Stunning Castle and Estate Wedding Venues in the Philadelphia Area
Soaring towers, long hallways, and expansive grounds fit to make you and your wedding guests feel like royalty.
Cairnwood Estate is among the castle and estate wedding venues in the Philly area. | Hope Helmuth Photography
You’re probably already familiar with the many industrial chic wedding venues popping up across Philadelphia. But on top of those newer offerings, the surrounding region is also home to quite a different style: breathtakingly elegant and classic venues that look like the setting from a fairytale. The area offers countryside mansions with voluminous gardens, seaside estates with bay windows, and glamorous castles with unique architectural features and well-manicured grounds. Take a look through our list of some local outstanding castle and estate wedding venues to find the dreamy location that can turn your special day into something out of a storybook.
Glen Foerd on the Delaware
Lauren Fair
5001 Grant Ave, Torresdale.
The riverfront estate’s history with newlyweds dates all the way back to the 1800s, starting with the marriage of Lily Macalester Laughton, the daughter of Glen Foerd’s first owner. Ceremonies can be held anywhere on the grounds, so whether your Pinterest board has pictures of rose gardens or river views, we guarantee that there will be a spot you’ll like. During cocktail hour and the reception, your guests will have time to explore the property, including all three levels of the mansion, the historic art gallery, the riverside terrace, the outdoor pavilion, and the boathouse. The typical cost is between $168 and $195 per person. – Josie Sepel
The Manor at Makefield Highlands
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1418 Woodside Road, Yardley.
This historic stone estate was built way back in 1766 – almost 50 years after the property was included in the Penn Grant of 1718. Nowadays, the lush grounds and tree-lined garden paths provide a charming setting for an outdoor wedding. The Silo Bar, built into the silo of the farm’s original grainery, will create a memorable cocktail hour with its original granite and stone backdrop. The Manor’s tent complex, built with French doors and floor to ceiling windows, accommodates up to 200 guests. Enjoy the comfort of the indoor tent without sacrificing the view: the windows face out over the greenery, which is picturesque at sunset. The tent space also comes with a full lighting package, catering, tables, folding chairs, a dance floor, bar area, and furniture. Piccolo Trattoria is the exclusive caterer for The Manor at Makefield Heights. Rental fee typically begins at $2,500 per event and package prices typically begin at $130 per person.
Merion Tribute House
Ardita Kola Photography
625 Hazelhurst Ave, Merion Station.
Weddings at the Merion Tribute House are all about individualism (fun fact: they’ve seen everything from Harry Potter to Gothic vintage themes)! Ceremonies and cocktail hour can take place anywhere on the grounds (think sweeping lawns and grand ballrooms), but the reception and music take place in the House, a castle-like building built after WW1 to serve as a community center in honor of the 81 men from Merion who served in the armed services. Full of spacious rooms, wood-burning fires, stained glass, and a dramatic balcony perfect for tossing bouquets, the House has been hosting weddings since the 1920s. The cost typically ranges from $100 to $125 per person depending on the day of the week and the caterer used. –Josie Sepel
Cairnwood
Hope Helmuth Photography
1005 Cathedral Road, Bryn Athyn.
Stepping foot on the luxurious, sprawling grounds of Cairnwood will make you feel like royalty. This elegant, private sanctuary has been the backdrop for wedding receptions since the late 1800s. Choose between having your party outside in the blooming gardens or inside the mansion complete with a striking grand staircase perfect for the descent of the bride into her celebration. Enjoy a complimentary bridal suite, full kitchen facilities, and planning services to take the weight off your shoulders. The rental fee ranges from $1,800 and $8,800 for a reception, which includes 5 hours of event time. Additional hours can be arranged for a fee of $500 per hour.
