How To get Married in Philadelphia

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

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:

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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,

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. 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.

10. 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.

11. Longwood Gardens: This world-renowned botanical garden offers a variety of stunning locations for a proposal, including the Italian Water Garden and the Conservatory.

12. 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.

13. Cira Green: This elevated park provides a unique and beautiful view of Philadelphia's skyline. Propose with the cityscape in the background.

14. 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:

Here are 5 tips for planning a surprise proposal

Why You Should Hire a Surprise Proposal Photographer in Philadelphia

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:

Here are 5 tips for planning a surprise proposal

Philly Engagement 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:

Top surprise proposal locations in Washington, DC

Here are 5 tips for planning a surprise proposal

Philly Surprise Proposal at Love Park

Love Park, officially John F. Kennedy Plaza, is a very iconic urban space in Philadelphia. Love Park is located in Center City, Philadelphia, right across from City Hall and it’s one of Philly’s iconic landmarks! During the holiday season the park is also filled with the holiday market! The reason most people call it “Love Park” is Robert Indiana’s famous LOVE sculpture, which sits in the plaza. Love Park makes for a popular Philly location to plan a surprise proposal! Weekend’s and holidays can be busy for this location so consider planning on a weekday or in the morning to avoid crowds!

LOOKING FOR A SURPRISE 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:

Top surprise proposal locations in Washington, DC

Here are 5 tips for planning a surprise proposal

Philly Waterfront Surprise Proposal

Philadelphia has a lot of amazing waterfront locations for a surprise proposal! Here is a recent surprise proposal we photographed at the end of Race Street Pier in Philly! We’ve photographed multiple surprise proposals and engagement photos at this location. Scroll down to view more images!

Here are some other popular locations to plan a surprise proposal in Philly:

1. Elfreth’s Alley
   America’s oldest continuously inhabited street, dating to 1703. The narrow cobblestones and colonial houses offer a timeless, romantic charm—ideally shot in late afternoon to avoid tourists

2. Merchant’s Exchange Building / Dock Street
   A Greek-Revival landmark with elegant marble steps and a semicircular façade—a photographer favorite. Dock Street’s traffic barriers give you uninterrupted, beautiful shots

3. Race Street Pier & Cherry Street Pier
   Featuring skyline views and proximity to the Ben Franklin Bridge, Race Street Pier gives a clean, waterfront vibe. Cherry Street Pier offers an edgier industrial backdrop with beams and hanging lights

4. Front & Arch Street
   Blooming cherry blossoms in spring contrast beautifully with Old City’s brick buildings

5. North Mascher & Cuthbert Streets
   A quieter cobblestone side street with vibrant doors and window boxes—less crowded, with charming colonial character

6. 18th Century Garden
   Tucked away yet historic, this small formal garden features colonial-era plants and a gazebo—ideal for intimate portraits

7. Second Bank / Portrait Gallery
   Elegant neoclassical columns offer stately, cinematic compositions

8. Kimpton Hotel Monaco & The Bank Building
   Refined exteriors, colorful awnings, and high-end architectural vibes perfect for editorial-style shots

9. Girard Fountain Park
   A peaceful pocket park with sculptural and green accents for relaxed, natural-feeling photos

LOOKING FOR A Surprise Proposal PHOTOGRAPHER IN Philly?

Learn more about planning an engagement session in Philly by using the contact form or emailing jonflemingphotography@gmail.com

The Jon Fleming Photography team has photographed over 1,000 surprise proposals and engagement sessions over the past 10 years in Washington, DC, Richmond, Baltimore, Philadelphia and surrounding areas!

Surprise Proposal at the 18th Century Gardens in Philly

Old City in Philadelphia has a lot of beatiful locations for surprise proposals! Here is a proposal we photographed at the 18th Century Gardens in Philly! The Gardens are beatiful with a lot of greenery and the gazebo!

