When looking for a wedding venue, it’s important to narrow down your aesthetic. Are you a traditional ballroom bride? How about an Estate bride? Or a tent bride? If you are looking for a tented wedding venue in Philadelphia, you have come to the right place. As a fellow bride, and wedding photographer, I’m here to give you the low down on my favorite tented wedding venues in the Philadelphia area!
Why a tented venue in Philadelphia?
In the last few years, tent weddings have absolutely exploded, and there is good reason for it! They are classic, timeless, and chic… when done right! Anyone can throw a tent in the middle of a backyard, but it is the kind of tent, and how you dress it up, that makes it classic. Tented wedding venues in Philadelphia, and surrounding areas are harder to find than you’d think! Below are the professionals think got it right:
1. American Swedish History Museum
A Tented wedding venue in South Philadelphia
The oldest Swedish History Museum in the United States, nestled in South Philly in FDR park. This is a Jefferey A Miller venue that features a clear tent on the outdoor terrace. It boasts a beautiful hall with a grand staircase inside, but outside features timeless architecture that will elevate your portraits, and the whole event. To see more photos from this wedding, including their portrait session, you’ll find them here!
2. Cescaphe’s Water Works
Fairmount Park Tented wedding venue in the heart of Philadelphia
This is a tried and true venue in Fairmount Water Works along the Delaware river. Cescaphe is one of those companies that when you hear there name, you automatically know the quality you’ll be getting. This year they unveiled a new tented reception space at the Mill House. From the reception guests were invited inside to enjoy the cocktail hour and views of the Schuykill River. Next, guests find their way to this tented reception space. It boasts wood floors throughout, and a blank canvas that allows for brides to create the vision of their dreams. I photographed the beautiful Sydney & Connor here, and to say her details brought it, they brought it!
3. Appleford Estate
A Tented Garden, ethereal wedding venue near Philadelphia
Although not in Philadelphia proper, nestled in the residential streets of Philadelphia, Appleford has a truly rich history. When I toured there as a bride, I fell in love with the story of how Appleford came to be. It was a weekend retreat from the bustle of the city for a banker, and housed him and his wife. Every year, on their anniversary, the banker would have another garden built for his love. The property is now an arboretum and bird sanctuary, that displays the gardens beautifully to this very day. It was filled with their love, and now every couple that visits gets a little piece of their love story added to the gardens. It is truly for the romantic at heart!
From a ceremony on the lawn, to a party under their tent off the side of the house, this venue boasts a different view at each turn! Enjoy your cocktail hour on the lawn, then transition to an upscale dinner under twinkle lights and a beautiful tent.
4. Glen Foerd on the Delaware
A tented wedding venue on the river north of Philadelphia
Glen Foerd has quickly become a favorite venue of mine, and can you blame me? From its rich history, to its wrap around porch. Every inch of this place is a photo opportunity. And to top it off, they have a tented reception space! The lawn and terrace are the perfect location for an elevated cocktail hour, then followed by a reception in the tent that borders the Delaware River with beautiful sunset views.
