Picking a place to propose can be overwhelming. Philadelphia has so many unique places that could be perfect for popping the question. From quiet nature areas to colorful restaurants, there’s a place that’s perfect for just about every couple. If you’re trying to decide where to propose in Philadelphia, check out this roundup of some of the most memorable spots in the city.

Where to Propose in Philadelphia

Philadelphia is full of incredible places for a proposal. Choose a spot that’s meaningful for you and your partner. It doesn’t have to be a candlelit dinner if that’s not true to your relationship. Figure out what’s already special to you and build on that. Here are a few ideas to get you started! 

Nature Areas

Philadelphia has a lot of beautiful natural areas throughout the city. Many are big enough that you can find quiet spaces. This is a big plus for couples who love the outdoors but don’t love an audience for an intimate moment like a proposal. 

If you’re deciding where to propose in Philadelphia’s nature areas, consider Belmont Plateau. This large green space is part of Fairmount Park. It has incredible views of the skyline above the treetops. In the fall, red-leafed trees add warm color to the edges of the field. Fairmount Park has several pretty, quiet areas worth exploring. 

Bartram’s Garden is another beautiful place for a proposal. You can get down on one knee in one of the manicured gardens with birds and butterflies flying past. If you prefer a wilder space, you can head to one of the groves of trees dotted with ponds and swings. 

A holiday proposal is always special. Consider doing it at a Christmas tree farm like Stevie and Casey. Their friends went ahead to decorate the special tree for them, and I hid in the trees to capture the magical moment.

Public Parks

Downtown Philadelphia has some elegant squares and parks. Think about how crowded an area will be before picking a spot. Rittenhouse Square can get packed during the day, but at night during the winter holidays, people empty out of the park. On top of that, it’s lit by strings of white holiday lights everywhere. It’s really breathtaking for where to propose in Philadelphia during the holidays.  

Like Rittenhouse Square, Boathouse Row is popular during the day, but it’s an iconic Philadelphia location. If you want a waterside proposal with the skyline in the background, Boathouse Row is ideal. This couple avoided crowds by asking the boathouse for private use during the day. After the proposal, we could take our time with photos.

Restaurants

When deciding where to propose in Philadelphia, consider your favorite restaurant. Candlelit dinners are lovely, but choose a meal and a place you really love. If Sunday brunch is a big part of your weekly routine, it could be a fitting setting for your proposal.

This couple had their first date at El Vez. The restaurant let us in before they opened to the public. The proposal felt intimate without anyone else there, and we were able to take photos all over the restaurant. In addition to El Vez being a meaningful place for the couple, the colors and lights made it a fun location to take photos.

Creative Locations

Just because there are so many places where to propose in Philadelphia doesn’t mean you have to go far to do it. Is your partner introverted or private? An at-home proposal can be very romantic. Schedule a regular photo session so they’re not tipped off by the photographer in the living room. Then pop the question after the session starts. Many people find it comforting to have such a personal moment in their home instead of a public place.

Philadelphia is famous for its murals. There are over 3,500 around the city. Do you and your partner have a favorite? Propose in front of it. It will bring a creative element to your photos. Mosaic murals feel especially whimsical.

Wherever you propose in Philadelphia, start by thinking about what place is special to you as a couple. It can be a gallery, coffee shop, or greenhouse – anywhere you love being together. Reach out to the space you want to use. You might be surprised by their eagerness to help you make it more private temporarily. Many places will accommodate you in exchange for photos or just because they love love.

Are you looking for a Philadelphia photographer to capture your proposal? I would love to document this special moment. Reach out to me!