Celebrating Love In A Cell Block

Eastern State Penitentiary was once the most famous and expensive prison in the world, but stands today in ruin, a haunting world of crumbling cellblocks and empty guard towers. Known for its grand architecture and strict discipline, this was the world's first true "penitentiary," a prison designed to inspire penitence, or true regret, in the hearts of convicts. Its vaulted, sky-lit cells once held many of America's most notorious criminals, including bank robber "Slick Willie" Sutton and Al Capone.

SOURCE Eastern State Penitentiary

The prison operated from 1829 up until 1971. After the prison closed its doors in 1971 it remained abandoned until 1994 when it was saved from being torn down and instead opened to the public as a museum for tours. During the winter months, guided tours are offered as well as in the summer months, however, self-guided tours are only available in the summer. During the Halloween season, it is turned into a haunted house attraction.

Because of its ominous appearance and it being kept in a state of preserved ruin, Easter State has been frequently used as a location for television shows, movies and films about hauntings. Surprisingly, it is also becoming a popular destination for wedding and engagement photo sessions as well.

If you wish to have your wedding or engagement session photographed at the prison must make reservations at least two weeks in advance, provide a certificate of insurance and sign a site rental agreement with the facility. The price for still photography shoots is 25 dollars per person per hour.

Photography by Lindsay Docherty

If you would like more information you can visit the Easter State Penitentiary's website here: http://www.easternstate.org/visit/site-rentals-special-arrangements...