My heart resides in two places – Carmel and Philadelphia. Have you ever had that feeling? Where you know you belong in two different worlds? I love the California sunshine and walking my dog, Tiger, 365 days a year. But I also miss Philly, where I grew up and have the best memories. I am so happy to not have to choose between the two! As a bicoastal photographer, I get the best of both worlds. Which is why I created the Luxury Philadelphia Wedding Guide by a Bicoastal Photographer. For all my legacy clients and all my new couples, it’s time I gave you the local’s scoop on all things Philly!

How much should I budget for a luxury wedding?

A good place to start preparing your budget is The Knot. It gives you an idea of pricing, guest count, and features that are on your “must have” list. If you’re also wondering how much does the average wedding cost in Philadelphia, this should be your first stop. Of course, as a roundup website, it is hard to keep everything updated all the time, so make sure you go to the actual wedding venue’s website.

Luxury Philadelphia Wedding Guide Venues

There are so many gorgeous, classic wedding venues on the East Coast. After Melissa & Ryan’s surprise proposal, he and Melissa announced that I’ll be photographing their upcoming wedding as well! I simply cannot wait to capture their wedding on the East Coast! I’m confident it will be a beautiful wedding with these two. A California proposal and an east coast wedding is truly the best combination! 

Philadelphia Museum of Art – For the Aesthetes

Have a wedding to remember at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Their expansive galleries and unique spaces offer a variety of venue options that set the scene for a dazzling event. From the stunning collection of artwork and world-famous sculpture garden to elegant food and cocktails, the museum is an unforgettable place to celebrate love in style. Take dramatic portraits on the steps of the Great Stair Hall, commit to each other in the garden on a spring day, and have your reception dinner in the glass atrium. This venue is also featured in PartySpace’s most unique wedding venues list.

Max Seated: 500

Address: 2600 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy, Philadelphia, PA 19130

Vue on 50 – A Wedding with a View

If you love the views of the city, VUE on 50 should be on the top (pun intended) of your Philadelphia wedding guide venue list. It is set on the 50th floor of the Three Logan Square building and with 360 degree views of Center City Philadelphia. Your guests will enjoy the luxury of a 10,000 square foot venue with two ballroom wedding venues, 20 foot ceilings and jaw-dropping views of the city.

In addition to views on views, Vuo on 50 also appreciates a luxury dining experience. They partner with 12th Street Catering, Brulee Catering, Garces Catering, Perfect Setting Catering and Sage Catering to give you a choice in cuisine for your most special day. 

Max Seated: 230

Address: 1717 Arch St Suite 5000, Philadelphia, PA 19103

The Bellevue – Celebrate & Stay

There are many advantages to a hotel wedding. First, the accommodations. It takes away worries about traffic, moving your dress from place to place, and the need for after wedding driving. An added bonus – at The Bellevue, marrying couples enjoy a complimentary one-night stay following the wedding with romantic extras.

At The Bellevue Hotel, you aren’t just reserving a breathtaking Philadelphia venue—you’re also working with experienced planners, there to assist every step of the way. Their spaces include the sunlit Rose Garden on the 19th floor, and a two-tier Grand Ballroom— ensuring your wedding is as intimate as you want, and as grand as you deserve.

Make it authentically you! The venue offers two signature cocktails for your reception. These are made to be as unique as your love story. In addition to your cocktails of choice, they offer specially selected spirits and cordials, imported and local craft beer, and signature red, white and sparkling wine.

Max Seated: 300

Address: 200 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102

Water Works – A Wedding on the Water

History meets modernity at the incredible Water Works. Its combination of gracious Neoclassical architecture on the outside and then-revolutionary technology within once drew visitors from around the world—including Charles Dickens, who praised its “pleasant design.” 

Today, the Water Works provides rich contemporary luxury in its lavish interior spaces in one of the city’s most picturesque settings. Enjoy columned walkways and a vintage gazebo. Marvel at the Art Museum perched dramatically above, and Boathouse Row stretched out along the Schuylkill River just beyond.

It’s your choice to have your wedding inside or outdoors. The Engine House is home to the main ballroom, with its espresso-stained natural hardwood floors, gleaming crystal chandeliers, and new tented Veranda for cocktails overlooking the river.

You can also opt for The Mill House Deck. Share your dreams of the perfect outdoor reception, and Cescaphe will create it for you from the ground up, with designer tents, lavish appointments, and flawless attention to detail.

Address: 640 Water Works Drive, Lower Level, Philadelphia, 19130

The Lucy – An Experience Inside and Outside

Another Cescaphe wedding venue is The Lucy. Located on Philadelphia’s famous Avenue of the Arts in the heart of Center City. The Lucy encompasses the Cescaphe brand’s reputation for sophisticated, luxe venues. The elegant venue combines a modern luxury interpretation of 19th century detailing with modern textures and materiality.

