Home to many historical and iconic sites like the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, and Philadelphia Museum of Art, is the city of Philadelphia—the biggest city in Pennsylvania.
Explore the city’s rich culture and history by going from Elfreth Alley to Fairmount Park to the Academy of Music. Enjoy the delicious Philly cheesesteak, and admire the vibrant murals painted all over town. You will find that this fun city will make for unforgettable celebrations and a fantastic destination for your wedding.
Strategically located near the Delaware River, the Philadelphia area is renowned for its estate-hosted weddings. Estate grounds are popular wedding venues that offer a mix of grandeur and intimate rustic charm. Whether it’s a ceremony in a lush garden or a reception held in a grand ballroom, these estates provide a sense of exclusivity and modern elegance.
Couples seeking to exchange vows in neighboring Bucks County or Delaware County can choose from beautiful indoor settings to scenic outdoor ones. Further enhancing the selection are historic wedding venues in Chester County, where the blend of modern and traditional settings brings unparalleled charm to weddings. Here, a carriage house might serve as the ideal spot for those who admire a historic vibe.
Take your pick of Philadelphia wedding venues to celebrate your love story, from unique hotels to exquisite cafes, banquet halls, and fancy estate venues.
Once you've chosen the perfect wedding venue, consider all the elements of wedding planning that will truly make your dream wedding day special and an event to remember for years. Want a full wedding celebration that goes off without a hitch? Hire the right people to help.
Catering
Not only do you want that five-layered wedding cake made to perfection for your special day, but you also want the menu to be amazing overall. Whether you want a seafood-themed menu, an ethnic cuisine, or want to go all-out with a huge buffet, there is no shortage of great catering options in the city, from drinks to desserts.
Decor
For an event as special as your wedding, the decor of the wedding venue needs to be just as unique as you are. Philadelphia has the best decor services available to transform a plain venue into something out of a wedding magazine. Flower arrangements, aisle decorations, and the perfect setting—there is nothing that can’t be done once you communicate your ideas.
Videographers
While the big day only comes once, you want to be able to relive it and refresh your memories of it for the rest of your life. The wedding video is a wonderful memento of the wedding day itself, so it's important to choose a skilled and reputable videographer with an impressive portfolio. Philadelphia has many talented wedding videographers you can choose from.
Wedding Clothing Shops
Both the bride and the groom will want to dress in a way that feels comfortable yet classic. Browse the stores to choose the ultimate wedding outfit. From dreamed-of gowns to wonderfully tailored tuxes, the wedding boutiques of Philadelphia will get the job done perfectly.
To help you plan for your Philadelphia wedding, let someone else take care of the small details you may not even think about. Taking on much of the responsibility of wedding dreams is what wedding planners do best.
Philly Wedding Co
Philly Wedding Co has five years of experience with hundreds of weddings and related events under their belt. They take care of everything from the reception venue, to the photographer, catering, and decor. Not only are they flexible with the type of event you want, but they also offer incredible service at an affordable cost.
The Wedding Planner
Detail-oriented and specializing in destination weddings, The Wedding Planner is another option that caters to any sort of arrangement you want. They especially pay attention to all the details and elements of wedding planning, including creating a schedule, organizing vendor contracts, and negotiating price deals.
Truly You Events
Truly You Events lives up to its name by providing a completely personalized wedding experience, whether it’s the decor, the catering, or the seating. With over ten years of experience, the company has been featured in many prominent magazines like Philadelphia Wedding Magazine, Philadelphia Inquirer, Knot Magazine, Philadelphia Style Magazine, and Style Me Pretty.
Despite being a great wedding location, Philadelphia has both advantages and disadvantages when it comes to having a wedding there. Let’s look at some of these.
Mild spring and fall
Spring and fall are ideal for a Philadelphia wedding as the weather in the city is quite pleasant during those seasons—neither too cold nor too hot. It’s perfect for most wedding locations for both indoor and outdoor weddings.
Historical landmarks
With so many iconic places that were pivotal to the country’s history, Philadelphia offers a rich and unforgettable experience for learning. Explore places like the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, and Franklin Institute before the big day.
Vibrant murals
Philadelphia is like an art gallery with many unique and vibrant murals that are spread throughout intimate spaces across the city. With different stories and themes, the murals make the ideal backdrop for fun wedding photos.
Many other wedding venue options
Philadelphia wedding venues are diverse and unique. You can rent a waterfront wedding venue along the Delaware River, a historic hotel, or even museums, art galleries, and gardens.
Rich culture
Different communities can offer food, music, and theater as just a few of the culturally rich historic wedding venue experiences.
Higher costs
While it depends on the wedding venue and the number of people you invite, the average cost for the wedding including all other services can be significantly higher in Philadelphia than in other cities.
Extreme summer and winter wedding
While the other two seasons are mild, summer and winter are harsh, with temperatures reaching extremes on peak days. If you want to plan a wedding in the middle of those seasons, it could cause inconveniences to you and your guests.
Traffic
Traffic in Philadelphia can be especially bad, leading to congestion and other problems. Consider its impact on your wedding and plan accordingly, for example, by scheduling your wedding ceremony during non-peak hours.
Parking
Parking can be a nightmare in the city, with bad traffic already being notable. It can be quite difficult to find a spot in most areas, which can be stressful for your guests.
The public may be aloof
While there are all kinds of people everywhere, surveys state that Philadelphia has a generally unfriendly public. Although it’s most likely due to everyone being in a rush, it is something to keep in mind as you prepare.
Independence Hall
Independence Hall is a must-see in Philadelphia. This monumental location is where the Declaration of Independence was signed in 1776. With a stunning backdrop of trees and sprawling grass in front, Independence Hall stands as tall as the former home of Pennsylvania’s colonial government.
Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
Founded in 1805, the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts is considered the first and oldest art school and museum in the US. Offering guests a mixture of modern and classical ambiance and stunning architecture, the Academy will keep you interested with a museum, art and historical displays, and unique exhibitions.
Rocky Statue
Who doesn’t remember Rocky Balboa, the boxing hero who stole our hearts in 1976? A picture with his statue is a photo op that can’t be missed on a trip to Philadelphia. Raise your fists in victory alongside this iconic figure, which is located at the stairs of the Philadelphia Museum of Art.