Find Gothic Wedding venues for rent in Philadelphia, PA

About Philadelphia

Philadelphia is a vibrant city full of history, culture, and entertainment. As one of America’s oldest cities, it was founded in 1682 by William Penn as part of his ‘Holy Experiment’ to create a “Greene Country Towne” with religious tolerance and social equity. Throughout its history, Philadelphia has seen its fair share of battles and triumphs that have shaped the nation.

If you're looking for an unforgettable experience, there's no doubt that Philadelphia has much to offer. Philadelphia's skyline is adorned with majestic examples of Gothic architecture. These magnificent edifices evoke a timeless beauty that captivates visitors and locals alike. And what better setting could there be for a wedding than among the soaring arches, stained glass windows, and ornate details of these ancient structures?

With grand cathedrals and intricate churches dotting its skyline, Philadelphia's Gothic beauty makes it an ideal setting for both traditional and modern weddings. The city's mixture of historical charm balanced with modern amenities creates a beautiful atmosphere that any couple can make their own on their special day.

Gothic Wedding Options in Philadelphia

• Photography
  The right photographer is essential for capturing all of the best moments from a wedding day, especially one with such an unconventional theme as Gothic. Photographers who specialize in this type of look will be able to help bring out the mood and emotion of the event, using their own artistic vision to capture unforgettable images that will last forever. They can also assist with setting up any desired props or backdrops that are needed for creating the perfect atmosphere.
  
  
• Entertainment
  Live music is always a great way to set the tone for a formal event like a wedding. Hiring someone like a harpist or cellist to play haunting melodies along with some atmospheric lighting effects can truly transform the mood of a reception. DJs are another possibility who can create just as much energy by spinning darker tunes from alternative genres such as industrial rock and Gothic pop.
  
  
• Makeup Artists
  Makeup artists can provide their specialized services to help enhance both brides' and grooms' looks for the day with dramatic makeup styles such as smoky eyes and bold lips. Having professional makeup artists will ensure everyone looks their best for photos during the ceremony and reception venues.
  
  
• Decorations and Floral Arrangements
  For Gothic weddings, decorating is crucial and offers various options to couples. From traditional church pews to macabre decorations, professional decorators can accommodate the couple's preferred style. They can also create distinctive floral arrangements that create a dark ambiance while still being sophisticated and gorgeous.

Gothic Wedding Vendors in Philadelphia

• Deibert Photography
  Deibert Photography is a wedding photography studio that aims to honor the unique love story of every couple they work with. The husband and wife team, Ben and Ashley, are the leaders of this company and they aim to tell the stories of the couples they photograph through their personalized images matching the couple’s style. The personalized approach and documentary style of Deibert Photography allow couples to comfortably enjoy their special day while getting genuine, memorable photographs that capture the emotion of the occasion. They provide high-quality prints and bound book options for the final photos, making them a unique power couple of photography.
  
  
• Evantine Design
  As a quality event design firm in Philadelphia, Evantine Design is a great choice for creating lavish experiences. Led by founder Brian Kappra, their team of talented designers, artisans, and producers work together to seamlessly execute every aspect of your event from planning and management to design and production. With over three decades of experience in the industry, Evantine Design has perfected the art of efficient implementation while still capturing the artful aspects of event production. From theatrical lighting and sound reinforcement to wedding planning and bridal styling, they have a variety of production services to choose from. Whether you're planning a wedding, corporate event, or gala, their team will ensure that your event is arranged exactly as you hoped it would be.
  
  
• Lily Eckman Strings
  With many years of experience on the cello, Lily Eckman offers solo and ensemble performances for a wide range of events. Lily's passion for the cello began when she was just eight years old, and she has since developed her skills as a multi-instrumentalist. Although she is classically trained, Lily's musical interests are varied and encompass many genres, including acoustic folk in which she also performs in a band. Her capacity to play multiple genres of music through her cello makes her a reliable and versatile musician great to perform at your Gothic wedding. Whether it's a small gathering or a large celebration, Lily can work with you to arrange the perfect ensemble to fit your needs.

Pros and Cons of Gothic Weddings in Philadelphia

Gothic weddings in Philadelphia are a unique experience, with their distinct aesthetic and traditional elements. Couples looking for a unique wedding experience with a dark, romantic touch can definitely find what they’re looking for in a Gothic-style venue. However, before making any decisions, couples should weigh up the pros and cons of this theme.

Advantages

• Gothic-style venues provide an atmosphere unlike any other, with old-world charm and unique architecture such as stained glass windows and high ceilings. These unique features make for amazing backdrops for guests and hosts to take photos with throughout the event.
  
