Enchanting Locations for Princess Photo Sessions in Philadelphia & NJ

Some locations feel like they were designed for imagination.

Princess portrait sessions are never just about dresses or crowns — they’re about placing a child into a setting that allows her to step fully into a story. Over the years, I’ve photographed princess portraits across Philadelphia and New Jersey in locations that feel timeless, cinematic, and quietly magical.

This post is a look at some of my favorite places to create those moments — locations that naturally support storytelling, movement, and wonder without feeling staged or overwhelming.

Fonthill Castle

Tucked away in Bucks County, Fonthill Castle feels like a European fairytale hidden in plain sight. Its stone architecture, arched windows, towers, and unexpected details make it one of the most immersive locations I’ve ever photographed.

The castle grounds allow children to explore, twirl, and play while still feeling grounded in a real, historic setting. The light here is especially beautiful in the afternoon, wrapping softly around the stone and creating depth without harsh shadows.

It’s a location that doesn’t require much imagination — the story is already there.

Horticulture Center at Fairmount Park

For a softer, garden-inspired princess setting, the Horticulture Center offers a beautiful balance of elegance and nature. With manicured gardens, winding paths, and a Victorian-style gazebo, it provides a dreamy backdrop that feels refined without being formal.

One of the things I love most about this location is its flexibility. Seasonal blooms change the feel throughout the year, and the mix of indoor and outdoor spaces allows sessions to feel calm and unhurried.

It’s especially lovely for children who gravitate toward graceful, classic princess styles.

Private Farm Settings in South Jersey

Private farms offer a completely different kind of magic — quiet, open, and grounded in nature. Wooden fences, open fields, and golden-hour light create a setting that feels peaceful and intimate.

These locations allow for movement and imagination without distraction. Flower crowns, flowing gowns, and gentle storytelling feel natural here, especially for children who enjoy softer, earth-inspired princess themes.

Because these are private locations, sessions feel relaxed and personal — no crowds, no rushing.

Flower Fields Throughout the Seasons

Floral fields bring their own kind of fairytale energy, changing with the seasons and offering endlessly different moods.

Tulip Fields

Spring tulip fields feel bright, joyful, and storybook-perfect. Rows of color create a vibrant backdrop that feels whimsical and celebratory.

Wildflower & Peony Fields

Wildflowers and peonies feel softer and more romantic, lending themselves beautifully to movement, curiosity, and quiet moments. These fields create images that feel painterly and timeless.

Sunflower Fields

Late summer sunflower fields glow with warmth and richness. The scale and color create a regal, golden atmosphere that feels especially cinematic.

Each field tells a different story — and choosing the right one helps shape the overall feel of the session.

Why Location Matters for Princess Portraits

The right location does more than look beautiful. It allows children to relax, explore, and truly engage with the experience. When a setting feels natural and inspiring, expressions soften, movement becomes effortless, and portraits begin to feel like moments rather than poses.

A Thoughtful Approach to Princess Portraits

Princess portrait sessions are designed to be immersive, playful, and deeply personal. From couture gowns to carefully chosen locations, every detail is meant to support a child’s confidence and creativity — not rush it.

Princess sessions are part of my larger children’s portrait work, where imagination and fine art come together in a calm, intentional way.

Dee
Shooting Star Photography
Serving Philadelphia, Mainline, Northern Delaware, and all of Southern New Jersey.

Princess portrait sessions are part of my larger children’s portrait photography work, where imagination, storytelling, and fine art come together in a thoughtful way.

A Princess Photoshoot at Fonthill Castle in Doylestown, Pennsylvania

When I was a kid, I used to dress up in my grandmother’s clothes. I’d disappear into her walk-in closet, try on heels far too big for my feet, swipe a little lipstick from her vanity, and parade around her bedroom feeling like royalty. I didn’t need a castle — imagination did the rest.

That feeling never really left me.

This post is a look back at some of my favorite princess portrait sessions photographed at Fonthill Castle — a location that has inspired my work for years and continues to feel like something straight out of a storybook.

Why Fonthill Castle Feels Like a Real-Life Fairytale

There’s something rare about discovering a place that instantly transports you. Fonthill Castle has that effect. Tucked away in Pennsylvania, it feels unexpectedly European — dramatic stonework, archways, towers, and details you don’t normally associate with a local setting.

It’s one of those locations where you don’t need to “create” magic. It’s already there.

I’m drawn to places that allow children to step fully into imagination, and Fonthill does that effortlessly. The grounds feel cinematic, timeless, and quietly enchanting without ever feeling overdone.

Architecture That Sparks Imagination

Built by Henry Chapman Mercer, the castle’s architecture blends Gothic, Byzantine, and Renaissance influences. Every angle offers texture, scale, and visual interest — from towering walls to intricate windows and unexpected details.

I love photographing the full structure as well as smaller moments tucked into the space — especially the stained glass windows I lovingly call the “peppermint windows.” They add color and character without overpowering the subject.

For princess portraits, this kind of architecture gives children space to play, twirl, explore, and truly feel like they’re part of something extraordinary.

Gardens, Grounds, and Light

Behind the castle, the gardens and surrounding grounds add softness and balance to the stone exterior. In warmer months, the space comes alive — greenery, winding paths, and pockets of quiet that feel almost secret.

The afternoon light here is especially beautiful. It wraps gently, creating depth and dimension without harsh shadows. It’s the kind of light that lets children relax, move naturally, and simply enjoy the experience.

On summer evenings, you can hear frogs chirping near the pond — my daughter calls it the “princess moat.” It’s those little moments that make sessions here feel immersive rather than staged.

More Than a Photoshoot — An Experience

Princess sessions have always been about more than photographs for me. They’re about experience.

From couture gowns to delicate tiaras, everything is designed to help children feel confident, imaginative, and celebrated. Watching their faces light up when they see the dresses — and then seeing how they move once they’re wearing them — never gets old.

Some children are bold and dramatic. Others are soft and shy. Every personality shines differently, and that’s what makes these sessions so special.

A Location That Leaves a Lasting Impression

Fonthill Castle does require a permit, but it’s well worth it. It’s a place that leaves an imprint — not just visually, but emotionally. Years later, families still talk about how their child felt during their session here.

I’ve photographed many locations across the region, but Fonthill remains one of the most memorable. It’s a space where imagination feels natural, where children can step into a story, and where portraits feel timeless rather than trendy.

Doing what a princess does, holding her crown!

A beautiful princess at Fonthill Castle in Doylestown, PA.

Holding Onto a Little Magic

Princess portraits are ultimately about honoring childhood — that brief, beautiful season where imagination runs freely and wonder comes easily. Sessions like these aren’t about perfection. They’re about joy, play, and letting kids be exactly who they are in that moment.

Fonthill Castle continues to be one of those rare places where everything aligns — setting, light, emotion, and story — and I’m always grateful for the opportunity to create there.

Dee
Shooting Star Photography
Serving Philadelphia, Mainline, Northern Delaware, and all of Southern New Jersey.

If you’re interested in learning more about how my princess portrait experiences are designed, you can explore my children’s portrait photography work to see how imagination and fine art come together.