17 Beautiful Philly-Area Outdoor Wedding Venues
Embrace the wide open spaces on your Big Day.
A couple strolls the grounds at Bartram’s Garden, one of the Philadelphia outdoor wedding venues on this list. Florals by Fresh Designs Florist; photo by Kelly Giarrocco
The pandemic has made us appreciate the beauty of the natural world even more — particularly when it comes to selecting a wedding venue. Couples who no longer could hold their celebrations inside are looking to open-air destinations to set the scene. So we’ve compiled a list of Philadelphia-area outdoor wedding venues for your Big Day. From sky-high rooftop parties to intimate secret-garden soirees and ceremonies amid historic grounds, these locations offer various approaches to alfresco parties. If you’re looking for tips on great micro-wedding spots, lake and riverfront wonders or beachfront beauties, we’ve got that, too — and if you have a place you think we need to know about, email kschott@phillymag.com.
[Editor’s Note: The event capacities listed below are subject to the latest COVID-19 and social distancing requirements per federal, state and county guidelines. For example, as of February 26th, outdoor catered events in Philly were capped at 100. We recommend you speak directly with each venue for its latest accommodations.]
American Swedish Historical Museum
South Philly
A tented alfresco reception at the American Swedish Historical Museum. Photo by Anthony Page Photography
Historian Amandus Johnson founded the museum in 1926 as a tribute to Swedish contributions to the United States. The East Courtyard is a serene setting for outdoor ceremonies, and for a bit of fun during the Big Day, lawn games are available to rent (or you could bring your own). There are cafe lights around the perimeter, and the arches serve as a beautiful backdrop. An open-air tent (with clear retractable sides) is also included May through October. (And when guidelines allow for indoor “I do’s,” the Grand Hall, with its wraparound balcony and staircases, adds a show-stopping aesthetic.) Rental fees start at $1,750 for a five-hour event; ceremonies are included at no additional cost. 1900 Pattison Avenue, South Philly.
Bartram’s Garden
Southwest Philly
A floral-filled ceremony at Bartram’s Garden. Photo by Kelly Giarrocco
This 45-acre historic landmark planted roots thanks to early American botanist John Bartram. There’s a ginkgo believed to be the oldest on the continent. The outdoor spaces are alive with flora and fauna (as you can see in this flower-filled celebration), and there are transitional areas for lawn games and cocktail hour, all backed by vistas of the Schuylkill River. The Eastwick Pavilion (it has a covered porch and granite patio) can accommodate about 300 at full non-COVID capacity — though head counts are currently limited. Catering is handled by Jamie Hollander; Bartram’s is offering 20 percent off for food and bev on Fridays and Sundays. Site fee is $3,500 for non-Saturday events and $4,000 for Saturdays. 5400 Lindbergh Boulevard, Southwest Philly.
Bok Bar
East Passyunk
First-look photos on the Bok rooftop. Photo by We Laugh We Love
The Center City skyline sets the scene for the Bok Special, a complete 300-person outdoor wedding experience that’s available only 10 weeks per year and begins at $10,750. It provides access to the eighth-floor North Terrace and the auditorium. (Other locations throughout the space start at $5,500.) Outdoor ceremonies on the North Terrace are typically available as an upgrade to other Bok nuptials. All packages give couples guided access to lesser-known areas throughout the building — perfect for cool first-look photos. The venue is accepting bookings for 2021; some Friday and Saturday dates are still available. And if you’re interested in a micro-wedding, Bok offers those, too. Click here for more details. 800 Mifflin Street, East Passyunk.
The College of Physicians of Philadelphia
Center City
A ceremony in the private enclave at the College of Physicians. Photo by Brittney Raine Photography
Since 1787, the nonprofit venue has had a mission of championing health and medicine. (It’s largely known for its Mütter Museum, a cabinet of veritable medical mysteries — skulls, among them, if you want to get brainy on your Big Day.) The Sir John Templeton Veranda is a private enclave with four parterres of medicinal herbs and plants, slate and pebble pathways, and benches for quiet moments. Typical capacity is 225 seated and standing for ceremonies in the garden. The space has instituted a plethora of preventative measures, including sanitation before, during and after the event; the elimination of buffets (Catering by Design will work with you on cuisine); and checking employees’ temperatures beforehand. A Saturday in peak season starts from $4,200. 19 South 22nd Street, Center City.
