From a hip hotel to an immersive museum and more, these spots are perfect for your Big Day.
The W hotel is among our list of new Philadelphia wedding venues for 2022. Photo courtesy W Philadelphia
We’re a few months into 2022, which has become known as the year of weddings — more people are expected to get married since 1984. If you’re among them, you’ve probably already picked your ceremony and reception spots. But if you’re not or are simply looking ahead to 2023 and beyond, these new or recently updated Philadelphia wedding venues are incredible locations for all your celebrations — from the big moment itself to cocktail parties to rehearsal dinners and other fun, too. This is by no means a comprehensive list, and there are many more new locations to come this year that we can’t wait to share with you. Till then, check out these spots — and discover all the rest of the vendors you need for your Big Day here.
Bespoke Home + Life
Collingswood
Photo by Laura Briggs Photo
This Philadelphia-area wedding venue isn’t your average garden variety. Instead, the boutique — which opened in 2019, landed a Best of Philly nod in 2021 and has been quietly hosting intimate occasions — is a curated greenery-filled alcove for your “I do’s.” The combined indoor-outdoor spaces can currently accommodate up to 30. It all comes merchandised as-is, though the owners will change or remove furniture, plants and products to accommodate your vision. (The go-to planner is Sunbursts & Stardust.) After the space reopens in April with its seasonal theme (it closes twice a year to refresh the experience), expect an extended use of its space, with indoor-outdoor capacity for 45 people total. From $2,950; 817 Haddon Avenue.
BLDG39 at the Arsenal
Northeast Philly
Photo by Toni Marie Photography
The circa-1917 building formerly served as a paint shop in a munitions complex. Today, it’s an industrial-minded, blank-canvas Philadelphia wedding venue for a cool, creative couple looking to bring their own personality to everything from the decor to the food. The event space spans 2,600 square feet and has 30-foot-high ceilings, exposed metal rafters and white-washed brick and garage doors; a 1,000-square-foot outdoor area allows for movement and airflow. There are getting-ready suites on-site, and, because BLDG39 doubles as a shared kitchen facility used by caterers and mobile food businesses, you have the choice of cuisine right at your fingertips. Seating is fluid and dependent on layout but can go up to 250. Rentals from $3,000; 5401 Tacony Street.
The Cauldron
Midtown Village
Photo courtesy The Cauldron
Everyone loves a Harry Potter-ish wedding theme, and this soon-to-open immersive British gastropub and molecular gastronomy spot serves it up. The venue is split between two rooms; the main area can hold up to 50 guests for intimate ceremonies and receptions, while the downstairs area can host up to 20. But no matter where you are, expect wonderful wizardry — wedding wands, a magical wedding arch, and theatrical staff such as fire-breathers, tarot card readers and ushers with a mystical edge. Read more here. From $6,000 for buyout on weekdays; open bar and appetizer packages are also available; 1305 Locust Street.
Guild House Hotel
Washington Square West
Photo by Julia Lehman; florals by Society Blooms; place settings by Party Rental Ltd.; cake by Oui Pastries
The much-anticipated hotel that we told you about last year finally opened this past September in a beautifully restored 1800s rowhome — and National Historic Landmark — that formerly served as the hub of the New Century Guild. (The progressive club was founded in 1882 and supported working women in the city.) And every space honors its past. Intimate ceremonies and receptions are held in the library, which can host up to 40 for a cocktail gathering or 28 for a sit-down dinner. Formerly the dining room, the space is a mix of history and glamour: Custom shelves are lined with antique books and modern tomes like Michelle Obama’s Becoming, and a jewel-tone banquette provides seating. Each of the 12 guest rooms is inspired by a Guild member; the bridal suite is named for Alice Norton, who organized the group’s performing-arts productions. The design is as lively as she was, with a Weber piano — an original to the Guild — in the foyer. You’ll have to book the entire house, but you’ll have a personalized experience. Packages from $6,000; 1307 Locust Street.
Liberty Point
Society Hill
Rendering by Tim Sienold 3D and Architectural Rendering
Come spring (April, potentially), this nearly 30,000-square-foot, three-level waterfront venue on Penn’s Landing will serve as a multi-use bar (there are five), restaurant and entertainment hub, and, yes, a Philadelphia wedding venue. While details are still coming out, we can tell you Liberty Point will host events of between 10 and 1,400 people in its private and semi-private spaces. A one-hour wedding package will get you an officiant (or you can bring your own), up to 20 people in your party, a champagne toast and gorgeous views. Read more about the venue here. One-hour package from $500; 211 South Christopher Columbus Boulevard.
