Merchant Exchange Building Elopement in Philadelphia | Erwin + Danny

I’m always thrilled whenever I have an opportunity to document a Merchant Exchange Building elopement.

Erwin and Danny met in high school orchestra. Danny was a violinist and Erwin was a double-bassist. They shared how much they like that the other person is the stark opposite. The marriers enjoy going to the symphony, playing Mario Kart, adventuring together, watching TikToks, and sharing music.

Merchant Exchange Building Elopement

After ten years of being together, they got engaged and had a self-uniting Quaker wedding with their parents present. After their elopement, we took photos together at Merchant Exchange Building, 18th Century Garden, Benjamin Rush Garden, Dock Creek, and one of our favorite murals in Philadelphia.

I love photographing weddings, engagement sessions, families, and portraits in the historic Old City neighborhood. There’s such a variety of backdrops. From parks with lush greens and florals—like Washington State Park and 18th Century Garden. To Carpenter’s Hall and First Bank of the United States.

Photography permits needed in historic Old City locations

If you’re looking to get wedding photos taken at any of those locations or interested in having a Merchant Exchange Building elopement of your own, don’t forget to get a permit. The city requires separate permits for each location essentially. In conclusion, it’s important to look into well in advance, since they do tend to have staff on-site at some of these locations. And on the weekends, sometimes there can be competing wedding parties dueling for ideal first look locations. This was another perk to Erwin and Danny picking an off-season weekday. We had the neighborhood mostly to ourselves. But, we still got permits since rule following is a weakness of mine.

One of my favorite things is walking around during a weekday Philadelphia elopement when the city is quiet and there’s so much stillness and gratitude floating about. Thanks to the marriers for braving the cold and trusting me to document their post-elopement excitement. It means a lot to me when clients trust me to guide them along the way, especially when the chilly winter air hits just a little harder.