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 favorites:
Photo Credit: The Washington at Historic Yellow Springs/Alexa Nahas Photography
John F. Collins Park: 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. The entrance from Chestnut Street leads through a 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.
Photo Credit: Merion Tribute House/VideoGems
Merion Tribute House: Located on eight well-manicured acres just minutes from Philadelphia, the fully air-conditioned Merion Tribute House can accommodate indoor and outdoor wedding ceremonies. 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. There, hydrangeas serve as a beautiful backdrop and they do a lot of landscaping. 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.
Photo Credit: Terrain at Styers
Terrain at Styers: Terrain at Styers pairs a horticultural setting with farm-to-table cuisine, seasonally decorated spaces, and in-house floral and design services. An outdoor space with an Indian wedding temple is the centerpiece for many ceremonies, but an indoor space is also available in case of rain. Its historic Mushroom House serves as the 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. Styers’ sister site, Terrain Gardens at Devon Yard, boasts a secluded Ceremony Garden 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. 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.
Photo Credit: College of Physicians/Asya Photography
College of Physicians: 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. Or 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. 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. 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. The Manor also boasts lighted gazebos, pergola, footbridges, waterfalls, and arbor.
Photo Credit: Appleford Estate/Sweetwater Portraits
Appleford: 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; each vista holds an air of enchantment and distinguished charm. There are numerous breathtaking choices for a ceremony outside.
Hill-Physick House: Located only three blocks south of Independence Mall, the brick, four-story Physick House is the only freestanding Federal townhouse remaining in the Society Hill section of Philadelphia. The Hill-Physick House’s unusually large city garden contains plants popular in the 19th century and features a winding path and grotto. Events in the garden can accommodate up to 100 guests.
Philadelphia's Magic Gardens: Philadelphia's Magic Gardens covers three full city lots and is a breathtaking outdoor and indoor location. The outdoor space of Philadelphia's Magic Gardens is best described as a labyrinth of mosaics and sculptures from around the world. The property also consists of three fully-mosaicked indoor galleries. Events at PMG parallel the art of Isaiah Zagar; like Zagar's mosaics, no two events are exactly alike! When hosting an event in the Gardens, renters are invited to utilize the outdoor labyrinth as well as our indoor galleries.
Photo Credit: The Radnor Hotel/Single Exposure Photography
The Radnor Hotel: Located in a stylish suburban neighborhood in the heart of Wayne, The Radnor Hotel is known for its lush award-winning Formal Gardens, elegant Grand Terrace Ballroom, stunning Garden Room and inviting ambiance.
The Washington at Historic Yellow Springs: 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.
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