Philadelphia Elopement at Bok: Siobhan + Dan

Some weddings are full of every perfect detail you can think of. Some weddings are full of intimacy and emotion. Siobhan and Dan’s Philadelphia elopement was the later. When Siobhan first reached out to me, she asked what dates do you have open before the end of the year. I sent a handful I had her way and she picked one of the last weekends in September. She had 6 weeks to plan her dream elopement in Philadelphia, the city that her and Dan call home.

Due to Covid, Pennsylvania started offering Quaker marriage licenses to couples who do practice the faith. The key element in a Quaker ceremony is that there is no officiant, no giving away of the bride, none of the traditional aspects you’ve come to know of a ceremony. Instead, the couple walk down the aisle together. There is a period of silence and reflection and then the couples friends and family are invited to speak on behalf of the couple. Like toasts included in your ceremony. It has to be one of the most beautiful and emotional ceremony experiences I have witnessed. Then the couple shares their vows with each other. Afterwards, not only do the couple sign the marriage certificate, but everyone of their guests sign as witnesses to the union they have made.

I met Dan and Siobhan at the gorgeous Airbnb they rented in the middle of Philadelphia. After doing a first look and exchanging cards and gifts, we walked over to Bok, where they were having a ceremony on their rooftop. The day was beautiful overcast and the sky had just the right mood. Along the way we took photos getting all the classic Philly vibe. After their intimate ceremony, we were able to take photos in the old auditorium of the building. And they are a total VIBE.

Scroll through to get all the inspiration you need to plan your urban emotive elopement!