February 24, 2022 — In the spirit of National Wedding Planning Day (Tuesday, March 1) and Wedding Season right around the corner, we’ve gathered a bevy of superior venues, top notch wedding packages, bridal couture, and even custom boozy beverages to make the planning process smooth and enjoyable for the newly engaged.
Check out all of the top tier offerings from locales in Philadelphia and beyond, including Royal Boucherie, Seaview Hotel & Golf Club, REX at The Royal, Art in the Age, Hyatt Centric Center City Philadelphia, and much more.
. . . . . . . .
PICTURE PERFECT WEDDING VENUES IN THE PHILADELPHIA AREA:
Hyatt Centric Center City Philadelphia, the newly-launched upscale lifestyle hotel nestled in bustling Rittenhouse Square, offers more than 5,300 square feet of event space with vibrant and versatile venues fit for wedding ceremonies, receptions, and so on, including the Alexander Ballroom. Named after Sadie Mossell Alexander, the first woman to earn a law degree from the University of Pennsylvania and the first Black woman to practice law in Pennsylvania, the grand ballroom is an ideal space featuring natural light, built-in projection screens, and elegant designs. Expert in-house event and wedding planners are available to assist in reserving one of the seven customizable event spaces, and the top-tier catering services are provided courtesy of Executive Chef Jonathan Dearden of corresponding bar and restaurant, Patchwork.
When couples soon to wed book one of the brand-new venues at Hyatt Centric Center City Philadelphia, they will receive a complimentary suite on the wedding night and bonus points to use on the honeymoon following. Special rates are available for wedding room blocks reserved for friends and family as well. Additionally, Patchwork, a lively restaurant and bar focused on New American cuisine, located on the second floor of Hyatt Centric Center City, is an option for those looking to hold a cocktail reception post-ceremony, and prior to dinner and dancing in the ballroom. Patchwork’s restaurant, bar, and lounge can accommodate 120 guests for a cocktail reception.
For more information about Hyatt Centric Center City Philadelphia and to inquirer about availability, click here.
1620 Chancellor Street, Philadelphia, PA | 215.985.1234 | Hyatt Centric Center City Philadelphia
. . . . . .
Seaview Hotel & Golf Club, the New Jersey Shore’s quintessential resort, located only a 50-minute drive from Center City, Philadelphia, is an ideal venue for couples looking to host celebrations of love this wedding season and beyond on the hotel’s sprawling and historic grounds, from small and intimate to large and extravagant.
Couples tying the knot can host ceremonies and receptions at two of Seaview’s beautiful outdoor venues including the Bayview Terrace, lined with lush landscaping, gazebo, fountain and soft lighting and the Centennial Pavilion, boasting vine-draped pergola and views of the wooded Pines golf course, in addition to indoor wedding ceremonies held in one of their multiple ballrooms. For smaller-scale wedding ceremonies, the Oval Room is a captivating setting featuring an elevated patio with al fresco seating and fire pits overlooking Reeds Bay.
Sought-after wedding packages include the Trade Winds Package featuring a lavish cocktail reception followed by an elegantly prepared dinner, a five-hour open bar, and dessert station, and the Coral Wedding boasting a dreamy cocktail reception, beautifully-plated two-course dinner, and a deluxe coffee bar and Champagne toast in addition to a four-hour open bar.
For additional information on Seaview Hotel & Golf Club’s wedding-related offerings, click here.
401 S New York Rd., Galloway, NJ | 609.652.1800 | www.seaviewdolcehotel.com/
. . . . .
Royal Boucherie, Old City’s atmospheric and lively neighborhood restaurant and bar, is Philadelphia’s award-winning, hidden gem of a venue for couples looking to host a smaller scale, micro-wedding rife with a verdant rooftop garden fit for a dreamy ceremony, second-floor dining space utilized for the reception, curated French-forward food and beverage packages, and so on.
Helmed by Executive Chef Matt Buehler, Royal Boucherie offers an expertly-curated menu featuring seasonal, locally sourced ingredients for brunch, dinner, and a bevy of hors d’oeuvres. Options included in the dinner package are a five-course Chef’s Tasting, a multi-course plated dinner, and a family-style option. Beverage packages include open bar, custom cocktails, Champagne, Prosecco or Cava to toast, and more for imbibers to enjoy during the soirée.