We love how they can completely transform the ballroom into a garden floral paradise. The outside gazebo with classic columns, is perfect for couple’s portraits on the water. How much does it cost to get married at The Lucy in Philadelphia? Our couples appreciate that the wedding experience at The Lucy is all-inclusive. This allows them to relax and enjoy the planning process, knowing they will have a premium wedding while receiving the highest quality and service.

Address: 231 S Broad St, Philadelphia, PA 19107

Luxury Philadelphia Wedding Guide for Dining

If you’re in Philadelphia for a weekend wedding, be sure to stop by some of the most incredible dining experiences. 

Hiroki

The number one dining experience on our luxury Philadelphia wedding guide is Hiroki. It’s also a highlight on Eater Philadelphia. Hiroki is named after executive chef Hiroki Fujiyama. This restaurant delivers a masterclass in sushi at the dazzling hotspot in Fishtown with splendid sashimi, wagyu, and nigiri. The minimalist details (smaller portions, sleek interior design) have made this restaurant feel like a culinary art deco exhibit.

Address: 1355 N Front St (Master St), Philadelphia, PA 19122

Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse

For our steak loving couples, Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse is the place to go for both taste and ambiance. It is located near city hall, inside a historic landmark that was once First Pennsylvania Bank. Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse Philadelphia offers an unforgettable dining experience. Magnificent balconies draped in plush red fabric overlook the sweeping main dining room, and a breathtaking three-story wine tower serves as the centerpiece of the restaurant. Downstairs boasts private dining and reception areas, including the Vault Room, perfect for a rehearsal dinner. With 9 different steak options and an extensive wine list, plan to take your time and savor Del Frisco.

Address: 1428-1432 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19102

OX Coffee

Okay, not a dining experience, but good coffee is something that just can’t be passed up! OX coffee is a couple blocks from the river separating Pennsylvania from New Jersey. Grab a cup of joe with your love and go over all things wedding before the big day, OR stop by the day after and reminisce on the big day.

OX Coffee is a unique, independent, specialty coffee shop and roaster committed to providing outstanding coffee and customer service. OX focuses on serving high-quality coffee that is harvested, processed and roasted using sustainable and organic practices. The shop is committed to giving back to the community not only by featuring local vendors, artists, and musicians, but also through educational opportunities that will continue to lay a solid foundation for a coffee-loving culture in the city. Please note that they don’t have Wi-Fi which we respect. All the more reason to take your coffee on the go! Try the mocha latte made with Philadelphia’s own Wilbur Chocolate.

Address: 616 S. 3rd St., Philadelphia, PA 19147

Things to Do in our Luxury Philadelphia Wedding Guide

Philadelphia Eagles

If you are getting married during football season, you have to make time for an Eagles game. Football in Philadelphia is a completely different experience than California football. One of the best things about the east coast is the community around tailgating, the fan base enthusiasm, and the cute scarfs you can pair a dozen different ways. This will be the first season without Jason Kelce (IE Taylor Swift’s potential brother in law), BUT Jalen Hurts is expected to continue as quarterback and he’s incredible to watch.

Address: One Lincoln Financial Field Way, Philadelphia, PA 19148

Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens

There is an experience for everyone at Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens. Their Twilight in the Gardens series takes place every fourth Friday from May-October. On these special evenings, experience PMG after hours with a live musical performance and guided art workshop. Guests are encouraged to BYOBBS (Bring Your Own Booze, Blanket, and Snacks) to get comfortable and picnic in the mosaicked labyrinth. You can also visit during the day and check out their ever changing exhibitions.

Address: 1020 South Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147

Philadelphia Walking Tour

As someone who spends a lot of time in California, it makes me really appreciate the history of the east coast. There is just nothing like it! We learned in school about the impact that the east coast made on the history of the entire country to come. If you also geek out about that sort of thing, check out the Old City Walking Tour.

You’ll walk in the footsteps of America’s Founding Fathers and visit important landmarks such as Christ Church, the Ben Franklin Post Office, Carpenters’ Hall, and Independence Hall. All while your guide narrates local history. Of course, there’ll be photo stops at 10+ sites including Betsy Ross House, Elfreth’s Alley, and Liberty Bell. 

Let’s Connect!

If you’re also bicoastal, drop a line. I love to find more of us. During a Big Sur Surprise Proposal with our couple Jarod and Maggie, I noticed she was wearing a mask with the Villanova logo on it. I couldn’t help but smile at the pleasant surprise because she went to Villanova University which is in Philadelphia, and that’s where Johnathan and I are originally from! Totally makes me wonder if we ever crossed paths before and just didn’t know it! I hope you enjoyed my Luxury Philadelphia Wedding Guide by a Bicoastal Photographer and look forward to learning more about YOU! Contact me here.