Here are some other popular locations to plan a surprise proposal in Philly near Old City:

1. Elfreth’s Alley
   America’s oldest continuously inhabited street, dating to 1703. The narrow cobblestones and colonial houses offer a timeless, romantic charm—ideally shot in late afternoon to avoid tourists

2. Merchant’s Exchange Building / Dock Street
   A Greek-Revival landmark with elegant marble steps and a semicircular façade—a photographer favorite. Dock Street’s traffic barriers give you uninterrupted, beautiful shots

3. Race Street Pier & Cherry Street Pier
   Featuring skyline views and proximity to the Ben Franklin Bridge, Race Street Pier gives a clean, waterfront vibe. Cherry Street Pier offers an edgier industrial backdrop with beams and hanging lights

4. Front & Arch Street
   Blooming cherry blossoms in spring contrast beautifully with Old City’s brick buildings

5. North Mascher & Cuthbert Streets
   A quieter cobblestone side street with vibrant doors and window boxes—less crowded, with charming colonial character

6. 18th Century Garden
   Tucked away yet historic, this small formal garden features colonial-era plants and a gazebo—ideal for intimate portraits

7. Second Bank / Portrait Gallery
   Elegant neoclassical columns offer stately, cinematic compositions

8. Kimpton Hotel Monaco & The Bank Building
   Refined exteriors, colorful awnings, and high-end architectural vibes perfect for editorial-style shots

9. Girard Fountain Park
   A peaceful pocket park with sculptural and green accents for relaxed, natural-feeling photos

LOOKING FOR A Surprise Proposal PHOTOGRAPHER IN Philly?

Learn more about planning an engagement session in Philly by using the contact form or emailing jonflemingphotography@gmail.com

The Jon Fleming Photography team has photographed over 1,000 surprise proposals and engagement sessions over the past 10 years in Washington, DC, Richmond, Baltimore, Philadelphia and surrounding areas!

Philly Old City Engagement Photos

Old City in Philadelphia has a lot of beatiful locations for engagement photos! For this session we did some photos walking around the streets in Old City as well as at the 18th Century Gardens! Philly has lots of great locations for surprise proposal or engagement photos!

Here are some other popular locations for engagement photos near Old City:

1. Elfreth’s Alley
   America’s oldest continuously inhabited street, dating to 1703. The narrow cobblestones and colonial houses offer a timeless, romantic charm—ideally shot in late afternoon to avoid tourists

2. Merchant’s Exchange Building / Dock Street
   A Greek-Revival landmark with elegant marble steps and a semicircular façade—a photographer favorite. Dock Street’s traffic barriers give you uninterrupted, beautiful shots

3. Race Street Pier & Cherry Street Pier
   Featuring skyline views and proximity to the Ben Franklin Bridge, Race Street Pier gives a clean, waterfront vibe. Cherry Street Pier offers an edgier industrial backdrop with beams and hanging lights

4. Front & Arch Street
   Blooming cherry blossoms in spring contrast beautifully with Old City’s brick buildings

5. North Mascher & Cuthbert Streets
   A quieter cobblestone side street with vibrant doors and window boxes—less crowded, with charming colonial character

6. 18th Century Garden
   Tucked away yet historic, this small formal garden features colonial-era plants and a gazebo—ideal for intimate portraits

7. Second Bank / Portrait Gallery
   Elegant neoclassical columns offer stately, cinematic compositions

8. Kimpton Hotel Monaco & The Bank Building
   Refined exteriors, colorful awnings, and high-end architectural vibes perfect for editorial-style shots

9. Girard Fountain Park
   A peaceful pocket park with sculptural and green accents for relaxed, natural-feeling photos

LOOKING FOR An Engagement PHOTOGRAPHER IN Philly?

Learn more about planning an engagement session in Philly by using the contact form or emailing jonflemingphotography@gmail.com

The Jon Fleming Photography team has photographed over 1,000 surprise proposals and engagement sessions over the past 10 years in Washington, DC, Richmond, Baltimore, Philadelphia and surrounding areas!

Engagement Photos at the Spanish Steps in Washington, DC

The Spanish Steps in Washington D.C. are not to be confused with the famous Spanish Steps in Rome, Italy. The Spanish Steps in D.C. are a popular landmark located in the Kalorama neighborhood, just off Massachusetts Avenue NW. These steps are actually a staircase that connects Decatur Place NW and S Street NW.

While not as famous as the Spanish Steps in Rome, the Spanish Steps in D.C. still attract visitors and locals alike who appreciate their historical significance and the picturesque surroundings. They are often used as a backdrop for photoshoots and are a peaceful spot for residents to sit and relax. Check out this recent engagement session at the Spanish Steps in DC!

