At Elegant Events Planning and Design, we’ve helped many couples plan their weddings from out of town. As locals, we know Philadelphia is one of the best-kept secrets for destination weddings. It’s full of rich history, beautiful venues, and is easy to reach from anywhere on the East Coast.
It’s the perfect city to bring your favorite people together for a memorable celebration. Whether your guests are coming from across the country or around the world, this guide will give you a clear idea of what to expect. We’re sharing our favorite venues, helpful tips, and everything you need to know to start planning your destination wedding in Philadelphia.
Why Choose Philadelphia for Your Destination Wedding
Philadelphia is the perfect mix of big-city energy and historic charm. It’s easy to get to from New York, D.C., and other major cities, which makes travel simple for guests. The walkable neighborhoods, top-tier hotels, and venues full of character make it a great choice for destination weddings.
We also love how close so many venues are to the city’s best restaurants, museums, and parks. Your guests can explore, relax, and really enjoy the entire weekend, not just the wedding day. We always encourage turning your celebration into a full weekend experience, and that’s something we love helping our couples do.
Destination Wedding Venues in Philadelphia
From ballrooms and museums to waterfront hotels, Philadelphia has something for every couple’s style and guest list size.
Here are just a few of our favorite venues for destination weddings:
The Bellevue Hotel
Located right in the heart of Center City, The Bellevue is home to The Grand Belle ballroom, a newly renovated space that combines Gilded Age elegance with modern touches. With on-site accommodations and multiple event spaces, it’s a convenient and stunning choice for a full wedding weekend. We recently planned a beautiful Indian-Japanese fusion wedding here. Read more about Sayuri and Kunal’s celebration on the blog.
Hilton Philadelphia at Penn’s Landing
For couples who love a waterfront view, this Hilton location is one to consider. Overlooking the Delaware River, the ballroom offers a beautiful backdrop for ceremonies and receptions. Guests will love being within walking distance of Old City’s most iconic sites.
Please Touch Museum
It’s a museum, but it’s also one of the city’s most iconic event venues. At the Please Touch Museum, the Grand Foyer and Carousel House make for unforgettable ceremony and photo locations, while the East Gallery offers a fun, immersive setting for cocktail hour. With multiple spaces and ample room for larger guest lists, it’s a top choice for destination weddings in Philadelphia. Take a peek at Stephane and Corey’s elegant Please Touch Museum wedding reception we planned!
Philadelphia Museum of Art
The Museum of Art is an iconic Philly landmark that offers stunning spaces for both ceremonies and receptions. Your guests will be wowed by breathtaking architecture and sweeping views of the city skyline. The museum also provides unique photo opportunities, which are perfect for couples wanting an elegant yet memorable setting. See more about the Philadelphia Museum of Art and take a look at photos from Rahel and Marcel’s stunning wedding, featured in People Magazine.
College of Physicians of Philadelphia
This hidden gem blends historic charm with an intimate atmosphere. Featuring beautifully preserved architecture and sophisticated interiors, the College of Physicians is a wonderful choice for couples seeking a venue with character and warmth. Get inspiration from Kathy and Billy’s wedding on the blog.
Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts
For couples looking for a grand and modern setting, the Kimmel Center offers striking event spaces with impressive design and excellent acoustics. It’s ideal for celebrations that want a mix of artistic flair and urban sophistication. Check out more about why we love Kimmel Center weddings.
As a team of wedding planners based in Philadelphia, we have lots of venue recommendations to match every style and vision. Helping couples find the perfect space is just one part of our full planning services. We’re here to make sure your celebration feels truly like what you’ve envisioned, from start to finish.
Tips for Planning a Philadelphia Wedding from Out of Town
Planning a wedding from another city or state comes with its own set of logistics, but with the right team, it can be a smooth and even enjoyable process.
Here are a few tips from our extensive experience planning destination weddings in Philadelphia:
Tip 1: Hire a local planner early.
As your Philadelphia-based planning team, we help manage vendor communication, visit venues on your behalf, and navigate city permits and logistics.
Tip 2: Book hotel blocks near your venue.
Many Center City venues are steps away from top hotels, which makes it easy for guests to settle in and explore.
Tip 3: Allow extra time for traffic and parking.
Philly is walkable, but wedding weekend traffic can add stress without a solid plan. We help you build in buffer time and make transportation arrangements when needed.
Tip 4: Make the most of your time in town.
We often help clients plan welcome parties, brunches, and cultural ceremonies in addition to the main event. We’re here to make sure every part of your celebration goes smoothly.
Danielle & Doug’s Recent Destination Wedding in Philadelphia
Danielle and Doug live in St. Louis but wanted to bring their guests to Philadelphia for a wedding weekend filled with history, elegance, and energy. Their ceremony took place in the Hamilton Rooftop Garden at the Kimmel Center, followed by a stunning reception in the same space after it was flipped during the cocktail hour. Guests enjoyed a lively after-party at Volver, which is a restaurant located on the first floor of the Kimmel Center.
From vendor coordination to travel timelines, we handled the details so Danielle and Doug could fully enjoy their weekend in the city. Their guests still talk about how thoughtful and seamless the experience felt. Have a look at more details from their luxury destination wedding!
Frequently Asked Questions About Philadelphia Destination Weddings
Should we plan a full weekend of events?
We always recommend it! A destination wedding is a chance to spend meaningful time with your favorite people. Many couples choose to host a welcome event the night before (like a cocktail party or casual dinner) and a brunch the day after. It gives everyone more time to connect, especially if guests are flying in from out of town or overseas. We help you create a weekend that feels seamless and celebratory from start to finish.
How early should we start planning?
If you’re planning from out of town, we suggest starting at least 12–15 months in advance. That gives you time to secure your ideal venue and vendors, especially during peak seasons. Starting early also gives us room to plan hotel blocks, transportation, and any cultural or multi-day elements that might be part of your celebration.
When should we book our venue?
We recommend booking your Philadelphia wedding venue 12–18 months in advance, especially if you’re planning a spring or fall wedding. These are the most popular times of year here. That said, we’ve also planned gorgeous winter and summer weddings, and each season offers its own benefits!
How does Philadelphia compare to other cities for luxury weddings?
Philadelphia offers a unique blend of charm and elegance that rivals other major cities. You’ll find top-tier venues, expert vendors, and a rich cultural backdrop, all without the sometimes overwhelming scale of larger metro areas. Pricing varies depending on your guest count and vision, but the city provides plenty of beautiful options for couples seeking a sophisticated and personalized celebration.
Do we need to visit Philadelphia before booking vendors?
Not necessarily! Many of our couples plan their entire wedding remotely. We regularly tour venues on your behalf, schedule virtual calls with vendors, and keep everything organized so you can make confident decisions from wherever you are. Of course, if you want to visit, we’ll make the most of your time with productive walkthroughs and tastings.
Your Philadelphia Destination Wedding Planner
At Elegant Events Planning and Design, we’ve had the honor of helping couples from all over the country plan their Philadelphia weddings. From the first consultation to the final farewell brunch, we guide you through every step of the process so you can enjoy your celebration and feel fully present.
If you’re planning a destination wedding in Philadelphia, we’d love to help. Get in touch today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how we can bring your vision to life in our city.
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