Water, Sunsets and Skylines: This Gorgeous Yacht Is the Prettiest Place to Get Married in Philly

The venue you pick sets the stage for your entire wedding, but there’s one way to make all of Philly the backdrop for your big day. Departing from Penn’s Landing, the Spirit of Philadelphia cruises up and down the Delaware River for unparalleled skyline and waterfront views.

On each trip, the yacht passes under the Walt Whitman Bridge towards the Philadelphia Naval Yard. Heading back north, you sail past historic ships moored along the shore, like The Gazela and Flagship Olympia, with a chance to stop in front of the Ben Franklin Bridge. It’s pretty much the perfect route if you’re looking for fantastic (and romantic!) photo ops.

“The constantly moving backdrop was so perfect and our guests were able to enjoy different scenery along the way,” said Allyssa and Heather, who tied the knot on the boat in 2016. “Our most memorable part of the day was getting pictures taken during sunset. It was just the two of us, on the front of the boat, holding each other and watching the sunset. It was a beautiful moment and the view was absolutely breathtaking!”

But weddings include more than just the photos, right? So after celebrating 35 years in Philly, the 192-foot-long vessel recently underwent a $1 million renovation to give guests an even better experience aboard. Brand-new interiors across the yacht’s three spacious decks feature neutral tones and contemporary finishes for bringing in your own decor or color palette.

Each temperature-controlled level includes a lounge and bar for a relaxed cocktail hour, or head up to the expansive outdoor roof deck for shuffleboard and foosball games. Whether you’re planning a lunch or dinner reception, the three-course meal includes passed hors d’oeuvres, the signature buffet menu and a customized cake from a local bakery. The all-inclusive wedding package also provides for an open bar and champagne toast, so you can serve sommelier-curated wines, specialty cocktails and craft beers while putting extra savings towards the honeymoon.

The best part for busy brides: A dedicated wedding specialist will handle all of the details for you, including an on-board, day-of coordinator to deal with any snags as they come up. With an experienced pro in charge of logistics, you’re free to enjoy the cruise with your new spouse and the rest of your friends and family.

“Our aim was one-stop shopping, and we found it,” says one mother of the bride of her experience. “The only thing we had to do was buy gowns and suits and find our photographer. This ship included everything down to the DJ, who was remarkable!”

The Spirit of Philadelphia can accommodate up to 530 guests, but if you’re planning a more intimate ceremony, check out its sister ship the Freedom Elite, a charter yacht that holds up to 110 people. Either way, the gorgeous skyline views from each boat will make your wedding unforgettable.

Interested in hosting your wedding aboard the Spirit of Philadelphia? Contact a wedding planner today.

This is a paid partnership between Spirit of Philadelphia and Philadelphia Magazine