Discover historic Philadelphia wedding venue rentals, how this list can help you find event spaces with an interesting past and impact your planning.
They say some things get better with age. Here in Philadelphia, we are home to numerous timeless venues with a history that adds a sense of romance and intrigue to your special day.
For this reason alone, getting married in Philadelphia is very appealing.
If you are looking for a Philadelphia wedding venue rental that tells a story, here are seven historical Philadelphia wedding venues worth considering:
Photo: Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts
7 Historical Private Event Spaces Include:
Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts (PAFA)
First, art and history come together at Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts with two buildings in one.
Designed by Frank Furness and George W. Hewitt, The Historic Landmark Building, opened in 1876. Since then it was designated a National Historic Landmark.
Inside, you will find a collection of art detailing the history of American art from the 1760s to contemporary times. Imagine dining and dancing within art galleries, floor-to-ceiling paintings and picturesque statues. Intricately designed columns and architecture frame your special day and create stunning backdrops for photos.
Next door, PAFA’s modern design Samuel M.V. Hamilton Building, was built in 1917 and originally served as an automobile showroom and car storage facility.
Lastly, PAFA may host up to 350 wedding guests for a seated reception.
Photo: ONE North Broad/JPG Photography
ONE North Broad
Pre-dating City Hall, ONE North Broad within The Masonic Temple of Philadelphia was built in 1873.
History and art lovers will find the detail and symbolism in each design of each room as well as the floor fascinating. And the architecture is equally captivating.
In fact, a docent is available to guide guests through its history, adding yet another layer to your wedding. Also, several halls each with a different theme are the perfect distinctive space for your wedding ceremony. For instance, there is one with ancient Egypt hieroglyphics. Then, there is Renaissance Hall, a rich atmosphere reflecting DaVinci, Michelangelo and other Italian Renaissance artists. And that’s just a couple of examples.
Lastly, ONE North Broad’s grand ballroom, complete with a majestic Benjamin Franklin and stained-glass windows, hosts up to 250 guests. In fact, it allows up to 450 when including the foyer.
Photo: Water Works/Emily Wren Photography
Water Works
Anchoring Boat House Row and just steps away from the Philadelphia Museum of Art, this iconic backdrop is almost synonymous with Philadelphia itself. Water Works is located at the edge of the Schuylkill River with glorious views of the waterfront and city skyline. Whether you celebrate within its new tented veranda, inside the Grand Pavilion ballroom, The Engine House or The Mill House, Water Works’ Neoclassic architecture and vintage gazebo will draw your guests’ interest, just calling for photos. The Mill House can seat up to 400 guests while The Grand Pavilion and The Engine House accommodates up to 180 and 140, respectively.
Photo: The Curtis Atrium
The Curtis Atrium
The Curtis Atrium is located in Old City across Independence Hall. And if that isn’t quite historic enough, the 100-year-old building itself, once known as Curtis Publishing House, formally housed Ladies Home Journal and the Saturday Evening Post.
The 49-foot-long stained-glass mosaic by Louis C. Tiffany and Philadelphia artist Maxfield Parrish will draw your attention as you enter. Grand columns, a terraced waterfall and endless ceiling add to the ambiance.
The Curtis Atrium allows for seated dinners up to 400 guests.
Photo: The Sedgeley Club/Philip Gabriel Photography
The Sedgeley Club
As Philadelphia’s only operating lighthouse, Turtle Rock Lighthouse, The Sedgeley Club’s building dates back to 1903. It originally opened to the world’s oldest women’s athletic club consisting of bicyclists, barge and canoers.
Steps from the Schuylkill River on Boathouse Row, The Sedgeley Club’s enclosed porch offers beautiful waterfront and city skyline views to frame your intimate reception.
Photo: The Deacon
The Deacon
Originally a church built in 1906, The Deacon was renovated and repurposed recently as a boutique hotel and event venue rental to suit weddings and gatherings. Of course, all while keeping the historic vaulted ceiling and arched stained glass windows intact.
The Deacon includes eight distinctive guest rooms, an entertainment space and Master Chef’s kitchen.
Photo: Philadelphia Museum of Art/MK Photography
Philadelphia Museum of Art
The Philadelphia Museum of Art is an iconic landmark central to the City of Brotherly Love. Its roots stem from the Centennial Exhibition of 1876, held in Fairmount Park and in 1928 opened in its current location at the helm of the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. The Philadelphia Museum of Art is home to 240,000 pieces of art.
Imagine your outdoor celebration on the East Terrace of the Main Building, a toast to guests from the Great Stair Hall Balcony or twirling the night away in the Great Stair Hall.
From its Majestic Classic Greek columns of the Main Building to gathering in the garden dotted with Rodin’s bronzes and a reflecting pool, an inspiring reception awaits at the Philadelphia Museum of Art and Rodin Museum.
