The Best Small Wedding Venues in Philadelphia, PA

The Best Small Wedding Venues in Philadelphia, PA

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11 Wedding Venues in Philadelphia, PA

Parks, gardens
Up to 50 guests
Available on September 13, 2026
Quick responder
John James Audubon Center 

5.0

  • Up to 300 guests
  • All-inclusive
  • Indoor & outdoor
  • Starts at $21,000
  • Offer

The John James Audubon Center in Audubon, PA, offers a stunning, serene setting for your dream wedding. Surrounded by 175 acres of picturesque landscapes, our venue blends natural beauty with elegance, making it the perfect backdrop for your special day. With breathtaking views of meadows, woodlands, and tranquil surroundings, the center offers both outdoor ceremonies beneath a canopy of trees and a charming, light-filled event space for your reception. Your wedding will be unforgettable in this peaceful and scenic setting. Our dedicated team of professionals will work with you to ensure every detail is perfectly tailored to your vision, from seamless event planning to personalized touches. The Audubon Center offers a unique blend of natural splendor and sophisticated amenities, making it the ideal location for your wedding day. Let us help you create a wedding day that reflects your unique love story in a place as beautiful and timeless as your commitment to each other.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Classic, vintage atmosphere
  • Full catering menu to choose from
  • Creates a sense of togetherness

Venue considerations

  • No on-premises lodging options
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Venue feels large for events with small guest lists
My fiancé and I were looking for a rustic wedding venue, not a ballroom, preferably a venue with space to be outside (weather permitting). We visited a few options in the Philly area and fell in love with the John James Audubon Center! The space offers SO many options for an outdoor or indoor ceremony. They host receptions in the pavilion which is open with huge windows and firepits outside! The site is beautiful, and everyone we’ve worked with has been immensely helpful! After officially booking for our October 2024 wedding, we planned to visit with our parents. What was originally intended to be a quick stroll around the grounds turned into an impromptu tour with the venue manage. She answered all of our parents' questions and even brought out photo books of previous weddings for us to flip through together. With the wedding right around the corner now, we could not be more thrilled with our decision and can't wait to be there next month to celebrate our big day!
Jaime S., 9 months ago
John F. Collins Park 

5.0

Philadelphia, PA
  • Up to 75 guests
  • Select services
  • Outdoor
  • Starts at $5,600

John F. Collins Park is a hushed, landscaped hideaway tucked within Center City’s bustling business district. Adjacent to one of Center City’s busiest streets, it can now be a private haven for you and your guests. The entrance from Chestnut Street leads through a wrought iron gateway sculpted with whimsical animal life. Inside, you’re transported to a dreamlike garden defined by miniature fountains, blossoming flowers and cozy stone benches. This hidden gem is home to elegant cocktail parties, small receptions and intimate wedding ceremonies making indelible memories along the way. John F. Collins Park is owned by the Center City District Foundation and operated by Center City District.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Venue is completely outdoors
  • Full catering menu to choose from
  • Pets can join the celebration

Venue considerations

  • No on-premises lodging options
  • On-site parking not available
  • Not wheelchair accessible
Nestled amidst the bustling cityscape, this hidden gem boasts meticulously landscaped gardens and water feature that evoke a sense of tranquility and charm. The park's enchanting ambiance serves as a picturesque backdrop for exchanging vows, creating an unforgettable experience for couples and their guests. Its lush greenery, adorned with vibrant blooms, provides a serene oasis, making it a slice of heaven amid the urban landscape. Whether you envision an outdoor ceremony surrounded by nature's beauty or an intimate gathering in a charming setting, JF Collins Park offers the perfect blend of elegance and tranquility.
Kimpton Hotel Palomar , a year ago
Quick responder
Penn Museum 

5.0

Philadelphia, PA
  • Up to 325 guests
  • Select services
  • Indoor & outdoor
  • Starts at $3,000

Designed in the 1890s, our beautiful historic building located on the University of Pennsylvania’s campus is one of Philadelphia’s premier unique venues. Penn Museum is a 300,000 square-foot gem with exterior details including glass mosaics by the Tiffany Glass Company, sculptures by Alexander Stirling Calder, and marble medallions by John Ross of New York City. Stunning event space and priceless collections make the Penn Museum an unparalleled event experience! The Penn Museum is the only venue where you can dine and dance among the artifacts. The indoor event spaces are just as spectacular as the gardens and afford you so many options for your wedding day. The Museum hosts just one wedding at a time, so you have access to the entire Museum on your wedding day.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Caters to out-of-town guests
  • Accommodates more than 200 guests
  • Flexible event spaces

