Unconventional Philadelphia Wedding Venues
Looking for a non-traditional venue to host your Philadelphia wedding?
There are an abundance of unconventional Philadelphia wedding venues right in the city and as a wedding photographer, I have been to more than my fair share of these hidden gems. For those who are in the process of searching for a dynamic and unique venue to have their wedding, I wanted to offer you the inside scoop on some of my favorite non-traditional spaces to host your wedding. This post is for those couples who are looking for something a little different for their celebration. There are oh so many spaces and places you may not have considered. For example, did you know you can get married at some of the Philadelphia museums, restaurants, parks, and arboretums? Choosing your venue is often the first wedding vendor you will book and for good reason, it sets the tone for your day. Hosting your wedding at an alternative or unexpected space can really create an unforgettable day. I hope you find this comprehensive list helpful in your wedding planning journey. It is your wedding day and there are so many out-of-the-box options that will create a memorable experience, and here are just a few!
Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts – PAFA
118-128 N Broad St, Philadelphia, PA 19102
Website: www.pafa.org
Art Museum, Elegant, Timeless, Classic
PAFA is one of my favorite wedding venues in Philadelphia. It is located right on Broad Street and The Historic Landmark Building offers a truly one-of-a-kind aesthetic. Your guests will be wowed as they sip their cocktails amongst the art collections. The grand staircase is stunning for ceremonies and wedding photos. You will also receive special entry into the lovely Cast Room downstairs which is a working art space full of busts, easels, and beautiful light. You can also step right out onto Broad Street to grab that iconic photo with Philadelphia City Hall in the background. There is even a rooftop deck at the Hamilton Building with Philadelphia Skyline views.
Browse this Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts wedding where the bride wore her grandmother’s dress!
Portico – Awbury Arboretum
1 Awbury Rd, Philadelphia, PA 19138
Website: www.porticoawbury.com
Garden Party, Enchanting, Natural Beauty
Portico is located at Awbury Arboretum, a 55-acre public park in Philadelphia. You are completely surrounded by the beauty of nature. The Francis Cope House is a historic building used for the couple to get ready and often cocktail hour is on the welcoming wrap-around porch. The unfussy and charming wedding venue has multiple outside ceremony locations including tucked in the trees, the adjacent meadow, or the arches of the back porch. For the reception, you and your guests will be celebrating under their lovely outside tented space. Of course, I also have to mention that Peachtree handles all of their catering so you can count on having seasonal, fresh, and creative options. This unconventional Philadelphia wedding venue is one to add to your list if you want a relaxed and laid-back wedding day.
Enjoy this summer wedding at Portico to see the lush, natural grounds and wonderful gathering space.
La Peg at Fringe Arts
140 N Christopher Columbus Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19106
Website: www.lapegbrasserie.com
Artsy, Industrial, Versatile
This Old City restaurant and bar is also home to the Finge Arts company and has a theater for live performances, a fabulous outside patio with a fire pit, and one of the best views of the Benjamin Franklin Bridge in the city. La Peg offers a contemporary and modern feel and excellent food! One of my favorite things about the venue’s location is that it is directly across the street from Race Street Pier, a favorite location for wedding day photos in Philadelphia(just be sure to get a permit!). I love the idea of a restaurant wedding venue, don’t you?
Click to see this sweet Leg Peg wedding reception I photographed.
Franklin Institute
222 N 20th St, Philadelphia, PA 19103
Website: www.fi.edu
Grand, Downtown Elegance, Museum Venue
The Franklin Institute is a well-known science museum and many who live in Philadelphia have visited, but did you know that you could have your wedding there? It is definitely a unique venue and offers various possibilities for couples including their infamous reception space with a huge statue of Benjamen Frankin overlooking the party. There are soaring ceilings with an impressive domed top. For cocktail hour your guests are invited to explore some of their always interesting exhibits. You could even have your ceremony in the planetarium or outside on their rooftop deck. Having a museum wedding in Philadelphia can be elegant and fun and The Franklin Institute does both beautifully.
Have a look at this Franklin Institute Wedding Philadelphia and see how this couple put together their magical day.
Vaux Studio
1209 Spruce St, Philadelphia, PA 19107
Website: www.vauxstudio.com
Curated, Modern, Intimate, Chic
Vaux Wedding Chapel and Studio is located right downtown in Philadelphia just a few blocks away from city hall. Its one-of-a-kind space is made for intimate gatherings, micro weddings and elopements with room for up to 24 guests. The owner, Monica, has poured her warmth and impeccable style into the space. Vaux is already flawlessly decorated, relieving you of having to worry about any of those details, just bring yourselves! There are charming, and quintessentially Philadelphia, narrow cobblestone streets just around the corner for lovely wedding day portraits. You can even get ready in the curated suite upstairs. This is the perfect venue for couples hosting a small wedding ceremony but still want a chic and thoughtful gathering.