Andalusia
Pat Furey Photography
1237 State Road, Andalusia.
If you’ve been planning your wedding since you were in diapers and know exactly how you want the day to go, then Andalusia might just be the place for you. The 19th century estate offers no sort of package, meaning that you can completely customize your wedding. Whether you want it to be a simple affair or a crazy elaborate bash, the only requirements are that you like being outside (there is no indoor option) and that you love beautiful gardens and river views. The site rental fee is $15,000. –Josie Sepel
Fonthill Castle
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525 E. Court Street, Doylestown.
Hold an intimate wedding inside Fonthill Castle, a historical landmark that remains home to hundreds of decorative tiles and prints hand crafted and designed by archaeologist and ceramist Henry Chapman Mercer. The tree-lined drive serves as a prelude to a magical outdoor wedding amidst the rolling lawns and faint sound of the stream in the distance. And, the castle isn’t just for show: enjoy cocktails on the balcony of the Terrace Pavilion before dancing and dining beneath the grand White Wedding Tent.
Park Chateau
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678 Cranbury Road, East Brunswick, NJ.
The perfect midpoint venue to accommodate guests traveling from both Philadelphia and New York City, Park Chateau Estate & Gardens sits upon 15 acres of manicured lawns and a lovely estate. The bright, clean white walls and high ceilings of the chapel provide space for a glowing indoor ceremony. If you prefer the outdoors, wed beneath a sprawling flower arch in the center of the gardens. Feast to your heart’s content and dance the night away with 375 of your closest friends under the glittering chandelier of the Grand Ballroom. The rental fee ranges from $160 to $340 per guest, including 5 hours of event time.
Parque at Ridley Creek
Haley Richter Photography
351 Gradyville Road, Newtown Square.
Plan a picturesque outdoor wedding in the open fields, complete with a pond, fountain, and landscaped gardens. The detailed stonework of the English-Tudor stone mansion creates a sophisticated backdrop for photographs — you’ll definitely want to soak up every ray of that natural lighting. If it starts to rain, don’t worry. You can hold the reception inside the oak-paneled walls of the mansion ballroom, with floor-to-ceiling windows that look out upon the grounds. The venue is exclusively operated by Peachtree Catering and Events; contact them for pricing information.
Greystone Hall
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1034 Phoenixville Pike, West Chester.
Opt for convenience by holding both your wedding ceremony and reception at Greystone Hall. The venue offers ceremony consultation and “day of” coordination for indoor and outdoor weddings, inclusive of all different faiths: Orthodox Jewish, Indian, Muslim, and Korean ceremonies have previously been held on site. The inside of the mansion features detailed woodwork, antiques, and oriental carpeting while the outdoor garden is home to a classic marble fountain, tables, and benches for guests. As the day fades into night, the gardens light up to spotlight your special celebration. Five hour site fees range between $6,750 to $8,500 with discounted rates available on Fridays, Sundays, weekdays, and winter months.
Appleford Estate
Pictures by Todd
770 Mt. Moro Road, Villanova.
Start your happily ever after at Appleford, 24 acres of scenic beauty that were originally part of a land grant signed by William Penn. Both an arboretum and a bird sanctuary, Appleford is a unique venue, full of luscious boxwood gardens, brick walkways, and classic Pennsylvania farmhouse architecture. On the big day, say your “I Dos” between two ponds, next to a waterfall, or under the arching branches of weeping willows. After the ceremony, drink cocktails on the lawn and spend the night on the illuminated tented terrace. Costs vary depending on caterer, menu selected, serving style, and date. Fees are higher on Saturdays and Sundays, and in May, June, September, and October. –Josie Sepel
Welkinweir Estate
Courtesy of Welkinweir
1368 Prizer Road, Pottstown.
The flower-filled, walled gardens of Welkinweir offer a scenic backdrop for gorgeous, private outdoor weddings of up to 150 guests. The historic stone house, spanning three centuries, lends itself beautifully to photographs by providing memorable views of the valley where the six-acre pond meets the sky. Welkinweir provides in-house catering courtesy of Jeffrey A. Miller and hosts both rehearsal dinners and weddings between May-October, as weather permits. Pricing typically begins at $5,750 per event.
