Your First Look at the Glam New Notary Hotel in Center City

Grand Ballroom | Courtesy of Notary Hotel

If you’re dreaming of a city wedding, there’s nothing more fitting than saying your “I Do’s” in a chic new hotel right in the heart of it. Opened this summer as the city’s first Autograph Collection luxury Marriott, the 15-story Notary Hotel merges history (it’s on the National Register of Historic Places) with swanky art-deco inspired decor at the former City Hall Annex. Interestingly, it was actually a Courtyard by Marriott hotel prior to its most recent luxe renovation.

Plus, it’s a historically appropriate place to wed: in its past life in the ’20s, this building is where a Notary’s stamp of approval was given to couples’ marriage or business applications — hence, of course, the name. There are plenty of options to choose from when planning an event. Ceremony space is available in the first floor Grand Ballroom and the mezzanine level Juniper Ballroom for a flat-rate of $2,500 that includes special touches like a champagne toast following your vows. The Grand Ballroom is just shy of 3,000 square feet and makes for a glamorous ceremony set-up with floor to ceiling windows looking out onto City Hall. Following the ceremony, newlyweds can enjoy a moment to themselves with champagne and hors d’oeuvres in a private reception room before greeting guests.

The 3,400 square foot Juniper Ballroom can accommodate up to 300 guests for a reception without a dance floor, and 220 if you want to leave space for a dance floor to party all night long with your loved ones. The neutral color scheme is perfect to accommodate any design preference. A shimmering overlay on the faux pillars catches the light — and the attention of your guests. For a sunset reception, the windows facing 13th and Market St. create a romantic ambiance, and you can keep the room exactly as vibrant as you want it to be after dusk with lighting packages including perimeter lights of your choosing and a custom monogram projected onto the dance floor.

Lobby | Courtesy of Notary Hotel

Wedding Ceremony | Courtesy of Notary Hotel

Juniper Ballroom | Courtesy of Notary Hotel

Juniper Ballroom | Courtesy of Notary Hotel

The Notary offers two evening reception packages starting at $165 a head, including a complimentary overnight suite for the couple. Overnight rates can also be arranged for overnight wedding guests. The Modern package includes a one hour cocktail reception followed by four hours of celebration. Couples have the option of creating a custom cocktail, served alongside other spirits and beverages at the five-hour-long open bar out of the Notary’s vintage style bar cart. (The old-world wow factor of a bar cart is hard to beat.) The Sophisticated package will run you $185 a head and includes additions like two chef-crafted stations and sweet and savory send off treats (think Philadelphia cream cheese cake pops and a Philadelphia Soft Pretzels display with an array of tasty dips.)

To finish off the night, The Notary has partnered with local bakery Classic Cake to provide high-quality wedding cake services included with both reception packages. (Yep, that’s the one run by executive chef Robert Bennett, who ran Le Bec Fin’s pastry program for 14 years.) Oh, and if you’re anxious about the planning process, don’t fret: a Marriott-certified wedding planner is available to help you design the wedding of your dreams and keep it running smoothly and stress-free until the very end of the celebration.

For more information about weddings at the Notary, click here.

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