With our 2017 season well underway, we thought it was time for another edition of our Now Trending Venue Series. We previously shared some of our go-to museum venues (don’t miss the post!), and this time we’re pulling back the curtain on some of our frequently recommended venues with a distinct city vibe.
The criteria: each venue must be located in Philadelphia, we must know it well, and it has to feel ever so slightly like a hidden gem. Plus, with so many of our couples either living states away or inviting guests from out of town to their celebration, we wanted our list to encompass places that would allow everyone to feel as though they’re being treated to a soiree as well as an authentic Philadelphia experience.
Make sure to keep reading below!
Hotel Monaco:
Whenever we’re coordinating, planning, and styling weddings in the most historic areas of Philadelphia, we always recommend couples spend the morning (at least!) getting ready at Hotel Monaco. There is simply nothing like the bridal suite at this hotel – there’s a nearly panoramic view of Philadelphia, especially the National Constitution Center – and the lighting makes it ideal for getting ready photos. What we love even more about Hotel Monaco are their wedding options. The hotel has numerous ballrooms filled with natural light, just like the bridal suite, perfect for ceremonies and receptions alike. Plus, the Statrus Rooftop Lounge is ideal for an after party for a modern fete. We love when you’re entire wedding day can happen under one roof!
Kimmel Center:
One of the most beautiful (and most prized!) venues in Philadelphia is the Kimmel Center. It’s home to the Philadelphia Orchestra and Philadanco, plus numerous Broadway shows and performers grace its stages throughout the year. Weddings at the Kimmel Center flow seamlessly. Consider hosting your ceremony and reception in the Hamilton Garden. It’s a rooftop space that makes you feel as though you’re floating above the Center (it looks like a box from below!). The team seamlessly transforms the space from your ceremony into your reception while you’re enjoying cocktail hour with your guests in The Plaza below. Plus, the Kimmel Center also offers opportunities to welcome your guests to the Academy of Music Ballroom or The Pearlman Theater. The arts are valued in Philadelphia, and your guests will clearly be able to see why!
Morris House Hotel:
The Morris House Hotel feels like an escape, yet it’s located right in the middle of some of the most historic areas in the city! When you walk in, you will instantly feel as though you’re being welcomed into a quaint bed and breakfast. With rooms scattered throughout the property, you will notice the hotel feels as though it mixes classic style together seamlessly with modernity. Plus, the outdoor courtyard is perfect for hosting an intimate reception with or without a tent! Welcome to one of the best venues in the city for a garden wedding without ever having to leave Philadelphia.
National Constitution Center:
We have already planned quite a few weddings at the National Constitution Center, and we always look forward to returning! The National Constitution Center is located steps away from Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell. It offers a historical feel (guests can walk through part of Signers Hall!) in an open space that can be completely transformed. Plus, the views offered on the terrace during cocktail hour are unparalleled. Additionally, Hotel Monaco is only a few blocks away, and it’s another one of our most recommended hotels for guests’ accommodations and a fabulous getting ready setting.
University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology:
We frequently work with couples who work in fields relating to science and medicine, and the University of Pennsylvania is always one of our go-to spots when suggesting venues. The University of Pennsylvania’s Museum of Archeology and Anthropology is one of the most historic spaces in the city, and with its exposed brick, it’s also one of the most beautiful. Plus, there are mosaics from Tiffany’s outside! Couples are always surprised to learn the Museum offers 300,000 square feet of space. Outside, the Anthropology Museum’s Warden Garden and various courtyards offers an inviting spot for ceremonies and cocktail hours. Inside, we love the Chinese Rotunda and Egypt Galleries.
Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts:
If you follow along on Instagram, you know we frequent the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts often! The Academy offers two spaces – one, ornate and elegant, and the second, modern and sleek – and we love suggesting using both to couples! The elegant space is the perfect for your ceremony, while the modern space is ideal for your reception. You guests will mingle amongst PAFA’s incredible art during cocktail hour, and the works will continue to be on display throughout the night. Plus, the main space of most receptions is housed on the modern second floor of PAFA. The team effortlessly transforms the space into one welcome to any style or palette, a feature we love, plus Starr Events always caters all of the events we plan here!
Please Touch Museum:
The Please Touch Museum is located in Fairmount Park. While its name may give you pause, the aesthetics of the space will make you think otherwise! Outside, a series of gradual stairs offers the opportunity to make a grand entrance into your cocktail hour, which is often held inside the Carousel House where you and your guests have the option to ride the carousel (a serious crowd favorite). Post cocktail hour, we love when guests are welcomed into Hamilton Hall. The ceilings are soaring, and the architecture is unreal, must like the rest of Philadelphia! Brulee Catering creates all of the delicious menus onsite, so we can already promise incredible cuisine.
We definitely think the venues mentioned are inviting spaces with distinct city vibes that will allow you and your guests to feel as though you’re experiencing a fantastic celebration and a memorable Philadelphia experience simultaneously. We’re already looking forward to the weddings we have planned at each this year (is yours one of them?)!
