Ultimate Guide for Small Philadelphia wedding venues

Small Wedding Venues in Philadelphia

Are you planning a wedding in Philadelphia and not sure what venues can host your intimate wedding? This post will help sort through some of your choices for small wedding venues here in Philly. This list will highlight some of the best locations for small weddings that you might not have considered. Honestly, there are more options than you might think! From intimate venues to event spaces, restaurants, and even museums. There are many creative and out-of-the-box places to host your elopement or small city wedding!

 

Small wedding ceremony Vaux wedding Chapel Philadelphia

 

 

Wedding Chapels in Philadelphia

 

 

 

Vaux Wedding Chapel and Event Space

Vaux is a refreshingly modern wedding chapel right in downtown Philadelphia. It offers an elegant yet welcoming feel. The space is carefully curated by owner Monica with a stylish, minimal look. Some couples do their small ceremony here and then head off to a dinner or larger reception. The space can accommodate an elopement of the couple only or up to 24 guests

Website: www.vauxstudio.com

1209 Spruce St, Philadelphia, PA 19107

See more about Vaux weddings here:  8 Tips for Your Wedding Chapel Ceremony at Vaux in Philadelphia

 

intimate wedding Philadelphia by Heidi Roland Photography

 

 

Philadelphia Wedding Chapel

The Philadelphia Wedding Chapel is located in the East Falls section of the city. This is a wonderful and affordable option with ample parking. The space is decorated and ready and all you have to do is show up! The chapel accommodates elopements up to 50 guests. Contact them for showings and more information.

Website: www.philadelphiaweddingchapel.com

3502 Scotts Ln bldg 3, Philadelphia, PA 19129

(215) 906-0740

Check out Tannia and Omar’s Philadelphia Weddings Chapel ceremony here: Intimate Philadelphia Wedding Tannia Omar

 

Small Philadelphia Venue Philadelphia Wedding Chapel

 

 

 

Small Wedding Venues

There are also many venues that offer smaller spaces within their larger venues in Philadelphia without skimping on style and interest. Often time inquiring about a weekday of less busy time like a morning for example may allow you a book a venue that you may have skipped over at first thinking that it wouldn’t be an option. It never hurts to ask! I encourage you to reach out to venues that you would love to get married at and see if they have elopement packages or offerings for small groups.  Sometimes going with a smaller guest list allows you to indulge in other areas that may be important to you. Here are a couple of great Philadelphia wedding venues you may not have considered right in the heart of Philly.

 

 

 

XIX(Nineteen)

XIX has a breathtaking space called the Pearl Room is on the 19th floor of the Hyatt at the Bellevue and can accommodate up to 100 guests. It is right downtown just a few blocks from city hall. This luxury space allows you to treat yourself and your guests to a dreamy celebration while still keeping the guest list on the smaller side.

Website: www.nineteenrestaurant.com

200 S Broad St 19th floor, Philadelphia, PA 19102

(215) 790-1919

Click to see Juli & Tom’s Wedding ceremony at Nineteen: Elegant Philadelphia Wedding at XIX Nineteen at the Bellevue

The Pearl room at XIX Nineteen wedding

 

 

Powel House Philadelphia

This historic building opens its doors for small weddings. The indoor space is just gorgeous and they also have a lovely outside courtyard that is delightful in the warm weather. They also have another house a few blocks away that is worth a look, the Hill-Physick House. Both of these sites can host from 50 – 100 people depending on how the space is used.

Website: www.philalandmarks.org

244 S 3rd St Philadelphia, PA 19106

(215) 627-0364

 

powell house small wedding venue philadelphia

 

 

Small Restaurant Wedding in Philadelphia

Philadelphia is a city full of delicious food! There are endless options to host your intimate wedding ceremony and reception at some of the phenomenal restaurants around town. This is an especially appealing option for couples who put food high on their priority list. Another option many couples choose is to combine a ceremony at another location with a delicious dinner reception after the vows. Here are just a few of the many options:

 

 

La Peg Philadelphia – Fringe Bar

Situated on the Delaware River waterfront this versatile venue offers spectacular views of the Delaware River and Benjamin Franklin Bridge.  They feature an amazing kitchen, outdoor beer garden, and theater space, there are many options here!