Learn more about scheduling engagement photos in Washington. DC using the contact form or emailing jonflemingphotography@gmail.com

The Jon Fleming Photography team has photographed over 1,000 surprise proposals and engagement sessions over the past 12 years in Washington, DC, Richmond, Baltimore, Philadelphia and surrounding areas!

Philadelphia Race Street Pier Surprise Proposal

Race Street Pier is a popular spot for a surprise proposal or engagement photos in Philadelphia! The pier has Delaware River waterfront views and views of the Ben Franklin Bridge along with park area! Consider walk to end of Race Street Pier for a great view when you propose in Philadelphia! Scroll below to view more photos from this surprise proposal!

Top surprise proposal locations in Philadelphia

3 reasons why you should hire a proposal photographer

5 tips for planning a surprise proposal

Learn more about planning a surprise proposal in Philly by using the contact form or emailing jonflemingphotography@gmail.com

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. The online gallery is easy to share with friends and family! 

Cira Green Surprise Proposal

Cira Green is a privately-owned, publicly-accessible park open year-round. It is located at 80 S 30th Street, directly atop Cira Centre South Garage. Cira Green is open 7 days a week from 6:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. May 1 through September 30, and 7:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. October 1 through April 30. All hours of operation are subject to weather and rental events. Consider Cira Green in Philadelphia as a great location with a city view for your surprise proposal plans! Checkout some photos of the view:

Top surprise proposal locations in Philadelphia

3 reasons why you should hire a proposal photographer

5 tips for planning a surprise proposal

Learn more about planning a surprise proposal in Philly by using the contact form or emailing jonflemingphotography@gmail.com

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. The online gallery is easy to share with friends and family! 

Washington DC National Gallery of Art Engagement Photos

The National Gallery of Art one of DC’s many free art galleries and museums! They are open daily from 10am-5pm. Admission is always free! The National Gallery of Art is a world-renowned art museum located in Washington, D.C. It is comprised of two buildings: the West Building and the East Building. The West Building, designed by architect John Russell Pope, opened in 1941 and houses a collection of European paintings and sculptures from the Middle Ages to the 1800s, including works by masters such as Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, and Rembrandt. The East Building, designed by architect I.M. Pei, opened in 1978 and focuses on modern and contemporary art, with works by artists such as Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse, and Jackson Pollock.

The museum is renowned for its extensive collection, diverse exhibitions, and educational programs for visitors of all ages. The National Gallery of Art is an important cultural institution, attracting millions of visitors each year, and has become a must-visit destination for art lovers and visitors to Washington, D.C.

I highly recommend the Gallery of Art as one of DC’s best indoor engagement session locations!

Learn more about planning a surprise proposal or engagement session in Washington. DC using the contact form or emailing jonflemingphotography@gmail.com

National Gallery of Art Surprise Proposal

The National Gallery of Art one of DC’s many free art galleries and museums! They are open daily from 10am-5pm. Admission is always free! The Gallery of Art makes for a great indoor location for surprise proposal engagement photos to avoid bad weather or during the winter. The National Gallery of Art has two buildings: one building has modern art and the other building has classical paintings.

Learn more about planning a surprise proposal in Washington. DC using the contact form or emailing jonflemingphotography@gmail.com

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! 

We also offer pre-designed and custom setups to make your moment extra special! 

Philadelphia Addison Street Surprise Proposal

Addison Street is a small residential street located in the Rittenhouse Square neighborhood of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It is a one-way street that runs for two blocks from S 20th Street to S 22nd Street, and it is intersected by Spruce Street and Locust Street. The street is lined with historic row houses, many of which were built in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and it is known for its charming, tree-lined character. It is within walking distance of Rittenhouse Square Park, a popular gathering place in the city. The trees stay strewn in white lights all year long. Addison Street makes for a cute location for a surprise proposal in Philly! Checkout some photos from this recent surprise proposal:

Learn more about planning a surprise proposal in Philly by using the contact form or emailing jonflemingphotography@gmail.com

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. The online gallery is easy to share with friends and family! 

We also offer pre-designed and custom setups to make your moment extra special!