Stotesbury Mansion
Maria Mack Photography
1923 Walnut Street, Rittenhouse.
Entering Stotesbury Mansion feels a bit like a scene from Alice in Wonderland. As you step from bustling Walnut Street into the 19th century building, you can walk around the grand foyer, explore the Dolly Madison room (which has a fireplace that was once in the White House), or step into the Mirror Room (a maze of mirrors that was used during Prohibition to slow the police down when they came looking for alcohol). The Mansion was commissioned by Thomas McKean (one of the signatories on the Declaration of Independence) as a wedding present for his son. The bridal suite is spacious and elegant, and the large ballroom is perfect for hosting ceremonies as well as after-parties. Their exclusive caterer is Feastivities Events. The site rental fee ranges from $1700 to $2500, depending on the season. This includes the use of the first three floors and is based on a five-hour timeframe. –Josie Sepel
The Manor House at Commonwealth
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300 Tournament Drive, Horsham.
The Manor House has three equally stunning options available for your wedding ceremony. Pick between the private gardens, the covered veranda, or the luxurious ballroom. The venue also offers several event packages, including Afternoon, Brunch, Evening, and Simple Elegance. Each comes with a three course meal, a personal event coordinator, complimentary valet parking, and more. The ballroom has sparkling chandeliers, a wooden dance floor, and a wall of windows frame the luscious grounds of the private gardens. The Manor House is a great choice for a larger wedding, with space available for up to 240 guests. The ceremony fee is $6 per person; package prices start at $105 per person.
Winterthur
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5105 Kennett Pike, Route 52, Winterthur, DE.
Begin your marriage at The Winterthur Museum & Country Estate, the 1,000 acre former home of Henry Francis du Pont. The mansion is filled with a huge collection of American antiques and the landscape includes rolling meadows, woodlands, and a 60-acre garden. The first wedding at Winterthur was held for Pauline Louise du Pont, near the reflecting pool that is still featured in ceremonies today. Host a poolside cocktail hour for up to 350 guests before moving the reception inside to the centrally located Visitor Center, filled with indoor trees and candlelit tables. Restaurant Associates is happy to customize the event menu as the exclusive caterer at Winterthur. Rental fees are paid for each location used, and vary seasonally.
Bonnet Island Estate
Weddings of Distinction NJ
2380 E. Bay Ave, Manahawkin, NJ.
What’s cooler than having a waterfront wedding on a private, coastal island? Exchange vows at the Bonnet Island Estate in the rustic Boathouse Chapel while the bay breeze floats in through the barn house doors. Head over to the ballroom for your reception and enjoy high cathedral ceilings, huge windows that look out to the bay, and enough Chiavari white-cushioned chairs for 250 guests. Utilize the full estate rental to set up 24 overnight guests in private bedroom suites, including junior and master bridal suites, lined with artwork and complete with amenities like in-room fireplaces and private jacuzzis. Merri Makers Catering, the exclusive caterer at Bonnet Island Estate, develops a creative menu and takes care of everything: flowers, music, cakes, guest gifts, and more. Rates typically range from $13,000 to $26,000 depending on package and season.
Ashford Estate
Weddings of Distinction NJ
637 Province Line Road, Allentown, NJ.
The Ashford Estate might just be the wedding venue of your dreams: picture yourself driving through iron gates into an estate with sparkling fountains, waterfalls, a floating gazebo, and views galore in every direction. Your ceremony will be held in the Barn Chapel, an adorable structure that looks like it’s straight out of a Disney movie. Host cocktail hour in the grand Conservatory, an ornate space filled with glass windows and outdoor verandas perfect for lounging. The reception is in the Grand Ballroom, in which 275 guests can be seated. A back wall made entirely of glass looks upon the countryside; the ceiling is held up by carved wooden arches and hoists crystal chandeliers. The suites at The Ashford come with plasma televisions, walk-in showers, and king-sized beds. Merri Makers Catering is the exclusive caterer at The Ashford Estate. Rates typically range from $18,000 to $29,000 depending on package and season.
