The Best Philadelphia Wedding Venues for Stunning Photos

A bride and groom walk hand in hand outside a grand building with tall columns and ornate streetlights on a city street.

As wedding photographers, we’ve had the pleasure of capturing love stories at some of the most iconic and unique venues in and around Philadelphia. From luxurious estates to stylish urban Philadelphia wedding venues, the city offers a diverse range of stunning backdrops for your wedding day. If you’re searching for the best Philadelphia wedding venues for your Philadelphia wedding, we’ve compiled a list of our favorites and why we love them from a photography standpoint.

Philadelphia Wedding Venues

A bride and groom kiss on a cliff overlooking a river. The bride holds a bouquet of flowers. Trees and buildings are visible in the background.

Aldie Mansion (Doylestown, PA)

A bride and groom stand together in an outdoor garden, embracing and smiling, with greenery and flowers in the background.

If you dream of spending your wedding day on a picturesque English country estate without leaving the Philadelphia area, look no further than Aldie Mansion in Doylestown. Our area’s rich history means we have our pick of historic mansions, but Aldie is one of our favorites.

Built in 1927, this meticulously maintained gem offers incredible photo opportunities everywhere you look. We love Aldie Mansion for its many beautiful ceremony spots, including the area in front of a sprawling 300-year-old Burr Oak tree, which our couple Madeline and Parker took advantage of.

A large group of people is joyfully socializing in the garden of a historic mansion during a sunny wedding day in Philadelphia.
In the romantic reception hall of an elegant mansion, a bride in a white dress and a groom in a blue suit dance gracefully while seated guests look on.

The brightly lit, spacious bridal suite, with a balcony overlooking the courtyard, offers the perfect place to get ready. Plus, the beautiful architectural details and spacious, well-lit ballroom (a contemporary addition) allow you to enjoy the charm of a historic mansion without any of the space constraints.

Artesano Gallery (Manayunk, Philadelphia)

If cool, converted industrial spaces with an artsy vibe are your style, you’ll love Artesano Gallery in Manayunk. This one-of-a-kind venue offers multiple unique areas to make your day unforgettable.

A bride in a white dress and a groom in a light grey suit stand together in a garden area, surrounded by plants and clay pots, holding a bouquet of sunflowers.
A wedding ceremony taking place at the Artesano Gallery in Philadelphia’s Manayunk neighborhood features a bright, spacious venue with large windows, green plants, and a flower-adorned arch. Guests are seated facing the couple and officiant at the far end.

Say your vows in the beautifully transformed Manayunk substation, like our couple Nicky and AJ, then move across the street for a reception in the spacious gallery, complete with an outdoor courtyard perfect for mingling.

We love Artesano for its chic, distinctive style and prime location. Situated right on Main Street in Manayunk, it’s easy to explore the neighborhood and capture fun, city portraits.

A couple in wedding attire walks hand in hand across a street under a large stone bridge on a sunny day, capturing the essence of their Philadelphia love story near the Artesano Gallery Wedding venue in Manayunk.

Appleford Estate (Villanova, PA)

If your vision includes a lush, garden-style wedding, Appleford Estate is a must-see. This breathtaking mainline wedding venue offers 24 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds, charming pathways, flower gardens, a pond, and a trickling waterfall.

The historic stone house and adjoining tented terrace provide the central space for your event, while the surrounding gardens offer endless opportunities for guests to explore and enjoy.

A long, elegantly set table with white and pink decorations graces the scenic outdoor venue at Appleford Estate, with string lights casting a warm glow against the stone wall backdrop, perfect for a fall evening.
At the Appleford Estate, a bride and groom stand in a garden, facing each other. The bride is reading from a piece of paper while the groom listens. They are surrounded by fall greenery and hedges.

It’s the perfect setting for romantic outdoor portraits that feel straight out of a storybook, just check out our couple Rachel and Garrison, sharing their private vows in the boxwood garden. Talk about picture perfect!

Ballroom at Ellis Preserve (Newtown Square, PA)

If your dream wedding is classic, elegant, and glamorous, the Ballroom at Ellis Preserve delivers with its stunning Greek Revival-style architecture, soaring ceilings, and crystal chandeliers.

A newlywed couple stands outside a building with columns, holding hands and kissing, with the bride wearing a white dress and veil.
A couple dances gracefully in the large, elegant ballroom at Ellis Preserve. Guests stand around, some seated at tables, admiring the stunning floral arrangements and festive balloons that decorate the enchanting venue.