Curtis Arboretum
Wyncote
A tented reception on the patio at the Curtis Arboretum. Photo by Amber Dawn Photography
Rolling hills, two ponds and 50 types of trees make up this 45-acre destination in Montgomery County. If that’s not enough to paint a pretty picture, consider this: The site was designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, the landscape architect for Central Park; the mansion and grounds were renovated in 2019. The original wisteria-covered pergola is a romantic space for ceremonies, and the historic gardens provide a verdant backdrop for sipping cocktails post-“I do.” The venue is following Montgomery County’s latest guidelines on outdoor events. Tours are open, with face masks required; 2021 rental prices start at $3,000. 1250 West Church Road, Wyncote.
Elmwood Park Zoo
Norristown
A giraffe feeding during a wedding at Elmwood Park Zoo. Photo by Jessica Manns Photography
Animal-loving duos can get their fix thanks to the more than 100 species here. Weddings support the zoo’s work to raise awareness about conservation efforts; couples can hold their ceremony in front of the Classic Red Barn or Olivia’s Eagle Observation Deck, among other outdoor locales. Eagles fans might like knowing that Noah, the team’s animal ambassador, and his pal Reggie sometimes make an appearance. The giraffes love to photobomb, which can make for one-of-a-kind portraits. Couples can also ride the vintage carousel. The zoo is available for fall and winter 2021 weddings as well as for 2022. It can accommodate 100 seated guests, though it hopes to return to full capacity (150) in the future. Venue prices range from $1,000 to $5,000 and include the ability to rent the entire zoo. 1661 Harding Boulevard, Norristown.
Fitler Club
Center City
A cozy reception in the Fitler Club courtyard. Photo by Philip Gabriel Photography
The members-only Fitler Club, which opened in 2019, has it all — but its 1,800-square-foot brick-walled garden, with its charming string lighting, is perfect for a sophisticated set of future newlyweds. The club’s garden currently offers micro-weddings of up to 50 people (for the ceremony, dinner and dancing); larger celebrations are being booked for the future as regulations allow. Pricing starts at $200 per person (excluding tax and service charge). 1 South 24th Street, Center City.
Historic Strawberry Mansion
Fairmount Park
A reception at Historic Strawberry Mansion. Photo by Ashley Gerrity Photography
Lawyer and abolitionist Judge William Lewis built the iconic white estate more than two centuries ago, and it makes a picturesque backdrop to outdoor celebrations for up to 250 on the charming rear grounds, with a brick terrace looking out over a winding azalea path. It’s managed by Open Aire Affairs, and couples can now choose from a list of catering teams. The venue has opened its 2021 and 2022 calendars for wedding bookings and hopes to host an open house on June 6th. Saturday-night venue prices start at $2,500. 2450 Strawberry Mansion Drive, Fairmount Park.
Horticulture Center
Fairmount Park
The greenhouse at the Horticulture Center. Florals by Fabufloras Design; photography by Adrienne Matz
Take your guests on a tropical trip without leaving Philly at this green-thumb paradise. Recite your vows framed by lush Cherry Allée trees; say “I do” by the reflecting pool or get indoor-outdoor vibes in the light-filled greenhouse. The ample space can accommodate up to 300; COVID regulations, however, have affected the total capacity. (The venue remains a hot commodity among couples, including a number who had to postpone due to the pandemic.) Exclusive caterer Constellation has a Pinterest page that might inspire your Big Day plans. Five-hour events start at $2,500. 100 North Horticultural Drive, Fairmount Park.
HollyHedge Estate
New Hope
A socially distanced reception in HollyHedge’s cheery courtyard garden. Photo by Weddings by Two
This romantic family-run farm in Bucks County dates back to the 18th century and is cheerily outfitted with bucolic touches. The property spans 21 acres and delights with postcard-perfect landscaping. HollyHedge can typically accommodate 200 guests and provide 15 on-site rooms for friends and family; right now, couples can hold four-hour micro-weddings in spaces such as the courtyard garden, the stone barn and the ponds. The spot is also considering introducing full-day progressive receptions (during which various groups come at different stages of the day to mitigate risk) moving forward. Micro-wedding packages start at $125 per person. 6987 Upper York Road, New Hope.
Inn at Grace Winery
Glen Mills
The bucolic barn at the Inn at Grace Winery. Photo by We Laugh We Love
What could be better than a pastoral setting, a winery, and a 15-room boutique hotel where you can host your closest friends and family for a weekend of toasting the newlyweds? The inn’s amphitheater ceremony venue is surrounded by lush trees. A new addition (as of summer 2020) is the cocktail hour and smaller event space, which has removable glass windows to create an indoor-outdoor atmosphere. (For indoor events, the barn can typically host 140, while the winery and pavilion can hold 100; COVID capacity currently has reduced those figures.) If you book all 15 of those rooms, you have use of the entire property — so you could set your dinner reception among the vines. Event prices are upon request. 50 Sweetwater Road, Glen Mills.
