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 Philadelphia wedding!
Wedding Chapels in Philadelphia
Vaux Studio and Event Space
Vaux is a refreshingly modern wedding space 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 for an intimate micro wedding in the heart of the city. It is just a few blocks from Broad Street and there are some charming cobblestone alleys for wedding photos nearby.
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
Winter Micro Wedding Philadelphia Vaux Wedding Studio
Small Wedding Vaux Studio Philadelphia
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(which is not always an easy feat in Philadelphia). The space is decorated and wedding-ready. All you have to do is show up! The chapel accommodates elopements of 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 Outside Philadelphia Wedding Chapel Ceremony
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, inquiring about a weekday or less busy time, like a morning for example, may allow you to book a venue that you may have skipped over at first thinking that it wouldn’t be an option for a smaller gathering. I have learned, 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.
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
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
Check out this Hill-Physick House wedding:
Hill Physick House Wedding Philadelphia Pa
The Morris House Hotel
The Morris House Hotel is overflowing with historic beauty. This Philadelphia wedding venue can host up to 100 guests for a sit-down dinner and the courtyard is tented and offers a lovely space come rain or shine! The hotel has 17 rooms making it convenient for the couple to get ready and family to stay right on site. Definlty a Philadelphia wedding venue worth looking at.
225 S 8th St, Philadelphia, PA 19106
(215) 922-2446′
Check out this wedding I photographed at the Morris House Hotel:
Morris House Hotel Wedding Philadelphia Pa
Old City Social
Old City Social is a versatile space where you can host your Philadelphia micro wedding. Tables, chairs and linens are included with your rental and the space lends itself to adding your own flair or keeping it minimal.
216 Market Street Philadelphia, PA 19106
609-954-0488
Click to browse this Old City Social Microwedding Philadelphia:
Old City Social Microwedding Philadelphia
Philadelphia City Hall
Have you ever considered a city hall wedding? At Philadelphia City Hall you can get married with up to eight guests in attendance of your ceremony. They offer short and sweet ceremonies and then afterward you can step outside and get beautiful photos around this impressive historic building. I love a Philadelphia City Hall wedding!
Website: www.phila.gov
City Hall, 1401 John F Kennedy Blvd
Here are a few blogs to see real weddings I have photographed there as well as some helpful tips and info about the steps in booking your wedding at Philadelphia City Hall:
City Hall Wedding In Philadelphia
Tips for Your Philadelphia City Hall Wedding
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. For a more in-depth look at restaurant venues, check out this blog post all about Restaurant Wedding Venuev in Philadelphia.
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
Here is a real wedding at this unique Philadelphia wedding space:
Osteria Italian Restaurant
This is such a good choice because of the light-drentched 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
Here is a favorite wedding I photographed at Osteria:
Osteria Restaurant Wedding Philadelphia
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 and have a heart for delicious Italian food.
Website: www.melogranophilly.com
2012 Sansom St, Philadelphia, PA 19103
215) 875-8116
Definitely have a look at the full post from this winter restaurant wedding in Philadelphia:
Intimate Restaurant Wedding Philadelphia
Royal Boucherie
This Old City restaurant showcases a menu with roots in French cuisine. They have an upstairs parlor perfect for private dining and it even features its own bar. There is also an indoor garden patio that is unexpected and fun for gatherings and for wedding photos. The inside patio has a greenhouse feel and is decorated with an abundance of potted and hanging plants.
52 S 2nd St, Philadelphia, PA 19106
Click the link below to see this restaurant wedding at Royal Boucherie in Philadelphia:
Royal Boucherie Wedding in Restaurant Philadelphia Pa
A few other popular restaurant wedding options in Philadelphia:
Barbuzzo
110 S 13th St, Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 546-9300
Talula’s Garden
210 W Washington Square, Philadelphia, PA 19106
(215) 592-7787
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 scenic 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
Waterworks Gazebo
Waterworks Gazebo is a lovely location for a small Philadelphia wedding. It looks out upon the Schuylkill River and along Boathouse Row and it is a romantic location right in the city. A permit is required to have a wedding ceremony here so be sure to plan ahead and reserve the special gem if it fits your wedding day vision.
640 Waterworks Dr, Philadelphia, PA 19130
Check out both of these sweet weddings I photographed at Waterworks Gazebo. They will make you want to have your wedding ceremony in a Philadelphia Park!
Fairmount Waterworks Gazebo Ceremony Outside Wedding
Waterworks Gazebo Wedding Ceremony Philadelphia Pa
Love Park Philadelphia
Love Park is located across the Street from Philadelphia City Hall and is a fun location for a Philadelphia wedding ceremony. These special ceremonies are available on Wednesdays and you can book a 30-minute slot here. This affordable option is right in the midst of the hustle and bustle of downtown and is a cool location for couples to tie the knot.
www.phila.gov
Have a look at these two weddings I photographed at this iconic Philadelphia park for inspiration:
Love Park Wedding Ceremony Philadelphia
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. Its especially pretty when the Magnolia’s are in blossom and the is a rose garden across the street.
Website: Magnolia Garden Wedding Ceremony Permit
Here you can see a full wedding featured:
https://heidirolandSmall Outside 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.
Website: The Shambles at Headhouse Square
This Headhouse Square Wedding might give you some inspiration!
Small Outside Headhouse Square Wedding Philadelphia
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
Browse this sweet ceremony at the Inn:
Inn at Glencairn Wedding Ceremony and Photography Princeton NJ
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
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
I encourage to have a peek the the full blog post from this coffee shop wedding in Philadelphia:
Coffee Shop Micro Wedding in South Philly
Block Party Wedding
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:
National Society of Colonial Dames
1630 Latimer St, Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 735-6737
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
Suraya
1528 Frankford Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19125
(215) 302-1900
The Deacon
1600 Christian St 2nd floor, Philadelphia, PA 19146
(215) 839-0870
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!
Wow! I didn’t know there were all these small wedding venues in Philadelphia! They are so pretty.
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!
This is such a great list for smaller, more intimate weddings, I never even knew half of these were options!
Such a helpful guide! These venues are so pretty!
Philly is full of small wedding venues!
The flooring at that Nineteen Restaurant! Incredible.
Nineteen is so pretty!
I never realized there were so many fantastic small venues!
Wow! I love your blog, and the topic is really helpful! Thanks Heidi!
Thank you Grace! There are so many wonderful places for small weddings in Philadelphia.