10 Hidden Garden Wedding Venues in Philadelphia


Are you looking for hidden garden wedding venues in Philadelphia?

Well, you are not alone. While arboretums, country clubs, and other similar venues are widely known for their beauty and lush greenery, we found quite a few inconspicuous Philadelphia garden wedding venues that you may not be aware of. Here are some of our favorite hidden garden wedding venues in Philadelphia!

Seven Reception Spaces In Philadelphia With Secret Gardens

John F. Collins Park

iron gates open to see server with reception tables in the background full of trees at john f collins park, one of the best hidden garden wedding venues in Philadelphia.

John F. Collins Park is a hushed, landscaped hideaway tucked within Center City’s bustling business district. Adjacent to one of Center City’s busiest streets, it can now be a private haven for you and your guests. In fact, you may just miss it because the entrance from Chestnut Street comes upon you fast. Find the wrought iron gateway sculpted with whimsical animal life.

Inside, you’re transported to a dreamlike garden defined by miniature fountains, twinkling lights, blossoming flowers and cozy stone benches. This hidden gem is home to elegant cocktail parties, small receptions, and intimate wedding ceremonies – making indelible memories along the way.

Merion Tribute House

bride and groom kissing in garden with purple flowers at merion tribute house, one of the best hidden garden wedding venues in Philadelphia

Photo by Clair Pruett Photography

Located on eight well-manicured acres just minutes from Philadelphia, the fully air-conditioned Merion Tribute House can accommodate indoor and outdoor wedding ceremonies. There, hydrangeas serve as a beautiful backdrop and they do a lot of landscaping. 

In fact, the original owner of this property was a prolific gardener back in the 1910s and unfortunately, while a lot of her gardens are not around anymore, they still keep on the tradition and after this community center was built after World War I, they have maintained a lot of the gardens around it. The bench at Merion Tribute House is one of the many spots that photographers like to use to photograph couples before and after their wedding. 

Terrain at Styers

bride holding white peonies leading husband down outdoor path at terrain at styers delaware county wedding venue.

Terrain at Styers pairs a horticultural setting with farm-to-table cuisine, seasonally decorated spaces, and in-house floral and design services. One of its ceremony spaces is outdoor in the gardens. An Indian wedding temple is the centerpiece for many ceremonies. However, beautiful indoor options are also available in case of rain. In addition, its historic Mushroom House serves as a bridal suite.

Paired with Terrain’s blooming nursery and attentive services, this rustic wedding venue in Delaware County creates a gorgeous garden backdrop for your celebration.

Furthermore, Terrain at Styers’ sister site, Terrain Gardens at Devon Yard, boasts a secluded Ceremony Garden. It is inspired by European landscapes, high-ceilinged Garden Porch, spacious Reception Room, and Bridal Suite.

In each space, Terrain’s ever-changing gardens and container plantings provide a layered horticultural experience. Finally, these permanent installations offer a beautiful backdrop for additional florals and décor.

The Desmond

Whether you are taking in the glass-enclosed atrium overflowing with natural light and a variety of plants or outside by the gazebo, The Desmond is a great find for those looking for a garden.

College of Physicians

bride and bridesmaids holding clear umbrellas on patio with ivy and plants in background at college of physicians' philadelphia wedding venue.

Photo by College of Physicians/Asya Photography

On a beautiful day, your guests can enjoy hors-d’oeuvres and cocktails while strolling through the Medicinal Herb and Butterfly Garden at the College of Physicians. However, if you prefer, choose to hold your ceremony in this tucked away charming area.

Powel House

An outstanding example of Georgian architecture, the first-floor dining room and parlor at the Powel House adjoin the passage, featuring one of the most elegant colonial mahogany staircases. The second floor highlights the rococo ballroom, where George and Martha Washington celebrated their anniversary in 1779.

In addition, the garden is one of only two private gardens in the historic district in Philadelphia that is available to rent for a wedding with 100 guests or less.

Brandywine Manor House

Surrounded by gently rolling meadows, illuminated lake, country gardens and majestic trees, you are provided spectacular views and backdrops for your unforgettable day at Brandywine Manor House.

In fact, this venue offers three outdoor ceremony sites – the Lakeview, Garden Terrace, and the Glen, as well as three locations as part of our rustic and climate-controlled Manor Barn. Also, the Manor also boasts lighted gazebos, pergola, footbridges, waterfalls, and arbor.

Appleford

formal english gardens and sculpture with historic stone building in background at appleford estate's main line wedding venue.

From the woods and meadows, acclaimed Philadelphia landscape architect Thomas Sears created a series of lush formal gardens, brick walkways, and rhododendron tracts, set off by a stream, pond, and waterfall.

At Appleford, gardens can be enjoyed from every window of the house. In fact, each vista holds an air of enchantment and distinguished charm. Naturally, there are numerous breathtaking choices for a ceremony outside.

The Radnor Hotel

bride and groom sitting on bench with dress cascading and bushes in background at radnor hotel's delaware county wedding venue.

The Radnor Hotel is located in a stylish suburban neighborhood in the heart of Wayne, Pennsylvania. Certainly, it is known for its lush award-winning Formal Gardens. In fact, the gardens are seasonal, offering beauty in all times of the year.

In addition, The Radnor Hotel has an elegant Grand Terrace Ballroom, stunning Garden Room and inviting ambiance.

The Washington at Historic Yellow Springs

back of bride and groom walking into illuminated white gazebo in garden at chester county wedding venue.

Fountains, mature trees, gardens and stone and wood benches dot the landscape at The Washington at Historic Yellow Springs.

Imagine you and your fiancé enjoying the winding walkway on the spacious manicured grounds. The Washington at Historic Yellow Springs is a natural beauty because it is unique with lush gardens and buildings with a rich history. In fact, the venue has both indoor and outdoor event spaces for ceremonies and receptions. For example, there are courtyards, where couples can tie the knot or use for cocktail hour.

Also, inside you will find event spaces with rustic charm. It’s a great Plan B for your garden wedding in the event of rain. Finally, each of these spaces make for a unique backdrop for wedding photos.

Featured image by John F. Collins Park / Baiada Photography


Hopefully, this post about hidden garden wedding venues in Philadelphia will make it esier to find your garden wedding venue in the city.

Check out our most popular Philadelphia wedding venues of 2019!

Finally, are you still searching for the perfect Philadelphia event venue? Click here! However, if you are searching for amazing Philadelphia wedding vendors, click here!