Mann Center
Fairmount Park
The TD Pavilion at the Mann Center. Photo by Sabin Gratz
When it reopens in April 2021, the performing arts venue in Fairmount Park — where you’ve seen all of your favorite musicians — will once again allow couples to book their Big Day at one of its six outdoor venues. That means you could say “I do” onstage at the TD Pavilion, or hold a laid-back soiree in the recently renovated Woodlands by TD, located in the picnic grove. Then there’s the intimate Donor Terrace & Garden. Expect sweeping views at every turn, abundant greenery, and a show-stopping setting. Take note: The center’s spaces will only be available through October. For more on the Mann Center’s offerings, click here. Pricing varies based on each event and rental space. 5201 Parkside Avenue, Fairmount Park.
Merion Tribute House
Merion Station
A socially distanced picnic wedding on the lawn at Merion Tribute House. Photo by Peach Plum Pear Photography
Any wedding held outside here will have the castle’s early-20th-century facade as its backdrop, whether you’re pulling off something casual (like the socially distanced picnic wedding seen above and here) or something more glam. (Bridgerton, anyone?) Depending on the size, tents can be set up on the the front lawn facing the building, on a side lawn, or on the flagstone terrace. Outdoor capacity is 180 due to the eight acres of grounds. Take note: Because of the house’s neighborhood setting, all dance music must be kept indoors (where capacity is currently 40). Rental rates start at $2,000; catering is separate. 625 Hazelhurst Avenue, Merion Station.
Rodin Museum
Center City
A ceremony at the Rodin Museum’s reflecting pool. Photo by Asya Photography
Philly Francophiles already adore this venue: It houses the largest collection of the French sculptor’s work outside of Paris. So they’ll certainly fall in love with hosting a wedding here, too. The outdoor environs allow you to say your vows between the serene reflecting pool and the Thinker statue; garden ceremonies typically accommodate up to 100. Pricing starts at $3,000 for ceremony only and $7,500 for a full event. 2151 Ben Franklin Parkway, Center City.
Springfield Country Club
Springfield
A celebratory send-off at Springfield Country Club. Photo by Versano Photography
A gazebo and garden provide a pretty-as-a-picture setting for your ceremony. The Golf View ballroom looks out on the 18th green and has a veranda for an indoor-outdoor reception, while the La Vista room opens to the patio. (It also provides views of the links.) There’s an on-site restaurant, Tavola, with an outdoor dining area. Capacity depends on the floor plan (and government mandates); currently, the venue can host weddings of at least 75 guests, with smaller banquet and private events with a minimum of 35. (The restaurant can host parties of under 35.) Springfield is open to the public: There is no membership fee for those who choose to get married here. Events are priced upon request. 400 West Sproul Road, Springfield.
Terrain in the Field
Philly and surrounding areas
A tented wedding catered by Terrain in the Field. Photo courtesy of Terrain Events
While not technically a venue, the latest offering from the folks behind Terrain at Styers and Terrain Gardens at Devon Yard brings the team’s expertise to your setting. Available up to 50 miles from Philly, the new culinary program provides on-site and open-fire cooking — an outdoor kitchen can be built to make it happen. Of course, there’s a decor component — custom floral displays created by Terrain’s designers. Included in the off-site fee are organic, naturally designed wood boards, bowls and serving ware as well as a culinary staff. A separate dedicated planner and team is required for tenting and other logistics; event minimums depend on the season or date. Within 50 miles of Terrain venue locations.
The Woodlands
West Philly
A reception at the Carriage front of the Hamilton Mansion at the Woodlands. Photo by Peach Pear Plum Photography
The park, cemetery and mansion sit along the banks of the Schuylkill River and were created in 1745 by William Hamilton. (The site was turned into a Victorian cemetery in 1840.) The 54-acre grounds remain grand yet charming today, beckoning all kinds of couples seeking to say their “I do’s.” Peach Pear Plum Photography has called it one of the most enjoyable non-traditional venues at which to work. (Need some ideas? Check out this creative twist on a Big Day.) While the space accommodates a maximum of 200 (in either the mansion or outside in front of the stable), it is currently offering smaller ceremonies of up to 50 and will work with couples on a flexible budget. Micro-weddings start at $660. 4000 Woodland Avenue, West Philly.
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