By Ben Deibert, photographing weddings since 2010. Updated October 2026.
We've photographed at least ten weddings at Ballroom at the Ben, as lead photographers and as second shooters. The short version: it's a big, grand room that holds a big guest list comfortably, the ceremony and reception both happen in the building, and a handful of Philadelphia's most recognizable historic spots are a short walk away. Below is what we've learned about where to shoot, where couples get ready, what to do if it rains, how it compares with Union Trust, and how to get great photos without missing your own wedding.
Ballroom at the Ben at a glance:
Where: 834 Chestnut Street, inside the historic Benjamin Franklin building in Center City, a few blocks from Independence Hall and Washington Square
Run by: Finley Catering, the same team behind Union Trust and Crystal Tea Room
Ceremony: in the ballroom, which is flipped for the reception during cocktail hour
Cocktail hour: upstairs, overlooking the ballroom
Getting ready: at a hotel nearby. The Hotel Monaco and the Loews are the usual picks, and both are close.
Guest count: up to 385 seated, according to the venue
Light: not the darkest room, but dark enough that we bring our own lighting
Rain plan: easy. Everything is indoors.
Weddings we've photographed here: at least ten
Where are the best photo spots at Ballroom at the Ben?
The atrium balcony. Our favorite spot in the building. We shoot across the atrium from it, which gives you the reflection photo at the top of this page. There's an outdoor balcony too, with good natural light, which is where we do first looks.
The grand staircases. They look great in portraits.
The lobby. Good for portraits with some character, and big enough for family photos.
What is the light like at Ballroom at the Ben?
It's not the darkest venue in the city, but it's dark enough that the room needs help to look its best in photos. We always bring our own lighting, so the ballroom looks bright, warm and true to life rather than murky.
What happens if it rains at Ballroom at the Ben?
Very little changes. Everything happens indoors, so the ceremony, cocktail hour and reception go ahead as planned. We might spend less time on the balcony, but the staircases and the lobby are always there.
How much time do we need for portraits at Ballroom at the Ben?
Family photos take about 30 minutes. For the two of you, it depends on how much the venue itself matters to you. If you love the building and want it in your photos, allow about 30 minutes inside. If you'd rather spend the time with your guests, 10–15 minutes gets you a few good ones.
Should we do a first look? That's up to you. If you do one here, the balcony is the place: there's plenty of natural light, and from there it's easy to move around the building or head out to Old City. We wrote about how to decide in First Look or No First Look? A Documentary Photographer's Perspective
Is it worth leaving Ballroom at the Ben for portraits?
If you want classic Philadelphia in your photos, yes. Some of the city's most recognizable historic spots are close by: the Merchants' Exchange, the First and Second Banks of the United States and the 18th Century Garden are all within about 10 minutes, and they're within walking distance of one another, so one stop covers several backdrops. They're also right by the Hotel Monaco, which makes it easy to fit them in before the ceremony if you're getting ready there. Washington Square is even closer.
Ceremony and reception at Ballroom at the Ben
At almost every wedding we've photographed here, the ceremony has been on-site, in the ballroom. It's a big, impressive space for it. After the ceremony, guests head upstairs for cocktail hour while the staff flip the room, then everyone comes back down for the reception. Couples can marry at a church and come here for the reception, but it's rare in our experience.
Ballroom at the Ben or Union Trust?
Couples compare these two all the time. Both are grand, historic Center City rooms run by Finley Catering, and both are about two blocks apart. The biggest difference is size. Ballroom at the Ben holds a lot more people, a lot more comfortably: the venue lists up to 385 seated guests. Union Trust lists 100 to just over 200. As a rough rule, if you're inviting around 150 people, Union Trust will feel fuller and more intimate. If your list is in the 200s, Ballroom at the Ben makes more sense. See our Union Trust guide for the other side of the comparison.
How we photograph a wedding at Ballroom at the Ben
Ballroom at the Ben is a big room, and big weddings move quickly. We plan a short set of portraits on the balcony and staircases, keep family photos to about 30 minutes, and spend the rest of the day documenting what actually happens: the ceremony from the back of a full ballroom, cocktail hour from above, and the dance floor once the room fills up.
Real Weddings at Ballroom at the Ben
“We hired Deibert Photography for our engagement photos and wedding in 2024 and it was the best decision we could have made. The entire process, from initial discussion of pricing to creating our album in the studio was seamless. Ben and his team (consisting of an assistant and a second shooter) were able to complete every photo we had requested in addition to delivering incredible candid images. Looking back through our gallery brings the day to life, which we will continue to treasure as time moves on. We would (and have) recommended Deibert Photography to everyone we know who is getting married.” -Grace + Tom
Gavriel + Matt
Jewish wedding at Ballroom at the Ben
Sarah + Andy
Late Fall wedding at Ballroom at the Ben
Grace + Tom
Fun wedding at Ballroom at the Ben
Krysta + Kevin
Elegant wedding at Ballroom at the Ben
Ballroom at the Ben wedding photography FAQ
Who is Ballroom at the Ben a good fit for?
Couples who want a stylish city wedding, often black tie, with a big guest list and a grand room to hold it. If you're picturing something outdoors or nature-based, or a more unusual space outside the city, Ballroom at the Ben isn't for you
Where do couples get ready for a wedding at Ballroom at the Ben?
In our experience, at the Hotel Monaco or the Loews. Both are close, and the Monaco is a little closer.
Is the ceremony at Ballroom at the Ben, or at a church?
Almost always in the ballroom itself, in our experience. The room is flipped for the reception during cocktail hour.
How many guests does Ballroom at the Ben hold?
The venue lists up to 385 seated guests, which makes it one of the larger ballrooms in Center City.
Can we take photos at Independence Hall or in Old City?
Yes. The Merchants' Exchange, the First and Second Banks and the 18th Century Garden are all about 10 minutes away and close to one another, and Washington Square is closer still.
Have you photographed at Ballroom at the Ben before?
Yes, at least ten weddings, as lead photographers and as second shooters. We know the building well.
Getting married at Ballroom at the Ben? Tell us your date and we'll tell you how we'd plan the photos
