15 Incredible Philadelphia-Area Micro-Wedding Venues
Set a small but mighty scene.
The Deacon is among the Philadelphia micro-wedding venues to know. Photo by Ian Shiver; backdrop by Karina Puente Arts
Micro, mini, tiny, intimate, petite — no matter how you define it, your Big Day is likely to be on the small side through 2021. (Just ask some of Philly’s top planners what they think.) But that doesn’t mean you need to skimp on the setting. In fact, these Philadelphia micro-wedding venues have stunning scenes no matter the size of your soiree. There are lovely gardens, contemporary hotels, and more. For even more suggestions, head on over to our lists of new destinations for 2021, New Hope and Bucks County locales, or Lancaster venues — and if you have a place you think we need to know about, email kschott@phillymag.com.
Note: The event capacities and micro-wedding offerings listed below are subject to change based on updated COVID-19 requirements per federal, state and county guidelines. We recommend you speak directly with each venue for its latest accommodations.
Bok Building
East Passyunk
A rooftop ceremony at the Bok Building. Photo by Viva Love
The Bok Building is one of the most unusual, funkiest and just plain coolest spots in town, so it’s no wonder couples are drawn to it for their celebrations, whether the big bashes of the past or the cozy unions of today. This spring and summer, the venue is mainly hosting outdoor ceremonies for couples who have chosen to put off the larger celebrations they’ve planned here till 2022. But the team is offering the outdoor option to all duos who inquire. The venue can accommodate 10 to 50, with the ceremony and toast taking place on the Bok Bar roof (those city views!). Good news for those who live in the neighborhood: You get a 10 percent discount. Prices start at $3,000. 1901 South 9th Street, East Passyunk.
The Deacon
Grad Hospital
A small ceremony in the central open space at The Deacon. Photo by Ian Shiver; backdrop by Karina Puente Arts
This one’s for couples seeking a design-driven aesthetic in a historic setting. First built in 1906 and serving previously as the First African Baptist Church, The Deacon today is a contemporary boutique hotel. Its eight rooms surround the open gathering space, with its high arches, vaulted ceilings and playful decor. And that’s where you can hold your mini soiree for up to 25 of your closest friends. A perk? If you book your micro-wedding here during COVID, a two-night weekend getaway is included, so you can check that mini-moon off your to-do list. Packages start at $4,500. 1600 Christian Street, Grad Hospital.
Fitler Club
Center City
The courtyard at the exclusive Fitler Club. Photo by Philip Gabriel Photography
If you’re like us, getting an in at the Fitler Club remains high on your wish list — and remains equally unfulfilled. In lieu of a fairy godmother granting you access, you can just get hitched instead. Well, your wedding party also has to book an overnight stay in the club’s 14-room boutique hotel. (That will grant you full access to exclusive programs and amenities.) Hold your small soiree in the garden and connected foyer, and make your affair a weekend-long shindig with a rehearsal dinner, private movie screenings, and an after-party in the Trophy Room. (It’s an adult playground, with bowling, shuffleboard and more games.) Micro-weddings start at $6,500 for 25 guests. Dreams do come true! 24 South 24th Street, Center City.
Greystone Hall
West Chester
The tented pavilion at Greystone Hall. Photo by Amberlee Namini Photography
A custom-built tent pavilion allows the historic Brandywine Valley venue to host outdoor receptions of up to 250. (But the destination has even hosted elopements with a total of four — the couple and two witnesses.) Ceremonies take place in the terraced garden, in front of a wrought-iron arbor and overlooking a 56-column pergola. (The turn-of-the-century mansion sits on a 34-acre plot of land.) Rental fees include, among other things, the first floor of the furnished estate to explore during cocktail hour, gold Chiavari chairs, outdoor furnishings, planning and consulting, and day-of bridal and vendor coordination. Prices upon request. 1034 Phoenixville Pike, West Chester.
