8 Fall Photo Locations in and around Philadelphia

You’ll certainly know when Autumn arrives in the Philly area because there’s a crispness to the air and leaves will crunch beneath your feet. We know finding the perfect locale for engagement and wedding photos can be a challenge for any couple because of all the overwhelming options. That’s why we asked some of our top local photographers for their favorite picks featuring the region’s best spots!


1. Old City

Between Front and Sixth Streets

I love shooting in Old City ANY time of year, but I especially love Fall. The rustic charm of historic Old City is made that much more romantic by the change of the seasons and the colors on the trees and leaves whirling underfoot from a light autumn breeze. It’s a perfect setting to spend some time snuggling up with your honey doing some engagement photos!Kunda Photography

2. Wissahickon Park Trail

Forbidden Drive Upper Parking Lot, W Bells Mill Rd, Philadelphia, PA 19128

Forbidden Drive was so named because in the 1920s, cars were banned from using it. Today it is open to pedestrians, cyclists, and equestrians. This 8.5 mile trail extends from E Skippack Pike to Lincoln Drive through mostly wooded areas with wide gravel paths at places. This is easily accessible from the city and great for adventure/hiking/mountain loving couples.J&J Studios

man picking up woman in his arms
man dipping women by creek
couple kissing in the leaves

3. William Heritage Winery

280 Mullica Hill Rd, Mulica Hill, NJ 08062

The fall foliage is always beautiful, as well as the vineyards and orchards.  There’s always a cute area to snuggle and steal some kisses!Tami and Ryan Photography

couple walking in vineyard
william heritage winery
couple kissing in vineyard
couple hugging in vineyard
couple hugging in vineyard

4. Rail Park

Noble Street, N Broad St, Philadelphia, PA 19123

This hidden gem has a white stone walkway that overlooks the city on both sides. There are huge swings and lots of industrial metal and greenery surrounding the walkway. And they have a wall that is all rusted with a stamped out map of Philadelphia that is stunning!Jordan Brian Studios

couple staring into each other's eyes at rail park
stone sign at Philadelphia rail park
engaged couple embrace outside
couple holding hands at rail park

5. Holly Hedge Estate

6987 Upper York Rd, New Hope, PA 18938

One of my favorite locations for Fall weddings, is Holly Hedge Estate just outside the city in New Hope, PA. It’s a wedding venue and hotel all in one, with quaint charm that makes your event feel totally private and personal. First look and portrait location options include walkways, a fountain setting and a beautiful field, which in the Fall glows with golden-hued trees. Everything is very close to each other, but you still get that “away” feeling for portraits while your guests are enjoying happy hour or getting settled in their rooms.Kunda Photography

bride and groom first look
diamond rings in flowers
bride and groom by fountain
bride and groom kiss by bridge
bride and groom kissing outside

6. TowPath Trail

20 Fishers Ave New Hope, PA 18938

Only a quick 45 min drive from Philly lands you in the beautiful town of New Hope, PA. With plenty of trees, leaves and a river, arrive a couple hours before sunset to get that beautiful fall light and even sneak into an abandoned train car for a touch of urban grittiness. There’s no shortage of both fall foliage and tons of different backdrops in just a short walk!Deibert Photography

couple embrace in the woods
couple hug by the water
couple embracing on abandoned train car

7. Swarthmore College

500 College Ave, Swarthmore, PA 19081

The campus is relatively empty for shooting and there are so many different areas to shoot including, custom gardens and a big swing attached to a gorgeous tree. They even painted some of the trees fully purple when we were there last. I love all the greenery surrounding it and the campus class buildings. The long walkway towards the center of campus is breathtaking.Jordan Brian Studios

couple sitting on bench in college campus
couple kissing among Autumn leaves
man lifting lady into air on walkway
couple hugging under golden tree
man pushing lady on swing on college campus

8. The Race Street Pier

N Christopher Columbus Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19106

This might be the “mvp” of locations for Philadelphia photographers because it’s been featured in so many engagement and wedding photo sessions.

The classic bridge shot is of course always a stunning image, but it’s really beautiful over here during the fall, as the many trees that line the bridge turn colors adding pops of orange and yellow to your photos. Be sure to sneak into the median on Columbus Avenue where more trees and an abandoned train track give you another fall perspective!Deibert Photography

couple holding hands by bridge
couple at engagement session
couple walking along Ben Franklin Bridge in Philadelphia