Website: www.lapegbrasserie.com

140 N Christopher Columbus Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19106

(215) 375-7744

 

la peg small wedding Philadelphia

 

 

Osteria Italian Restaurant

This is such a good choice because of the charming greenhouse area that can be used for a wedding ceremony or reception and there is also a secret dining area hidden away tucked between the bread ovens that seats 14 guests perfect for a small gathering. There are many options here and the food is truly delicious at this Italian Restaurant in Philadelphia

Website: www.osteriaphilly.com

640 N Broad St, Philadelphia, PA 19130

(215) 763-0920

Osteria wedding in greenhouse Osteria restaurant wedding in Philadelphia Kitchen Table private dining

 

 

Melograno Restaurant Wedding

This center city restaurant is a leader in authentic Italian fare and a BYOB. A lovely and tasty choice for a small reception or rehearsal dinner. Consider hosting your friends and family here if a restaurant wedding is calling you.

Website: www.melogranophilly.com

2012 Sansom St, Philadelphia, PA 19103

215) 875-8116

 

Small Philadelphia restaurant wedding Melograno

 

A few other popular  restaurant reception options:

 

Martha

2113 E York St, Philadelphia, PA 19125

(215) 867-8881

www.marthakensington.com

 

 

Barbuzzo

110 S 13th St, Philadelphia, PA 19107

(215) 546-9300

www.barbuzzo.com

 

 

Talula’s Garden

210 W Washington Square, Philadelphia, PA 19106

(215) 592-7787

www.talulasgarden.com

 

 

Alternative Small Wedding Locations

If you are going for a small wedding, there are so many options if you think outside the box! This couple chose to do their intimate ceremony at their favorite South Philly coffee shop and then they had a block party reception to follow. What a fabulous idea! If there is a local Philadelphia business or space that is special to you, one of those places that has become a second home to you, perhaps that could be where you tie the knot.

Coffee Shop wedding

Website: Gleaner’s Cafe

917 S 9th St, Philadelphia, PA 19147

(215) 923-3205

 

Coffee shop microwedding Philadelphia

 

 

 

See more from this tiny coffee shop wedding here: Coffee Shop Micro Wedding in South Philly

block party wedding

block party wedding reception south Philly

 

 

Outside Spaces to Get Married in Philadelphia

Over the past few years, I have photographed outside ceremonies at some historic and beautiful spaces in Philadelphia. Often you will be required to get a permit for outside ceremonies, but they aren’t typically difficult or costly to secure. One thing to consider when planning an outside ceremony is the possibility of inclement weather. It’s always good to have some sort of backup plan!

 

 

Race Street Pier Wedding Ceremony

This is a cool location to say your wedding vows. The Pier overlooks the Delaware River and you get impressive views of the Benjaman Frabkin Bridge. It is a fun park location in the city for wedding photos, just be aware there is not much shade there so it could get hot on a summer day!

Website: Race Street Pier Wedding Ceremony Permit

 N Christopher Columbus Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19106

(215) 922-2386

See more from this waterfront Race Street Pier Wedding: Small Race St Pier Wedding Philadelphia Pa

 

 

intimate Philadelphia waterfront race street Pier wedding

 

Magnolia Garden Wedding Ceremony

The Magnolia Garden is a part of the National Parks System in Philadelphia. You will need to secure a permit for a ceremony in this location. It offers a wonderful gated courtyard space that is private and lovely right in the historic Old City.

Website: Magnolia Garden Wedding Ceremony Permit

 

 

Magnolia Garden Wedding Ceremony

 

 

Headhouse Square Wedding Philadelphia

The Shambles at Headhouse Square is a lovely option for an outside wedding (but still covered in case of rain!).This adds an extra level of comfort to know that you don’t have to worry about a sprinkle. It is located on South 2nd Street between Pine and Lombard Streets in the Society Hill section of Philadelphia and there are endless options for this space and you are right in old city just steps away from scenic places for photos.

The Shambles at Headhouse Square wedding

The Shambles at Headhouse Square Philadelphia PA

 

Website: The Shambles at Headhouse Square

This Headhouse Square Wedding might give you some inspiration!

 

 

Intimate Bed & Breakfast MicroWedding

The Inn at Glencairn is about an hour from Philly, but I love the idea of having a small wedding at a quaint country inn. This historic inn dates back to the 1700s and the buildings and grounds are full of beauty and charm. You can book your micro wedding here and also incorporate a delightful place to stay for the wedding couple and event guests.

