About Philadelphia
Philadelphia is a city beloved by many and often referred to as the “City of Brotherly Love”. Aside from its charming moniker, it also boasts a rich history and culture, having been one of the original 13 colonies that formed the United States. The city itself has over 1.5 million residents and an urban landscape that is ever-evolving. From the iconic LOVE Park to Benjamin Franklin Parkway, there are plenty of places to explore.
What makes Philadelphia truly special is its haciendas — homes originally built and inhabited by Spanish settlers in the 18th century. These historic landmarks have been lovingly preserved and maintained over the centuries, providing a beautiful backdrop for any special event.
Haciendas in Philadelphia are a unique blend of traditional Spanish architecture and classic American styles, making them an ideal choice for couples looking for something different when planning their wedding. Whether you prefer a rustic barn or an elegant mansion with sweeping walkways, there's sure to be something that suits your taste. From grandiose outdoor ceremonies to intimate indoor receptions, these haciendas can provide the perfect backdrop to make your special day one you'll never forget.
Hacienda Wedding Options in Philadelphia
- Event Coordinator
An event coordinator is an invaluable resource when hosting a wedding, as it takes away all the stress of planning and organizing so that couple can enjoy their special day. This person is responsible for managing the entire wedding process, including planning and organizing all aspects of the day. They can handle everything from scheduling vendors and helping with decorations to making sure things run smoothly on the day of the event.
- Florists
The right florist will have an eye for details when it comes to decorating a hacienda venue. From creating custom arrangements and bouquets to providing potted plants and other greenery, florists are essential for bringing any hacienda space to life with beautiful floral designs.
- Photographers and Videographers
Capturing memories from a wedding is essential for remembering it afterwards and professional photographers know just how to do it. Not only will they take exquisite photos but some may even provide drone footage of your venue or create amazing videos filled with music and emotion that you’ll be able to show friends and family even years later.
- Transportation
For those who want to make their hacienda wedding an unforgettable experience, hiring transportation services such as limousines or vintage cars is a great way to go about it. Not only does this add some extra touch of luxury but it also helps guests get around easier in unfamiliar surroundings.
Hacienda Wedding Vendors in Philadelphia
- Jess Palatucci Photography
With over a decade of experience, Jess Palatucci is dedicated to capturing the love stories of couples through her visually stunning photographs. Specializing in fine art luxury wedding and boudoir photography, Jess's work speaks to the sophistication and elegance of every moment. With an eye for beauty in the details, both small and large, Jess ensures her clients receive imagery they will cherish forever. She takes photos that are carefully crafted to reflect the personalities of her clients. With a deep passion for capturing raw emotion, high fashion, and beautifully crafted designs, Jess Palatucci Photography is a great choice for an excellent wedding experience.
- Fabufloras
Fabufloras has been providing exquisite floral and event design services to clients in Philadelphia and the surrounding areas since 2013. As a wedding florist, they are dedicated to ensuring that every event they take on receives exceptional service, which is why they only accept a limited number of events each year. The team at Fabufloras is passionate about design and revels in creativity, inspired by the unique stories of each client. Whether it's a smaller-sized event or a wedding reception for 300, they have the knowledge and experience to efficiently supply floral arrangements to all. Their design team offers personalized attention to every detail to create a floral package that's customized to you, your budget, and your desired color scheme.
- First Class Luxury Limos
For over 35 years, First Class Luxury Limos has been a reliable transportation provider for the wedding industry in the New Jersey and Philadelphia areas. With a wide range of vehicles, from antique Rolls Royces to limo buses, there's a perfect ride for every wedding party. Their team offers open communication and reliable customer service to make sure that their transportation helps to relieve stress from the wedding day. From tuxedo-clad drivers to red carpet treatment and complimentary champagne, First Class Luxury Limos ensures that every detail is taken care of. First Class also offers the option to decorate the limo to match your venue so you can experience unforgettable luxury on your special day.
Pros and Cons of Hacienda Weddings in Philadelphia
Hacienda weddings, also known as Spanish-style weddings, have become increasingly popular among Philadelphia couples looking for a unique and romantic setting in which to exchange their vows. However, there are pros and cons to consider when deciding if a hacienda wedding is right for you.
Advantages
- A hacienda offers an atmosphere full of vibrancy and life, offering great photo opportunities for the couple’s special day. The typical decor and architecture of a hacienda venue invite guests to take unique vibrant photos to remember the night by.
- The Spanish-style architecture combined with beautiful outdoor gardens makes for a very romantic setting that will leave guests in awe. The distinct appearance of a hacienda venue inspires guests to be energetic, good-humored, and social throughout the event.
