Many traditional wedding venues include churches, country clubs, and catering halls. While these places are classic and beautiful, many couples today are stepping outside the box to find a venue different from all the rest. They want a place that is unique and that their guests will never forget. With a little digging, a standout wedding location isn’t out of reach. In fact, we have a variety of these distinctive venues in our very own backyard. Philadelphia is bursting with exceptional locations where you can host your special day, and cHill Weddings has even had the pleasure to experience many of them. Although it proved difficult we selected just a few of Philly’s own for you to check out below. (If we chose them all this blog post would take you hours to read!)

Pêche

Photos courtesy of Sweetwater Portraits by Julie Melton

Recently our clients Allison and Doug held their wedding at Pêche, and thus far it is one of my favorite places we have had a wedding. The space at Pêche has an uber cool downtown vibe that really appealed to me (and many brides I am sure). The venue is located in the East Falls section of Philadelphia, and is an old textile mill converted into an event space. What makes it unique are its 20,000 sq ft of stylish industrial space with large windows and lofty ceilings. Allison and Doug had their ceremony, and then the space was converted into the reception area while the guests enjoyed cocktails and hors d’oeuvres catered by Pêche’s own Peachtree and Ward. Pêche is a chic and creative space if you are in search of an imaginative wedding.

Franklin Institute

Cassie and Jason’s Wedding at the Franklin Institute, Photo courtesy of Marc Anthony Photography

Who would have thought that you could have your wedding in a museum!? Franklin Institute is a very unique wedding space in Philadelphia, and cHill Weddings has also had the opportunity to have weddings here. There is such an array of rooms to have your wedding in, that it will be hard to choose. A fun and romantic option is to have your ceremony under the “stars” in the Fels planetarium. Let love pump through your special day by having your cocktail reception by the Giant Heart Exhibit or awe your guests by serving them drinks by a jet in the Franklin Air Show Exhibit. Then have a sit down dinner under a 20 foot statue of Ben Franklin in the Benjamin Franklin National Memorial. And that’s just naming a few of the distinctive possibilities at the Institute!

Photos courtesy of Marc Anthony Photography and Christopher Rocco Photography

Shambles

Photo Courtesy of 217 Photography

Shambles Headhouse is yet another hidden gem in the City of Brotherly Love. If you want to infuse some history into your day, this is a great option for you. Shambles, located near South St., was built in the 1800s and was used as an outdoor marketplace for merchants to sell their goods. As one of our cHill couples, Rita and Chris, agree this piece of history is a beautiful and interesting place to have your ceremony. While you may have to rent some chairs for your guests, the end result is worth it. There is something romantic about this historical structure in the midst of the hustle and bustle of the city.

Artesano Gallery

Photo Courtesy of Shane Carpenter Weddings

Are you a creative and artsy couple? If so the Artesano Gallery is the one of a kind place for you. The Artesano Gallery is located in Manayunk, and serves as both an art gallery and event setting. It has both indoor and outdoor space with unique iron work that will make for a memorable day. This beautifully restored warehouse even has on and off site full service catering. They also provide the use of unique furniture and accessories made of iron and granite. While we have not had the opportunity to have an event here, we hope to have a wedding at this trendy gallery soon!

Morris Arboretum

Photography courtesy of Isabel March

Morris Arboretum is another amazing wedding space and I have recently had the pleasure to visit here. As I strolled through the various gardens and fragrant paths, my mind was racing with ideas for a wedding here. If you love the outdoors and are in search of a standout location, this one is for you. Located in Philadelphia near Chestnut Hill, Morris Arboretum has gorgeous sprawling grounds for your nuptials. Generally the reception is held at the Widener Visitors Center, which was once a carriage house. As for your ceremony, there are a variety of options. Whether it be the giant tree house, the rose garden, or even Oak Allee you can’t go wrong with these incredible grounds. We look forward to celebrating Liz and Chris’ wedding here in November!

Photos Courtesy of Isabel March

It is unfortunate that I can’t carry on and on about the wonderfully unique venues right here in Philadelphia. Our city itself is unlike any other (do tasty cakes, and rowdy sports fans mean anything to you?) and there too are many exceptional sites for your day of matrimony. There are countless special locations, including these and many more right under our noses. If you want a place that rivals no other, keep digging and you’ll find a place that is all your own!

Thanks to all our amazing photographers, vendors, and venues!

Amore Bello!

Maria