When Emilia & Vinny came to me with their plans to celebrate their elopement at Love Park in Philadelphia, I was simply ecstatic. They wanted to get married quietly, surrounded by only their closest family on a Wednesday afternoon in May. The city started offering Wedding Wednesdays in their iconic Love Park as a cost-effective option for people to have a quick ceremony. It’s truly iconic to get married right in the heart of center city.
the Italian Market
After getting ready at home, Emilia & Vinny started their day by picking up coffee and pastries just the two of them in the Italian Market. Even better, this cafe was where they went on their very first date. Anthony’s Italian Coffee and Chocolate House is situated on a corner with large windows, and was fortunately empty that day. Emilia & Vinny had the place to themselves to enjoy their sweet treat and reminisce on their love story since their first date.
(Emilia is also a pastry chef at a private club in the city, so her love of these pastries is enormous praise)
Elopement Ceremony at Love Park
We Ubered together over to city hall, where their families were waiting for them. Wedding Wednesdays are a beautiful and smooth operation, with 20 minutes per party to use the Love Park sign. Officiants are provided and set up at the park all day to take turns through each reserved time frame. One couple finished up their ceremony when we arrived, and another waiting after ours, all with commuters on their lunch breaks taking a mid-day stroll through the park. Pedestrians cheered, cars honked, and the overall atmosphere was joy and celebration, despite being surrounded so largely by strangers.
When it was their turn, Vinny waited at the sign while Emilia walked down the short aisle with her father. They exchanged vows and rings while their families surrounded them under blue skies, the Ben Franklin parkway as their backdrop. After their quick ceremony, we used the remainder of their reservation time for some quick portraits at the Love sign.
City Hall
We still had plenty of time to walk over to City Hall together to drop off their marriage license that same afternoon. Philadelphia’s City Hall, famously topped by a statue of William Penn, is arguably the most famous sight in the city. Its gorgeous architecture, as well as its accessibility to the public, makes it a surefire location for portraits. We stopped at several beautiful spots both inside and out on our way to deliver their license.
the Fitler Club
From there, we went together to the Fitler Club, where both Emilia & Vinny work. They arranged for their entire family to tour the club and have a private meal together. I rode with them over toward the Schuylkill River as we made our last stop before my departure: a sidewalk near the Fitler Club.
Emilia & Vinny carved their initials in wet cement on this particular sidewalk shortly after they started dating. They literally left their name on the pavement. This was such a beautiful way to send them off to the rest of their celebration with their loved ones.
Through just a few hours, we were able to stop at some of the most meaningful places to Emilia & Vinny across the city. Landmarks of their own love story, perfectly incorporated into the fabric of their elopement celebration.
Emilia & Vinny, thank you for bringing me along to celebrate with you and showing me the most special places in your love story!
Ready to start planning your own elopement at Love Park?
As a local to Philadelphia, I would be simply honored to help you plan your elopement in the city. I’d love to hear more about your plans, whether you’re eloping in Love Park or Old City. If you’re ready to start planning, tell me everything!
Wedding Wednesdays take place at the Love Park sign every Wednesday from March through November. Find more information on the City of Philadelphia website.
Looking for more elopement tips and tricks?
Take a look at my Ultimate Guide to Eloping in Pennsylvania for more information and guidance!
