The first thought that popped into my head as I snapped this photo of Chelsea was, she’s a real life Cinderella.
I’d be lying if I said I hadn’t been counting. down. the. days. hours. minutes. until this wedding ever since the Hoffmans booked with me last year. From the way we instantly hit it off on their consult call to the fact that I’ve been dreaming of returning to Elkins Estate ever since this summertime editorial shoot with AMV Retreats, I knew this wedding would rival storybook perfection.
Never more than an arms length away from each other, Chelsea and Colin gave a new meaning to the term soul mates as I watched their love story unfold behind the lens. Keep scrolling to see their beautiful October Elkins Estate wedding in all its perfection!
Guest Accommodations at Elkins Estate
The last time I photographed Elkins Estate was in June of 2023. While I was there I found out the venue offers second floor accommodations for wedding guests! I remembering vowing to reserve a guest room the next time I returned so I could experience everything this venue has to offer and that’s exactly what I did! I was greeted with the most gorgeous accommodations overlooking the grounds and a welcome gift from the couple. Staying the night before and photographing the Hoffmans wedding rehearsal and dinner gave me time to get to know their incredible family and I fell even more in love with this couple and their sweet story—if that’s even possible!
Wedding Rehearsal and Dinner
If Chelsea and Colin’s classic rehearsal dinner outfits were any indication of how their wedding was going to look the next day, I knew I was in for a treat. From Chelsea’s red bottom heels to Colin’s perfectly coordinating tie and pocket square, I was swooning from the moment they began their practice walk down the aisle.
And things only got better from there.
The Bride and Groom’s Ensemble
From the elegant sweetheart neckline of Chelsea’s satin A-line ballgown to the perfect lines of her elbow length white gloves, this bridal ensemble was everything royal wedding dreams are made of.
The way Beautiful Brides Hair and Makeup styled Chelsea’s dramatic low bun updo, loose blonde tendrils, and soft glam makeup, gave Cinderella’s own fairy godmother a run for her money!
And I haven’t even started on her prince charming! Colin’s perfectly tailored black tuxedo, black bow tie, and coordinating white pocket square were as classic as it comes. The couple was a vision as they blissfully glided through their wedding day, visibly walking on air alongside their cherished friends and family.
Elkins Estate Outdoor Wedding Ceremony
From the moment Chelsea donned her pearl dusted cathedral veil and started her descent down the aisle, every eye was on her and her radiant smile. Elkins Estate was the absolute perfect backdrop for their Philadelphia area wedding ceremony. The couple chose to play off of the 20th century splendor of Elkins Estate’s architecture and furnishings, choosing emerald and gold hues paired with cream and blush florals by Petals With Style.
The wedding party colors perfectly coordinated with the venue’s lush upholstery and gilded gold accents. The invitation suite curated by Every Little Something was absolutely breathtaking; it gave me flashbacks to my own invitation suite they designed for my November wedding at Excelsior in Lancaster!
The Historic Charm of Elkins Estate
Elkins Estate was originally built in 1898 by William Elkins, who was basically the Philly version of Gatsby. This mansion? It’s serving neoclassical perfection with its marble fireplaces and stained-glass windows that’ll make you feel like royalty on your big day. With 65 (yes, you read that right) rooms, Elkins Estate offers all the opulence you could ever dream of for your wedding.
Photo Spots at Elkins Estate Wedding Venue
This meticulously restored, 42-acre estate just a stones throw from Philadelphia gave us so many photo opportunities.
You can choose to say “I do” in the lush gardens surrounded by towering trees and fountains, or keep it super glam indoors with crystal chandeliers and stunning historic details. Either way, you’re guaranteed all the aesthetic vibes.
From the beautifully upholstered, green velvet staircase, to the intricately designed ballroom, there was a masterpiece waiting around every corner of this storied venue.
Ballroom Wedding Reception
Chelsea and Colin’s elegant ballroom reception concluded their whirlwind wedding weekend. Tables were laden with hundreds of glass hurricanes, taper candles, blush florals, greenery, and emerald green linen accents. Their details, curated by Rosier Event Rentals, perfectly tied in the playful green walls and rich wood accents of the room. By the time Chelsea kicked off her Sandale du Désert Louboutins and slipped into her shimmering one shoulder reception dress, guests were already murmuring about the night they wouldn’t forget.
Photographing the Hoffman’s Elkins Estate wedding was the highlight of my fall wedding season and I can’t recommend this venue or its staff highly enough!
Elkins Estate: Quick Facts
- Location: Elkins Park, PA—just 20 minutes outside Philly
- Guest Capacity: Can host up to 250 of your favorite people
- Venue Type: Historic mansion with both indoor and outdoor spaces
- Weekend Takeover: You can book the entire estate for the whole weekend (yes, please!)
- Parking: Tons of on-site parking (because convenience matters)
- Overnight Stays: Yup, you can actually stay here! Perfect for the couple and VIP guests
Wedding Planning Tips for Elkins Estate Brides
1. Book Early—Like, Right Now!
This place is in high demand. If you’re eyeing a summer or fall wedding (especially with all that dreamy outdoor space), make sure to lock in your date at least a year in advance. Philly brides know what’s up, and this venue is it!
2. Go Big with a Weekend Wedding Package
Why limit your celebration to one day when you can have an entire weekend of fun? Elkins Estate offers a full weekend package, which means you can have your rehearsal dinner, wedding, and post-wedding brunch all in one gorgeous place. Perfect for turning your wedding into a mini-vacay with your besties and family!
3. Embrace the Mansion’s Historic Vibes
This estate is full of charm, so why not lean into it? Think vintage glam wedding themes or classy black-tie affairs. Oh, and those grand staircases? Total must for your dramatic entrance or wedding portraits that’ll have everyone double-tapping.
4. Timing is Everything
Spring and fall are next-level at Elkins Estate. The blooming gardens in the spring? Chef’s kiss. The fiery autumn leaves in the fall? Literal magic. Choose a season that gives you the vibe you want and watch your wedding day photos turn into absolute art.
A Historic Venue with Modern Perks
Elkins Estate is literally so much more than just a wedding venue. You’re stepping into a piece of Philly history! William Elkins was a big deal back in the day, and his estate is just as iconic now as it was in the early 1900s. The mansion has been meticulously restored to keep that historic charm alive, but with all the modern comforts you want for your wedding (hello, AC and luxe bridal suites!).
Why Philly Brides are Obsessed with Elkins Estate
Let’s be real, Philly brides love Elkins Estate because it’s basically a wedding playground. You get all the luxury and grandeur of a destination wedding without the long flight—and let’s not forget those modern fairytale moments around every corner. Whether you’re planning a chic garden ceremony or an elegant ballroom reception, this venue gives you the flexibility to turn your vision into reality. And with its close proximity to the city, your guests can easily hop over for a weekend they won’t forget.
If you’re dreaming of a wedding venue that feels straight out of a storybook while still being modern, fresh, and so you, Elkins Estate is the one. I’d absolutely love to document your forever love story with one of my custom wedding photo packages. Learn more about my luxury wedding photography experience and booking process here!