This intimate Vaux Wedding may convenience you to go small for your wedding and have a look at this winter wedding at Vaux too!
Racquet Club of Philadelphia
215 S 16th St, Philadelphia, PA 19102
Website: www.rcop.com
Historic Elegance, Romantic, Majestic
There is nothing understated about this Philadelphia venue! From the moment you step through the doors, you are greeted by the iconic staircase and step into its historic grandeur. This impressive foyer is where the dancing is held and the sophisticated ballroom will hold the reception. One of my favorite features of the Racquet Club is that even with the formal atmosphere, there are so many quirky places for couples and wedding party photos that you just can’t get anywhere else. You are even able to hop onto the courts for a few photos. The venue location is also convenient with Rittenhouse Park close by, a popular stop for wedding day photos in Philadelphia.
Check out this Sophisticated Racquet Club of Philadelphia wedding to see some of the unexpected locations where you can take wedding photos on your day.
Morris House Hotel
225 South 8th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106
Website: www.morrishousehotel.com
Secret Garden, Boutique Hotel, Historic Philadelphia
This boutique hotel has an otherworldly atmosphere. Their intimate hidden courtyard is surrounded by historic buildings and exudes an alluring charm. The courtyard has a clear-roofed tent, giving the guests a protected place to celebrate while still allowing them to enjoy the surroundings. The Morris House Hotel also has 17 rooms for guests which makes it super convenient for the wedding couple and guests. Feast Your Eyes Catering is their exclusive caterer and always comes up with tasty dishes.
Check out this intimate wedding at the Morris House Hotel for inspiration from this historic Philadelphia venue.
The Ridgeland Mansion
4100 Chamounix Dr, Philadelphia, PA 19131
Website: www.joshuasevents.com
Historic, Intimate, Garden-Style Venue
This historic mansion is located right in Philadelphia’s expansive Fairmount Park. The Ridgeland Mansion has quickly become one of my favorite venues. Joshua’s Catering is the exclusive caterer for the venue, taking the guesswork out of planning your day and putting you at ease knowing that you and your guests will have a delicious culinary experience and you will be supported in the planning process. The mansion is so pretty and the outside ceremony space has a beautiful hidden garden-style feel. There is a large outside tented area for the reception.
Want to see more inspiration from Ridgeland Mansion? Check this wedding classic summer wedding or this Philadelphia historic mansion wedding for more ideas for your big day.
Headhouse Square
2nd St &, Pine St, Philadelphia, PA 19147
Website: www.southstreet.com
Historic Old City, Open-Air Brick Pavilion
This open-air pavilion in Philadelphia’s Old City is said to be the nation’s oldest open-air marketplace and was also once a firehouse. It is still used today to host farmer markets and other local events. This gathering place could be your wedding venue. It is a blank canvas and you can create the wedding you like, whether it’s for a ceremony only or a full catered event. One helpful feature to note is that it is a covered space, which can be key in panning, as the weather is often unpredictable. The brick structure surrounded by cobblestone streets has character and simplicity that is quintessentially Philadelphia. It is a versatile and unique space that may not be on the radar for wedding planning, but it should!
You might like to view this easy-going Headhouse ceremony and pizza reception that was planned while this couple’s bigger wedding bash was postponed due to Covid.
Valley Green Inn
Valley Green Rd, Philadelphia, PA 19128
Website: www.valleygreeninn.com
Woodsy, Green, Nature-lovers
Located right in the peaceful Wissahickon Valley Park, this Philadelphia wedding venue is literally a breath of fresh air. I don’t know of another place where you can get married in the woods in front of a babbling creek surrounded by trails and trees and still be within the city limits. This should be top of the list for nature-lovers. The Valley Green Inn has tasty food and a low-key vibe. The waterfront Inn and tented reception make for a winning combination. Of course, with all the trails and greenery there are many places for nature-filled couples photos. Wissahickon Valley Park is a Philadelphia treasure and I always enjoy weddings at this sweet local unconventional Philadelphia wedding Venue.
You will want to see all the details from this lovely Valley Green Inn creekside wedding.
Moshulu
401 S Christopher Columbus Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19106
Website: www.moshulu.com
Waterfront Views, Elegant Historic Ship
This docked ship is an unexpected wedding location in Philadelphia and can be an extraordinary destination right on the Delaware River. The Moshulu offers both ceremony and reception space and of course spectacular views from the water. Couples are able to go out on the deck for their wedding day photos. The Moshulu is also a restaurant and they do all their catering right in-house. With a cozy and romantic feel, they have the flexibility to accommodate from 25 to 1000 guests!
