19 Top-Notch Philly-Area Restaurants You Can Rent for Your Wedding
We're getting hungrier by the minute.
Lark is among the Philadelphia-area restaurant wedding venues on our list. Photo courtesy of Neal Santos
It’s no secret that the keys to a great wedding reception are great friends, great music, and, in our humble opinion, great food. And if the popularity of restaurant weddings in the Philly region is any indication, local folks feel the same. (This supper-club-themed soiree and this teeny-tiny elopement amid the pandemic are among ones we’ve seen.) That’s why we’ve compiled a list of some of the best Philadelphia-area restaurant wedding venues. Whether you want a small, intimate affair or a big blowout party, there are plenty of surprising, fun and tasty options. This list is in no way comprehensive — it features just a handful of the many, well, great options around town. Got a favorite restaurant wedding venue you’d like to see on this list? We’d love to hear from you at kschott@phillymag.com. Need other vendors? Head to our directory for all the folks who will help you plan your Big Day. But first, dig in.
Amada
Old City
Photo courtesy of Amada
Jose Garces’s restaurant on Chestnut Street gives delicious Spanish tapas a sexy, modern feel. Add in the warm decor, and it’s an ideal spot for a celebration. Up to 150 guests can fit in the space’s two dining rooms. Pricing varies but typically hovers around $150 per guest. 217 Chestnut Street.
Barbuzzo Upstairs
Midtown Village
Photo by Rachel Pearlman Photography
Barbuzzo Upstairs is the second-floor private dining area at this traditional Mediterranean restaurant. Your guests will enjoy a menu featuring farm-fresh ingredients. (Pricing varies for the food and beverages, with a minimum purchase of $3,500.) The space can accommodate up to 55 people for a seated affair and 100 for a standing cocktail reception (buyouts aren’t available), so it’s ideal for a more intimate affair. Take note: If you want to host your ceremony here along with the reception, there’s a $1,500 fee that doesn’t include flowers or decor. 110 South 13th Street.
Bistro Romano
Society Hill
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In a typical year, Bistro Romano hosts 100 rehearsal dinners; it’s known for its intimate affairs. The gem of a space can seat up to 80 guests, or 120 for a cocktail-style reception. Your fam and friends will enjoy hearty Italian dishes and can even take a peek at the wine cellar. A perk: When you hold your party here, you’ll receive a gift card to the restaurant to use in the future — perhaps on that first anniversary. Prices start at $60 per person and increase based on the menu and package selected. 120 Lombard Street.
Double Knot
Midtown Village
Photo courtesy of Double Knot
Part of the Schulson Collective, Double Knot is a hip two-story venue (an izakaya restaurant in the main dining room, with a coffee shop and bar on the second floor) that can be rented for various reception sizes. Expect fresh sushi rolled to order, custom cocktails and custom wedding cakes, plus lots of cool add-ons. Capacity is 70 for a seated full buyout and 100 for a standing reception. Prices vary based on the meal package and add-ons. 120 South 13th Street.
Estia
Midtown Village
Photo by J&J Studios
This upscale Greek restaurant has room for up to 180 guests, but you’re also encouraged to book smaller receptions here. Packages range in price from $50 to $115 per guest. 1405 Locust Street.
Front Street Cafe
Fishtown
Photo by Angela Gaspar Photography
This restaurant has been hosting wedding receptions since the spring of 2018, setting the scene with its laid-back, natural feel. It’s perfect for the rustic-leaning, outdoorsy couple. Private events are held indoors, with 60 guests max for a seated affair and 100 for a cocktail-style reception. The menu: locally sourced, healthful farm-to-table fare. Prices range from $60 to $125 per guest. 1253 North Front Street.
Harp & Crown
Rittenhouse
Photo by Gabby Smarr for Emily Wren Photography
Your guests will enjoy fun twists on modern American food in this dark and dreamy Schulson Collective spot. The bi-level space is perfect for a medium to large affair, with enough room for 140 seated guests or a 220-person standing reception. Looking for a smaller space? Check out Elbow Lane, Harp & Crown’s speakeasy lounge, which features two private bowling lanes and enough room for a small reception of 40 people for a half buyout or 100 for a full. (Check out this wedding for inspo.) Harp & Crown’s corporate pastry chef can create a custom-made wedding cake or design a full dessert display. You can also sign on for a beverage pairing or craft custom cocktails. Prices vary based on the season and selected menu. 1525 Sansom Street.
La Peg
Old City
Photo by Alison Dunn Photography
This American brasserie serves up everything from breakfast to burgers in a lofty New Age setting in a converted pump house. There’s a wide selection of brews on offer, too. A full buyout seats 85 guests, while a standing cocktail reception can hold 150. The mezzanine overlooking the main dining room can hold 45 seated or 50 standing for a smaller function. Need lots of space? FringeArts theater is also available to rent, depending on availability; a moveable wall separates the two venues. Prices vary based on the season. 140 North Columbus Boulevard.
Lark
Bala Cynwyd
Photo courtesy of Neal Santos
The recently opened Lark, from Nicholas Elmi and Fia Berisha, brings an innovative menu to the ’burbs, with handmade pastas, seafood, local vegetables, specialty crafted cocktails and more. With a variety of spaces available for events — including a full buyout option complete with a dance floor — there’s room for anywhere from 20 to 300 guests. For outdoor events, the picturesque rooftop terrace hosts up to 75 people and offers stunning views of the Schuylkill River and Manayunk. Prices vary. 611 Righters Ferry Road.
