How To get Married in Philadelphia
How To Get Married at City Hall in Philadelphia | Philadelphia Elopement Photographer
To get married at City Hall in Philadelphia first you will need to get a marriage license! Both you and your partner must show up in person to obtain the license. The marriage license has a 3 day waiting period and it expires 60 days after that! The location to get the license is 1400 John F. Kennedy Boulevard, Room 413, Philadelphia, PA 19107.
To get married at City Hall after you get your license you will have to call to schedule a date.
Below are details on how to get a Marriage license in Philadelphia directly from the website:
1. Prepare the documentation you'll need.
You must bring your required forms of identification and payment. You should also bring any other documentation you may need, as outlined in the special cases section.
2. Decide when you'd like to apply.
Walk-ins are welcome Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 3:15 p.m.
If you’ll need a translator, contact the office at least one week before your visit.
3. Go to the Marriage License Department and apply for your license.
Both applicants must appear at the Marriage License Department. Only the applicants need to attend.
City Hall
1400 John F. Kennedy Boulevard
Room 413
Philadelphia, PA 19107
As part of the process, you will fill out your application and present any necessary documentation, such as your photo IDs.
For marriage licenses, everyone is considered an applicant. Genders do not factor into the application process and are not captured.
4. Receive your license.
You will receive your license at the end of your visit. It will be valid on the third day after you apply, and remain valid for 60 days from the issue date. It’s your responsibility to get married in this time frame and arrange for an officiant or witnesses, if required by your license type.
If you lose the license within the 60-day period, you can get a replacement for $10.
If you don’t use the license within 60 days, you must return the license and reapply. You’ll also need to pay the fee again. No refunds will be provided for an unused license.
A regular marriage license costs $90. Quaker or self-uniting licenses cost $100.
LOOKING FOR A PHOTOGRAPHER IN Philly?
Learn more about planning a surprise proposal, engagement, wedding photos in Philadelphia using the contact form or emailing jonflemingphotography@gmail.com
The Jon Fleming Photography team has photographed over 1,200 events over the past 10 years in Philly, Washington, DC, Baltimore, NYC and surrounding areas! We have over 150+ 5 star Google reviews!
Philadelphia Surpirse Proposal Locations in 2026
Philadelphia Surprise Proposal Locations | Philadelphia Proposal Photographer
Planning a proposal is one of the most exciting moments of your life! You’ve picked the ring, chosen the perfect Philly location, and practiced what you’re going to say a hundred times in your head. There’s one decision that can make the moment truly unforgettable: hiring a Philly proposal photographer to capture it all.
Philadelphia is one of the most romantic cities in the country, filled with historic charm, skyline views, and hidden gems that make for incredible proposal backdrops. A surprise proposal photographer doesn’t just take photos, they preserve the raw emotion, joy, and once-in-a-lifetime reactions you’ll want to relive forever. We’ve photographed over 1,000+ surprise proposals in Philly, DC and NYC over the past 12 years.
Here is a list of the top surprise proposal locations in Philly in 2026:
Rittenhouse Square: This is a beautiful public park in the heart of Philadelphia. The park features a fountain, lush greenery, and city views. it's a perfect spot for a surprise proposal.
Addison Street is a lovely cobblestone street in the Rittenhouse Square neighborhood of Philadelphia, and it could make for a great proposal location as well. The street is lined with beautiful 19th-century townhouses and is a charming and picturesque spot that is perfect for a romantic proposal.
Philadelphia Museum of Art: The iconic "Rocky Steps" leading up to the Philadelphia Museum of Art is a popular spot for proposals. The steps offer a breathtaking view of the city and make for a memorable backdrop for your special moment.
Penn's Landing: This waterfront location is perfect for a proposal. Take a walk along the riverfront and pop the question with the Ben Franklin Bridge in the background.
Boathouse Row: This picturesque row of boathouses along the Schuylkill River is a serene and romantic location for a proposal. With stunning views of the water and the city skyline, it's an ideal place to capture the moment.
