Venues That Are Off the Beaten Path

A great venue can really set the tone for your wedding day. It can impact everything from décor, to colors and all the details in between. But what if the traditional hotel ballroom or country club just isn’t for you? Don’t worry. These days, the sky is the limit when it comes to wedding venues. Whether it’s inside the walls of a historic penitentiary or an elephant shaped landmark at the Jersey Shore, anything’s possible. But wedding venues don’t have to be completely unconventional to be considered “off the beaten path.” Here are some unique options to consider.

The Penn Museum

Museums can provide an incredible setting for your big day and there’s certainly no shortage of them in the area. From history and science to art and culture, there’s something for everyone.

The Penn Museum contains hundreds of historical artifacts. Your ceremony or reception could be held amidst mummies and sphinxes or under a 90 foot dome surrounded by ancient Chinese Art.

Perfect for creating a whimsical atmosphere, The Please Touch Museum, in Fairmount Park, houses tons of interactive children’s exhibits including Alice and Wonderland and a gorgeous hand carved carousel. You can go here, to see my wedding at The Please Touch Museum.

The Franklin Institute is a science museum with diverse and interesting spaces like the Benjamin Franklin Memorial and the Fels Planetarium. To see a wedding we’ve done at The Franklin Institute, go here.

Adventure Aquarium

Animal lovers should check out local zoos and aquariums.

The Philadelphia Zoo has several animal exhibits to explore like Big Cat Falls, the Primate Preserve, or the Peacock Pavilion.

Or you can head over to Adventure Aquarium in Camden, New Jersey, to enjoy dinner and dancing among the sharks.

Artesano Iron Works

Art galleries and centers can create a stunning backdrop for your day. Artesano Iron Works in Manayunk is a beautiful, intimate site. The hand forged artwork throughout the two floor restored warehouse and terrace would make for an unforgettable experience for your guests.

Want to really get inside the art? Take a look at Magic Gardens on South Street. This distinctive mosaic maze would be perfect for ceremonies or small receptions.

For a different approach to art, consider the sculpture gardens at the Grounds for Sculpture or the Abington Art Center. Both bring their art outdoors for a truly unique environment.

Philadelphia Free Library

Bookworms might find the perfect spot at a library. Philadelphia locals can try the Free Library’s Central Branch and choose to hold ceremonies and receptions in the Beaux Arts lobby or on the rooftop for a great view of Center City.

World Cafe Live

Performance venues are another great choice. From music halls to theaters, these spaces can provide a dramatic atmosphere and help highlight your entertainment. With lively concert locations in Philadelphia and Wilmington, World Café Live will definitely get your going.

At the Kimmel Center you can have your pick of a ballroom, theater, or enclosed rooftop garden overlooking the Avenue of the Arts.

Citizens Bank Park

Sports enthusiasts might be drawn to stadiums or arenas. Phillies Fans will love the spaces Citizen’s Bank Park has to offer.

Bonnet Island Estate

Maybe you’re looking for something slightly more traditional, but still unique. If so, mansions or estates might be right for you.

The Stotesbury Mansion in Center City was built in 1897 and features amazing architectural details. Go here, to see a wedding we’ve done at Stotesbury Mansion.

The Pearl S. Buck Estate, originally home to the author and her family, offers an expansive and peaceful setting for your day.

Or go all out at the Gatsby-esque Bonnet Island Estate in Long Beach Island. You can rent the entire property – chapel, reception hall, guest rooms and all.

The College of Physicians of Philadelphia

Historic and cultural societies are often found in interesting places.

The College of Physicians of Philadelphia is home to the oldest professional medical society in the country. Your guests will enjoy the beautiful marble lobby and stately rooms. You can even arrange for them to tour the scientific instruments and specimens in the Mutter Museum.

The National Society of Colonial Dames encourages historic preservation and patriotism. Its Pennsylvania Headquarters, located in downtown Philadelphia, would be perfect for any history buff. See a few weddings we’ve done at Colonial Dames here, here and here.

Lovers of German culture and language won’t be disappointed with the German Society of Pennsylvania. Their library makes the perfect backdrop for a ceremony, while their ballroom is ideal for a reception.

Moshulu

While restaurants might not initially strike you as unique, there are some really incredible spaces out there that just happen to serve phenomenal food. Two standouts are the Moshulu, a converted, four-masted sailing ship at Penns Landing and Distrito a vibrant and modern Mexican restaurant in University City. You can see a reception that we did at Distrito by going here.

Laurita Winery

Wine and Beer lovers can tie the knot at Vineyards or Breweries. Two great examples are Laurita Winery in New Egypt, New Jersey and Stoudt’s Brewery in Adamstown, Pennsylvania. See the weddings we’ve done at Laurita here and here.

Front and Palmer

If none of those locations match your vision, a loft or studio might be the place for you. Both provide blank canvases for you to create virtually any look from scratch. Power Plant Productions, Peche at Sherman Mills and Front and Palmer all have open floor plans that can be lit, draped and designed to your heart’s content.

Whether it’s just slightly of the beaten path or totally off the wall, there’s a perfect venue out there for every couple. All you have to do is find it!

-Laura

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