By Ben Deibert, photographing weddings since 2010. Updated October 2026.
We've photographed more than a dozen weddings at The Lucy, as lead photographers and as second shooters, going back to one of the venue's very first weddings in 2018. The short version: The Lucy is dark and moody once the sun goes down, which suits the way we shoot, and it sits on Broad Street, so the classic Philadelphia photo is right outside the door whenever you want it. Below is what we've learned about where to shoot, where couples get ready, what to do if it rains, and how to get great photos without missing your own wedding.
The Lucy at a glance:
Where: 231 S Broad Street, on the Avenue of the Arts in Center City, about a 10-minute walk from City Hall
Run by: Cescaphe, the same team behind The Grand Belle, Cescaphe Ballroom, Down Town Club, Glen Foerd, Switch House. Tendenza, Vie, Water Works and XIX.
Ceremony: in the main room, which is flipped for the reception during cocktail hour. Some couples marry at a church nearby instead.
Cocktail hour: upstairs, 90 minutes in length
Getting ready: at a hotel nearby. The Cambria is next door, and the Bellevue is across the street.
Guest count: up to 325
Light: big windows, but dark once the sun goes down. We bring our own lighting.
Rain plan: easy. Everything is indoors, and City Hall has covered spots for portraits.
Weddings we've photographed here: more than a dozen
Where are the best photo spots at The Lucy?
The bar. Our favorite spot inside, for the two of you or the whole wedding party.
The Lucy sign. Best after dark, when it glows.
The staircase. Great for portraits and small family groups. Big family combinations don't fit well.
Broad Street. The classic Philadelphia shot, right outside. You can step out for it during the day or slip out during the reception for a night version.
What is the light like at The Lucy?
The Lucy has big windows, but once the sun goes down it gets dark and moody. That actually plays to our style. We bring our own lighting, so the reception looks warm and true to life, and the glowing sign and the bar come into their own after dark.
What happens if it rains at The Lucy?
Very little changes. The Lucy is an indoor venue, so the ceremony and reception go ahead as planned, whether you marry on-site or at a church. City Hall still works for portraits, because once you're underneath it, you're covered.
How much time do we need for portraits at the Lucy?
Family photos take about 30 minutes, the same as almost anywhere. We don't usually do a long portrait session at the venue itself. A few shots at the bar, the sign and the staircase, plus a quick trip to Broad Street or City Hall, covers it.
Should we do a first look? That's up to you. If you do one at The Lucy, the staircase by the windows has nice light during the day. We wrote about how to decide in First Look or No First Look? A Documentary Photographer's Perspective
Is it worth leaving The Lucy for portraits?
For City Hall, yes. It's about a 10-minute walk, less by car, and it's the classic Philadelphia backdrop for wedding portraits. Rittenhouse Square is close too, but it's very crowded, especially on weekends, so we don't usually recommend it. The Art Museum is possible if you love it: plan on 15–20 minutes each way.
Ceremony and reception at The Lucy
Most ceremonies happen in the main room, which is also where the reception is held. After the ceremony, guests head upstairs for cocktail hour (At Cescaphe venues, it is 90 minutes in lenght) while the staff flip the room, then everyone comes back down for the reception. Cescaphe also offers extras that make for great photos: ice sculptures at most weddings, cold sparklers and even a rose-petal cannon for the first dance.
How we photograph a wedding at The Lucy
The Lucy is a polished, city venue, and the Cescaphe staff run it like a well-oiled machine, so the day moves smoothly. That frees us to do what we do best: a short, planned set of portraits, then documenting what actually happens. Our favorite Lucy moment came from one of our first weddings there. The groom had secretly booked the rose-petal cannon for the first dance, and we have a photo of the bride's face at the exact second it went off. Pure shock, then laughter. You can't stage that.
Who is The Lucy a good fit for?
Couples who want a classy, buttoned-up city wedding, black tie or close to it, with Broad Street and City Hall on the doorstep. It's a great fit if you like a darker, moodier look at night. If you're picturing something outdoors, rustic or barn-like, or a garden setting, The Lucy isn't for you.
Real Weddings at The Lucy
“If you are looking for a wedding photographer with a style that combines traditional photos and portraits with raw candid emotional storytelling into their work, look no further than Deibert. Ben creates such a professional and personal experience from your initial meeting with him with that by the day of the wedding Ben feels like he is truly apart of the wedding party! His packages are comprehensive and his end product from the prints, to the album, and the portraits are top notch quality. Hands down our favorite vendor to work with before, during, and after our wedding day.” -Alyssa + Anthony
Marlena + Giovanna
Lively wedding at The Lucy
Alyssa + Anthony
Thanksgiving eve wedding at The Lucy
Courtney + Michael
Fall wedding at The Lucy
Christina + Ricky
Decadent wedding at The Lucy
Stephanie + Seth
Candlelit Jewish wedding at The Lucy
Kelly + Matt
Elegant wedding at The Lucy
Kelly + Greg
Winter wedding at The Lucy
Patrice + Adam
Wedding at the newly opened Cescaphe venue
The Lucy wedding photography FAQ
Can we get ready at The Lucy?
In our experience, couples get ready at a hotel nearby. The Cambria is next door, the Bellevue is across the street, and the Loews, the Ritz-Carlton, the W and The Notary are all close.
Can we take photos at City Hall during a wedding at The Lucy?
Yes. It's about a 10-minute walk, or less by car, and it's covered underneath, so it even works in the rain.
Can we get the Broad Street photo at night?
Yes. The Lucy is right on Broad Street, so you can step out during the reception for a night version.
Where do guests go while the room is flipped?
Upstairs, for cocktail hour. At Cescaphe venues it runs about an hour and a half.
Have you photographed at The Lucy before?
Yes, more than a dozen weddings, including one of the venue's first in 2018. We know the space and the staff well.
Getting married at The Lucy? Tell us your date and we'll tell you how we'd plan the photos