Opened in 2016, this grand venue seamlessly blends historical charm with modern amenities, making it an ideal choice for couples seeking a sophisticated, polished aesthetic.

We love it for its manicured grounds—perfect for outdoor portraits—its built-in lighting system that ensures the vibes are always immaculate, and its gorgeous indoor and outdoor ceremony options, making it a perfect choice for any season.

A bride and groom walk along a tree-lined pathway near a stone building on a cloudy day, capturing the romantic essence of their Ballroom at Ellis Preserve Wedding.
Guests celebrating at the Ballroom at Ellis Preserve, wearing formal attire and shiny hats, holding drinks, and dancing under bright lights in the elegantly decorated room.

Our couple Kaelyn and Brandon hosted an unforgettable New Year’s Eve wedding here, and it was such a blast! For couples searching for the best Philadelphia wedding venue that offers both elegance and convenience, the Ballroom at Ellis Preserve is a perfect choice.

Kimmel Center (Center City, Philadelphia)

A couple dressed formally embraces and smiles at each other on a city balcony at night, with blurred lights and buildings in the background.

Located in the heart of Philadelphia, the Hamilton Garden at the iconic Kimmel Center is a truly one-of-a-kind venue.

This fully enclosed rooftop garden offers an experience you won’t find anywhere else. We love its airy, modern feel, with floor-to-ceiling windows that provide breathtaking panoramic views of the city.

A wedding ceremony on New Year’s Eve in a modern, spacious hall in Philadelphia, with guests seated on white chairs, facing an altar adorned with flowers and greenery under a high glass ceiling.
A bride and groom walk together in a city setting, with the bride wearing a white dress and veil, and the groom in a dark suit. The backdrop of Philadelphia's tall buildings and bustling streets leads them toward the iconic Kimmel Center, adding an extra touch of magic to their wedding day.

Its central location right on Broad Street means you’re just steps away from the best hotels Philly has to offer. Plus, getting around the city to capture photos at all the iconic spots—especially the famous Broad Street photo op—is a breeze. Just walking down the street in center city makes for incredible portraits.

Check out our Couple Erika and Ariel looking glamorous. It’s truly one of the best Philly wedding venues for couples who want a glamorous city wedding with unbeatable views.

A couple wearing crowns and formal attire laugh and raise glasses of champagne at a festive New Year's Eve event, surrounded by other smiling people.

Franklin Institute (Center City, Philadelphia)

For a wedding that’s equal parts historic, fun, and unique, the Franklin Institute offers a setting like no other. You can exchange vows on the rooftop with sweeping city views or, literally, under the stars in the Fels Planetarium, like our couple Rachel and Kevin.

A wedding ceremony takes place under a large dome with a vivid galaxy projected on the ceiling, surrounded by seated guests and wedding party members.
Guests in formal attire dance and mingle in a grand, domed hall with tall columns and a large statue at one end; dinner tables are arranged around the room.

Guests will love enjoying cocktail hour while wandering the exhibits, followed by dinner beside the towering statue of Benjamin Franklin in the Benjamin Franklin National Memorial Hall.

With its marble columns, dramatic lighting, and iconic backdrop, this venue makes every moment feel unforgettable, which just makes the photos that much better!

Birds eye view of a first dance at a wedding at the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia

Fitler Club (Center City, Philadelphia)

A bride and groom stand together in front of a bar, each holding a drink, with bottles displayed on shelves behind them.

Modern, chic, and with a touch of industrial flair, Fitler Club is one of our favorite city venues. Tucked away in a quiet corner of Rittenhouse Square, it offers the convenience of being close to everything while also providing stylish on-site guest rooms.

The ballroom is sleek and minimalist—a perfect blank canvas for the decor of your dreams. There’s also a beautiful courtyard that can be used for your cocktail hour, ceremony, or reception lounge area.

Cocktail hour space at the modern Fitler Club in Center City Philadelphia
A group of people dressed in formal attire dance with their hands raised at a lively, modern indoor event.

Many couples choose to incorporate dramatic hanging elements in the reception space, which always makes for incredible dance floor photos.

Our couple Laura and Zach said “I do” beneath a stunning floral chandelier, and we absolutely loved it. There isn’t a single corner of the building that wouldn’t make for a great photo—Fitler Club weddings are all about style!