Vintage art, antiques, and rustic yet elevated décor adorn the walls throughout the space, in addition to the partners’ personalized floral arrangements, centerpieces, tablecloths, and romantic touches they bring to the venue.
To inquire about hosting an upcoming wedding ceremony and reception, click here.
52 S. 2nd Street | 267.606.6313 | www.royalboucherie.com/
. . . . .
REX at The Royal, Philly’s sexiest new restaurant and destination for elevate Southern and Lowcountry cuisine, is the newest dreamy destination for an upscale, swanky smaller-scale wedding ceremony and reception, featuring a private dining room and mezzanine lounge fit for hosting private events. The intimate private dining room serves a capacity of 40 guests, while the mezzanine lounge holds a slightly larger capacity capped at 60 guests. In addition, couples interested in a more casual cocktail reception can enjoy free range to roam throughout both rooms, accommodating a total of 100 individuals.
The recently rejuvenated 7,000 sq. ft. venue includes a sprawling dining room, massive turquoise top bar in addition to the upper mezzanine, and a sweeping bar — making an ideal backdrop for any wedding-related occasion. Guests can enjoy an expertly curated bar program, and a bevy of traditional Lowcountry Southeast Atlantic cuisine courtesy of Executive Chef Aaron Paik.
For those interested in hosting a private event at REX at The Royal, click here.
1524 South St | 267.319.1366 | www.rexphl.com
. . . . .
New Hope, PA is a sought-after destination for weddings with Stella of New Hope, Bucks County’s modern American restaurant overlooking the Delaware River, offering an expanded indoor and outdoor space for cocktail hour and reception with breathtaking riverfront views. Larger scale ceremonies may be held in the elegant Ballroom, decorated in a neutral color scheme and encased in sweeping windows designed to give the space an airy, vast feel. If al fresco weddings are desired, Stella of New Hope offers a Promenade, with partially stoned ground, lush landscapes, and vibrant flowers, that leads to the Patio – ideal for hosting cocktail hour outdoors.
To tie in the accommodations, Ghost Light Inn, located in the same building as Stella, boasts 12 rooms typically set aside for wedding guests and bridal party. Each room offers a unique view of the quaint town, and Delaware River. Additionally, just a short trek down the road is Carriage House of New Hope, a historic three-room bed and breakfast style inn, which is ideal for hosting more guests nearby.
Stella of New Hope, Ghost Light Inn | 50 S Main Street, New Hope, PA | https://www.stellanewhope.com/ | https://ghostlightinn.com/
Carriage House of New Hope | 8 E Mechanic Street, New Hope, PA | www.carriagehouseofnewhope.com/
. . . . .
Forsythia, Old City’s contemporary French bar and restaurant helmed by Chef Christopher Kearse, is a noted location for micro-weddings in the Philadelphia area, with experience hosting a number of smaller-scale ceremonies and receptions in its two years of winning fans and wowing patrons.
The modern, French-influenced décor is a stunning backdrop for any wedding, complete with a sweeping bar and a spacious dining room to accommodate dancing and mingling. Chef Christopher Kearse and team are dedicated to preparing a curated food and beverage menu tailored to the wedding couple’s preferences and desires.
Soon-to-be newlyweds interested in reserving Forsythia for a private event such as a wedding may do so by emailing hello@forsythia.com or by calling the restaurant during opening hours of Wednesday through Sunday from 4 – 10pm.
233 Chestnut Street | 215.644.9395 | www.forsythiaphilly.com/
. . . . .
Jet Wine Bar, Philadelphia’s ‘global vineyard’, offers couples and wedding-goers a verdant, flourishing outdoor oasis fit for a micro-wedding ceremony, reception, and cocktail hour at Jet Wine Garden, adjacent to the bottle shop. Post-ceremony, couples can use the al fresco venue as a cocktail garden or reception to continue the festivities. Folks can dance, mingle and sip underneath the soft twinkling lights strung throughout the garden, as well as sip on Jet Wine Bar’s impressive selection of hard-to-find wines.
Additionally, Jet Wine Bar boasts a three-course Garden Dinner and an open bar package that covers the first two hours of the event with beverage offerings such as local brews and rare wines.
1525 South St. | 215.735.1116 | https://jetwinebar.com/
. . . . .
The Twisted Tail, the Southern-inspired restaurant, bar and live music venue on Headhouse Square, is the perfect venue for partners who love music and want to treat their guests to a unique experience rife with stellar food, service, and libations – all served with an upscale juke joint vibe.
