FAQs

Question

Where is the wedding ceremony and reception taking place?

Answer

Fairmount Water Works by Cescaphe 640 Water Works Drive, Philadelphia, PA 19130 Water Works is a National Historic Landmark and one of Philadelphia’s most iconic destinations. It has breathtaking views of Boat House Row and the Center City skyline from its waterfront location at the foot of the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

Question

When do I need to RSVP by?

Answer

Please RSVP no later than March 14, 2025. The earlier the better! You can RSVP using the RSVP tab on our website.

Question

Have you reserved blocks of rooms at a hotel?

Answer

​Yes, at the Kimpton Hotel Palomar Philadelphia. You can book a room under our hotel block by clicking the link located on the the "Travel" tab on this website. Should you prefer to make arrangements over the phone, you may do so by dialing 1-800-KIMPTON and referencing the Hays-Smith block with the following group code: SSO. Reservations made after 03/16/2025 will be offered regular rates.

Question

Is there parking at the venue?

Answer

Yes, there will be complimentary valet parking available at the venue. For those staying at the Kimpton Hotel Palomar Philadelphia, there will be a trolley that takes guest from the hotel to the venue starting around 4:30 PM and back to the hotel starting at 11:00 PM.

Question

What is the dress code? Are there any colors or styles you'd prefer me to wear?

Answer

Our dress code is black-tie optional. Men can wear a tuxedo or dark suit and tie, while women could opt for a formal evening gown, cocktail dress, or dressy separates. If you would prefer to not match the bridesmaids, avoid dusty blue.

Question

Does the event take place inside or outside?

Answer

Whether it is rain or shine, the various locations of our venue (Grand Pavilion, Engine House, and Mill House Deck) are covered. However, the Grand Pavilion and Mill House Deck do have side exposure to the outdoors. There will be heating in these locations if temperatures drop the day of the wedding.

Question

When should I arrive to the ceremony?

Answer

Doors open at 5:00 PM and the ceremony starts promptly at 5:30 PM. We encourage you to give yourself enough time in between this time frame to settle in (and grab a glass of champagne if you’d like).

Question

Are we allowed to take photos at your wedding?

Answer

We ask that during the wedding ceremony you put your devices away to allow our professional wedding photographers to get the best possible shots without the interference of other flashes or mobile screens. However, after the ceremony we encourage you take as many photos as you like!

Question

When does cocktail start? Is there an open bar?

Answer

We will be having a cocktail hour-and-half from 6:00-7:30 PM. There will be an open bar!

Question

When do we submit our dinner entrée selection?

Answer

Guests will choose from the selected menu the night of the wedding. Servers will greet you at your table and discuss the menu with you, while also asking for any dietary restrictions/allergies.

Question

Where should we bring/send our wedding gift?

Answer

Your presence at our wedding is the greatest gift we could ask for! If you would like to honor us, a card box in the shape of a birdcage will be on a table below the seating table display inside the Engine House. You can find it beside our phone-shaped audio guest book that we hope you will leave a recorded message on! We encourage you not to bring wrapped gifts to the wedding as it is not convenient for us to pack them up after the reception. It would be best to bring these types of gifts to the bridal shower. Check out the registry on our website if you’re looking for ideas!

Question

When does the reception end? Is there an after party?

Answer

Our wedding reception ends at midnight. For those interested, the wedding party may plan to go to a bar following the reception.

Question

Is the ceremony and venue spaces wheelchair accessible?

Answer

Yes!