We're very fortunate to have so many exquisite wedding venues in Philadelphia. And I must say that it's an honor to capture such important moments for my clients at these beautiful and sometimes historic locations. A lot of hard work goes on behind the scenes that make these venues so special to photograph at. My list is a bit slanted towards the eye catching since, well...I'm a photographer and those are the kind of places that get my creative juices flowing!
So, without further ado and in no particular order, here are my top 12 wedding venues in Philadelphia:
Crystal Tea Room
A word from the venue:
"The Crystal Tea Room is situated in the heart of Philadelphia steps away from City Hall. Upon arrival, guests will directed to the atrium to enjoy cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. Our glassed soaring atrium is an indoor conservatory featuring a fountain and greenery providing a year round “outdoor atmosphere” with no threat of weather.
Then, guests proceed into the heart of the Crystal Tea Room featuring carved columns and opulent crystal chandeliers making this ballroom timeless. Finley Catering’s executive chef and catering team has reached the acme of culinary brilliance, redefining the standard of cuisine. The grandeur of The Crystal Tea Room is sure to take your breath away, while creating an unforgettable wedding venue for your once-in-a-lifetime event."
What I love about this place:
The first spot for the top 12 wedding venues in Philadelphia belongs to the Crystal Tea Room. I love its layout and very ideal for a wedding reception. The atrium, bar, bridal suite and dessert rooms all provide a perfect place outside the ballroom for guests to spend time during the night. And the ballroom makes for a beautiful ceremony location as well!
My favorite spot at the venue for pictures:
The bar makes an awesome spot for photos as does the atrium. And I love the chandelier and giant wood columns in the ballroom.
Glen Foerd Mansion
A word from the venue:
"Built in 1850 and expanded and refurbished throughout its time as a private residence, the Glen Foerd mansion is currently home to an array of historic domestic artifacts, American and European art, and contemporary art installations. Set amid eighteen acres of rare trees and flowering shrubs, the grounds include a formal rose garden, vineyard, and riverfront oaks that date back over 300 years. The Glen Foerd grounds comprise a public park, open from dawn to dusk".
What I love about this place:
Whenever I'm here I feel like I'm stepping back in time. I love the elegance, the art and the grounds that surround the mansion. There is no shortage of locations inside or out to create gorgeous images. And how cool is it that you get to have an entire mansion at your disposal for the day!
My favorite spots at the venue for pictures:
The Art Gallery is a pretty special place for photos but there are amazing nuggets all over this venue. During golden hour everything around this venue looks gorgeous.
The Westin Hotel
A word from the venue:
"Let the champagne flow! At Westin, we’re committed to bringing your vision of your perfect wedding day to life flawlessly. We take the time to understand your unique needs so that we can delight you with intuitive service, thoughtful touches, and enriching experiences, allowing you to enjoy each moment to the fullest.
The Westin Philadelphia is where luxury meets sophistication in the heart of center city. Our stunning venue sets the stage for unforgettable Weddings and Events. Featuring sparkling chandeliers, traditional crown molding and Italian marble flooring combined with warm inviting décor. The Westin Philadelphia is prepared to handle every aspect of your event, from Ceremony to After Party and everything in-between."
What I love about this place:
I love the architecture and detail in the walls and ceilings in the ballrooms. The rooms photograph beautifully!
My favorite spot at the venue for pictures:
Rittenhouse Square and the neighborhood surrounding the Westin is very photogenic.
Waterworks
A word from the venue:
"Its combination of gracious Neoclassical architecture on the outside and then-revolutionary technology within once drew visitors from around the world—including Charles Dickens, who praised its “pleasant design.”
Today, the Water Works provides rich contemporary luxury in its lavish interior spaces in one of the city’s most picturesque setting, with columned walkways, a vintage gazebo, the Art Museum perched dramatically above and Boathouse Row stretched out along the Schuylkill River just beyond.
The iconic views, classically elegant structures, and landscaped grounds and gardens all around make adding an outdoor ceremony to your reception a natural choice."
What I love about this place:
Location, location, location!
My favorite spot at the venue for pictures:
Lots of cool doors, columns and gorgeous river views are everywhere.
The Ritz Carlton
A word from the venue:
"Set within a former bank building modeled after the Pantheon, The Ritz-Carlton, Philadelphia offers a grand setting for weddings and receptions. Newly refreshed venues include the Grand and Petite ballrooms; the former featuring marble columns and crystal chandeliers, the latter a domed ceiling with a view of City Hall. With the assistance of the hotel’s wedding experts, couples can design a celebration that expresses their personal tastes and traditions using event space, catering, flowers and entertainment."
What I love about this place:
Everyone knows this brand for a reason. The customer service is top notch, the architecture of the hotel is stunning and City Hall is right next door. I love shooting anywhere inside or outside of this venue.
My favorite spots at the venue for pictures:
The hallway outside of the elevators is very photogenic as is the outside facade with it's tall columns.
Cairnwood Estate
A word from the venue:
"Reminiscent of a French chateau, Cairnwood’s distinguished architecture, flowering gardens, and expansive lawns provide a distinctive backdrop for a truly exceptional event. The estate provides a setting that departs from the ordinary with endless indoor and outdoor reception possibilities."
What I love about this place:
Technically not in Philadelphia but I love this place and had to include it! I love all the different rooms this place provides. It’s so unique and has a ton of great character.
My favorite spot at the venue for pictures:
Cairnwood is one of the top 12 wedding venues with a bridal suite that has an amazing light and ambience. You can get some really cool portraits in there.