Venue considerations

  • Lighting and sound are not included
  • No free parking
  • Does not allow pets
Awarded Best of Zola
Our wedding day was something out of a dream, and my husband and I cannot stop talking about it over one month later. The Penn Museum was absolutely the highlight of our wedding. From the ceremony space (Sphinx gallery!), to our cocktail hour (Pepper Hall), dinner in the Chinese Rotunda, and dancing with the mummies… the whole thing was breathtaking from start to finish. It was everything I had imagined and I wish we could do it over and over again. Atiya was simply the best, and I know I will be reminiscing on this day for years to come.
Kelsey S., 2 years ago
Quick responder
Riverside Weddings at Gloria Dei 

5.0

Philadelphia, PA
  • Up to 170 guests
  • Raw space
  • Indoor
  • Starts at $1,600

Riverside Weddings at Gloria Dei has been home to Philadelphia weddings since 1700. We offer traditional Episcopal weddings, ceremonies with your own officiant, or self-uniting ceremonies . Riverside Weddings at Gloria Dei allows you the flexibility to create your ideal ceremony. All traditions welcome!

Why you'll love this venue

  • Multiple event spaces
  • Lush gardens
  • Creates a sense of togetherness

Venue considerations

  • No in-house lighting and sound packages available
  • No on-site guest accommodations
  • Couple must handle cleanup and setup
We had the privilege of photographing a wedding at Gloria Dei in June 2021. The grounds and chapel are meticulously kept! This location is perfect for those who would like to have a religious ceremony in the city of Philadelphia!
April & Bryan Photography, 3 years ago
Quick responder
Pentridge Station Pop-up 

5.0

Philadelphia, PA
  • Up to 400 guests
  • Select services
  • Outdoor
  • Starts at $4,500

Pentridge Station is a hidden gem in the heart of West Philly—an urban oasis where industrial charm meets lush garden vibes. With a spacious outdoor layout and eclectic energy, our venue can host up to 400 guests, making it perfect for everything from intimate gatherings to full-on block party celebrations. Expect string lights, bold murals, cozy lounge zones, and a one-of-a-kind atmosphere that feels anything but traditional. Whether you’re planning a laid-back picnic-style wedding, a food truck feast, or a dance-’til-midnight party, Pentridge Station gives you the space and freedom to do it your way. If you’re dreaming of a wedding that’s vibrant, creative, and totally you—welcome to the vibe.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Has an energetic and exciting atmosphere
  • Pets can join the celebration
  • Space for a large guest list

Venue considerations

  • No in-house lighting and sound packages available
  • No on-site bridal suite
  • On-site parking not available
My partner and I fell in love with Pentridge Station almost right away as customers — the friendly staff, the chill/homey vibe, and the welcoming atmosphere all helped us to feel a sense of community and belonging in a city that was new to us. When we finally decided to throw a wedding celebration after 2 years of being married (specifically a cook-out vibe, easy breezy celebration) it was a no brainer to reach out to Pentridge. That being said, it’s a pretty versatile space and can be dressed up or down depending on the kind of wedding you’re going for. We coordinated directly with the owners, Jocelyn and Ephream, who were both very thoughtful, sweet, and gracious throughout the entire process. Their flexible event rental options, list of recommended food vendors, and local DJs really helped to make us feel supported in our planning. Their bartending staff was attentive and wonderful. All of our guests - a mix of family from North Jersey, Maryland, and New York - were so impressed with the venue. For almost all of them it was their first time visiting us in West Philly, and having Pentridge Station be their introduction to the neighborhood and our life in Philadelphia felt incredibly special. We would highly recommend considering Pentridge if you’re looking to celebrate your love in a fun, community-driven space with TONS of heart and personality. You’d be hard pressed to find a better customer service experience anywhere else!
Chi & R., 18 days ago
Quick responder
The Morris Arboretum & Gardens 

5.0

Philadelphia, PA
  • Up to 175 guests
  • Select services
  • Outdoor
  • Starts at $2,700

Morris Arboretum & Gardens gives you private access to 92 breathtaking acres situated in the historic Chestnut Hill section of Philadelphia. You have a choice of five charming ceremony sites, a delightful open-air cocktail hour, and tented dinner + dancing under the glow of café string lights in the tent. Our picturesque gardens are exclusively yours when for the festivities from 6-11pm with a max capacity of 175 (some restrictions apply at the max guest count). You have 3 hours with a golf cart + driver to escort you throughout the lush grounds for wedding photographs. Morris Arboretum offers 5 caterers for you to choose from (this is contracted separately, not included in our rental fee). From elopements to micro ceremonies to large gatherings - we are here to help with effortless planning. We are an outdoor garden with seasonal availability from April through October, and would love to share in your wonderful day!