Love Park: As its name suggests, Love Park is a popular spot for couples. With its famous LOVE statue, it's a quintessential Philadelphia proposal location. During the holiday season the park also features the holiday market,
Fairmount Park: This expansive park offers plenty of quiet and secluded spots to propose, including the Japanese Tea Garden, the Horticulture Center, and the Fairmount Water Works.
The Philadelphia Zoo: The Philadelphia Zoo offers a unique proposal location, with opportunities to pop the question in front of your partner's favorite animal exhibit or in a peaceful garden setting.
Spruce Street Harbor Park: This seasonal waterfront park provides a fun and lively atmosphere. Propose near the colorful hammocks or under the colorful LED lights strung overhead.
Magic Gardens: The Magic Gardens is an outdoor art installation made of mosaics and is a unique proposal location. Propose in the enchanting courtyard, surrounded by the vibrant artwork.
Longwood Gardens: This world-renowned botanical garden offers a variety of stunning locations for a proposal, including the Italian Water Garden and the Conservatory.
Philadelphia City Hall: This historic building provides a grand and picturesque backdrop for a proposal. Propose on the steps of the building or in the courtyard.
Cira Green: This elevated park provides a unique and beautiful view of Philadelphia's skyline. Propose with the cityscape in the background.
Independence National Historical Park: Propose in this historic park, home to the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, where you can learn about the nation's founding and create your own new beginning.
LOOKING FOR A Proposal PHOTOGRAPHER IN Philly?
Learn more about planning a surprise proposal or engagement photos in Philadelphia using the contact form or emailing jonflemingphotography@gmail.com
The Jon Fleming Photography team has photographed over 1,200 surprise proposals over the past 10 years in Philly, Washington, DC, Baltimore, NYC and surrounding areas! We have over 150+ 5 star Google reviews!
Surprise Proposal Photography includes detailed planning & advice, photography session to capture the proposal moment, portraits afterwards, and your online gallery of your beautifully processed high-resolution images delivered in 3 days. Highlight images delivered within 24 hours. The online gallery is easy to share with friends and family!
Resources:
Why You Should Hire a Surprise Proposal Photographer in Philadelphia
Why you should hire a surprise proposal photographer in Philly | Philadelphia Proposal Photographer
Planning a proposal is one of the most exciting moments of your life! You’ve picked the ring, chosen the perfect Philly location, and practiced what you’re going to say a hundred times in your head. There’s one decision that can make the moment truly unforgettable: hiring a philly proposal photographer to capture it all.
Philadelphia is one of the most romantic cities in the country, filled with historic charm, skyline views, and hidden gems that make for incredible proposal backdrops. A surprise proposal photographer doesn’t just take photos, they preserve the raw emotion, joy, and once-in-a-lifetime reactions you’ll want to relive forever. We’ve photographer over 1,000+ surprise proposals in Philly, DC and NYC over the past 12 years.
You Only Get One Chance to Capture the Moment
A proposal lasts seconds, but the memories last a lifetime. The look of surprise, the tears, the laugh you didn’t expect - these are moments that can’t be recreated. Asking a stranger to take a quick iPhone photo or setting up a phone on a tripod simply doesn’t do the moment justice.
A professional philly proposal photographer knows exactly where to stand, how to frame the shot, and when to click the shutter so nothing is missed. From the moment you drop to one knee to the instant they say “yes,” every emotion is captured naturally and discreetly.
Philadelphia Is Made for Proposals
Few cities offer as much variety as Philadelphia. Whether you’re dreaming of something classic, modern, or intimate, there’s a perfect spot.
Popular proposal locations include:
Rittenhouse Square for timeless, romantic city vibes
Boathouse Row for iconic Philly charm and waterfront views
The Philadelphia Museum of Art for dramatic architecture and skyline shots
Race Street Pier for modern views of the Ben Franklin Bridge
Hidden Old City streets for a cozy, historic feel
Keep the Proposal a True Surprise
One of the biggest worries people have is, “Will they notice the photographer?” A professional surprise proposal photographer specializes in staying unnoticed. They blend in until the perfect moment unfolds.
