May 11, 2022
Over the years I have gotten the opportunity to photograph at many different wedding venues. Some large and some small but one thing that they all have in common is beauty. Each and every wedding venue holds different characteristics, different history and are all unique and special in their own ways. If you’re reading this, it probably means that either 1.) you are engaged or 2.) you are way ahead in the planning process. Either way, congratulations on this next step! Arguably, choosing your wedding venue can be one of the hardest decisions you will have to make. It can really set the tone for the rest of your wedding experience and choosing wisely is highly advised. That’s why I have gathered my top 5 wedding venues near Philadelphia to help make your decision in finding the perfect wedding venue that much easier.
These top 5 wedding venues near Philadelphia are some of my favorite. Not only because of the beautiful architecture & decor but also the amazing services they provide.
Cairnwood Estate
We will start off strong with Cairnwood Estate. A gorgeous elegant and private sanctuary designed and completed in the late 1800’s. It blends together decorative elements and architecture from the Greeks and Romans as well as pulling in inspiration from the French renaissance. Now that is just the inside! The outside architecture of the estate has a mixture of rustic and high style elements. A gorgeous blend of old and new history and truly makes for one of the most beautiful European style estates in the Philadelphia area. If you’re wanting to learn more about the history of the Cairnwood Estate, click here!
Not only is the architecture and decor of the Cairnwood Estate beautiful, but the spaces located on the property are just as amazing. The estate consists of a Mainhouse, a courtyard, a garden house and a formal garden. They also have a grand entrance gate along with a Carriage house. You also have access to the acres of land surrounding the estate so there is plenty of room for many wedding guests. The current owners of the Cairnwood Estate want to preserve the history of this beautiful home as much as possible. They believe in spreading the word and educating guests on the estate’s history and culture.
If you’re in the middle of wedding planning and you’re looking for your dream wedding venue in the Philadelphia area, Cairnwood Estate might just be it.
Some of their amenities include:
- Access to the 26,000 sq. foot estate, garden fountain, 40 ft long covered veranda and 110 ft terrace
- Access to 6 historic rooms
- Clear top and white top tenting options
- Maximum of 250 guest count
- Accessible parking / free parking
There are many other amenities included when you book the Cairnwood Estate, so click here to read all about it! To inquire about booking the Cairnwood Estate for your dream wedding, click this link!
Hotel Du Village
If you’ve seen me rave about Hotel Du Village well it’s probably because I do. Hotel du Village is a historic French country estate located in the Bucks County countryside. I actually have blogged about the Hotel du Village while photographing my friends Ashley & Nick’s wedding. To read more about their special day and get a better glimpse of the beauty that is the Hotel du Village, just click here!
Hotel du Village originally was a former schoolhouse and now has been restored and turned into an event venue and hotel. Surrounding the estate is acres of farmland and equestrian estates and is an amazing getaway from the rest of civilization. If you’re wanting to be transported into a whole different world… here it is. Located on 12 acres of land, Hotel du Village features European gardens, sculptures and patios, stone tables, large oak trees and so much more. At Hotel du Village you are truly immersed in the beautiful architecture of the estate while being surrounded by beautiful nature. If you’re wanting to read more about the history of Hotel du Village, click here!
Hotel du Village may just be the perfect wedding venue in the Philadelphia area to make all of your wedding dreams come true.
Some of their amenities include:
- A historic ballroom with reclaimed wood ceilings and glass windows overlooking the courtyard and riverside
- A French country ballroom with ten-foot ceilings, hardwood floors and a copper detailed fireplace
- 12 acres of grounds & gardens to explore
- Complimentary Hotel du Village bikes
- Refinished swimming pools
- Two tennis courts
There are many other amenities included when you book Hotel du Village, so click here to read all about it. To inquire about booking Hotel du Village for your dream wedding venue, click this link!
