10 Incredible Venues for Your Philadelphia Wedding
There’s no shortage of venues when it comes to planning your Philly wedding. From ballrooms, to boutique hotels, historical mansions and lush gardens —the Philadelphia wedding scene really has it all! Here’s a few options for hosting the biggest day of your lives!
The W Philadelphia
The hottest new hotel in Philadelphia, the W, boasts an incredible modern and chic ballroom for which the ceiling will ever being cherished in your photos. Even though it’s a Marriott property, the hotel functions like a downtown boutique luxury hotel. The food is incredible, the space configuration options are endless, and the after party at the outdoor pool will have your guests feeling VIP all night. An added bonus is you can house all your guests under one roof, but for a real treat ask your event planner to take you to a secret, special roof-deck during portraits, where the Philly Skyline views are like nothing you’ve ever seen. Bonus: since the hotel is brand spanking new, you wont suffer outdated fixtures and worn in carpeting like other options.
The W Philadelphia, 1439 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
2. Globe Dye Works
If a downtown ballroom isn’t your style, then head uptown for a grittier scene and a way more distinct urban vibe. Globe Dye Works is a former yarn-dying factory, and has been transformed into a community of artists, designers, and fabricators. Bring your planner and caterer to this mostly DIY spot and entertain your guests who can take in the building’s wonders from its former dye shop days. There’s both an outdoor courtyard option or an indoor option for the ceremony, and plenty of room to host a great dance party with your fave band or DJ. You will want to carve time for portraits at the venue - it’s really as unique as it looks!
Globe Dye Works, 4500 Worth Street, Philadelphia, PA
3. Union Trust
The impeccable Finley Catering owns a few spots in the city, but Union Trust stole our hearts with its unique layout, incredible ceilings and the ability to allow even smaller weddings the chance to have a big, bold venue! With its soaring sixty-five foot illuminated engraved ceilings, architecturally accented walls, multiple private rooms, and a breathtaking wraparound mezzanine overlooking the whole site; Union Trust offers an exceptional blend of the old, regal Philadelphia but infused with a new vibrant pulse. This building is an embodiment of rich Philadelphia history having once served as The Union Trust Company Bank, which was built in 1888. Union Trust offers a beautiful option for your ceremony and then flips into the ballroom during your cocktail hour. It’s a narrow spot so a band might be tight in there (we’ve seen it done) but a DJ fits nicely to help your guests party until it’s time for the after party, another add on offered.
Union Trust, 717 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
4. Morris Arboretum
If an outdoor vibe is more your style, then it’s easy to step into Morris Arboretum and let their 92 acres of lush, romantic gardens, bubbling fountains, and historic features do the work. There’s many areas to choose from for your ceremony location, but be sure to allow time to hop on a golf cart and circle the grounds for an epic portrait session. Guests will love the outdoor cocktail hour, and a sweet and simple tent with bistro lights provides a nice cover to round out your evening.
Morris Arboretum, 100 E Northwestern Ave, Philadelphia, PA
5. Aldie Mansion
Just a short drive from center city earns you a ticket to a Gatsby-style mansion. Aldie Mansion is a historic English-country estate surrounded by picturesque gardens with splashing fountains, soaring trees, and winding pathways. Situated just 12 miles north of the Pennsylvania Turnpike and 2 miles from Route 202, the mansion is very close to the cultural epicenter of Doylestown, with easy access for guests coming from Philadelphia and its suburbs, New Jersey and New York. The main attraction is the venue’s 300 year old Burr oak tree, which is such a romantic backdrop for an outdoor ceremony. But there’s plenty of other things to appreciate about Aldie Mansion, with dozens of photo opportunities throughout 10 acres of gardens, lawns and in various areas of the mansion.
Aldie Mansion, 85 Old Dublin Pike, Doylestown, PA
6. Down Town Club
If treating your guests to stunning views of Philadelphia feels like your vision, look no further than Cescaphe’s Down Town Club. With tall windows that directly overlook Independence Hall and command sweeping views of Old City and the Delaware River beyond, the Down Town Club makes an unforgettable impression on every one. It’s also incredibly elegant and chic- marble floors, hand-carved moldings, rich mahogany paneling, and other examples of the venue’s Georgian Revival elegance. Not to mention its location means you are close to many of Philly’s Historical hot spots, making it an easy spot for guests to soak in a lot of Philly. Cescaphe’s impeccable all-inclusive packages also making planning a little less stressful!
Down Town Club, 600 Chestnut Street Philadelphia, PA
7. Appleford Estate
A short ride to Villanova rewards you with stunning lush gardens and a historic farmhouse. It’s the quintessential location for garden-style weddings, and with 24 picturesque acres and a sprawling fieldstone home, the photo locations are endless, while you are assured privacy as the only event of the day. The venue also partners with several well-known catering companies, so you can easily choose one that fits your tastes and budget. As your guests arrive they are greeted by a lovely pond, small waterfall, and a gorgeous landscaped entrance in front of the estate. There is a tent permanently affixed over the front and side terrace of Appleford from April through November and exquisite gardens on both sides of the house, which are ideal locations for cocktails. You and your guests also have the use of the exquisite colonial Appleford estate house featuring beautiful antiques and exceptional design.
Appleford Estate, 770 Mt. Moro Road, Villanova, PA
8. American Swedish Historical Museum
Founded in 1926, the American Swedish Historical Museum in South Philadelphia is the oldest Swedish museum in the United States. Now, imagine your wedding in a two-story Grand Hall with its elegant staircase and beautifully painted, vaulted ceiling. There’s also multiple outdoor ceremony options, such as a lush park, architectural graceful arches, or in front of the museum’s ornate doors and stately façade. There is even a seasonal tent, complete with lighting, fans and heaters, and clear, retractable sides, so that you and your loved ones can dine and dance the night away while enjoying the beauty of the outdoor setting. This location gives you the best of both worlds: easy access to Philadelphia’s city sites and an exclusive location with parks grounds and architectural wonders.
American Swedish Historical Museum, 1900 Pattison Avenue, Philadelphia, PA
9. Arts Ballroom
Capturing the elegance of a bygone era, the Arts Ballroom is a beautiful setting for an elegant wedding, with exclusive access to the Grand Ballroom, signature granite staircase, a mirrored Sylvania Room, and a Lounge & Mezzanine overlooking the full venue. Located blocks from City Hall, the Arts Ballroom is a hidden gem with access to ton’s of Philly’s prime photo locations, hotels and arts and theater. There’s no better way to give your guests access to Center City then this location. Arts Ballroom ensures you won’t go hungry with incredible spreads for both cocktail hour and dessert. The room is large enough for easily hosting your ceremony. and then flipping into a reception space for parties of all sizes. There’s also no shortage of dance floor space, and if you can take 5, it’s an incredible spot to sneak outside for night portrait with City Hall as your backdrop.
Arts Ballroom, 1324 Locust St, Philadelphia, PA
10. Academy of Music at the Kimmel Center
Calling all theater buffs! If you’re into a unique space that still is excellent at executing weddings, then check out Kimmel Center’s Academy of Music. With a transportive space that brings you and your guests back to the decadent mid-1800s, the Academy Ballroom is an ornate, formal backdrop that is perfect for a grand event. With space for up to 150, guests can tour the theater and take in the empty theater site, while enjoying a seated dinner in the ballroom. Ask your event manager for a backstage pass to the theater - and grab some one-of-a-kind photos as if you were part of the cast of Hamilton.
Academy of Music, 240 S Broad St, Philadelphia, PA