About Philadelphia
Philadelphia is a vibrant and bustling city in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States. It is the largest city in Pennsylvania and the fifth most populous in the U.S. Known as "The City of Brotherly Love," Philadelphia has a rich history that dates back to its establishment as an American colony in 1682 by William Penn.
Today, Philly is a diverse, vibrant community, and home to historical landmarks like Independence Hall, a thriving cultural scene with world-renowned museums, theaters, arts districts, and nationally recognized restaurants and entertainment experiences. But one of Philadelphia's most unique offerings is its castle venues for those looking to host a special occasion such as a wedding or other gathering.
From grand old manors to modern fortresses complete with turrets, there are numerous castles across the city available to rent for any type of celebration. Whether you're looking for an exquisite backdrop for your big day or simply want to explore some of Philly's historic sites, you'll find plenty of options in this storied city.
Castle Wedding Options in Philadelphia
- Event Planner
An experienced event planner is one of the most important people when planning a castle wedding in Philadelphia. They handle every detail from start to finish, from budgeting to scheduling, sourcing decorations, and hiring vendors.
- Photographer
Selecting the perfect photographer for your castle wedding is a very important decision that should not be taken lightly. An experienced photographer knows how to time and capture special moments.
- Transportation
Couples hosting their wedding in a castle venue may need to arrange transportation for themselves as well as their guests. This includes securing shuttle buses or limos to get everyone from one location to another safely and comfortably.
Castle wedding Vendors in Philadelphia
- The Wedding Planner
With decades of experience, Gina Sole is the leading full-service wedding planner in New York City and a trusted expert in Philadelphia. She works closely with clients to make their wedding dreams come true and has successfully coordinated multiple destination weddings. The Wedding Planner provides day-of coordination and styling services.
- Philadelphia Limousine
From the moment Philadelphia Limousine was established in 1997, they have dedicated themselves to offering exceptional service with a large fleet of late model vehicles. Their choice of limos, SUVs, luxury sedans, or even minibusses and party buses cover all kinds of trips, from airport transfers to city tours or special occasions such as weddings, proms, and other events. Their online reservations system and 24/7 dispatch center make booking your transport a fast and efficient experience.
- J&J Studios
Founded in 2011, J&J Studios has become one of the top event photography companies in Philadelphia and its surrounding areas. Under the leadership of John Ryan, the business has achieved success by providing customers with stunning wedding photography, engagements, portraits, and corporate coverage. J&J Studios has expanded to include videography packages.
Pros and Cons of Castle Weddings in Philadelphia
Advantages
- A castle wedding venue offers a level of grandeur and elegance, unlike any other type of venue. With ornate architecture and prominently placed turrets, it is sure to impress your guests.
- Most castle locations have picturesque grounds that make for spectacular photos, allowing couples to capture their big day in style.
- Because castles tend to be quite large, they provide plenty of room for large guest lists, which means more family members and friends can be invited to celebrate with you on your special day!
Disadvantages
- Although many castles offer catering services, some require you to bring in outside vendors for certain items like cake or beverages which can add up quickly.
- Some Philadelphia-area castles may be located in remote areas which could make it difficult for guests to find transportation if they don’t have their own cars available.
- Certain restrictions may apply when booking a castle venue, including time limits on music or decorations, so it is important to check with the staff before committing so that there are no surprises on the big day!
Tips on How to Organize Castle Weddings in Philadelphia
Planning a fairy-tale castle wedding in the city of Brotherly Love can be a daunting task, but with the right tips and guidance, it can be done with ease. Here are several tips to help you plan the perfect castle wedding in Philadelphia.
- Book Early: Castle venues in Philadelphia tend to book up quickly, so make sure to start your research and book early (at least 6 months ahead of the planned event) to ensure availability.
- Hanle Transportation Arrangements: Allow plenty of time when setting up transportation arrangements for guests who may need assistance getting from their hotel or residence to the castle venue on the day of. If necessary, consider renting out buses or shuttles so no one has difficulty getting there on time.
- Decorate The Space: With castles come endless possibilities when it comes to decorating! Look into what decorations can be hung from walls or ceilings, what kind of fabrics can be draped around columns or stairways, how lighting can be used creatively, and the list goes on! Have fun with this part of the process; there's no shortage of ideas when it comes to transforming an old castle into a stunning reception space!
- Put together welcome bags for each guest consisting of snacks/drinks along with any necessary information regarding transportation/directions etc., This is both a thoughtful gesture and ensures guests are comfortable upon arrival!
- Provide Entertainment That Fits The Setting: Last but not least, plan activities that will keep guests entertained throughout the event. Consider arranging special tours around nearby points of interest during cocktail hour or including games such as cornhole or jenga at tables during dinner.
Famous Locations in Philadelphia
- Rittenhouse Square
Located in downtown Philadelphia’s iconic Rittenhouse Square neighborhood, this gorgeous park is a hot spot for locals and tourists alike. The beautiful pathways are lined with lush trees, flowers, plants, and plenty of grassy areas perfect for sunbathing or taking a leisurely stroll. Seen within are stunning fountains and sculptures that add an extra dimension of beauty to the already picturesque nature of the park. In fact, it’s not uncommon to find photographers capturing their favorite shots here.
- Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts
Visiting the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts is always a treat. The museum holds an impressive amount of art, from the works of world-renowned 19th and 20th-century modern and contemporary artists to pieces from aspiring students. Take some time to contemplate Maxfield Parish's evocative canvases or discover surprise-filled films by David Lynch. Those interested in realism might want to take a look at the beautiful works of Cecilia Beaux.
- Eastern State Penitentiary
Construed n the early 19th century, Eastern State Penitentiary in Philadelphia became world-renowned as the first penitentiary to introduce a system of incarceration emphasizing repentance. Some of America's most notorious criminals, such as Slick Willie Sutton and Al Capone, were held captive in this prison. Today, it boasts glorious architectural ruin with its once grand ceilings and empty cells now silent reminders of its past transgressions. Guided tours are available for an interesting and eye-opening experience where you'll hear audio explanations from historians and get a firsthand look at famous artist installations. It's both creepy and engrossing!