A chic modern Fitler Club wedding ceremony by Philadelphia photographer Two17 Photo & Cinema

Water Works (Fairmount, Philadelphia)

Everywhere you look in Philadelphia, another incredible piece of history is waiting to be part of your wedding day. The Fairmount Water Works, one of the modern world’s first water systems, is not only a National Historic Landmark but also a breathtaking wedding venue.

A bride and groom kiss on a cliff overlooking a river. The bride holds a bouquet of flowers. Trees and buildings are visible in the background.
A couple in wedding attire stands on a balcony, celebrating their Ceacaphe moment. They overlook the river framed by classical buildings and a city skyline, creating the perfect backdrop for their unforgettable day.

If an iconic riverfront wedding with sunset views is on your list, Water Works should be at the top. Nestled along the Schuylkill River between the Philadelphia Museum of Art and Boathouse Row, Water Works is a neoclassical gem.

We love it for its unbeatable location, stunning ceremonies under the elegant Grand Pavilion (like our couple Nicole and Joe!), and those unforgettable sunset riverfront views. It’s nearly impossible to take a bad photo here!
 

A bride and groom kiss at the altar during their wedding ceremony at Waterworks, surrounded by the wedding party and guests in an elegantly decorated venue.

Parque (Ridley Creek State Park, PA)

A bride and groom, dressed in formal wedding attire, embrace outdoors with autumn foliage in the background.

If escaping the city for a fairytale setting is your style, imagine getting married in a stone mansion surrounded by acres of lush forest. Sounds pretty romantic, right?

Parque, located in the heart of Ridley Creek State Park, is an enchanting English Tudor-style stone mansion complete with formal gardens, a reflecting pool, fountains, and flagstone patios.

Stone building surrounded by trees and greenery, featuring arched entrances and a pathway.
A wedding party poses outdoors with the couple kissing in the center, bridesmaids holding bouquets on the left, and groomsmen pointing playfully on the right.

For a romantic, natural setting with timeless elegance, Parque is hard to beat.

We love it for its bright, spacious bridal suite, its gorgeous ballroom that feels like a step back in time, and the multitude of stunning outdoor photo locations. Just look at how many beautiful portraits we captured of our couple Liz and Dan!

A floral wedding arch with orange drapery is set up indoors near large windows. Rows of empty chairs are arranged on either side.

Knowlton Mansion (Philadelphia, PA)

If vintage elegance is your vibe, you’ll love Knowlton Mansion. This historical gem offers the perfect blend of Victorian charm and contemporary sophistication.

A man in a suit kisses a woman in a wedding dress on the cheek. The woman smiles with eyes closed. The image is in black and white.
In a vintage room at Knowlton Mansion, a bride stands facing lace-draped windows. She wears a long, lace gown and holds a bouquet, surrounded by antique furniture and decor.

Begin your day with bridal prep in the meticulously restored mansion, surrounded by old-world charm.

Say your vows under the garden pergola—like our couple Colleen and Robert—then dance the night away in the spacious conservatory. With seating for up to 250 guests, the conservatory is a stunning addition to the original house.

At their Knowlton Mansion wedding, a couple shares their first dance in a warmly lit reception hall, surrounded by guests and draped white curtains.
A bride and groom stand close together, smiling at each other during their Knowlton Mansion wedding, surrounded by a garden setting with sunlight filtering through trees in the background.

We love Knowlton Mansion for its beautiful outdoor photo opportunities across 13 acres of perennial gardens, its timeless charm, and the skylights in the conservatory that make capturing gorgeous detail shots a breeze!

Knowlton Mansion is easily one of the best Philadelphia wedding venues for couples who love Victorian charm with a touch of contemporary sophistication.

The Knowlton Mansion, perfect for a wedding, is a large, old stone and wood house with ivy-covered walls, a tall chimney, and multiple gabled roofs, surrounded by lush trees and shrubs.

Final Thoughts 

Philadelphia is a city brimming with character, history, and beauty—qualities that make it an incredible place to get married. From luxurious estates to stylish urban venues, there’s something for every couple. If you’re looking for a Philadelphia wedding photographer to capture your special day at one of these best Philadelphia wedding venues, we’d love to hear from you! Let’s create timeless, beautiful images together.

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