Are you dreaming of outdoor wedding venues in Philadelphia?
Outdoor wedding venues in Philadelphia are sought after and for good reason. For instance, summer in the Philadelphia area brings to mind a sky full of stars, fireflies, and light breezes. It sure makes outdoor receptions so memorable.
Here are 7 of our favorite outdoor event spaces in Philadelphia:
Photo credit: Glen Foerd/Sweetwater Portraits
Photo credit: Appleford/Bartlett Pair Photography
1. Appleford
Appleford is an historic country estate tucked away at the end of a tree-lined avenue. It’s best known as the premiere Main Line venue for weddings and receptions in Montgomery County.
Here, acclaimed Philadelphia landscape architect Thomas Sears created a series of lush formal gardens, brick walkways and rhododendron tracts, set off by a stream, pond and waterfall. Guests can enjoy gardens from every window of the house. In fact, each vista holds an air of magic and elegant charm.
2. Graeme Park
The historic 1722 Keith House and rustic 1830s barn serve as the backdrop for your tented wedding ceremony and reception. This National Historic Landmark is set on spacious 42-acre grounds. It is surrounded by a serene pond, waterfall and woodlands. It’s easy to see the charm that makes this venue ideal for your wedding in Montgomery County.
Photo credit: Welkinweir/Ralph Deal Photography
3. Welkinweir
Welkinweir is in a scenic, secluded valley in Chester County. It is surrounded by 197 acres of richly-wooded hills, wildflower gardens, and tranquil ponds. In fact, the songs of birds and crickets chirping are the only noises you’ll hear as you walk down the aisle within the barn ruins overlooking a six-acre lake. Next, imagine your guests enjoying cocktails around the weeping cherry tree.
Listed on the National Historic Register, Welkinweir blends history, horticulture and habitat. Additionally, thanks to efforts by Green Valleys Watershed Association, many sustainable practices are in place to maintain Welkinweir’s environmental integrity for future generations.
Photo credit: Fairmount Park Horticulture Center/Love Me Do
4. Fairmount Park Horticulture Center
While Fairmount Park Horticulture Center is known for its unique greenhouse and exhibition hall, it also features a captivating outdoor event space. For example, the reflecting pool outside provides the perfect backdrop for your wedding ceremony or first look. Just imagine your wedding photos against this setting. Indeed, it is a hidden gem in Philadelphia, tucked away in the urban oasis that is Fairmount Park. In early spring (end of March or early April) you might capture perfect timing for the cherry blossoms that dot the grounds. Truly a majestic sight!
Of course, inside, it’s the best Plan B in the city! The beautiful display garden can host up to 200 guests for your back up plan to your outdoor ceremony Or consider it for your fall or winter ceremony. In fact, it will still make it feel like you are outdoors regardless of the weather. For instance, the interior of the Horticulture center is filled with lush greenery, providing a botanical backdrop for your celebration.
Photo credit: Glen Foerd/Sweetwater Portraits
5. Glen Foerd Mansion
Enter the gates of this historic estate, and acres of lush English gardens and stunning riverfront vistas welcome you. Glen Foerd’s portico invites you and your guests to explore the mansion’s elegance. Head up the grand staircase (with the dome of stained glass overhead) to the Art Gallery to admire works by Rembrandt, van Gogh and Monet. The mansion showcases a treasured collection of antiques, original chandeliers, and architectural elements. With the addition of a fully-customizable riverside event structure, Glen Foerd is the perfect setting for your special celebration.
6. The Inn at Barley Sheaf
This 300-year-old historic Colonial estate offers the perfect setting for your outdoor event in Bucks County, boasting 200 acres of preserved land. The manor house, gazebo, barns, and acres of gardens and wildflower fields offer many beautiful backdrops for your celebration and photos. Its heritage of history, location and natural country beauty combines for a rustic yet elegant experience.
Photo credit: Philander Chase Knox Estate/Ashley Errington Photography
7. Philander Chase Knox Estate
Finally, Philander Chase Knox Estate provides an oasis of natural beauty for your rustic and elegant event. This historic estate, surrounded by 3,500 acres of green meadows and towering trees, is located just over the covered bridge within Valley Forge National Historic Park.
In fact, it is the site where General George Washington’s army encamped from 1777 until 1778 during the American Revolutionary War. Originally built in the late 1700s, The Estate once served as the summer home of Philander Chase Knox, former U.S. Attorney General, U.S. Secretary of State and U.S. Senator. Lastly, it now serves as the perfect location to host events that are truly revolutionary.