Lilah
Fishtown
Rendering by Boxwood Architects
When Lilah opens in April, it’ll be a foodie couple’s dream come true. It’s the work of hospitality pros Steve Cook and Michael Solomonov (the folks behind Zahav and K’Far), who sought to create a dedicated space for soirees. The 7,000-square-foot spot can host 250 for seated dinners and up to 350 standing. The industrial venue has a bar, chandeliers crafted from the building’s original iron-framed glass doors, and a kitchen that will serve up inventive menu options. One example: foie gras baklava. Read more here. Prices vary; 1601 North Front Street.
Logan Inn
New Hope
Photo by Edgardo Dander
Landmark Hospitality’s two-year renovation of the historic property (its 1727 launch makes it the oldest operating inn in America) included the addition of a 32,000-square-foot building connecting to the inn as well as contemporary decor that seamlessly marries with the classic elements. The ballroom has reclaimed wood ceilings and stone flooring and can hold up to 150 for dinner. You can also book the lower-level lobby, which comes complete with a movie theater, rock ‘n’ roll space and wine cellar, for pre-wedding festivities. Prices vary; 10 West Ferry Street.
Museum of Illusions
Old City
The Philly MOI will be different than the Chicago iteration, but this provides an idea. Photo courtesy Museum of Illusions
Think of the Museum of Illusions as an ultra-unique (and super-Instagrammable) place to hold your pre-wedding festivities, welcome parties or a standing reception — rather than the entire soiree from start to finish. (Seated dinners or ceremonies would take some creative thinking, but they aren’t entirely off-limits.) Expected to open March 12th, the 5,000-square-foot spot will have holograms, stereograms, and immersive exhibits — the “Upside Down Room” is inspired by a Philly diner. Your event would take place throughout the museum, with a capacity expected to be around 100. Read more about the venue here. From $1,500 for two hours, with rates varying by season; 401 Market Street.
Patchwork at Hyatt Centric Center City
Rittenhouse
Photo by Chris Devern
While the hotel opened last year, the restaurant didn’t debut till January 2022. Today, it slings breakfast, brunch and dinner with a local twist on Mid-Atlantic fare, such as Cape May oysters and a namesake burger served on a brioche bun. Patchwork executive chef Jonathan Dearden and his team cater weddings and celebrations held at the hotel’s seven event spaces — but the restaurant itself can be used for a soiree, too. It’s perfect for a cocktail reception — between the ceremony, dinner and dancing — for up to 120 guests. Prices vary; 1620 Chancellor Street.
Sports Complex at AFC Bala
Bala Cynwyd
Photo by Rose-Colored Glasses
Love sports? Then consider this facility, which formerly served as field house space complete with tennis courts but has been reimagined with a turf field for indoor soccer, field hockey, baseball, lacrosse, two courts for basketball or volleyball, padel courts — and can also serve as an event venue for up to 400 guests. There’s a built-in sound system, a lighting package, 37-foot rafters, a social lounge and the option to work with any vendor you choose for decor, catering or entertainment (though a preferred vendor list will be provided). Events Custom Taylored offers a $25,000 VIP package (plus the space rental) catered by Schulson. Space rental from $10,000; 601 Righters Ferry Road.
Townley House Hotel
Easton
Photo by Denise Marie Photography
Opened as a 16-room boutique hotel in December 2020, this historic property was originally built in 1866 and boasts original wood moldings, a hand-carved mahogany staircase and Mercer-tiled fireplaces. It’s intimate and sweet, and perfect for micro-weddings or small celebrations of up to 50 people in the bar and garden area. Rentals include private access to the spaces. Townley is part of Enjoy With Gusto Restaurant and Hospitality Group, which also owns Three Oak Steakhouse, Rivergrille and Ocean 235 — all of which are within walking distance — and caters events at the hotel. Bar and garden rentals from $450 and $350, respectively; 130 North Third Street.
W Philadelphia
Center City
Photo courtesy the W Philadelphia
We told you about the W Philadelphia last year, before it opened, so now that it’s up and running (as of the fall), we thought we should remind you that it’s pretty much one of the coolest places to get hitched in Philly now. The W has 45,000 square feet of event space and 37 event rooms — all with floor-to-ceiling windows. The Great Room can host 250 guests and has no columns to block guests’ view; a built-in LED wall and killer sound system add to the the appeal. Outdoor receptions can take place in the Secret Garden, and the Wet Deck is a primo place for a welcome reception or farewell brunch. Be sure to ask about the exclusive Stevens’ Prophecy spot (a salon bedecked with artwork honoring Hollywood and Philly icon Grace Kelly) for pre-wedding fun. From $229 per person; 1439 Chestnut Street.
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