About Philadelphia
Home to the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, Philadelphia is an iconic city that boasts a harmonious mix of modernity and rustic quaintness. Its moderate weather conditions year-round make it an excellent choice for outdoor weddings like barns. The diverse population and idyllic outdoor venues give couples options when planning the wedding of their dreams.
Barn weddings quickly become a go-to option among couples due to their incredible versatility, affordability, and picturesque charm. The rustic beauty of these celebrations allows for customization from casual outdoor picnics to classy indoor receptions, whatever your desires or budget may be! Philadelphia offers an array of creative locations for these events, from wide open fields with breathtaking sunsets to small barns hidden in the countryside. And when it comes to decorations, you can personalize your venue with vintage items or modern touches.
Hosting your wedding in a barn provides an intimate setting, surrounded by nature's beauty. Not only is it affordable and convenient, but you'll also enjoy the gorgeous views of rolling hills adorned with wildflowers or majestic mountains dusted with snow during wintertime. The natural backdrop will create stunning photos that capture and immortalize those special moments.
Barn Wedding Options in Philadelphia
- Catering
Catering for a barn wedding could involve local restaurants offering their specialty dishes. Popular options include regional staples like Philly cheesesteak, scrapple, soft pretzels, and water ice. Additionally, many Philadelphia-based catering companies specialize in creating custom menus with locally sourced ingredients that bring out the city's best flavors.
- Musicians
From country bands to string quartets, plenty of talented musicians in Philadelphia can help create the perfect ambiance at your barn wedding location. Expert DJs can spin a mix of classic and modern tunes so guests can have a wonderful time on the dancefloor all night.
- Decor
Decorative items such as lighted mason jars filled with wildflowers, wooden signs featuring phrases in Philly slang, and vintage furniture can all add a unique touch while emphasizing an outdoor theme. You may add an extra layer of charm to any barn wedding atmosphere with copper and blue décor, colors that directly associate with Philadelphia.
Barn Wedding Vendors in Philadelphia
- Brûlée Catering by Chef Jean-Marie Lacroix
From the mouth-watering appetizers to the delightful desserts, Brûlée Catering by Chef Jean-Marie Lacroix will leave your guests wanting more. Award-winning chef Jean-Marie Lacroix knows that when it comes to special events, they deserve extraordinary catered cuisine and will ensure every plate that leaves his kitchen is handcrafted with care. Each dish becomes a unique edible masterpiece created using the freshest seasonal produce and top ingredients from around the world.
- Philadelphia String Quartet
The Philadelphia String Quartet (PSQ) fills the homes and lives of local communities with music, making it a truly unique experience for all who participate. Since 2006, PSQ has been performing at concerts and private events, from weddings to corporate parties. They bring their A-game every time, with every musician bringing their particular skill set. This isn't just your regular quartet but an entire community of 32 musicians coming together to share their love of music and celebrate special moments in people's lives.
- Philadelphia Event Decor
Philadelphia Event Decor has a vast selection of colors, decorations, and designs to make any event eye-catching and leave a lasting impression on guests. Their experienced team of event professionals will ensure your vision is seamlessly transformed into reality, from curating the perfect color scheme to guaranteeing 100% quality on every piece of décor. From the most prominent events to the smallest, the team is steadfastly by your side, so you can be at ease knowing that all aspects have been taken care of.
Pros and Cons of Barn Weddings in Philadelphia
From the picturesque countryside of Bucks County to the riverside views along the Delaware River, Philadelphia offers plenty of magnificent settings for couples planning a barn wedding. With so many significant advantages of hosting your event in this city of camaraderie and good cheer, it's easy to understand why they are such popular choices. But before you book your venue, you should be aware of some potential drawbacks to a barn wedding in Philly.
Advantages
- Numerous barns in Philadelphia are ideal for those seeking an outdoor setting, some of which are perched on rolling hillsides, overlooking lush fields and meadows.
- Barn weddings typically offer more freedom than other venues regarding decorations and design, allowing couples to customize their event according to their tastes and preferences.
- Because Pennsylvania is home to many agricultural properties that proudly preserve the state's agricultural heritage, there are plenty of opportunities within driving distance from Philadelphia, where couples can find charming barns as rental properties at reasonable costs.
Disadvantages
- Since most barn venues are outdoors, bad weather can wreak havoc on your big day.
- It could be challenging to accommodate guests traveling from out-of-town or who lack transportation, which may ultimately decrease the number of attendees at your wedding.
- While many vendors provide services at these events, availability is often limited compared to what you would find downtown or closer to the central city.
Tips on How to Organize Barn Weddings in Philadelphia
Organizing a barn wedding in Philadelphia takes work, but you can do it with careful planning and the right vendors. When considering a barn wedding, there are several things to consider before taking the plunge.
- Choose a venue: Couples looking for a rustic, old-fashioned atmosphere should consider renting or leasing a barn or farmhouse in the area. Even if there isn't an existing structure, some venues may have wooden pavilions or other structures with rustic touches that can create an excellent atmosphere for the ceremony and reception.
- Arrange accommodations: Consider booking local hotels or bed and breakfasts near the venue that are easily accessible by guests traveling from out of town or far away.
- Find suppliers: Photographers, florists, and musicians who are experts in outdoor weddings or those with experience organizing events like this one in Philadelphia's rural areas will be perfect additions to your event.
- Have a backup plan: With Pennsylvania's unpredictable weather, it is wise for couples hosting a barn wedding to always have a plan B. Create a contingency plan and have solutions ready in inclement conditions, like having tents to protect from rain or umbrellas on hand if showers occur during the ceremony or reception.
- Enjoy every moment: Setting aside extra time before their big day begins will enable them to truly bask in each moment of joy as all of their friends and family come together for such a memorable event.
Famous Locations in Philadelphia
- The Historical Society of Pennsylvania Library
The Historical Society of Pennsylvania Library offers a wealth of resources for genealogists and historians. With 21 million items, it's easy to get lost in this gigantic research powerhouse. Peruse history books and otherwise hard-to-find stories of family members and collections on the Founding Fathers, including a draft of the Constitution and George Washington's personal letter. It's second only to the Library of Congress with outstanding collections on the nation's history, making it indispensable for anyone researching regional or national historical events.
- Living Treasures Wild Animal Park
Living Treasures Wild Animal Park is a fantastic zoo experience located in western Pennsylvania. With two separate locations, near New Castle and Jones Mill, they have a vast range of animals, some of which can be fed directly by visitors. From alligators to bears and lions, there are loads of fascinating beasts and fun experiences waiting for visitors.
- Snyderman-Works Gallery
Since its inception in 1992, Snyderman-Works Gallery has been at the forefront of modern art as a first-rate national gallery, particularly renowned for its contributions to studio crafts, furniture, and glass. The famous team-up of The Works Gallery and Snyderman Gallery created an instrumental force, merging exhibitions featuring prominent figures such as postwar Italian designer Ettore Sottsass and architect Robert Venturi. This top-tier gallery showcases the best pieces in painting, printmaking, photography, and other mediums for those wishing to immerse themselves in what's new on the ever-evolving art scene.