210 W Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia, PA 19103
Right in the heart of Center City is the popular neighborhood gem, Rittenhouse Square. It’s location is hard to beat as some of the city’s best restaurants, hotels, historic landmarks and wedding venues are within walking distance of the park. It can be extremely crowded just about any day of the week, but it’s definitely worth considering for its natural beauty and location.
This public park in Center City, Philadelphia, as well as the nearby neighborhood is known as Rittenhouse. It is one of William Penn’s and his surveyor Thomas Holme’s original five open-space parks, which were planned in the late 17th century.
The area is one of the highest-income urban areas in the United States. The Rittenhouse-Fitler Historic District encompasses the Rittenhouse area as well as Fitler Square.
The park is roughly two short blocks on each side, with 18th Roadway to the east, and Walnut Street to the north.
Photos at Rittenhouse Square
FAQs: Engagement Session at Rittenhouse Square
1. How do we choose the best spots in Rittenhouse Square for our engagement session?
We’ll first discuss your style, whether you prefer relaxed and candid, polished and formal, or somewhere in between. Then we’ll select spots around Rittenhouse Square that match your vision and lighting needs. The park offers tree-lined paths, elegant benches, lawn areas, and stands against historic brownstones. Because the area has both urban and green-space elements, we’ll design a route that gives you visual variety and reflects your story.
2. What should we wear and how should we prepare for this city-park setting?
Since your session will be in an urban yet park-like setting, we’ll guide you on clothing and preparation so your outfits complement both the architecture and the open green space. For example, structured jackets and darker trousers can pair nicely with the city’s clean lines; flowing dresses or textured fabrics can soften in the park’s natural setting. We’ll also time the session for light conditions (late afternoon or golden hour) and suggest comfortable shoes for walking on brick walkways or the lawn.
3. How long should our session be, and can we include nearby locations for variety?
Yes — we’ll plan a session allowing movement between the central park and adjacent streets or alleys for urban contrast. For instance, we might start in the greenery of Rittenhouse Square, then move to a nearby historic block or façade for a second look. We’ll ensure your time is sufficient to transition without feeling rushed, cover the variety you want, and still keep the session enjoyable.
4. What happens if the weather or lighting isn’t ideal in Rittenhouse Square?
We’ll monitor forecasts and lighting ahead. If the sun is too harsh, we’ll shift to the shaded parts of the park under the trees or use architectural elements for softer light. If overcast or rain threatens, we’ll adjust the start time or select small covered spots near the park. The goal is to ensure you still feel comfortable and the images reflect your connection beautifully.
5. How will this engagement session help us feel confident in front of the camera for our wedding day?
We’ll treat this session as a warm-up. You’ll get used to walking, posing naturally, and interacting while I capture candid moments and set up portrait frames. By working together at Rittenhouse Square, you’ll become familiar with the pacing, my direction style, and what feels most authentic for you. On wedding day, you’ll bring that comfort with you so the photography flows effortlessly and your personalities shine through.
Location Information:
210 W Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia, PA 19103
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