Laurel
South Philly
Photo courtesy of Laurel
With a focus on sustainability and creativity, Laurel offers a seasonal and local French-influenced American menu for you and your intimate group of guests to savor. The establishment is ideal for micro-weddings and smaller functions: Indoor and outdoor spaces are available, with the maximum head count set at 24 guests. Currently, a six-course menu is available at $130 per person, or $250 per person for a full buyout. And if you love wine, a pairing option is available for $85 per person, or $100 per person for a full buyout. A curated beverage list includes cocktails, beer and spirit-free options. 1617 East Passyunk Avenue.
Lola’s Garden
Ardmore
Photo by Eddy Marenco
With its indoor-outdoor seating, this beer-and-wine-garden hybrid makes for a spirited venue for your celebration. Lola’s Garden can accommodate anywhere from 25 to 200 guests, and its menu rotates through the seasons with a focus on simple ingredients, approachable dishes, and uniquely crafted cocktails. Take note: Lola’s outside area closes for the winter, so best plan for spring and summer temps instead. Prices vary based on the day of the week and time of event. 51 St. Georges Road.
Louie Louie
University City
Photo by Christie Green
This French-inspired American bistro dishes out eye candy galore with its poppy modern decor, ’70s vibe and Art Nouveau touches. As for the fare, the chefs are able to customize wine pairings, tasting menus, and additional hors d’oeuvres. A variety of private dining spaces offer accommodations for smaller, more intimate celebrations of 10 to 20 guests as well as for larger parties of up to 75. Prices vary. 3611 Walnut Street.
Martha
Kensington
Photo by Heather McBride Photography
Martha is hip, cool, and just what a laid-back couple needs in a Big Day venue. The indoor space and outdoor patio can accommodate 60 guests seated and 100 for a standing reception. Hold your rehearsal dinner or shower in the bocce court or upper patio, which can host 20 to 25 folks and 30 to 50, respectively. The light-fare menu is a cheaper option, with snacks and hoagies. The York Street menu is entrée-driven; Martha partners with Zig Zag BBQ for dishes like barbecue chicken, pork and brisket. And all beverage packages can be customized by the couple. Prices vary. 2113 East York Street.
Osteria
Fairmount
Photo by Ashley Gerrity Photography
Your guests will enjoy family-style seasonal Italian meals and thin-crust pizza at this award-winning restaurant. Osteria’s scenic Glass Green House will hold a reception of up to 65 guests, and the Wine Room can seat up to 35. A full buyout hosts 120 seated or 150 standing. In addition to these options, the establishment offers custom-made cakes, wine pairings and more. Prices vary. 640 North Broad Street.
Positano Coast
Old City
Photo courtesy of Positano Coast
This light, bright restaurant draws inspiration from the Amalfi Coast for its decor and cuisine — local meats, seafood and ingredients are imported right from the Mediterranean. It’s a popular spot not only for weddings, but also for bachelorette parties and rehearsal dinners. Positano Coast can accommodate up to 110 guests for brunch, lunch or dinner parties. For any of your floral needs, the restaurant partners with Creations by Coppola, whose work you can see here. Prices vary. 212 Walnut Street, second floor.
Royal Boucherie
Old City
Photo by Brittney Raine Photography
Located just steps away from Penn’s Landing, Royal Boucherie is a bistro brasserie with locally sourced fare. The upstairs dining room features a full-service mahogany bar, mirror-laden walls and beautiful views. It’s an unforgettable space for a micro-wedding — the second-floor outdoor covered garden patio can host up to 40 individuals for a ceremony. Your cocktail hour and reception can be held in the adjacent private dining room, with seating for up to 50 guests and 65 standing. Prices vary. 52 South 2nd Street.
Sampan
Midtown Village
Photo courtesy of Sampan
The Schulson Collective’s Sampan doesn’t slack on a cool, modern feel and sets the backdrop for a sleek soiree. You’ll find enough room for 120 guests seated and 160 for a standing reception; the chefs dish out pan-Asian offerings. and the bar features handcrafted cocktails. If you’re looking for a smaller reception with a similar vibe, check out Graffiti Bar, Sampan’s cozy bar located behind the restaurant. You get the same custom cocktails but in a more intimate atmosphere. Prices vary. 124 South 13th Street.
Square 1682
Rittenhouse
Photo courtesy of Square 1682
Your guests will enjoy modern American cuisine while sipping on cocktails at trendy Square 1682 inside the Hotel Palomar. Full buyouts are required for events with 25 or more guests; these can seat 80 people utilizing both the indoor and outdoor spaces. Smaller soirees can be held in the three private dining rooms on the second floor. The establishment partners with Velvet Sky Bakery for wedding cakes and EBE Events & Entertainment to set the mood. Prices start at $119 per person. 121 South 17th Street.
XIX
Midtown Village
Photo by Two17 Photo & Cinema
XIX is located on the top floor of the historic Bellevue Hotel. The space allows for an 80-person seated dinner with a dance floor, while reception-style seating accommodates up to 100 guests. The wedding packages include special room rates for guests. (Don’t miss the stunning Center City views from the Juliet balconies.) The culinary focus is luxe American, but kosher and Indian catering options are also available. Prices start around $199 per person, with customizable packages available. 200 South Broad Street.
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