There’s really nothing like Rittenhouse Square engagement photos captured on a sunlit fall afternoon. Here, it’s easy to feel like you’re in a tucked away corner of Paris without ever leaving Philly! And with Haley and Griffin’s impeccably styled outfits and Parisian sidewalk cafe moment, it’s even easier to believe these photos were captured across the pond. H + G’s fall engagement session started at a sidewalk table at Parc and ended at golden hour by the fountain. From brownstone stoops and detailed ironwork to an endless tree canopy over the park paths — Rittenhouse Square has all of it, and it photographs like a dream.
These are some of my favorite Center City Philadelphia engagement photos I’ve taken, and I don’t say that lightly!
A French Sidewalk Cafe Moment at Parc
Of course, we started with a little Emily in Paris French sidewalk cafe moment. Haley and Griffin tucked into a small table for two at Parc, pretending like no one else was around.
This French bistro sits on the corner of 18th and Rittenhouse Square. It’s a Starr Restaurant staple open for outdoor dining Monday – Friday from 11am. The sidewalk tables, bistro chairs, and red awning situation are exactly what you’d expect from a place that really commits to the Paris bit. Breakfast, lunch, brunch, dinner — they do it all!
Some of my favorite frames happened right here before we even made it into the park.
Engagement Photos In Rittenhouse Square Park
After Parc, we crossed the street and wandered through Rittenhouse Square itself. The square is one of five original squares William Penn laid out for Philadelphia back in 1682, and the one that still feels exactly like what it was always meant to be: a neighborhood retreat in the middle of the city. I love that H + G could add their own little piece of history to this storied location.
This is the perfect spot if you want your Rittenhouse Square engagement photos to have that urban park vibe. We walked the perimeter paths and found a bench where Haley and Griffin just sat, cuddled together. No posing needed, honestly. I got some of the most natural photos of the day right there. We also spent time along the stone balustrade at the edge of the park. Those wide shots with the trees behind them are too good!
Brownstone Walkups (Philly Has Them Too!)
A nearby brownstone walkup gave us the seated staircase photos that everyone assumes you need to go to New York for — and I was genuinely so happy about it. To see what I’m talking about, check out this West Village engagement session with Isabelle and Johnny. The worn stone steps, iron railings, and brick facade from their session reminded me of this exact spot!
Haley wore the More to Come Devin Maxi Dress in Cream Polka Dot from Revolve with black strappy block heels, which was such a good choice for this entire session. The bold contrast pattern popped against every backdrop! Griffin was in khaki pants, a white shirt, and a navy blazer with brown leather accents. The two of them together were just effortlessly put together, and it made my job very easy!
The 1830 Rittenhouse Square Building
We couldn’t pass by this distinctive entryway without capturing a few candid shots! 1830 Rittenhouse Square was designed in 1912 by architect Frederick Webber — it was actually the first high-rise ever built overlooking the park. The limestone façade, the detailed ironwork, the iconic entryway canopy — it’s classical French architecture, and it tied back so perfectly to the Parc moment we’d started the session with. We grabbed a few effortless walking poses here, and I love the joy and movement they added to this gallery.
Golden Hour Engagement Photos at the Fountain
We looped back to the central fountain as the light went warm. The mosaic tile detail on the fountain catches the late afternoon sun beautifully, and Haley and Griffin were so relaxed by this point that I basically just followed them around. The Rittenhouse Square engagement photos here are soft and warm and completely natural… I found myself not wanting to call time.
Urban City Engagement Photo Backdrops
My favorite part of Philadelphia engagement sessions is the unique architectural moments around every corner. Tree lined pathways, historic buildings, quaint sidewalk shops, luxury boutiques, and even somewhere like this beautiful arched doorway we found can add variety and texture to any gallery. I highly recommend exploring the streets surrounding Rittenhouse Square to find those unexpected moments. Walnut Street, S 18th St., and W Rittenhouse Square are full of nontraditional, urban city photo backdrops.
Book Your Philadelphia Wedding Photographer
If you love the idea of an urban Philadelphia engagement session, the Rodin Museum on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway is another spot that delivers that same European feel — lush gardens, stunning architecture, and the kind of afternoon light that’s hard to find anywhere else in the city. And if you’re still deciding on a location, check out the full list of top outdoor engagement photo locations in Pennsylvania for even more ideas!
Vendor Credits
Cafe: Parc, 227 S. 18th Street, Philadelphia, PA
Haley’s Dress: More to Come Devin Maxi Dress — Revolve
Lauren Bliss is a Philadelphia based wedding photographer capturing engagement photos and weddings across the East Coast, NYC, and destinations worldwide, and is ready to capture your romance in her soft, film-inspired photography style. If you’re ready to book your wedding photography package, inquire here to reserve your wedding date!
