By Ben Deibert, photographing weddings since 2010. Updated October 2026.
We've photographed dozens of weddings at Ballroom at Ellis Preserve. The short version: you don't need to leave the property for great portraits. Between the columned front steps, the grounds and even the interior fireplace, everything is a short walk from the ballroom, so you get variety without losing your cocktail hour. Below is what we've learned about where to shoot, when the light is best, what to do if it rains, and how to get the photos without spending your wedding posing for them.
Ballroom at Ellis Preserve At-a-Glance
Where: Newtown Square, on the Main Line, about 45 minutes from Center City
The building: a columned historic building with a grand ballroom and landscaped grounds
Ceremony: Outdoors on the lawn under the trees, with an indoor backup in the ballroom
Getting ready: Gorgeous bridal suite
Light: Outdoor lighting is plentiful. Very little natural light inside. We bring our own lighting.
Rain plan: strong. The ballroom, the covered entrance and the columns all work in bad weather.
Where are the best photo spots at Ballroom at Ellis Preserve?
The front steps and columns. The signature shot, daytime at dusk or lit up at night.
The stone portico. Walking shots between the columns.
The grounds. Big trees for fall color, rhododendrons in late spring, and open lawn at sunset.
Inside. The fireplace and the bar
What happens if it rains at Ballroom at Ellis Preserve?
The ballroom, the covered entrance and the columns give us plenty to work with, and if the rain stops we can step outside for a few minutes.
Ceremony and reception at Ballroom at Ellis Preserve
Most couples get married outdoors on the lawn under the big trees, and the ballroom is the backup if the weather doesn't cooperate. For an outdoor ceremony, we work from the aisle, the sides and behind the guests, so we stay out of the way while still catching faces. Inside, there's very little natural light, so we bring our own lighting for the reception. It lets us keep the ballroom looking warm and true to life from the first dance through the last song.
How much time do we need for portraits at Ballroom at Ellis Preserve?
Plan on about 45 minutes for couple portraits and 30 minutes for family photos, plus 10–15 minutes at sunset if you want it. Everything is on-site, so there's no travel time to add.
Should we do a first look? It's up to you. At Ellis Preserve a first look can free up time for the columns and grounds before the ceremony, so you can spend cocktail hour with your guests. We wrote about how to decide in First Look or No First Look? A Documentary Photographer's Perspective.
Is it worth leaving Ellis Preserve for portraits?
Rarely. The grounds give you trees, gardens, open lawn and the building itself within a few minutes' walk. Leaving the property costs you cocktail hour and doesn't add much you can't get here.
When is the light best at Ballroom at Ellis Preserve?
During the day, the sun allows us to capture multiple shots around the grounds, utlizing sunlight at optimal times. A night, the columns are stunning and we bring special lighting for adding color and pizzaz. If the timeline allows, we'll step out for 10–15 minutes at golden hour. It's often all it takes for some of the best portraits of the da
How we photograph a Ballroom at Ellis Preserve wedding
Ellis Preserve gives you variety without travel, which suits the way we work. We'll take a short, planned set of portraits at the columns and on the grounds, then get you back to your guests. The rest of the day we document as it happens: the ceremony, the toasts, the dance floor. The best photos here rarely come from poses. They come from the people around you.
Real Weddings at Ballroom at Ellis Preserve
Gianna + Andrew
Winter Wedding at Ballroom at Ellis Preserve
Sam + Lonnie
Fall Wedding at Ballroom at Ellis Preserve
Paige + Tony
Winter Wedding at Ballroom at Ellis Preserve
Bridget + Dennis
Summer Wedding at Ballroom at Ellis Preserve
Who is Ballroom at Ellis Preserve a good fit for?
Ballroom at Ellis Preserve is especially well suited for couples who want their wedding to feel natural and unforced. The flow of the venue, outdoor spaces, and reception layout create opportunities for genuine moments to unfold without constant interruption.
Ballroom at Ellis Preserve May Be a Great Fit If You Love:
Classic Elegance
The venue's historic architecture, grand columns, and timeless ballroom create a sophisticated atmosphere that feels refined without being overly formal.
Larger Celebrations
With ample space for dining, dancing, and guest flow, Ellis Preserve works particularly well for couples planning larger weddings and lively receptions.
Indoor and Outdoor Flexibility
Few venues offer the same balance of beautiful outdoor spaces and equally impressive indoor options. Whether you're planning an outdoor ceremony or preparing for unpredictable weather, the venue offers flexibility without compromise.
A Main Line Wedding Experience
For couples who want a venue that's convenient for guests while still feeling special and elevated, Ellis Preserve strikes a wonderful balance. Its location makes it easily accessible while maintaining the atmosphere of a destination-worthy celebration.
It Might Not Be the Best Fit If You're Looking For:
An Extremely Intimate Wedding
While smaller weddings can certainly work here, the venue truly shines when there's enough energy and guest count to fill its larger spaces.
A Rustic Barn Aesthetic
If you're envisioning exposed wood beams, farm tables, and a countryside feel, there are other venues in the Philadelphia area that may align more closely with that vision.
An Ultra-Modern Industrial Style
Couples seeking raw industrial spaces, warehouse settings, or contemporary urban architecture may find that Ellis Preserve's historic elegance doesn't quite match the look they're after.
Ballroom at Ellis Preserve wedding photography FAQ
Do we need to leave Ellis Preserve for portraits? No. The columns, the portico, the grounds and the ballroom are all within a short walk, so you can get a full set of portraits without leaving.
Can we have an outdoor ceremony at Ellis Preserve? Yes. Most ceremonies are on the lawn under the trees, with the ballroom as the indoor backup.
Is Ellis Preserve good for photos in winter or rain? Yes. Two of our recent weddings there were in winter.
When should we plan sunset portraits? About 30 minutes before sunset.
Have you photographed at Ballroom at Ellis Preserve before? Yes, several times!
Getting married at Ballroom at Ellis Preserve? Tell us your date and we'll tell you how we'd plan the photos.
