Learn about Philadelphia wedding venues that allow outside catering, how our list can help make your planning easier.
Oh, the wedding food. It can be a multi-sensory experience. The drinks, taste and texture of your meal can have a lasting memory. It’s what brings us together. So having food that reflects every one of your taste buds is important. Often when searching for your wedding venue, you will find its catering is either exclusive or preferred.
What does this mean? Basically, exclusive is one caterer that solely partners with your venue while preferred is a list of two or more caterers that you may choose from. But what if you are engaged and looking for wedding venues in Philadelphia that allow outside catering?
Here are seven Philadelphia wedding venues that allow outside catering:
Photo: The Deacon
Seven event spaces that allow outside catering.
Located in the Graduate Hospital section of South Philadelphia, The Deacon is a unique Philadelphia wedding venue and boutique hotel. In fact, it’s quite historic, dating to 1906. Previously a church, it was recently repurposed, reimagined and redesigned.
In addition, it has original stained glass, arched windows and vaulted ceilings. Certainly, it creates a special atmosphere. The first-floor multi-purpose room has ample space for celebrations and receptions up to 175 guests.
Furthermore, it features eight distinctive bedrooms on the second floor. Of course, The Deacon offers numerous choices for caterers on their preferred list.
Photo: BLDG 39 at The Arsenal
The Bridesburg section of Philadelphia is home to one of the newest wedding venues, BLDG 39 at The Arsenal. It is also very historic. Built in 1917, the industrial chic North Philly event rental space has both indoor and outdoor options. It also has flexible space to create any floorplan.
In addition, BLDG 39 is spacious. It features 2,600 square feet of blank canvas event space set against a backdrop of giant garage doors, white-washed exposed brick and unique preserved doors and windows.
Not only does this historic Philadelphia wedding venue have a diverse preferred catering list; but also a preferred food truck list. Yes, they roll up right in the parking lot’s footprint like it was meant to be. Obviously, BLDG 39 is one of the best Philadelphia wedding venues that allow outside catering for many reasons.
Uniquely situated in Fairmount Park, The Mann offers unparalleled, unobstructed views of the Center City skyline. The scenery atop the 22 acres campus is surreal.
In fact, weddings at The Mann Center are truly remarkable. There are six event spaces that include gardens, sculpture, a fountain, stage, tented space and art depending on which space you choose in this West Philly wedding venue. The Mann has a robust list of preferred caterers.
Among gardens and historic structures, you will find Morris Arboretum in Philadelphia’s historic Northwest. Exchange vows among the beauty of 92 acres of flowering gardens, tall trees, plants and fountains, one of the best spots for Morris Arboretum wedding photos. Then continue the celebration within the arboretum’s tented facility, The Widener Visitor’s Center. It hosts up to 175 guests.
Morris Arboretum has a varied list of five preferred caterers.
Hill-Physick House is a four-story Philadelphia reception venue located in a brick house in Philadelphia’s Society Hill dating to 1786. In addition to the historic mansion, its 18th century garden includes a fish pond and lush greenery. The garden may host up to 100 for a seated reception while the landmark building’s first floor drawing room can accommodate 40. However, it can host up to 75 in a cocktail style setting when using the parlor and drawing room together.
Hill-Physick House partners with nine preferred caterers for a Society Hill wedding.
The Georgian architecture of Powel House & Garden is sure to get your attention. Built in 1765, the second-floor ballroom can host up to 50 guests for a seated dinner reception or up to 75 for cocktail style by combining the first and second floors. Its 18th century garden features period plants and can host 100 guests with a tent reservation. Powel House has nine local caterers on its preferred vendor list.
Okay, you had me at former chocolate factory. Located in Philadelphia’s Old City art district, Power Plant Productions, the former Wilbur Chocolate Factory, is an industrial chic wedding venue featuring 25-foot ceilings, exposed steel beams and brick. Its giant interior historic smokestack is the centerpiece set against hardwood floors. The building has retained its character as a 1900s facility but with modern amenities.
Its location near the Benjamin Franklin Bridge and Elfreth’s Alley make it a dream come true for history lovers—not to mention exceptional backdrops and photo opportunities. Power Plant Productions is capable of hosting up to 140 guests. They have a list of several pre-approved caterers at this Old City Philadelphia wedding venue.
Hopefully, this list of Philadelphia wedding venues that allow outside catering will bring you closer to finding your dream venue!
For those interested in weddings in the Philadelphia suburbs, consider 5 Delaware County Wedding Venues with Outside Catering.
