Ultimate Guide for small Philadelphia wedding venues

Small Philadelphia Wedding Venues

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

 

 

Wedding Chapels in Philadelphia

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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 ceremony here and then head off to a dinner or larger reception. The space can accommodate an elopement or up to 24 guests

Website: www.vauxstudio.com

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

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

 

City Hall Wedding

Philadelphia City Hall Wedding

Philadelphia City Hall offers ceremonies most Tuesdays and Thursdays. This is a popular option for couples who want to get married but keep it simple. There is a little bit of a process you have to follow to make this happen so it is advised to call them for all the details. The books open up only the month before so you have to be somewhat flexible in planning. You can bring up to 8 guests for the ceremony.

 

 

There are also two spaces you could rent out in city hall if you would like to go a little bigger including The Mayors Reception Room and Conversation Hall.

 

 

Website: www.phila.gov

See more about Vaux weddings here: 8 Tips For-Your Philadelphia City Hall Wedding

 

Small Wedding Venues

There are also many venues that offer smaller spaces in Philadelphia without skimping on style and interest. 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 small 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 you and your guests to a dreamy celebration while still keeping the guest list on the smaller side.

Website: www.nineteenrestaurant.com

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

Powell House

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

 

 

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 their city hall or wedding chapel ceremony with a delicious dinner reception after the vows. Here are just a few of the many options:

La Peg

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

 

Osteria

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 at the delicious Italian Restaurant in Philadelphia

Website: www.osteriaphilly.com

Melograno

This center city restaurant is a leader of authentic Italian fare and a BYOB. A lovely and delicious choice for a small reception or rehearsal dinner.

Website: www.melogranophilly.com

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A few other popular  restaurant reception options: Barbuzzo, Osteria, Talula’s Garden

 

 

Alternative Small Wedding Locations

If you are going for 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. I absolutely love this idea! If there is a place that is a local business or space that is special to you, perhaps that could be where you tie the knot.

Coffee Shop wedding

Website: Gleaner’s Cafe

 

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

block party wedding

 

Outside Spaces to get married in Philadelphia

Over the past few years, I have had a few couples decide to have outside ceremonies at some historic and beautiful outside 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. Its always good to back some sort of a backup plan!

 

Race Street Pier Wedding Ceremony

Website: Race Street Pier Wedding Ceremony Permit

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

 

 

 

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 historic Old City.

Website: Magnolia Garden Wedding Ceremony Permit

 

 

 

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. Its location just off 2nd and South and there are endless options for this space.

 

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

Website: www.innatglencairn.com

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

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 a 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 wedding photography, check my availability and go over package and pricing options. I can’t wait to hear from you!