beside the water with your partner and bask in that freshly married feeling while you watch the river roll by.
• Wissahickon Valley Park: This sprawling wooded park offers endless locations for ceremonies and wedding photos. Valley Green Inn, a restaurant in the park, even hosts weddings.
• Gorgas Park: Head here in the springtime for the blooming trees.
• Germantown Ave: Stretches of Germantown Ave feature charming cafes and historic landmarks in gorgeous stone buildings. There are plenty of trees to keep it shady in the summer, too.

Regardless of where you get married, you can opt for a self-uniting ceremony. Also called a Quaker wedding, this is a ceremony that couples officiate themselves. If you’re planning a Philadelphia elopement, it can be nice not to have to figure out an officiant. You can really keep the guest list as small as you want. 

Planning Your Philadelphia Elopement

Are you planning your Philadelphia elopement? As an experienced wedding photographer, I often find that people are happiest when they get married where they feel at home. Often that means planning their celebration in their neighborhood. With that in mind, I created Your Neighborhood Guide to Getting Married in Philadelphia. Whether you’re planning an elopement or small wedding, you’ll find helpful tips. Download this free resource for ideas for ceremonies, receptions, florals, and more. Grab your copy here and start planning a wedding that’s authentic to you!