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Philadelphia's 10 Most Unique Wedding Venues

Confronted with the task of finding a unique Philadelphia wedding venue unlike any other you have attended? We set out to find the most interesting wedding and event venues in the Philadelphia area.

Photo credit: The Ballroom at Ellis Preserve/Baiada Photography

Here are 10 unique Philadelphia wedding venues to inspire you:

Artesano Gallery: The grass is always greener at Artesano. Literally. Its new beautiful live green wall is comprised of thriving plants in various shades and textures of green hues.

Enter the Manayunk venue through Artesano’s 17 foot glass façade and you will immediately be surrounded by architectural hand forged iron works, white marble tiled floors, indoors and out, a magnificent green wall and a grand staircase. This is just the beginning...

The newly renovated Philadelphia wedding venue is spacious enough to host your ceremony, and seamlessly move into cocktail hour and transition to your reception – all under one roof.

In-house catering is led by internationally-trained Executive Chef Kelly Cook. Experience custom designed menus with innovative cuisine and traditional flavors in an awe-inspiring setting for your wedding. The 21,000 square foot loft style space with convenient parking right across the street accommodates up to 250 for a seated dinner.

Photo credit: Please Touch Museum/Werth Photography

Please Touch Museum: Please Touch Museum brings out the dreamy playful child in every couple, guest and event professional. The fully operating antique Dentzel Carousel never gets old and makes for fun photography, as well as an attraction for guests to ride. This architecturally-magnificent unique Philadelphia venue offers a variety of unparalleled backdrops for wedding shots within its doors or outside. Unique, whimsical photos in Alice's Hall of Doors and Mirrors in "Wonderland" are a photographer favorite, rounded out by classic formal photos amidst the Beaux-Arts architecture of the ornate building itself. 

With 60 foot ceilings and a majestic dome above, the Beaux Art architecture of Hamilton Hall offers a dramatic space for all types of events. Guests may dance under the stars on the original marble floors from the building's 1876 construction. Its creative tasty culinary offerings reflect the magic of the venue as Please Touch Museum exclusively uses Brûlée Catering by Chef Jean-Marie Lacroix. And make sure to try Brulee’s desserts! Please Touch Museum accommodates events up to 3,000 guests. 

Moshulu: No list would be complete without Philadelphia's very own Tall Ship, The Moshulu. Imagine your special event with guests mingling on its multi-level decks. The vantage point provides an atmosphere unlike any other with the city skyline on the one side, waterfront views and the striking blue lights of the Benjamin Franklin Bridge on the other. The best part? It's open all year long!

The Ballroom at Ellis Preserve: Finley Catering literally rolls out the red carpet for you and your guests on the steps of The Ballroom at Ellis Preserve in Newtown Square, Delaware County. Having recently opened, the stately Ballroom stands as Finley Catering’s  fourth historical landmark in a pastoral green setting.

History truly meets nature as this grandiose Greek revival building with its towering columns sits in all of its grandeur amongst the lush greenery of this national registered arboretum. Once inside, you may not want to leave the bridal suite with its ample space, large mirrors, views of the property, and intricate architectural details. In addition to its grand ballroom and event space, the adjacent patio offers an elegant yet tranquil area to entertain. The Ballroom at Ellis Preserve accommodates up to 300 guests. Ample parking is onsite.

New Liberty Distillery: This whiskey distillery, located in the historic Stables at Crane Arts, boasts three stories of event space outfitted with rustic details: an exposed copper distilling system, salvaged dark wood, and vintage-inspired lighting. Exclusive to STARR Catering, A STARR event is characterized by bold, flavorful fare made with locally-sourced ingredients, presented beautifully and served with choreographed precision. This attentive hospitality matched with the vibrant cuisine ensures your event will surpass all expectation. Make sure to inquire about its vibrant local whiskey signature drink choices complete with a very knowledgeable bartender.

terrain at Styers: This unique Delaware County venue is set among a nursery abundant with hundreds of plants on the grounds of a full-service restaurant in Glen Mills, Delaware County. Choose your perfect space at terrain—a restored antique greenhouse under rays of sunshine, lodge reminiscent of mountain resorts, terrace or spacious barn. It’s a unique and stunning rustic atmosphere unlike no other.

Photo credit: One North Broad St./Werth Photography

One North Broad Street: Those fascinated with history, a bygone era and elegant, ornate details are in for a treat! ONE,  Philadelphia’s Historic Fine Events Venue, located within the majestic Masonic Temple at one of Philadelphia’s most impressive, historic addresses – One North Broad Street, is just your venue.  This stunning world-renowned architectural wonder features a magnificent newly-renovated Grand Ballroom, stunning marble foyers, sweeping grand staircases and exquisite meeting rooms based on themes of ancient architecture.  A library and museum feature articles belonging to George Washington and other national and international dignitaries, as well as decorative masterpieces and precious artifacts with captivating historical significance. This unique Philadelphia wedding venue can host up to 450 guests.

Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts: What is most interesting is that Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts (PAFA) is two venues in one. The dichotomy of the two spaces contrasts the historic Victorian Gothic architecture of its landmark structure with the spacious and modern ambiance of the Samuel M.V. Hamilton Building. Imagine your ceremony surrounding by unique architectural details designed by Frank Furness; the building, its own masterpiece among framed American artwork lining its walls.

PAFA boasts two exclusive catering masters in the industry to choose from: Jimmy Duffy Catering and STARR Events.

Photo credit: World Cafe Live/Susan Beard Design

World Café Live: Not only is World Café Live a concert destination but it also provides a unique space for a Philadelphia wedding. The venue offers an upscale cafe with an intimate stage as well as a dramatic 3-tiered performance space and restaurant. Expect flawless sound, lighting, and video. On-site production, flexible seating, first-class catering and adjacent secure parking. It all comes together in one harmonious package at the Philadelphia region's premier music destination and events facility - World Cafe Live.

The World Cafe Live footprint includes two separate facilities: a cafe and restaurant that accommodates 100 seated or 200 standing, and a dazzling music hall that comfortably seats 300 and expands to accommodate 650 standing.

The Franklin Institute: Imagine your Philadelphia wedding in the presence of a majestic Benjamin Franklin. As you enter the museum, you’ll be met with an impressive 20-foot high Benjamin Franklin Memorial. It is situated beneath a vast 80-foot domed ceiling that is ideal for dining and dancing. The Franklin Institute is certainly an extraordinary atmosphere for any event, social or corporate. Enjoy cocktails and dinner under the stars in the Fels Planetarium for a Center City event that is honestly out of this world! The Franklin Institute accommodates up to 400 guests.

Photo credit: Fairmount Park Horticulture Center/M2 Photography

Fairmount Park Horticulture Center: A list of this kind would not be complete without Fairmount Park Horticulture Center! A modern exhibition hall and greenhouse, the Horticulture Center is located in beautiful Fairmount Park and boasts both indoor and outdoor space, providing nature in all of its beauty even on the cloudiest of days. STARR Catering uses locally-sourced ingredients for a captivating culinary experience.

Posted by Dawn Mitchell on 10/19/2016

Category Articles: Unique