It’s that joyous time of year when we recognize the Best of PartySpace 2020 award winners and finalists for wedding venues in the Philadelphia area.
The award showcases the most sought-after wedding locations among engaged couples and event planners based on our data. From Philadelphia waterfront wedding venues reflecting neon city lights with captivating views of the Benjamin Franklin Bridge to a hidden gem Center City garden wedding venue–and out to the suburbs where you will find elegant barn wedding venues in Chester County. We take you from downtown Philadelphia to suburbia with our exciting results.
Here are our top Philadelphia wedding venues for 2020.
Photo by Janna Bannan/The Gables at Chadds Ford
For another consecutive year, The Gables at Chadds Ford has achieved the top spot. Its tiered secluded gardens and brick paved walkway in the rear of the facility offer a tranquil spot for your wedding ceremony large or small. Just steps away, enjoy cocktail hour and your one-of-a-kind reception within its rustic facility with floor-to-ceiling windows and wood beams framing the soaring barn interior. Enjoy exclusive catering from its award-winning restaurant using fresh, local seasonal ingredients.
Photo by Lindsay Docherty Photography/Colonial Dames
Located in the heart of Philadelphia, Colonial Dames continues to be a fan favorite of engaged couples planning their wedding. History, gardens, artifacts and period pieces, Colonial Dames has it all for those searching for a historic Philadelphia wedding venue. In addition, the location allows for intimate gatherings up all the way up to 120 guests whether the reception is outside or within its ballroom. Finally, Colonial Dames has a list of several preferred caterers.
Photo by Heidi Val Photography/John James Audubon Center
Let’s visit Montgomery County where you’ll find picturesque John James Audubon Center. The rustic venue features a climate-controlled 19th century field stone barn, and a new all-season pavilion situated on a renowned bird sanctuary dotted with historic apple trees. Make sure to say hello to its resident Great Horned Owl Oden, the most talkative among the sanctuary’s “bird ambassadors.” Jeffrey Miller Catering is the exclusive caterer.
Photo by Paul S. McGowan Photography/Appleford
The long windy tree-lined driveway transports you from the bustle of the Main Line to Appleford’s lush garden wedding venue in Villanova. While the historic building is warm and inviting, the patio overlooking its formal English gardens, boxwoods, statues, brick pathways and waterfall will take your breath away. Appleford has a variety of preferred caterers.
Photo by Martin Reardon Photography/Moshulu
Delightful by day, dazzling by night and in all seasons, Moshulu offers panoramic scenery that includes the Delaware River, the illuminated Benjamin Franklin Bridge and the iconic Philadelphia skyline. Not only does this historic ship have a stunning newly renovated ballroom but it has multi-deck settings including state-of-the art tented options for every season. Catering from this Philadelphia restaurant wedding venue features a modern presentation of American classic cuisine.
Photo by Leslie Barbaro Photography/Aldie Mansion
If the Tudor style architecture doesn’t captivate you, perhaps the stately illuminated ceremony tree will. Or maybe it’s the Juliet wrought iron balcony overlooking the terrace and fountain below. Perhaps it’s the oak-paneled library leading into the ballroom. Whether you are drawn to its history, its distinctive period charm, new 2,400-square-foot atrium or rolling green landscape, Aldie Mansion will inspire unforgettable events. Jeffrey Miller Catering is the exclusive caterer of Aldie Mansion.
Photo by The Sage Farmhouse
The Sage Farmhouse is a charming garden wedding venue in Delaware County tucked away in the countryside in Media, Pennsylvania. Its rustic farmhouse setting is welcoming with its rustic elegant accents. From indoor celebrations to larger gatherings outside on the patio, its gardens and courtyard fountain with twinkling lights overhead offer a relaxing, magical atmosphere perfect for milestone events. The Sage Farmhouse allows couples to choose among their many preferred caterers.
Photo by Morris Arboretum
Bubbling fountains, flowering magnolias, imposing trees, roses and wildflowers set the scene among 92 acres of nature at Morris Arboretum. The ultimate Philadelphia garden wedding venue is located in the city’s historic Northwest and features a 100-year-old stone Carriage House and adjacent tented reception area. Morris Arboretum offers a preferred caterers list to choose from.
Photo by Alison Dunn Photography/Tyler Arboretum
Allow your senses to explore the beauty and scent of magnolias, lilacs, rhododendrons in the fragrant garden amid centuries old structures at Tyler Arboretum. With plenty of spaces to celebrate indoors or outside, this Delaware County garden wedding venue features a recently renovated historic barn dating to 1792 as well as elegant, paneled tents for a unique outdoor celebration. Flowers, plants and trees share a seasonal rotating spotlight throughout the year. Jeffrey Miller Catering is the exclusive caterer.
Photo by Len Currie Photography/PineCrest Country Club
PineCrest Country Club If it’s sophistication and grandeur you are after, PineCrest Country Club is the perfect fit. This Montgomery County country club wedding venue recently renovated its luxurious ballroom and private bridal suite of equal elegance. Imagine your ceremony outside on its spacious veranda overlooking panoramic views of the golf course or sneaking a kiss in the charming gazebo followed by a spacious ballroom reception.
Photo by Ron Solimon/Fairmount Park Horticulture Center
Fairmount Park Horticulture Center
Imagine a garden wedding atmosphere regardless of the season. Skylights peer into the night sky in this magical setting surrounded by greenery upon every turn, a reflecting pool and fountain–all in a climate-controlled horticultural environment. For those looking for a truly unique wedding venue in Philadelphia, look no further than Fairmount Park Horticulture Center, an oasis of greenery in the City of Brotherly Love. Constellation Culinary is the exclusive caterer.
Photo by George Street Photo/Merion Tribute House
Situated on eight acres of gardens and manicured lawns, Merion Tribute House dates back to the 1920s reflecting its Arts and Crafts design style. It was literally built to host community events and the seemless flow from the moment guests enter is evident. From its spacious slate terrace overlooking nature to its grand arched doors that lead to a foyer and mutiple rooms to socialize (many with their own fireplace), it’s clear it was built for celebrations. Finally, the ballroom allows for a dreamy floor plan that includes plenty of space for entertainment. Top the evening off with a romantic Juliet balcony send-off as guests gather below.