The restaurant has three different, expansive rooms to choose from, all with varied capacity for small, intimate weddings or larger scales ones. Guests and the wedding party may snack on seasonally-crafted hors d’oeuvres and sip celebratory cocktails while mingling during cocktail hour before a sit-down dinner.
Ceremonies held under the historic Shambles on Headhouse Square are often followed with a Champagne reception, followed by an evening of fun with fresh, flavorful food and live music at The Twisted Tail. In addition, The Twisted Tail offers all-inclusive catering and venue packages for weddings as well. Click here for more information.
509 S. 2nd Street | 215.558.2471 | http://thetwistedtail.com/
SIGNATURE BEVERAGES AS UNIQUE AS ONE’S LOVE STORY:
Art in the Age, Old City’s one-of-a-kind tasting room, home bar supply and bottle shop, gives imbibers the opportunity to ramp up their special day with a personalized craft cocktail menu courtesy of the expert in-house mixologists.
The simple and easy process entails a private meeting between the couple and mixologist, individual guided tastings of spirits from Art in the Age and sister distillery Tamworth Distilling, a customized recipe created with tastes and event needs in mind, a hands-on private tutorial on how to whip up the cocktail from scratch, and a to-go package including the recipe, spirits, mixers, and garnishes – all in appropriate quantities for guests, with detailed instructions.
To inquire further about booking a custom cocktail consultation, click here.
116 N 3rd Street | 215.922.2600 | http://artintheage.com/
. . . . .
My Local Brew Works, Frankford’s nano-brewery specializing in contract, special events, and direct-to-public brewing, is saying cheers to wedding season by offering beer lovers a chance to brew a special batch of beer on their big day. Founders Wayne Humphrey and Tim Montague welcome couples into the nano-brewery at the Globe Dye Works building for a day-long brewing session focused on crafting a completely customized beer for the soon-to-wed pair.
Depending on preference, styles can range from Oatmeal Stouts to Amber Ales to Hazy IPAs and everything in-between. The couple has input in the hops, malt, yeast, and all of the above when it comes down to custom brewing for their event. In addition to the fun-filled brew fest, light bites from local restaurants will be provided courtesy of My Local Brew Works, and guests will go on a guided tour of the facility.
For more information on custom brewing, e-mails should be sent to beer@mylocalbrewworks.com.
4500 Worth St. | www.mylocalbrewworks.com
ONE-STOP-SHOP FOR ALL THINGS WEDDING:
East Passyunk Avenue Business Improvement District (EPABID), home to more than 160 independently owned businesses in South Philadelphia, is the ultimate one-stop-shop for brides and grooms-to-be headed into wedding season with various wedding-centric retailers and services offering floral arrangements, dance classes, hand-crafted wedding rings, and bridal attire all within blocks of each other, making for easy and efficient wedding planning.
Local retailers and services including Sermania Jewelry, Carolyn Zinni Bridal Salon, Creations By Coppola, Society Hill Dance Academy, The Utopia Collective, and Beautiful Brides Philly offer newlyweds a bevy of wedding decor, attire, professional expertise and much more to be explored while planning an upcoming wedding.
1904 E Passyunk Ave | http://www.visiteastpassyunk.com/
PHILADELPHIA’S NEWEST BRIDAL COUTURE:
Atelier Bianca Sposa, the debut bridal collection from acclaimed custom designer Bianca De Pietro, excels at embodying the uniqueness of each and every bride with an endless selection of customizable couture for both the modern and classic bride. Sposa’s removable skits, detachable sleeves, cascading capes, and femme figure-hugging silhouettes create a one-of-a-kind gown and offer brides a sense of originality when choosing the dress for their big day.
For those inspired by the Sposa collection, De Pietro also offers a selection of foundation tops and skirts, as well as a variety of necklines, backlines, silhouettes, colors, fabrics, and detailing as a way for one to build their custom gown.
Launching on March 15, De Pietro is debuting a pop-up showroom located at 234 Arch Street in Old City, Philadelphia, showcasing gowns from the Sposa collection, made-to-order pieces from the line, plus customizable accessories such as bridal belts, veils, jewelry, and more. The Atelier Bianca Sposa collection can be shopped by appointment by clicking here, and at the showroom this Spring.
-Nicole Schofield