  
• Gothic venues offer many possibilities for customization, from themes to details like decor and menu items. Couples can show off their individual style by incorporating special touches throughout the event. These weddings offer a wide variety of options for decor enthusiasts, and basically, any decor can match the Gothic style as long as it follows the dark color palette.
  
  
• Gothic weddings allow for extensive guest lists since the venues associated with such themes tend to be wide and spacious. This allows hosts to have a fairly large and lavish event simply to match the Gothic theme.

Disadvantages

• If opting for a traditional Gothic wedding theme, brides may find themselves restricted in terms of dress types as this style typically involves black attire and lots of lace accents. This can stall people’s creativity momentarily since most colors can’t be featured.
  
  
• Gothic weddings may not be suitable for everyone due to their dark aesthetic, which can make some guests uncomfortable or uneasy. This alludes that certain guests may not feel comfortable attending simply due to the theme of the occasion.
  
  
• Many Gothic venues do not receive much natural light during certain times of day, which can limit couples' ability to take advantage of natural lighting or take outdoor photographs. This can also make the event feel dark if ample lighting solutions have not been arranged.

Tips on How to Organize Gothic Weddings in Philadelphia

When planning a Gothic wedding in Philadelphia, there are many ways to make the event successful. Planning a wedding can be stressful, but with a few simple tips, you can have an unforgettable and unique event. Here are five tips on how to make your Gothic wedding in Philadelphia stand out from the crowd.

• When looking for venues for your wedding, choose one that fits the dark and mysterious aesthetic of the Gothic theme. An old building with high ceilings and arches or a dimly lit space with dark decor will help set the mood and capture the atmosphere you’re going for.

• Colors like black, purple, and deep reds create an ominous atmosphere that’s perfect for a Gothic wedding. You can also use dramatic lighting with lots of shadows to add to the overall vibe. Candles or lamps can provide just enough light to set off each corner of the room while still keeping it dimly lit.

• To get into the spirit of things, adorning your decorations with symbols from famous Gothic novels like Dracula or Wuthering Heights is sure to make your guests feel more immersed in this unique experience. Utilizing objects like skulls, bats, spiders, and ravens are all great ideas for decorating your venue and making it truly feel like a Gothic affair.

• When it comes time to dress everyone attending your wedding, having all guests wear traditional goth clothing will truly bring out their inner darkness. Encourage them to go all out — think lace corsets paired with long skirts or even crazy-colored hairpieces — anything goes here. This will ensure that everyone looks coordinated and further enhances the menacing ambiance of your nuptials.

• Music is key when creating any atmosphere. Make sure you have some spooky tunes playing throughout dinner or during the dancing time so that everyone can get into character while they celebrate this special day with you. You could also look into hiring musicians who specialize in playing music from classic horror films.

Famous Locations in Philadelphia

• The Mütter Museum
  The Mütter Museum is a one-of-a-kind attraction that is not for the faint of heart. As a museum dedicated to rare and unsettling medical conditions, the exhibits are sure to leave a lasting impression on visitors. Since 1863, the collection at the Mütter Museum has grown to over 20,000 specimens, and only about 10% is actively on display. From saponified bodies to conjoined fetuses, the displays showcase the strange and fascinating realities of the human body. In addition to the museum, The College of Physicians hosts a variety of events in the same building, including classical music concerts and educational lectures. Despite its unsettling subject matter, The Mütter Museum is a captivating and unique experience that is not to be missed.
  
  
• Eastern State Penitentiary
  Eastern State Penitentiary is not your average historical landmark. This former prison was actually the birthplace of modern incarceration, opening its doors back in 1829. With its intimidating architecture, walking through the halls of Eastern State Penitentiary is enough to send chills down any visitor's spine. Visitors can take a self-guided tour equipped with an eerie audio guide, learning about infamous inmates like Al Capone and seeing the "luxuries" his cell offered. To add to the unsettling nature of this location, the Penitentiary hosts a horrifying haunted house each year during the Halloween season. It’s a mark of Philadelphia (and American) history, and it’s a worthwhile visit.
  
  
• Edgar Allan Pоe National Historic Site
  Edgar Allan Poe remains a name synonymous with spooky tales and macabre. For six years, he called Philadelphia home, and now visitors can pay homage to the master of horror at the Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site. The museum allows visitors to step back in time and wander the restored rooms of Poe's only remaining Philly home, where they can view original artifacts from his life. For those feeling brave, make sure to check out the creepy brick cellar, believed to have been the inspiration behind one of Poe's most famous works, “The Black Cat”. And, of course, a statue of a raven stands sentry outside, a fitting tribute to the writer who brought these ominous birds to the forefront of our minds.