Find Chapel Wedding venues for rent in Philadelphia, PA

About Philadelphia

Philadelphia, the City of Brotherly Love, is a vibrant and endlessly charming place to be. From the old-world charm and cobblestone streets of Old City to bustling Market Street with its countless restaurant options, it’s easy to fall in love with this city and all it has to offer.

The greater Philadelphia region offers an abundance of cultural attractions, art galleries, museums, and performing arts venues for entertainment. But what many visitors don’t realize is that Philadelphia is also one of the most popular wedding destinations in the United States. With its many romantic chapels located in historic buildings, special gardens, and other beautiful venues throughout the metropolitan area, Philadelphia makes a great backdrop for tying the knot.

The city is rife with gorgeous chapels perfect for weddings, ranging from grand cathedrals to cozy churches. Many chapels even offer outdoor wedding spaces, allowing couples to soak up the beauty of Philadelphia while they say "I do". Plus, Philadelphia's mild climate means outdoor ceremonies are possible year-round for those who want something more unique or rustic. No matter what kind of wedding you have in mind, you can find a chapel in Philadelphia that fits your needs perfectly.

Chapel Wedding Options in Philadelphia

• Photography and Videography
  Professional photographers and videographers can capture all of the special moments from your chapel wedding and create lasting memories of the day. Additionally, some photographers specialize in specific lighting techniques that perfectly highlight chapels with stained glass windows or other unique features.
  
  
• Floral Arrangements
  Floral arrangements help to bring beauty and elegance to a chapel wedding by adding texture, depth, color, and scent. From cascading bouquets to floral archways at the end of the aisle, flowers can turn an ordinary chapel into an extraordinary venue. Plus, they make incredible photo backdrops that guests will remember for years to come.
  
  
• Officiant
  It’s important to have someone officiate your ceremony who understands its traditions and significance. An expert officiant can coordinate all aspects of your ceremony so it runs smoothly, creating an atmosphere conducive to celebrating the love between two people in this holy space.
  
  
• Musicians
  Music is one of the most important elements in any wedding, especially those held in chapels where its acoustics can be utilized to create a truly magical atmosphere with live music performances. Hiring a musician or band to provide soothing background music during pre-ceremony mingling as well as soulful melodies during ceremony rituals will ensure that your guests are moved by every moment of your special day.

Chapel Wedding Vendors in Philadelphia

• Daniel Fugaciu Photography
  Daniel Fugaciu Photography is a Philadelphia-based wedding photographer known for his modern and elegant style. With a decade of photography and cinema expertise, he is able to capture even the tiniest details and emotions of your big day. He prioritizes getting to know each of his clients to provide a personalized and enjoyable experience. From creating beautiful art prints to custom heirloom albums, his boutique wedding photography studio is dedicated to capturing all of the intimate and unforgettable moments of your wedding day.
  
  
• Evantine Design
  With over 35 years of experience in the special event industry, Evantine Design is a reliable source of event production. Whether it is a society wedding, a thematic mitzvah, or an occasion for a renowned organization, their team of professionals delivers a seamless and unforgettable event every time. Evantine Design carefully plans and designs every event, with award-winning production services such as floral decor, environmental design, custom fabrication, menu design, and more. Every detail matters, from the fresh floral bouquets with gorgeous local and imported blooms to the lighting design, and video production.
  
  
• Miss Musique
  Miss Musique String Quartet, owned and led by professional violinist Andrea Levine, is an event performer specializing in contemporary-inspired, stringed music in the Philadelphia area. Their exceptional musical entertainment is provided by talented musicians with years of conservatory training behind them. Andrea, who also performs with major Philadelphia-area orchestras, uses her handmade acoustic violin to provide an unforgettable experience for your guests. Miss Musique’s various options are perfect to provide a nice ambiance to your chapel wedding.

Pros and Cons of Chapel Weddings in Philadelphia

Chapel weddings in Philadelphia are a popular choice for couples looking to tie the knot in an intimate atmosphere and one that reflects their spiritual beliefs. While chapel weddings can be beautiful and meaningful, there are some advantages and disadvantages to consider before making your final decision. Here is a bulleted list of several pros and cons of having a wedding in a chapel.

Advantages

• A chapel setting provides an old-world charm and timeless beauty to the ceremony which may not be available in traditional venues. The classic decor and various religious artifacts around these venues create a unique scene that guests and hosts will love to take photos with to commemorate the night.
  