Tyler Gardens
Up next is Tyler Gardens. If you are in love with nature, then Tyler Gardens might just be the perfect wedding venue for you. These gardens were constructed back in 1931 which were influenced by French and Italian style gardens. There are beautiful stone walls, a variety of different flowers, grand staircases, gravels walkways, fountains and various bronze sculptures. It truly gives off that fairytale charm and is truly a beautiful wedding venue if you’re wanting to fully immerse yourself in nature. Fun fact, you can also take your engagement photos here as well! However just remember that there is a small fee that you need to pay in order to take photos here. To learn more information, click here.
Tyler Gardens might be the perfect wedding venue to have your dream wedding.
Some of their amenities include:
- Exclusive catering
- Handicap accessible
- Tent for outdoor reception (including vinyl flooring, lighting package, side walls, etc)
- Tables & mahogany chairs
- Dance floor
- Bar area
- Patio furniture
- Fans or heaters (dependent on weather)
There are many other amenities included when you book Tyler Gardens, so click here to read all about it! To inquire about booking Tyler Gardens for your wedding venue, click this link!
Loch Aerie Mansion
If you’re looking for classic, timeless and elegance than the Loch Aerie Mansion may just be your perfect fit. The Loch Aerie Mansion was built back in 1865 and does a phenomenal job mixing in its history with beautiful modern touches and amenities. This mansion pulls much of its inspiration from Italian goth architecture but inside and out it is just stunning. As soon as you walk into the Loch Aerie Mansion, you are greeted with a large entry hall with a grand staircase. This area makes the perfect backdrop for some wedding portraits btw. They also hold many different spaces throughout the wedding venue for varying sizes of events. There Parlor is the perfect space for a small wedding or cocktail reception while their main ballroom can accommodate ceremonies and celebrations up to 325 guests. To learn more about their different spaces, just click here!
The Loch Aerie Mansion may just be what you’re looking for. If that’s the case, it’s best to know some of their amenities.
These can include:
- Grand entry hall & staircase
- Smaller ceremony & cocktail space for a smaller guest count
- On site bridal suite to get ready before your special day
- Use of the outdoor grounds either in their gardens or in a tent
- Catering done by Serock Catering
There are many other amenities included when you book the Loch Aerie Mansion, so click here to read more about it! To inquire about booking the Loch Aerie Mansion for your wedding venue, click this link!
Glen Foerd Estate
Wanting a waterview? Look no further! The Glen Foerd Estate is located along the banks of the Delaware River but is more than just some big home. Built in 1850, the Glen Foerd Estate has since expanded and been renovated to be what it is today. It holds so much history and beauty and really pulls inspiration from European architecture, decor and art. To learn more about the Glen Foerd Estate history, just click here! Located on eighteen acres this estate is filled with trees, flowers, gardens, a vineyard and oak trees that date back over 300 years.
For those of you who are already thinking that Glen Foerd Mansion might be for you, you’re probably right.
Some other amenities that this beautiful wedding venue includes is:
- 300 max guest limit
- Waterfront views
- 20 minutes from downtown Philadelphia
- Bridal suite
- 18 acres of grounds to explore
There are many other amenities included when you book Glen Foerd Mansion as your wedding venue, click here to read more about it! To inquire about booking Glen Foerd Mansion, click this link!
In conclusion, while there are probably hundreds of other wedding venues in Philadelphia that I could recommend you, these are some of my all time faves. Not just because of the amazing architecture, history and decor but because of the amazing service & amenities that they offer as well. If you’re newly engaged and are still struggling with finding a wedding venue, that’s what a wedding photographer can help do for you! When inquiring with your wedding photographer, ask them if they have any recommendations for wedding venues. This can also include if they have ever had experience shooting at a certain venue/location. If you’re still in need of some help, I am more than happy to help you out and make sure that you have the wedding of your dreams. To inquire with JPP, just click here!
If you found these Top 5 Wedding Venues near Philadelphia helpful, then check out some other amazing wedding venues that I’ve photographed at here!