 

 

Inn at Glencairn Princeton

This sweet bed and breakfast is such a charming venue for a small wedding. The outside space is green and dreamy and the inside of the inn is beautifully decorated. There is a barn on site that can be used for receptions or ceremonies. Of course, booking a room here makes for a relaxing wedding day and then you are treated to a tasty home-cooked breakfast in the morning.

3301 Lawrenceville, Princeton Rd, Princeton, NJ 08540

(609) 497-1737

Website: www.innatglencairn.com

See a real wedding ceremony at The Inn at Glencairn Here!

 

 

Intimate Bed & Breakfast MicroWedding

 

 

 

BESPOKE Home + Life

Are you a plant lover? Do you dream of getting married in a lush, jungly impeccably curated space? BESKPOKE Home + Life just may be your dream come true! This storefront located in Collingswood, NJ has a magical outdoor space and offers an affordable and unforgettable location for your small wedding.

Website: www.bespokehomeandlife.com

817 Haddon Ave, Collingswood, NJ 08108

(856) 425-0676

 

 

 

 

MORE SMALL WEDDING VENUE IDEAS

Still haven’t found just the right fit for your wedding day? Here are some more venues to consider for your micro wedding:

 

 

The Morris House Hotel

225 S 8th St, Philadelphia, PA 19106

(215) 922-2446′

www.morrishousehotel.com

Real Wedding Morris House Hotel Philadelphia

 

 

Old City Social

216 Market Street Philadelphia, PA 19106

609-954-0488

www.oldcitysocial.com

 

Waterworks Gazebo

640 Waterworks Dr, Philadelphia, PA 19130

www.fairmountwaterworks.org

Check out this real wedding at Waterworks Gazebo

Real Wedding Waterworks Gazebo Philadelphia

 

 

Love Park Philadelphia

1569 John F Kennedy Blvd

www.phila.gov

Real wedding Love Park Philadelphia

 

 

National Society of Colonial Dames

1630 Latimer St, Philadelphia, PA 19103

(215) 735-6737

www.nscdapa.org

 

 

Maas Building

1320 N 5th St, Philadelphia, PA 19122

(267) 239-2851

www.maasbuilding.com

 

 

Jansen Mt Airy

7402 Germantown Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19119

(267) 335-5041

www.jansenmtairy.com

 

 

Suraya

1528 Frankford Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19125

(215) 302-1900

www.surayaphilly.com

 

 

Royal Boucherie

52 S 2nd St, Philadelphia, PA 19106

(267) 606-6313

www.royalboucherie.com

See a real wedding from the Royal Boucherie!

 

 

The Deacon

1600 Christian St 2nd floor, Philadelphia, PA 19146

(215) 839-0870

www.thedeaconphl.com

 

 

Where to Have Your Intimate Wedding in Philadelphia

Planning a wedding, even a small one, can sometimes feel overwhelming or maybe you just don’t even know where to start.

Thinking about your guestlist and location will give you a good starting place. How many people do you envision for your ceremony? What about your reception? Are you thinking traditional and formal or are you more of an unconventional couple looking for something out of the ordinary? This is your day and you can make it whatever you want!

Philadephia has so many options for you to create and celebrate your micro wedding and host an intimate celebration that is just perfect for you!

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Small Wedding Photographer Philadelphia 

Are you looking for a photographer to capture your intimate wedding ceremony or small reception?

I love cozy gatherings and micro weddings! Photos are equally important no matter what size your wedding is. Beautiful couples portraits and family photos will be cherished for years to come. I would love to talk with you and hear more about the vision for your wedding day!

 

Click here to contact me, talk about wedding photography, check my availability and go over package and pricing options. I can’t wait to hear from you!

 

Small Philadelphia Wedding Venues

  1. tonya says:

    Wow! I didn’t know there were all these small wedding venues in Philadelphia! They are so pretty.

  2. Michelle says:

    I love this blog post! This is so helpful for anyone looking for small wedding venues in Philadelphia. I didn’t even know about many of these. And they all look beautiful!

  3. This is such a great list for smaller, more intimate weddings, I never even knew half of these were options!

  4. Such a helpful guide! These venues are so pretty!

  5. A M says:

    The flooring at that Nineteen Restaurant! Incredible.

  6. Tina says:

    I never realized there were so many fantastic small venues!

  7. Grace says:

    Wow! I love your blog, and the topic is really helpful! Thanks Heidi!

    • admin says:

      Thank you Grace! There are so many wonderful places for small weddings in Philadelphia.