Get inspired by browsing this boat wedding on the Moshulu Philadelphia
Philadelphia City Hall
1400 John F Kennedy Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19107
Website: www.phila.gov
Urban, Intimate, Classic Philadelphia
I have to say, I have a soft spot for a Philadelphia City Hall wedding. City Hall is majestic and stationed smack dab in the middle of downtown at the cross-section of two major streets, Broad Street and Market Street. The architecture and the stunning staircase make it ideal for wedding photos. I appreciate that couples can come here for a quick weekday ceremony and make it official. There are some steps you need to take to get an appointment for a city hall wedding. Here are 8 tips for planning your city hall wedding.
NOTE: Philadelphia City Hall Weddings have shut down due to Covid, hopefully, they start back up at some point. Until then, they are offering “Wedding Wednesdays“ in front of the Love Park statue across the street. Check out my blog post all about Wedding Wednesdays at Love Park in Philadelphia to get the inside scoop.
Absolutely check out this Philadelphia City Hall wedding and while you are at it, have a peek at the City Hall ceremony too. Here is one more Philly City Hall elopement in case that’s your thinking of going that way.
Powerplant Productions
230 N 2nd St #3a, Philadelphia, PA 19106
Website: www.powerplantproductions.com
Industrial, Photo Studio, Versatile
This industrial space turned photo studio is a beautiful and flexible blank canvas for your wedding day. located in Old City Philadelphia, the wedding venue is a working photo studio by day and moonlights as an awesome event space. The high ceilings and clean look offer a spacious and fun party room with endless possibilities. Race Street Pier is close by for wedding day photos. Add this one to your list is like being in the heart of the city and creating your vision for your wedding day design. Note that this venue max is 110 guests seated.
More Unconventional Philadelphia Wedding Venues
There really are so many awesome and dynamic spaces for a unique Philadelphia wedding. Here are a for more for you to browse.
Reading Terminal Market
1136 Arch St, Philadelphia, PA 19107
This national landmark is a marketplace for foods, treats, and treasure by day and can be transformed into a wondrous space for your wedding day.
Bok
1901 S 9th St, Philadelphia, PA 19148
This funky renovated school has a hip rooftop space with Philadelphia skyline views like nowhere else in the city.
Penn Museum
3260 South St, Philadelphia, PA 19104
This West Philadelphia Museum could be for you if breathtaking architecture and art and artifacts from around the world fascinate you. There are inside and outside spaces available including a rooftop terrace.
Material Culture
4700 Wissahickon Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19144
This massive imported home goods store also hosts weddings in its eclectic space full of hanging rugs, intricate lanterns, and mesmerizing decor.
Globe Dye Works
4501, Torresdale Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19124
This old factory has been renovated into a working artist space and the boiler room has been transformed into a unique venue that calls to the creative couples.
Barbuzzo
110 S 13th St, Philadelphia, PA 19107
A Philadelphia Mediterranean kitchen with amazing food could be the location for your wedding of up to 55 seated guests.
The Deacon
1600 Christian St 2nd floor, Philadelphia, PA 19146
This historic Philadelphia church was renovated and artfully transformed into a boutique hotel and event space. The Deacon is a modern, creative space that lends itself to gatherings and celebrations.
The Woodlands
1600 Christian St 2nd floor, Philadelphia, PA 19146
Yes, you heard correctly, this venue is in a cemetery. Although the location may not be for everyone, the historic mansion and event space could change your mind.
23rd Street Armory
22 S 23rd St, Philadelphia, PA 19103
Perfect for the creative visionary, this raw industrial space can host up to 1,000 guests. If you are going big, the Armory might be an option. This historic space has endless possibilities and can be customized to bring your ideas to life.
Maas Building
1320 N 5th St, Philadelphia, PA 19122
Artsy and industrial, this space is ideal for smaller gatherings with creative indoor and outdoor spaces including a wonderful courtyard with an optional canopy.
American Swedish Historical Museum
1900 Pattison Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19145
Located in FDR Park with amazing inside museum space and outside tented reception, this appeals to a laidback, nature-loving couple.
Free Library of Philadelphia
1901 Vine St, Philadelphia, PA 19103
With stylish indoor and outdoor spaces, this grand and alluring venue even has a rooftop terrace with exceptional panoramic views.
Barnes Foundation
2025 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy, Philadelphia, PA 19130
This award-winning museum space, full of architectural delight and stunning art, could be where you tie the knot!
The Fairmount Park Horticulture Center
100 N Horticultural Dr, Philadelphia, PA 19131
Located in Philadelphia’s Fairmount Park the stunning grounds and modern botanical greenhouse could make all your cherry blossom wedding dream come true.
Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens
1020 South St, Philadelphia, PA 19147
You could host your wedding at this unforgettable and amazingly vibrant gallery that is covered with colorful mosaics and folk art.
Check out these links for more Philadelphia wedding planning ideas, guidance, and inspiration:
Ultimate Guide for Small Philadelphia Wedding Venues