- Many haciendas offer amenities such as outdoor patios, multiple fireplaces, luxurious living areas, ample seating areas, and breathtaking views of the countryside. This means that not only will you not need to dispense as much money into the decor, but the arrangements that come with the venue are sure to perfectly match the space’s theme already, which relieves the stress of finding decorative accessories.
Disadvantages
- Since these types of venues are becoming increasingly popular in Philadelphia, they can often be booked up months in advance making it difficult to secure one at short notice. This means you will need to begin planning your event months in advance so that you can secure the perfect location for your wedding.
- While many haciendas offer magnificent outdoor gardens for guests to enjoy, there may still be limitations due to indoor space constraints within the building itself. As well, if the weather acts up during the occasion, there may not be a guarantee that all of the guests who were outside can fit indoors, which can lead to crowding and discomfort.
- Many haciendas are located outside the city center making it inconvenient for guests who live within Philadelphia or close-by areas. Unless extra transport solutions have been arranged, some guests may not find the trip worth it due to the stress of potentially getting lost or not having a viable mode of transit.
Tips on How to Organize Hacienda Weddings in Philadelphia
Organizing a wedding at a hacienda venue can be an amazing way to make your special day even more unique. While there are many details to consider, the following tips can help couples make sure that their occasion goes off without a hitch.
- Choose the right venue. Selecting a venue with both indoor and outdoor areas is ideal, as it allows guests to explore the grounds while providing respite from any possible inclement weather. It’s also important to make sure the hacienda is accessible for all your guests — if some may have difficulty walking long distances, try looking for one with ramps or elevators available.
- Consider the decor inside and out. The beauty of hosting at a hacienda is that it already provides plenty of rustic charm and character. Enhance this by adding additional touches like flowers and candles if your chosen venue allows it. For outdoor areas, think about bringing in furniture such as benches or tables, in addition to simple decorations like strings of lights or paper lanterns.
- Plan ahead when it comes to food and beverage service. Make sure you research what catering services might be available at your chosen hacienda, depending on local regulations or restrictions. If you’re unable to bring in outside vendors, see if you can find a caterer who works with the venue itself. This will save time and money in the long run as they’ll already have familiarity with the area and setup.
- Take care of transportation needs. If your guests need help getting back and forth from the event, plan ahead by finding local shuttles or limousine companies that can provide shared rides for everyone attending your wedding or reception. You may also want to look into renting buses or vans so that large groups of people can travel together if needed.
- Don’t forget about entertainment. Music is an essential part of any wedding celebration, so having an excellent DJ or band onsite is key. Consider whether you have enough power outlets available throughout your hacienda — or if you need generators brought in — to ensure that everyone has access to great music throughout their stay at your event.
Famous Locations in Philadelphia
- Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul
The Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul is an architectural masterpiece, situated in the heart of Philadelphia. Built in 1864, this is the largest Catholic church in Pennsylvania and remains the central hub of Catholic life in Philadelphia. Designed by John Notman and Napoleon LeBrun, the cathedral's intricate details and impeccable beauty make it a true treasure of the city. The stunning cathedral boasts a Palladian facade and a copper-covered dome that shines flawlessly in the sunlight. Inside, visitors are transported to a different world, as the dazzling murals, mosaics, and stained glass windows leave a lasting impression.
- The Piazza
The historic brewery turned mixed-use community, Schmidt's Commons, boasts an impressive 80,000-square-foot Italian piazza at its center. This beautifully-sculpted space is surrounded by a variety of restaurants, galleries, boutiques, retail shops, and apartments. But this isn't just any outdoor space, as the Piazza is home to numerous events throughout the year, from craft markets to live music and even salsa nights. Even the big screen gets in on the action, as the large jumbotron showcases independent films, sporting events, movies, and TV shows. Located just north of Independence Hall, the Piazza is truly a one-of-a-kind gathering place for visitors and locals alike.
- Cliveden of the National Trust
Step back in time and experience the significance of Cliveden of the National Trust, a stunning Georgian home and estate that has stood for over 200 years. During the Revolutionary War, this historic location played a key role in the Battle of Germantown, a vital moment in American history. Every year in early October, visitors can witness a dramatic reenactment of the battle, as part of the Revolutionary Germantown Festival. But Cliveden isn't just a place to remember the past — it's also a space for open and honest conversations about race, history, and memory. Through their Cliveden Conversations, attendees can engage in meaningful dialogue and gain deeper insights into the nation's complex history.