A Philadelphia documentary wedding photographer's guide to getting married at Union Trust
By Ben Deibert, photographing weddings since 2010. Updated October 2026.
We've photographed over a dozen weddings at Union Trust, and we know the building and the staff well (they're lovely). The short version: this venue gives you drama, not daylight. There isn't much natural light, so we always bring our own lighting, and the staircase, the mezzanine and the soaring celings the rest. The real decision is whether to add a quick walk to Independence Hall before the ceremony. Below is what we've learned about light, timing, rain and getting great photos here without spending your wedding posing for them.
Union Trust at a glance:
Where: 717 Chestnut Street, in Philadelphia's historic district, a block and a half from Independence Hall
The space: a former bank with soaring ceilings, mezzanine balconies, a sweeping staircase and dramatic lighting
Ceremony: on the main floor, with pipe and drape screening the reception tables
Getting ready: there's an on-site suite, though many couples choose a nearby hotel such as the W or Hotel Monaco
Guest count: 120–180 for a seated dinner
Light: very little natural light. We bring our own lighting to every Union Trust wedding.
Rain plan: one of the best in the city. Everything you need is inside.
Weddings we've photographed here: over a dozen
Where are the best photo spots at Union Trust?
The grand staircase. The signature shot, and we use all of it: from below, from above and everything in between.
The mezzanine balconies. Several angles down into the main hall, and the best view of the venue's colorfully lit windows.
The main hall and stained glass ceiling. Pictures that could only be Union Trust.
The bar. A must for its "Love" sign.
What is the light like at Union Trust?
Union Trust doesn't have much natural light at any time of day, so we always bring our own lighting. It's dramatic, and the colorfully lit windows and the ceiling glow in a way daylight can't match.
How much time do we need for portraits at Union Trust?
If you stay at the venue, plan on about 30 minutes for couple portraits and 20 minutes for family photos. Add about 30 minutes for Independence Hall or City Hall. Should we do a first look? That's completely up to you. We wrote about how to decide in First Look or No First Look? A Documentary Photographer's Perspective.
Is it worth leaving Union Trust for portraits?
Yes, if you plan it. Independence Hall and the brick streets around it are about 10 minutes there and back on foot, and they give you a completely different look from the interiors. City Hall and Broad Street are the classic Philadelphia shot, but they're a car ride away, about 30 minutes round trip, more with traffic or street closures.
Our rule of thumb: choose one or two outside locations at most, and do them before the ceremony. A trip that looks short on a map can easily stretch to 30–45 minutes once you're moving a wedding party through Center City. If it doesn't matter much to you, there's more than enough inside.
What happens if it rains at Union Trust?
This is one of the best rain (or snow) venues in the city. The staircase, the balconies and windows give us plenty to work with indoors, and if the weather breaks we can step outside for ten minutes on Chestnut Street. Featured in the blog, Maura and Erich's wedding was photographed entirely indoors because of the weather, and you'd never know it from the gallery.
Ceremony and reception at Union Trust
The ceremony happens on the main floor. The reception tables are set up beforehand and hidden behind pipe and drape, which makes a striking backdrop. We can shoot the ceremony from above, from the side and straight on. Afterward, guests head up to the mezzanine for cocktail hour while the tables are moved into place below.
How we photograph a Union Trust wedding
With Independence Hall, City Hall and the building itself all on the table, it's easy to build a long portrait list. More locations don't make a better gallery. We'd rather take a handful of portraits that matter and get you back inside, because some of the best photos of a Union Trust wedding happen after the portraits are done, when you're celebrating with everyone you invited. We give direction when it helps, then step back.
Who is Union Trust a good fit for?
Couples who want a dramatic, formal city wedding without much travel between ceremony, portraits and reception. We think it's at its best for 100–150 guests and for anyone who loves historic architecture. If you want an outdoor ceremony or green space, it's probably not your venue.
Real Weddings at Union Trust
“We couldn't be happier with our choice of Deibert Photography! From start to finish, they were professional, friendly, and incredibly talented. They captured every special moment with such creativity and attention to detail. Our photos turned out beautifully, reflecting the joy and love of our special day. If you're looking for a wedding photographer who will go above and beyond, we highly recommend them!” -Alexa and Drew
Leah + David
Elegant summer wedding at Union Trust
Jenna + Mark
Spring wedding at Union Trust
Alyssa + Brad
Summer wedding at Union Trust
Chloe + Jorge
Personalized details at this Union Trust Wedding
Gia + Mark
Church Wedding with a Union Trust Reception
Alexa + Drew
Candlelit winter wedding at Union Trust
Maura + Erich
Proving bad weather on wedding day doesn’t equal bad photos at Union Trust
Shelby + Scott
Winter Wedding at Union Trust
Katie + Nick
A very fun Thursday night wedding at Union Trust
Jaclyn + Matt
Fun Downtown Philly Wedding at Union Trust
Union Trust wedding photography FAQ
Can we take photos at City Hall during a Union Trust wedding?
Yes, but it's a car ride, not a walk. Plan about 30 minutes round trip and decide early whether it's worth it to you.
Can we take photos at Independence Hall?
Yes. It's a block and a half away, about 10 minutes there and back, which makes it the easiest outdoor option. Some spots there need a permit arranged ahead of time. It's usually a non-issue, and we'll tell you if you need one.
Is Union Trust good for photos if it rains?
Yes. It's one of the easiest rain plans in Philadelphia, because the best spots are inside.
How much photography coverage do we need for a Union Trust wedding?
Our collections range from 8 hours to all-day coverage. It depends less on the venue and more on the flow of your day, and we'll help you work that out.
Have you photographed at Union Trust before?
Yes, over a dozen weddings. We know where to stand, how the room changes between ceremony and reception, how to light it, and the staff.
Getting married at Union Trust? Tell us your date and we'll tell you how we'd plan the photos