Alverthorpe Manor
Kathleen Bobby
515 Meetinghouse Road, Jenkintown.
The Alverthorpe Manor and the surrounding grounds of the Abington Art Center are perfect for any artistic couple who also appreciates an upscale setting. Couples who wed here can take the opportunity to admire the contemporary artwork because The Manor, its galleries, outdoor Pavilion, and grounds are all available for your wedding ceremony and reception. Celebrate the start of your marriage in the 2,500 square foot outdoor, open-air pavilion while you and up to 175 guests dine on food catered by Joshua’s Catering. Amenities include both bride and groom dressing areas, outdoor lighting, a day-of coordinator, and more. Rental fee typically ranges from $3,800 to $4,400. The catering package typically ranges from $110 to $140 per guest.
Tyler Gardens
Yana Shellman Photography
275 Swamp Road, Newtown.
The four-tier garden at Tyler Gardens was originally designed in 1931 by George F. and Stella Elkins Tyler as formal landscaping for their estate. The European style-inspired landscaping features elegant stone walls and staircases, intricate sculptures, fountains, gravel walks, and of course, manicured lawns. All of that garden design resulted in a totally sophisticated outdoor wedding venue that can accommodate up to 350 guests. Your Tyler Gardens coordinator can create a customized package that can include the venue tent with vinyl-wood flooring, full lighting, furniture with a fire pit, and more. The venue also has photo sessions available on the weekends from dawn until noon on event days. The venue fee at Tyler Gardens is typically $4,000, however each client is able to obtain a personalized quote. The pricing includes 5 hours on-site, two hours prior for event prep, and an hour following to collect belongings.
Ash Mill Farm
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5358 Old York Road, Holicong.
Need a break from the city? For a change of pace, bask in the fresh air and hold a countryside wedding at Ash Mill Farm. Guests are welcome to wander the surrounding meadows and trails. The farm provides all components of the big day: rehearsal dinner, ceremony, cocktail hour, reception, after-party, and even a brunch the next morning. Even better, there are plenty of unique photo opportunities. Pose with the animals or get some fun action shots on the tree swing. Ash Mill Farm’s sister property, The Riegelsville Inn, exclusively caters events at the farm, but they are flexible and willing to craft an entirely customizable menu for your special celebration.
Ridgeland Mansion
Courtesy Ridgeland Mansion
4100 Chamounix Drive, Fairmount Park.
Travel back to 18th century Philadelphia and wed beside the historic Ridgeland Mansion in West Fairmount Park. Bridal and groom suites are both offered inside the walls of the mansion, with sitting rooms for family. Smaller ceremonies can be held inside the Ridgeland barn or larger ones outside in the Secret Garden; either location provides a classic space for a romantic wedding. But we can’t forget about the party: the outdoor tent can hold 300 people and offers a 3-sided bar, cathedral windows, and soft lighting. The Ridgeland Mansion is exclusively managed and catered by Joshua’s Catering. The venue fee typically ranges from 3,000 to $3,500, depending on the day. Tent pricing typically starts at $140 per person, depending on the day and season.
Historic Strawberry Mansion
Megan McGreevy Photography
2450 Strawberry Mansion Drive, Fairmount Park.
Invite up to 250 guests to your lavish outdoor wedding at this classic venue, lined with Azalea paths, that provides both scenic city and natural views. The Historic Strawberry Mansion works with a variety of caterers suited to different styles of cuisine. They offer full service including waitstaff, bartenders, rental items, day-of coordination, and other planning tools. So sit back, relax, and focus on your spouse-to-be. The venue fee at Historic Strawberry Mansion is typically $2,000, however each client can obtain a personalized quote. The pricing includes five hours on-site, two hours prior for event prep, and an hour following to collect belongings.
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