Historic Strawberry Mansion
North Philly
The courtyard at Historic Strawberry Mansion. Photo by Ashley Gerrity Photography
Plan a quaint spring or summer wedding on the mansion’s charming patio, which feels straight out of a storybook. (The estate was first constructed in 1789 as a summer home for abolitionist and lawyer Judge William Lewis.) The many gardens come alive with native plant life; an azalea path blooms in May, and the orchard’s fruit trees are ripe for the picking. The mansion is also right by its eponymous bridge, with lovely views of the Philly skyline. The venue is run by Open Aire Affairs, and catering is by Joshua’s Catering and Piccolo Trattoria. Event capacity is up to 50, and prices vary based on specific needs and catering options. 2450 Strawberry Mansion Drive, Fairmount Park.
Location 215
Callowhill
A micro-wedding lounge at Location 215. Photo by Trevor Dixon; styling by Lauren Kozakiewicz; hair and makeup by Mia Lyn, Mia Farah Beautique; gown at Lovely Bride; earrings at Downerss; ring and wedding band, both at L. Priori Jewelry; table and pillows from Maggpie Rentals.
The photo studio and event space run by cool-girl Jen Blauvelt is sleek, modern, and transformable to your micro-wedding whims. The West space can hold 20, while the East space accommodates 30 — and the art gallery lobby in the center of it all is a creative setting for sipping cocktails. A gratis champagne toast adds more cheer. A four-hour weekend slot starts at $2,500. 990 Spring Garden Street, Callowhill.
Morris House Hotel
Washington Square West
The historic exterior of Morris House Hotel. Photo by JD Sonder of Salt & Sonder Studios
A favorite for couples seeking a charming spot in which to make lifelong memories, Morris House Hotel is providing intimate celebrations for between 25 and 50 guests in its tented courtyard garden. You can hold your ceremony, cocktail hour and sit-down reception in the space, which is bedecked with cheery twinkle lights. Snap your wedding portraits in the gazebo, in the front of the hotel, or during a stroll through Washington Square Park. 225 South 8th Street, Washington Square West.
Normandy Farm
Blue Bell
A couple takes first-look photos in front of the Farmhouse accommodations at Normandy Farm. Photo by Hitched Productions by Tyler Boye
The beautifully bucolic hotel and conference center can host smaller celebrations of between 10 and 50 in its Farmer’s Daughter restaurant, helmed by Executive Chef Mtele Abubakar. The Wine, Dowry, and Orchard rooms seats 16, 32 and 42, respectively. The main dining room can also be made private. While the more intimate rooms do not include a dance floor, the venue can accommodate smaller groups in the banquet spaces for dancing on a Thursday evening, a daytime Saturday or an off-peak Sunday. And this place has its perks, whether you are partying with 22 of your closest friends or, someday, 220, thanks to on-site vendors, a hotel and a late-night bar for post-party fun. Micro-wedding package starts at $2,000. 1401 Morris Road, Blue Bell.
ONE North Broad
Center City
A proposal at ONE North Broad. Photo by Sweetwater Portraits
Hold a grand affair on a smaller scale at ONE North Broad — and then do it again on a larger scale in the future. The venue is working with couples who want to marry now and celebrate in a big way later. It recently hosted a ceremony-only event with 18 guests in its Corinthian Hall. (The original 140 guests will be invited to party in 2022.) There are seven rooms with various ancient architectural touches. The Foyer Under the Stars, with its black-and-white marble floor and regal staircase, sets a breathtaking elopement scene. While the dramatic spaces are expansive, smaller gatherings still have an intimate feel thanks to unique ceremony arrangements. Prices upon request. 1 North Broad Street, Center City.
Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
Center City
An intimate ceremony at PAFA. Photo by With Love & Embers
The gorgeous fine-art museum and school has three packages for micro-weddings, depending on your needs. There’s a rental-only option for a ceremony (with two hours of time in the morning or evening), audio equipment for music and mic, and BYOV (bring your own vendors, if any, natch). The Sweet and Simple package features two hours, with a choice of photography (MLE or Iris and Echo), light bites and bubbly (for 20, with a per-person cost for add-ons), and personal flowers from RAM Floral. As for the third, that’s the Curated Collection, which expands on the Sweet and Simple with four hours, small table decor and ceremony florals, food and drinks for 30, and planning from Lovehaus. 118-128 North Broad Street, Center City.
Pomme
Radnor
A floral-filled micro-ceremony during the Equal Dignity Pop-Up at Pomme. Photo by Jess Palatucci; florals by RAM Floral
Romantic woodland splendor abounds at every turn at this Peachtree Catering venue on the Main Line, which recently hosted a one-day micro-wedding pop-up event for LGBTQIA+ couples and all those concerned about their rights to marriage. Up to 50 guests can gather on the veranda (it’s covered and heated) and lawn or in the ballroom, depending on the season and the latest COVID guidelines. Consider taking portraits in front of the pond, with swans gently floating on the water. Prices vary based on the day, season and package; ceremonies start at $2,500, with full receptions costing up to $15,000. 175 King of Prussia Road, Radnor.
Portico at Awbury Arboretum
Germantown
Portico’s facade provides a pretty backdrop. Photo by Du Soleil Photographie
Also run by Peachtree Catering, this Victorian mansion is enshrouded in greenery (towering trees, meadows and botanical plots) by way of the 55-acre Awbury Arboretum. Hold your soiree in the surrounding gardens or tent (for under 50) or inside the parlor (if the guest count is less than 30). Prices vary based on the day, season and package; ceremonies start at $2,500, and full receptions can cost up to $12,000. 1 Awbury Road, Germantown.
Terrain at Styer’s
Glen Mills
A cozy tablescape at Terrain at Styer’s. Photo by Brittney Raine Photography
Get all the whimsical boho vibes you crave with a mini moment at the flexible Glen Mills Terrain location. While a micro-wedding here is tailored for under 30, Terrain’s rustic space could expand that number to 50 — or to 110. There are myriad places for partying; the Garden Shed connects to the Hot House, a traditional greenhouse (don’t worry; it has modern creature comforts like heating and air-conditioning) with that organic, botanical aesthetic Terrain is known for. The aforementioned shed can be configured for your intimate celebration. Of course, there’s the alfresco space — the team has even hosted weddings on its pathway, just because it could. Take note: The Styer’s venue is BYO. Prices range from $6,500 to $13,000. 914 Baltimore Pike, Glen Mills.
Tyler Gardens
Newtown
A pastoral reception on the patio at Tyler Gardens. Photo by Stacy Hart
The Open Aire Affairs-run venue is resplendent with meticulously manicured grounds, European-inspired landscaping, fountains and sculptures — what better backdrop for saying your “I do’s”? Up to 50 guests can join you for your festivities, which can take place on the back patio or within those gorgeous gardens. Have your first-look moment at sunset by the Neshaminy Creek. Event capacity is currently up to 50, and prices vary based on specific needs and catering options (Joshua’s Catering and Piccolo Trattoria). 275 Swamp Road, Newtown.
VAUX Studio
Midtown Village
VAUX Studio’s ceremony and reception space. Photo by Allie Wilson Photography
VAUX Studio, at its core, has always been about micro-weddings, so its 1,300-square-foot setting is already outfitted for smaller celebrations of 12 to 25 guests. The ceremony, cake and champagne toast are held in the same area; if a duo wants an intimate dinner, the team here simply flips the setting. Owner Monica Welsh recently acquired the space above, which will now be used as a bridal suite. Tip: Have a first look on the spiral staircase, with its black-and-white floors. It’s elegant without taking away from the venue’s cozy magic. Packages range from $1,495 to $1,995. 1209 Spruce Street, Midtown Village.
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