Why you'll love this venue

  • Offers full-service amenities
  • Venue is completely outdoors
  • Lush gardens

Venue considerations

  • Does not allow pets
  • Dance floor not included
  • No in-house lighting and sound packages available
Absolutely fell in love with the Morris Arboretum the first time we viewed it as a possible wedding venue in February. There were no beautiful f flowers bloomed and the trees had lost their leaves BUT it was still perfect and stunning. The day of our wedding as we drove up to the venue I started to cry bc it was so much more beautiful than I could have ever imagined. Not only is it perfect scenic view but the crew omg even better, they have your back, they make it look effortless, it’s just the perfect most magical place.
Melissa I., 2 years ago
Sister Cities Park 
Philadelphia, PA
  • Up to 2000 guests
  • All-inclusive
  • Outdoor
  • Starts at $30,000

Welcome to Sister Cities Park! At the midpoint on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, between City Hall and the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Sister Cities Park adds a picturesque swath of green to the heart of Philadelphia’s notable arts and cultural district. From here, panoramic views bring skyscrapers, historic cathedrals, and museums into harmony, while the Sister Cities fountain, a unique representation of the world with Philadelphia at its center, is close enough for adults to touch and children to run through. Sister Cities Park is available for proposals, wedding ceremonies, showers, brunches, cocktail hours, and seated receptions. A portion of the lawn, the fountain, or the entire park can be rented for your big event.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Accommodates more than 200 guests
  • Full catering menu to choose from
  • Lush gardens

Venue considerations

  • Does not have a dance floor
  • No on-site bridal suite
  • Large venue, not ideal for small guest lists
Independence Seaport Museum 
Philadelphia, PA
  • Up to 400 guests
  • Select services
  • Indoor & outdoor

Located on Penn’s Landing, the Independence Seaport Museum can answer all of your needs to make your event exceptional. We love opening our Museum galleries, historic ships, and facility at large to welcome your guests into an experience they will remember for years to come. From exuberant family celebrations to sophisticated cocktail hours, we can tailor our offerings to your rental. Our Museum boasts two floors of exhibits, a large ballroom and terrace, outdoor and indoor spaces with riverfront views, a 400-plus-seat theater, and National Historic Landmark ship Cruiser Olympia, all of which can be used for your event.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Provides event staff
  • Provides setup and cleanup
  • Dressing room available

Venue considerations

  • Venue feels large for events with small guest lists
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • No free parking
Open Aire Affairs - Historic Strawberry Mansion 
Philadelphia, PA
  • Up to 299 guests
  • Select services
  • Indoor & outdoor

We are a venue management company partnered with LaRue Events to bring you a curated event space with the best client experience! Our venues are Tyler Gardens in Newtown, PA: Ash Mill Farm Bed & Breakfast located in Holicong, PA; with Historic Strawberry Mansion & Ridgeland Mansion both located in Fairmount Park in Philadelphia. We have small intimate spaces for rehearsal dinners & quite elopements all the way up to a 300 person event space to host all your friends & family. All our venues are tented facilities equipped with lighting, customed made bars & flooring.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Pets can join the celebration
  • Flexible event spaces

Venue considerations

  • No on-premises lodging options
  • Couple must handle cleanup and setup
  • Dance floor not included
Open Aire Affairs - Ridgeland Mansion 
Philadelphia, PA
  • Up to 250 guests
  • Select services
  • Indoor & outdoor

We are a venue management company partnered with LaRue Events to bring you a curated event space with the best client experience! Our venues are Tyler Gardens in Newtown, PA: Ash Mill Farm Bed & Breakfast located in Holicong, PA; with Historic Strawberry Mansion & Ridgeland Mansion both located in Fairmount Park in Philadelphia. We have small intimate spaces for rehearsal dinners & quiet elopements all the way up to a 300 person event space to host all your friends & family. All our venues are tented facilities equipped with lighting, customed made bars & flooring.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Both indoor and outdoor options
  • Dressing room available
  • Has a dance floor to dance the night away

Venue considerations

  • No on-site guest accommodations
  • Not for you if you're looking for a sleek and contemporary space
  • Additional event staff required
Quick responder
PORTICO 
Philadelphia, PA
  • Up to 160 guests
  • All-inclusive
  • Indoor & outdoor
  • Starts at $10,000

Portico is a storybook wedding venue located in a 55 acre arboretum in the historic Germantown neighborhood of Northwest Philadelphia. This magical locale is perfect for romantic celebrations. Once the private enclave of an extended Quaker family, the Arboretum is a green oasis in a densely-populated urban environment with the Francis Cope House as its centerpiece. The gracious Quaker stone mansion has floor-to-ceiling windows and a magnificent wrap-around porch from which guests can survey the picturesque English landscape of specimen trees, woods and rolling meadows. Imagine meandering trails, wetlands, open fields and a peaceful pond! The venue's capacity is 160 with outdoor dining on a flagstone patio and white tent encircled by landscaped gardens.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Provides catering services
  • Provides setup and cleanup
  • Lush gardens

Venue considerations

  • No in-house lighting and sound packages available
  • No on-site guest accommodations

Location flexible? Discover venues near Philadelphia, PA

About wedding venues in Philadelphia, PA

Why Is Philadelphia the Perfect Wedding Destination for You?