Ballroom At The Ben
A word from the venue:
"Exquisite chandeliers, European ambiance, and turn-of-the-century elegance, make the newly renovated Ballroom at the Ben a truly perfect setting for life’s most important events. You and your guests will be directed to the mezzanine level, which overlooks the palatial Ballroom for cocktails and hors d’oeuvres.
During your event, you will experience this classic refurbished ballroom just as Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence did when they danced their way to an Academy Award in “The Silver Linings Playbook.” With culinary masterpieces to entice any palate, Finley Catering and the Ballroom at the Ben are simply the best!"
What I love about this place:
The two story arched ballroom and the ornate detail in the ceilings of the lobby and ballroom.
The lobby downstairs with it's beautiful ceilings, columns and reflecting pool.
Tendenza
A word from the venue:
"As they enter, your guests will be awed by a three-level cocktail area. And then, as they proceed into the urban-inspired ballroom, dazzled by an interior design that strikingly juxtaposes glass, stainless steel, reclaimed wood, and exposed brick walls with beamed ceilings.
Combining elegance and originality, Tendenza is the perfect place to celebrate the beginning of a bright future together."
What I love about this place:
The décor at Tendenza reminds me of some of my favorite restaurants in NYC. Very stylish, chic and intimate. We don't have a lot of modern/industrial venues in Philadelphia which is why I enjoy shooting here!
My favorite spots at the venue for pictures:
The courtyard outside of Tendenza and the front facade are great spots for photos. The bar is also a great background for images as well.
The Loews Hotel
A word from the venue:
We believe the landmark Loews Philadelphia is as classic and flawless as a perfect diamond solitaire. So allow us to suggest it as the ideal choice for your wedding. Our Millennium and Regency Ballrooms are stunning and timeless choices that can host over 250 guests for a sit-down dinner.
Or, ascend to our 33rd floor and let our famed glass Terrace be the setting for your wedding in the clouds. There are so many ceremony and reception locations for you to choose from, and each is more romantic than the next.
What I love about this place:
I love working at the Loews! All the rooms have a great light if you're getting ready there, it's centrally located and close to many of Philly's landmarks for your photos and the main ballroom is very spacious!
My favorite spots at the venue for pictures:
The 33rd floor, stairwell and long hallways outside of the ballrooms.
The Downtown Club
From the venue:
"With tall windows that directly overlook Independence Hall and command sweeping views of Old City and the Delaware River beyond, the Down Town Club makes an unforgettable impression on every guest. An effect even further enhanced by the inlaid marble floors, hand-carved moldings, rich mahogany paneling, and other examples of the Club’s Georgian Revival elegance. This rich blend of American history, subdued luxury, and Cescaphe’s singular flair all seamlessly combine to create an unforgettable wedding in the classic tradition."
What I love about this place:
The Downtown Club is another Philadelphia venue that has a rich history that you can feel when you're there. Amazing location, super close to several boutique hotels and landmarks. You can treat yourself and your guests to a wonderful day/evening and not have to leave a two block radius.
My favorite spot at the venue for pictures:
The back room with its beautiful mahogany paneling.
Union Trust
A word from the venue:
"With grand arched windows overlooking the Historic District of Philadelphia, Union Trust will captivate the most discerning guests. This newly renovated facility has become one of Philadelphia’s chicest event location for weddings, social gatherings, and corporate functions.
With its soaring sixty-five foot illuminated engraved ceilings, architecturally accented walls, multiple private rooms, and a breathtaking wraparound mezzanine overlooking the whole site; Union Trust offers an exceptional blend of the old, regal Philadelphia but infused with a new vibrant pulse.
This building is an embodiment of rich Philadelphia history having once served as The Union Trust Company Bank, which was built in 1888. In Finley Catering’s constant pursuit of exquisite cuisines and top-notch professionalism, we feel that Union Trust is an ideal addition to make our center city endeavors a perfect trio."
What I love about this place:
The architecture is spectacular and the mezzanine overlooking the ballroom provides outstanding vantage points.
My favorite spot at the venue for pictures:
The mezzanine is perfect for romantic end of the night shots.
Cescaphe
A word from the venue:
"What was once an ornate movie palace from the golden age of cinema has been transformed by Cescaphe into one of the city’s most spectacular wedding destinations. Vaulted cathedral ceilings, chandeliers draped in pearls, antiqued brass hardware, classic columns, and a floor-to-ceiling bar create a sense of luxury in the grand style. This magnificent setting makes every moment of your wedding—from the reception to the final dance by candlelight—an experience to be forever held in your hearts."
What I love about this place:
The last but not the least among the top 12 wedding venues in Philadelphia is the Cescaphe. The cathedral ceilings and magnificent bar have a definite WOW factor when you enter the room.
My favorite spot at the venue for pictures:
The upstairs table overlooking the ballroom when the bride and groom are having dessert.
Learn More: Philadelphia Wedding Venues.
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"To all the brides out there looking for your dream wedding day photographer...look no further! Ralph Deal was, hands down, one of the best decisions we made when we were planning our wedding!
We are so happy to look at all of the gorgeous moments Ralph was able to capture from our big day. I would highly recommend booking him not only for your wedding day, but for engagement photos, too.
It gave us the opportunity to spend time with Ralph and for him to get to know us as a couple. On a day as hectic as the BIG day, Ralph was a familiar and comforting person to be around. He was professional from beginning to end. His talent is evident in every single photo he took of us. Thank you, Ralph, for perfectly capturing our wedding day memories that will last us forever."
-Katrina Misczak