The rich history and fascinating exhibits make it easy to spend hours completely getting lost in any museum. While museums are at the top of vacation itineraries, they’re sometimes forgotten about in the wedding planning process. I’m not sure why though. For me, a beautiful art museum is the perfect backdrop for an elegant yet unique wedding. Since Philadelphia is so steeped in history, our museums make the best wedding venues. Listen below are some museum wedding venues in Philadelphia that are guaranteed to set your wedding apart.
Museum Wedding Venues in Philadelphia for Unique Wedding Days
Pafa
The Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts (or PAFA, for short) was America’s first museum and art school. Since its founding in 1805, it has focused on creating an expansive and ever-evolving collection of American art. PAFA has three different locations where you can host the wedding of your dreams.
The Historic Landmark building is an early example of Victorian Gothic architecture. It includes classic design features that will enhance your wedding. The building’s grand staircase is perfect for exchanging vows and taking wedding portraits. The Samuel M.V. Hamilton building is modern, with three galleries that lead to an open staircase. The crisp white walls make it the perfect backdrop for any wedding style. Lastly, for those who prefer an outdoor wedding, the Lenfest Plaza can serve as a little haven in the middle of the city.
When you choose PAFA for your wedding, a customizable catering menu from 12th Street Catering and bar service are part of your package. The staff strives to make the space perfect for your wedding. They’ll assist with coordinating and planning your day. At PAFA, you’ll have room for up to 275 guests. With so many options, your museum wedding in Philadelphia will go down in history.
Philadelphia Museum Of Art
The Philadelphia Museum of Art was constructed for the Centennial Exhibition of 1876 and quickly became one of the finest art museums in the country. This museum wedding venue in Philadelphia has a fascinating selection of culturally significant works and artifacts from across the globe. When you host your wedding at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, you will have your choice of location across the two buildings. That allows you to find the right space for your ceremony.
Whether you want an outdoor wedding with optimal views of the “Rocky Steps” or a warm, intimate location with plenty of room for dancing, you’ll have options. You can exchange vows amongst priceless works of art and have your portraits taken amidst beloved landmarks.
With all of its spaces, you can host a wedding of any size. Most rooms will hold up to 150 guests for the seated reception, but the outdoor East Terrace can offer a dinner space for up to 1,000 guests. Catering here is provided by Constellation Culinary Group, where artistic masterpieces inspire the menu. With so many impeccable details, your wedding day will be memorable for everyone.
The Rodin
The Rodin Museum, built in 1930, is a part of the Philadelphia Museum of Art but rests on its piece of land nearby. This museum wedding venue in Philadelphia boasts the most extensive collection of Rodin sculptures outside of Rodin’s home country of France. The doors are a magnificent cast of Rodin’s design, The Gates of Hell, and while the name might seem ominous, the building just beyond them is anything but.
The stone building has a towering ceiling with a skylight that illuminates some of Rodin’s best works. You can rent out the inside of the building and celebrate amidst the sculptures. Your wedding style will only enhance the open floor plans and elegant decor. Outdoor ceremonies will take place in the Dorrance H. Hamilton Garden, where the reflection pool and lush green land in front of the Beaux Arts-style building provide a hopelessly romantic feel.
Like the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Rodin Museum features catering from Constellation Culinary. The artisan meals and specialty drinks are guaranteed crowd-pleasers.
The Rodin Museum is the ideal space for more intimate weddings. The indoor gallery and the outdoor gardens have a capacity for a 125-guest reception with a 60-person dinner. If you’re looking for a venue with an old-world feel, combined with the exquisite art, this is the place for a truly unforgettable wedding.
The Barnes Foundation
The Barnes Foundation is a center devoted to the education and appreciation of fine arts across Philadelphia. This unique building, with cubist designs, features works from revered impressionist and modernist artists.
The Barnes Foundation has several spaces you can rent for your wedding and reception. The Walter and Leonore Annenberg Court and Terrace are the most commonly used areas. This space has a capacity for up to 275 guests. The court opens into a grassy terrace allowing plenty of room for drinks and dancing. While the space has all the perks of an outdoor wedding, it’s still covered, ensuring your special day doesn’t get rained out. The Garden Pavillion features floor-to-ceiling windows and provides an airy space for smaller gatherings of up to 60 guests. The Lower Lobby Suite has midcentury vibes and large windows showing the lush gardens. The Garden Restaurant is the perfect space for a cocktail reception.
In 2021, the Barnes Foundation partnered with the Rodin Museum to allow combined usage of the facilities. You can throw your wedding in Rodin and celebrate at the Barnes (or vice versa). It’s a beautiful way to combine the charm of one building with the capacity of another. The Constellation Culinary menu will create a custom menu that will please your guests. Whether you combine venues or stick with just the Barnes Foundation, your day will be unlike any other.
Museum Wedding Venues in Philadelphia
Regardless of your wedding size, any of these museum wedding venues in Philadelphia help you throw the wedding of your dreams. With so many stunning pieces and unique spaces, your guests will remember your day for years.
Are you still trying to find the perfect wedding photographer? I’m an award-winning photographer from Philadelphia who loves providing couples with breathtaking editorial photos of their special day. Contact me here and let’s work together to get you wedding photographs that you’ll treasure for the rest of your life.
For more Philadelphia wedding content, check out the links below:
Wedding, Portrait and Boudoir Photographer serving Philadelphia, Los Angeles, and Worldwide
pronounced kiss - en - ya
Currently based out of both Philadelphia and Los Angeles, Kseniya's work brings her all over the globe to document beautiful memories for stylish couples who want to make a statement.
Recently named one of the top 100 Wedding and Boudoir Photographers in the world, Kseniya puts her artistic and vogue-style aesthetic into every image.
© Copyright 2024 Kseniya Berson Photography | Brand and Website Design by With Grace & Gold