Before the proposal, your photographer will:
Help plan the exact proposal spot
Coordinate timing
Give guidance on where to stand and how to position yourself
Communicate so everything runs smoothly
This planning ensures the proposal feels effortless while remaining a complete surprise.
Professional Photos You’ll Actually Want to Share
Your proposal photos won’t just live on your phone, they’ll be shared with family, friends, and eventually displayed in your home. Hiring a professional philly proposal photographer means you’ll receive high-quality, professionally edited images that reflect how the moment truly felt.
These images are perfect for:
Engagement announcements
Save-the-dates
Wedding websites
Social media
Framed prints and albums
Instead of a blurry, off-angle shot, you’ll have magazine-worthy images that tell your love story beautifully.
Reduce Stress and Enjoy the Moment
Proposing is emotional enough without worrying about logistics. When you hire a photographer, you’re not just paying for photos - you’re buying peace of mind.
Your photographer becomes part of your support team, helping you:
Choose the best proposal time for lighting
Avoid crowded moments
Plan a post-proposal mini session
Celebrate immediately after with stunning portraits
Knowing someone has everything covered allows you to be fully present and focus on what matters most: your partner.
Turn Your Proposal Into an Engagement Session
One of the biggest perks of hiring a surprise proposal photographer in Philadelphia is what happens after the “yes.” Most photographers will continue shooting for a short engagement session right after the proposal.
You’ll already be dressed up, glowing with excitement, and riding the high of the moment—making these photos some of the most genuine and joyful images you’ll ever take together.
A Once-in-a-Lifetime Investment
Your proposal only happens once. Long after the nerves fade and the ring becomes familiar, your photos will bring you right back to that moment.
Hiring a Philly proposal photographer ensures your story is told authentically, beautifully, and forever preserved.
If you’re already putting thought into the ring, the words, and the location, capturing it professionally is the final piece that makes the moment complete.
LOOKING FOR A Proposal PHOTOGRAPHER IN Philly?
Learn more about planning a surprise proposal or engagement photos in Philadelphia using the contact form or emailing jonflemingphotography@gmail.com
The Jon Fleming Photography team has photographed over 1,200 surprise proposals over the past 10 years in Philly, Washington, DC, Baltimore, NYC and surrounding areas! We have over 150+ 5 star Google reviews!
Surprise Proposal Photography includes detailed planning & advice, photography session to capture the proposal moment, portraits afterwards, and your online gallery of your beautifully processed high-resolution images delivered in 3 days. Highlight images delivered within 24 hours. The online gallery is easy to share with friends and family!
Resources:
Philly Engagement Photographer
Philly Engagement Photographer | Philadelphia Proposal Photographer
Philadelphia has a lot of great locations for engagement photos! Some popular locations include Rittenhouse Square, Race Street Pier, Old City, Fairmont Waterworks, and some of the many parks! If you’re looking for a photographer for engagement photos or a surprise proposal in Philadelphia get in touch to learn more and schedule a date! Below are some recent surprise proposal and engagement photos in Philadelphia:
LOOKING FOR An Engagement PHOTOGRAPHER IN Philly?
Learn more about planning a surprise proposal or engagement photos in Philadelphia using the contact form or emailing jonflemingphotography@gmail.com
The Jon Fleming Photography team has photographed over 1,200 surprise proposals over the past 10 years in Philly, Washington, DC, Baltimore, NYC and surrounding areas! We have over 150+ 5 star Google reviews!
Surprise Proposal Photography includes detailed planning & advice, photography session to capture the proposal moment, portraits afterwards, and your online gallery of your beautifully processed high-resolution images delivered in 3 days. Highlight images delivered within 24 hours. The online gallery is easy to share with friends and family!
Resources: