10 BEAUTIFUL PHILADELPHIA WEDDING VENUES
Philadelphia is Pennsylvania’s largest city, and unlike most other large cities in the country, has some seriously long history behind it. This magnificent city was one of the first and most important players in Colonial America. It was established in 1682 and has continued to be important to America’s history ever since.
This city certainly isn’t lacking in wedding venues, and Philadelphia wedding venues are known to be among the most colorful of the lot. You can enjoy the sights and sounds and incorporate them into your wedding. Whether you want something natural in Bartram’s Garden or want to take advantage of the Greek Revival architecture and beauty of Andalusia, Philadelphia offers plenty in the way of options. From Stotesbury Mansion to Christ Church, Philadelphia could easily get you overwhelmed with options.
There are also plenty of activities which you can take part in in this place. You could enjoy views of the Delaware River at Penn’s Landing and maybe even take a boat ride on this iconic water body. You could go to the Independence Visitor Center and learn some history concerning this beautiful country and its struggle for independence from the British. You could go to the Philadelphia Museum of Art and see the statue of The Thinker or enjoy some of the light shows on the rooftop. Or you could simply visit one of the many parks and restaurants and enjoy a simple intimate gathering with close friends and family.
Philadelphia’s list of options is vast, and it’s pretty easy to get overwhelmed by the options. That’s why I prepared this little list of wedding venues to help you in your search. Whatever venue you choose, make sure it fits in with your vision and masterplan for your wedding. Philly wedding venues certainly has something for everyone, and I’m confident you’ll find something for you too.
The following Philadelphia wedding venues is by wedding photographer, Andrew Henderson. If you are looking for a Philadelphia wedding photographer and would like to book me, contact me.
Philadelphia Wedding Venues
Drumore Estate - The Drumore Estate is unique, to say the least. If you want a wedding day devoid of any stress or mishaps, then you’ll love spending your big day at our venue and working with our planner in the time leading up to it. The event planner is very professional and helpful, working with you through every detail until material day. There is a dedicated Bridal Suite for the bride and a Groom’s Lounge for the groom where you can begin your magical day in style. There are also plenty of locations where you can hold your ceremony, reception, and cocktail party. It is one of the most perfect weddings venues near Philadelphia. Whatever kind of wedding you’re looking to have, the Drumore experience is bound to make it all the more magical.
The address is 331 Red Hill Road Pequea, PA 17565 and telephone number is (717) 284-5076.
HollyHedge Estate - If you’re looking for something picturesque and beautiful with plenty of opportunities for photographs, then you’ll love the manor that is HollyHedge Estate. This fantastic venue sits on a little over 20 acres with no shortage of gardens lush with flowers, stone terraces, and waterscapes. You can take your vows in the midst of this wonderfully maintained estate with lush gardens all around you and the manor in the background. You can hold your parties in the fully stocked bar and use the gazebo for an opportunity to relax or even more photos. This is one of my favorite wedding venues in Philadelphia area. HollyHedge Estate is dedicated to going the extra mile and it will certainly take your wedding day that extra mile with it.
The address is 6987 Upper York Road New Hope, PA 18938 and telephone number is (215) 862-3136.
Cairnwood Estate - Walking into Cairnwood feels akin to how you might feel walking into the Wardrobe from the Chronicles of Narnia series. This beautiful estate is a much cherished relic of the Gilded Age that gives us all that made the architecture of that age so alluring. It has been hosting numerous weddings since its inception. The first family to own it, John and Gertrude Pitcairn, opened its doors for a marriage in 1896. It has all the trappings of Gilded Age architecture, including plenty of floral gardens, beautiful lawns, and a romantic vibe to it. The opulent style of the home will certainly add a lot of elegance to your wedding day celebrations.
The address is 1005 Cathedral Road Bryn Athyn, PA 19009 and telephone number is (215) 947-2004
Fairmount Park Horticulture Center - Starr Events is your caterer, flowers are your backdrop, and the only greenhouse venue in the area is there just in case you have to take shelter from the rain. What more could you ask for on your wedding day? This is seriously one of the most unique Philadelphia wedding venues you will ever come across. When I first saw it, it made me want to have a wedding immediately! The Horticulture Center is a part of the Fairmount Park and was built in 1979 on the same spot where the Horticultural Hall from 1876 sat. It has plenty of indoor and outdoor spaces for you to play with and the caterer is simply out of this world. Overall, you will thoroughly enjoy yourself!
The address is 100 N Horticultural Dr, Philadelphia, PA 19131 and telephone number is (215) 685-0096
Bartram's Garden - If you loved garden parties and scenes from Alice in Wonderland like the Mad Hatter’s tea party, then you’ll love the concept behind Bartram’s Garden. This happens to be the oldest botanical garden in the United States of America and it is neatly tucked away somewhere in the middle of West Philadelphia. The tented stone patio is place you just have to check out. Maybe you might even decide to exchange your vows there! The Eastwick Pavilion is a great space that you can easily customize for your needs. It also provides unparalleled views of the river and can accommodate up to 350 guests.
The address is 5400 Lindbergh Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19143 and telephone number is (215) 729-5281
Bok - Bok is an old vocational school with its own block and one of the most unique wedding venues in Philadelphia. Don’t let that starter fool you though, this is one of the most beautiful and unique venues in Philadelphia. It has since been revived into a space with plenty of offices, a rooftop bar, and an events space. You could easily hold a magical wedding in the auditorium. Whether you’re looking to have a wedding rehearsal dinner, a wedding reception, or a cocktail dinner, this is one of the best places to do it. If you’re looking for a more intimate space, you’ll love the gymnasium. As for something more outdoorsy, the rooftop bar is perfect.
The address is 1901 S 9th St, Philadelphia, PA 19148.
Philadelphia Museum of Art - The Philadelphia Museum of Art is awash with spaces that are ideal for your wedding rehearsal dinner, ceremony, reception, or cocktail dinner. The Rodin Museum, one of the spaces within the Philadelphia Museum of Art, is home to The Thinker, one of the most famous statues in the world. You can go to the Ruth and Raymond G. Perelman Building and enjoy the skylight in the roof, using it to illuminate your exchange of vows, or you can go to the Main Building and have your ceremony in the Great Stair Hall. Wherever you choose to make the magic happen, it’s going to be all the more magical because of the fact that the Philadelphia Museum of Art has a great lot to offer.
The address is 2600 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy, Philadelphia, PA 19130 and telephone number is ( 215) 684-7310
Morris Arboretum - The University of Pennsylvania has a stunning secret: the Morris Arboretum. Here is a garden that sits on 92 acres and every acre is filled with nothing but the unmatched beauty of Mother Nature. You will enjoy saying your vows under the trees as the vegetation bears witness to your special day along with the guests. You can hold your reception and the party at the Widener Center and make use of its adjacent tented area if you still want an aspect of the outdoors despite having a roof over your head. If you’re all about nature, then the Morris Arboretum is the perfect venue for you.
The address is 100 E Northwestern Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19118 and telephone number is (215) 247-5777.
Kimmel Center - The Kimmel Center is so varied in its beauty and spaces that it is almost impossible to describe it as one venue. It has a lot of spaces within it that lend themselves excellently to your wedding and the associated activities. You could hold your ceremony at the Hamilton Garden Ballroom with its LED light shows and immaculate display of nature. Or you could have your reception at the Academy of Music Ballroom. This happens to be considered the ‘most beautiful room in all of Philadelphia’ and you will be holding your event in a space where many famous dignitaries and events have been held. If you want something theatrical, you have the Perelman Theater, and if you want to be under a large glass roof, you will thoroughly enjoy the Commonwealth Plaza.
The address is 300 S Broad St, Philadelphia, PA 19102 and telephone number is (215) 790-5825.
Andalusia - Andalusia got its name from the Andalusia region in Spain and lends that name to the surrounding name. The mansion is also popularly known by the locals as the Nicholas Biddle Estate. It was built first by John Craig in 1794 and expanded by the architect Benjamin Latrobe in 1806 in the style of Greek Revival Architecture. The financier Nicholas Biddle married Mr. Craig’s daughter in 1811 and took it upon himself to expand the mansion between 1834 and 1836. For this job he hired the prominent architect Thomas U. Walter. The Greek revival furniture of Andalusia is iconic and has even led to the house being considered a National Historic Landmark by the National Park Service in 1966. It has always remained in the family.
The address is 1237 State Rd, Andalusia, PA 19020 and telephone number is (215) 245-5479.
Wedding Venues in Philadelphia PA
Philadelphia is one of the cities in the state of Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania certainly has a lot to offer in terms of venues and activities. When you decide to hold your wedding in this great state, the focus should be on giving your guests the best experience they’ll get anywhere.
First, let’s consider the travel and logistics details. Flying in should be pretty easy as there are 6 different international airports to pick from. There is also a host of smaller airports to choose from. If you’re planning on holding your wedding to the south, your guests can take advantage of Baltimore Airport. For those holding their weddings in the north, there will be a lot of driving involved. Worry not, however, as there is a good road transport system involving the I-70, I-76, I-78, I-79, I-80, I-81, and I-99, among others.
As for what happens when you get to Pennsylvania, you’re spoilt for choice. There are over 120 state parks in Philadelphia, as well as 3 iconic cities and a history that is matched by few other states. Some of the venues you could visit include the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Independence National Park in Philadelphia, the Valley Forge National Historical Park in King of Prussia, the Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens in Pittsburgh, and the Hershey Park in Hershey.
The local cuisine in Pennsylvania is both varied and unique. A lot of people who come to the state can’t wait to try out some of the foods. Philadelphia, for example, is wildly famous for its iconic cheesesteak, which would prove to be a delectable snack at your wedding reception. You can even serve it as lunch to your guests from out of town.
If you’re somewhere near central Pennsylvania, pot pie is something you need to seriously consider. This delicacy is a traditional specialty of the Pennsylvania Dutch and is bound to get you compliments from your guests. For dessert, shoofly pie would be a perfect addition to the menu.
As for the southwestern part of Pennsylvania, the restaurants really stand out. You could consider taking your guests to Pierogies or Primanti Brothers so they can try the menus. You could also try some of the famous Eastern European Dumplings that are popular in this area and even include them in your menu.
All in all, Pennsylvania is a beautiful state and holding your wedding here will make it a memorable wedding indeed. Many years from your wedding day, when you look at the pictures and see the bright beaming smiles on your face and your groom’s face, you’ll know it was worth it.