Philadelphia, also known as the City of Brotherly Love, is one of the oldest cities in the USA and is full of dreamy historical buildings, estates, and venues for your upcoming wedding. Whether you want to get married in the city or elsewhere in the Pennsylvania area, you’re spoiled for choice when it comes to finding beautiful historic wedding venues in PA.
Here’s a list of my favorites!
1. The Franklin Institute
The Franklin Institute is one of my favorite locations to shoot in the city. It is an icon in the city and one of the most beautiful buildings to photograph. Built in 1824 to honor Benjamin Franklin, the venue is home to beautiful architecture, towering columns, and—my favorite part—the grand staircase.
Home to several different halls, there are plenty of places to host your reception and ceremony in the building, whether you’re hosting a large-scale event or a more intimate ceremony.
2. The Union League of Philadelphia
The Union League was founded in 1862 and is another one of Philadelphia’s beautiful historical wedding locations. The private club is home to high ceilings, crystal chandeliers, a library, and sweeping staircases, all of which provide unique photo opportunities for your wedding album.
As well as locations to celebrate your ceremony and reception, The Union League also offers ample space for the bridal party to get ready, with large rooms and suites.
3. The Morris House Hotel
If you’re looking for a smaller, more intimate historic wedding venue in Pennsylvania, the Morris House Hotel could be perfect. Constructed in 1787, the boutique hotel offers a garden, period architecture, and a unique setting for outdoor weddings in the area.
Each room in the hotel is warm and inviting, decorated with period architecture, and perfect for smaller ceremonies and receptions. In my opinion, the location is better suited to spring and summer weddings where you can make the most of the outside space, but it can work for winter and fall weddings too.
4. The Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts (PAFA)
What is more historical than the oldest art museum and school in the country? Founded in 1805, the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts boasts Victorian Gothic architecture with huge arches, vaulted ceilings, and dramatic staircases that are the perfect backdrop for your wedding photos.
In addition to the building itself, choosing to have your wedding in an art gallery means you and your guests will spend your special day surrounded by a variety of incredible artworks. The location doesn’t offer any outside space; however, there are plenty of spaces inside to host both your wedding and ceremony.
5. Andalusia Historic House, Gardens, and Arboretum
Looking for a historic wedding venue outside the city? Look no further than the Andalusia Historic House. The Greek-style mansion was built in the 19th century on a 65-acre estate that overlooks the Delaware River.
The house itself is beautiful and one of the best examples of Greek Revival architecture in the USA. If you’re thinking of a summer wedding, the manicured gardens, native woodlands, and spectacular views are hard to beat.
6. Cairnwood Estate
Another great historical estate outside the city is the Cairnwood Estate. The estate was constructed in the 19th century and is home to a beaux-art mansion that is the perfect historic venue for a wedding.
The mansion is home to a French Country ballroom with ten-foot ceilings, as well as a smaller historic building, providing great spaces for both bigger and more intimate weddings. With beautiful gardens and a picturesque stream running through the property, there are ample outdoor spots for your wedding photos.
Are you thinking of getting married in Pennsylvania? I have been photographing PA weddings in and around Philadelphia for years and love historical venues more than anything else. Let’s chat about how we can make your wedding album something you’ll treasure for a lifetime.