Philadelphia's wedding scene gives you the best of both worlds - colonial charm alongside urban sophistication. You'll find venues housed in stunning 18th-century mansions and cleverly converted industrial spaces throughout the city. Each neighborhood offers its own distinct backdrop for your special day. Old City woos couples with romantic cobblestone streets while Center City venues showcase breathtaking skyline views from rooftop locations. Philadelphia spaces often come with built-in architectural elements like ornate ceiling medallions grand staircases and historic facades that actually reduce your decoration needs. Museum venues let you celebrate surrounded by priceless artworks and your wedding budget helps support cultural preservation efforts at the same time.

What Does a Philadelphia Wedding Actually Cost?

Philadelphia weddings range widely in cost with venue expenses typically making up about 15% of what you'll spend overall. For a 50-guest wedding you're looking at around $21,904 total while a 100-guest celebration jumps to $36,244. Bigger gatherings of 150 guests average $49,725 and 200-guest weddings come in around $61,773. Large celebrations with 250 guests typically cost $73,821 while 300-guest events reach about $85,869.

Number of GuestsTotal Wedding Budget
50 guests$21,904
100 guests$36,244
150 guests$49,725
200 guests$61,773
250 guests$73,821
300 guests$85,869

Venue costs in Philadelphia typically run between $6,700 and $8,200 which is actually competitive compared to the national range of $6,500-$12,000. October is hands-down the most requested month for Philadelphia weddings so expect premium pricing during this peak fall period.

Which Historic Venues Capture Philadelphia's Architectural Legacy?

The Arts Ballroom dazzles with sweeping staircases and vintage crystal chandeliers and can accommodate up to 250 of your guests. ONE North Broad showcases stunning Masonic Temple architecture with ceremonial rooms and intricate mosaic floors you won't find anywhere else. Le Meridien occupies the historic Georgian revival-style YMCA building where you'll appreciate the original brick facade and preserved architectural details throughout your celebration. These venues incorporate Philadelphia's industrial heritage too. You'll find exposed brick walls original timber beams and even preserved machinery elements that add authentic character to your wedding day.

Which Philadelphia Venues Excel at Accessibility?

Fleisher Art Memorial prioritizes inclusivity with wheelchair-accessible entrances lift systems to the main lobby ramps into gallery spaces and both accessible and gender-inclusive restrooms. Portico at Awbury Arboretum offers wheelchair-accessible ceremony spaces for up to 160 guests within gorgeous Victorian-style gardens plus a charming wrap-around porch. Bartram's Garden provides wheelchair-accessible main entrances with select paths featuring curb cuts. It can host up to 300 guests while treating everyone to spectacular skyline views. Accessibility matters and these venues get it right.

Where Can You Find Culinary Excellence at Philadelphia Wedding Venues?

The Four Seasons Philadelphia partners with James Beard Award-winning Chef Greg Vernick and Michelin Star Chef Jean Georges to create luxurious fine dining experiences your guests will talk about for years. Morimoto at The Horticulture Center gives you natural garden settings combined with Chef Masaharu Morimoto's culinary artistry - a perfect pairing. Osteria serves up seasonal Northern Italian cuisine by James Beard Award winner Chef Jeff Michaud that transforms traditional recipes into wedding-worthy dishes. Zahav provides romantic settings with Chef Mike Solomonov's celebrated cuisine bringing Mediterranean flavors to your celebration. The Arts Ballroom can be paired with renowned steakhouse dining through partnerships with establishments like Butcher & Singer for a classic Philadelphia experience.

How Can Zola Help With Your Philadelphia Wedding Planning?

Zola's Philadelphia vendor marketplace connects you directly with venues you can filter by accessibility features cultural accommodation capabilities and seasonal availability. Create a custom wedding website showcasing your chosen Philadelphia venue complete with neighborhood recommendations for out-of-town guests. Track your Philadelphia wedding budget across all categories knowing venue expenses typically represent 15% of your total costs. Zola's guest management tools help you coordinate accommodation blocks at nearby hotels which is essential for Center City Philadelphia venues with limited on-site lodging options. Wedding planning gets a whole lot easier.

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