  
• Many chapels are deeply rooted within the local community and offer an intimate, welcoming atmosphere. The support of family and friends can be especially valuable during this important time. Due to their local presence, these venues tend to be easily accessible from all over the city which will inspire guests to come from out of town.
  
  
• Depending on the size of the venue and the amenities it offers, having a wedding at a chapel can often be more cost-effective than other venues. These venues tend to come already decorated and arranged to host a wedding, so you don’t have to set up much in order to have your occasion.

Disadvantages

• While some chapels have space for larger ceremonies with up to 200 guests, many chapels are limited in size due to their architectural design or historical background. This may cause issues if you have a long guest list, and you may have to consider shortening it.
  
  
• Most chapels offer services that tend to remain within religious traditions such as hymns, readings from scriptures, prayers, and blessings which may limit some couples' vision for their ceremony.
  
  
• Time restrictions may apply depending on the chapel's schedule, which could make it difficult to plan other events around your wedding day if there isn't much flexibility with time slots.

Tips on How to Organize Chapel Weddings in Philadelphia

When planning a wedding in a chapel, there are several factors to consider and many details to attend to. From decorations to seating arrangements, it can be difficult to make sure everything is properly organized. Here are five tips to help you make your chapel wedding successful.

• Since chapels can range from small spaces with limited capacity to grand cathedrals accommodating hundreds of guests, it’s important to pick one that fits the size of your guest list. Additionally, some churches may have rental fees or require couples to take religious classes beforehand. Couples should also consider if the church offers any amenities like parking or access for disabled people.

• When decorating a chapel for a wedding ceremony, it’s important not to go overboard by using too much glitter or having an overly elaborate setup that distracts from the spiritual significance of the event itself. Altar flowers, ribbons, and candles are all great ways to subtly add color and interest while still remaining respectful of tradition.

• Music is often an integral part of chapel weddings, so it is important to select pieces that suit both traditional tastes and personal preferences. Couples should choose pieces that are appropriate for the setting, and if they opt for a live performance, they should hire reliable musicians with experience in playing within a religious setting. Additionally, it is important to remember that classical music is often preferred in chapels, as well as religious hymns if allowed.

• Depending on where your chapel is located in Philadelphia, transportation may be an issue if guests need help getting back and forth from their hotels or other places they are staying during their visit. Consider offering shuttle rides from nearby hotels or providing guests with taxi vouchers if needed.

• Rehearsal days are essential when hosting a chapel wedding and give everyone involved an opportunity to review their roles and practice what they need before they walk down the aisle on your special day. Have everyone get together ahead of time — the bridesmaids, groomsmen, and family members who will have speaking parts — so they know exactly what they need to do come showtime.

Famous Locations in Philadelphia

• Clothespin Sculpture
  If you find yourself wandering through Center City in Philadelphia, keep your eyes peeled for an unusual sight: a massive clothespin sculpture. This larger-than-life steel structure is the work of artist Claes Oldenburg, known for his efforts to bring art to the masses. Despite its humorous appearance, the sculpture draws inspiration from Constantin Brâncuşi’s The Kiss, which can be found in the nearby Philadelphia Museum of Art. Installed in 1976 Oldenburg's sculpture become a beloved landmark in Philadelphia, admired, joked about, and appreciated by pedestrians, art enthusiasts, and office workers alike.
  
  
• Settlement Roots Mosaic
  The Settlement Roots mosaic project is a stunning celebration of the Lutheran Settlement House, an important and long-standing community nonprofit organization. Located on the exterior of the building, the mosaic is a collaborative effort between accomplished mosaicists Eric Okdeh and Michael Reali. The 600 sq. ft. mosaic is adorned with highly detailed mosaic portraiture, showcasing some of the oldest and most dedicated members of the Fishtown community. The design of this mosaic was inspired by interviews with elderly residents of the Lutheran Settlement House. Most of them have lived in Fishtown their whole lives. This project serves as a reminder of the neighborhood's rich history and tight-knit community.
  
  
• Smith Memorial Arch
  The Smith Memorial Arch, located in West Fairmount Park in Philadelphia, is a stunning tribute to the brave naval and military heroes of the Civil War. This impressive memorial was initiated by Richard Smith, a wealthy Philadelphian who was determined to honor those who had fought for their country. The arch is comprised of a series of stone plinths and columns, upon which stand several bronze statues by 13 different artists. The arch is an impressive and stunning design that creates a sense of awe and respect for visitors as they approach it. It marks the entrance to one of Philadelphia's most gorgeous parks and is a necessary landmark for those curious about the Civil War and the courageous people who fought for liberty.