June 12, 2018
Courtesy of Cecil Creek Farm /for PhillyVoice
Cecil Creek Farm offers local, organic and handmade selections of grass-fed, pasture raised meats and dairy, wild-caught seafood and the freshest, handmade selections from local artisans.
While no one is is going to raise an eyebrow at a catering hall or country club affair, there are plenty of venues in and around the Philadelphia area that make for just as memorable backdrops and photo ops for your wedding. From rehabbed high schools to fairytale farms, here are some fresh ideas on where to get hitched this season.
The upstairs at Barbuzzo in Midtown Village.
Over the past 15-plus years, partners Marcie Turney and Val Safran have graced 13th Street with a gorgeous line-up of restaurants and boutiques. Couples who have spent countless happy date nights at Bar Jamonera, Bud & Marilyn’s and Lolita might consider heading upstairs to Barbuzzo’s private event space to make it official. The homey room features a vintage piano, rustic furnishings and views of Midtown Village’s bustling main drag.
Invitees: Up to 100 for cocktail events, 60 for a sit-down meal
Budget: $45 to $125 per person with a seasonal minimum of $2,500
What’s on the menu: Chef Turney’s Mediterranean menu translates beautifully for reception fare and an open kitchen adds an extra element of entertainment.
Guest accommodations:
Located in the heart of Midtown Village, guests can book walking-distance
rooms at any number of hotels, including the Hyatt at the Bellevue on nearby Broad Street or the newly opened Cambria.
Cecil Creek Farm offers local, organic and handmade selections of grass-fed, pasture raised meats and dairy, wild-caught seafood and the freshest, handmade selections from local artisans.
Just over the bridge in scenic Mickleton, N.J., this idyllic converted agricultural center is home to a 42-acre farm and picture-perfect venue space. Tables are dressed with in-season flowers, meals are lovely and local and delicious drinks are provided by the 13th Street Cocktail folks.
Invitees: Minimum 12, maximum 200
Budget: $150 to $180 per person, including catering and bar
What’s on the menu: Hosting a wedding on a functioning, organic farm comes with plenty of benefits, including fresh produce plucked straight from the party grounds.
Guest accommodations:
This bucolic setting is located only 15 minutes from Philadelphia International Airport, meaning that hotel rooms are plentiful. A nearby Kampgrounds of
America provides wooded areas for guests to rough it or go luxe with
glamping accommodations.
Yards has been brewing in Philadelphia since 1994.
Last year, Yards expanded its footprint to an airy, 70,000 sq. ft. space on Spring Garden Street. This new brewery, bar and event space is welcoming wedding parties of all sizes to toast with pints of Summer Love and pale ale, not to mention Pennsylvania-made sparkling wine and beer friendly fare, courtesy of Chef Jim Burke.
Invitees: With three unique spaces, the brewery can be booked for a full buyout for 300 guests. An upstairs area accommodates 150 to 200, and the Garage comfortably seats 40.
Budget: $55 to $95 per person including catering and Yards beers and Pennsylvania wines.
What’s on the menu: Yards’ chefs have options for everything from pubby passed hors d’oeuvres to pig roasts and backyard barbecues.
Guest accommodations:
The brewery’s new location is a five-minute cab ride away from Old City
hotels, including the Monaco and Sheraton Society Hill.
The reception room at Terrain Gardens.
Anyone who has had the pleasure of attending an event at Terrain at Styers in Glen Mills knows that this URBN-owned home decor and garden center knows how to set the scene for some truly memorable weddings. This fall, they’re opening up a new event space on the Main Line in Devon that will house a reception room, ceremony area and garden porch. Having seen what the talented design and culinary team at Styers can do, this new venue is sure to be home to some of the most stylish weddings in the region.
Invitees: Minimum 100, maximum 150
Budget: $175 to $200 per person including catering and bar
What’s on the menu: Chefs work with local purveyors to create seasonal, locally sourced menus and signature cocktails.
Guest accommodations:
Two boutique properties, the Wayne Hotel and The Radnor Hotel are just a
short drive (or Uber) away from Devon Yards.
Material Culture wants you to host your next big event in their space.
An unassuming former radio factory does double duty as one of the area’s most eclectic destinations for home furnishings, art and antiques as well as a unique venue for a reception. Walls here are lined with Balinese wood carvings, ceilings are hung with colored glass lanterns and couples dance on hand-woven Persian carpets.
Invitees: Minimum 100, maximum 250
Budget: $160 to $170 per person including cater and bartending staff. Material Culture is a BYO venue.
What’s on the menu: Chef Aliza Green creates exciting menus sourced from a lifetime of travel.
Guest accommodations:
A five-minute commute to the Main Line offers guests access to Marriott and
Hilton properties.
A wedding ceremony taking place on the rooftop of the Bok Building at 9th and Mifflin streets in South Philly.
The eighth floor of the Bok Building is home to some of the best sunset views in the city and can be reserved for both ceremonies and receptions. Those who went to high school in Philadelphia during a certain era will enjoy some major nostalgic moments in this converted technical school with Instagram-mable opportunities in every corner.
Invitees: Minimum 50, maximum 300
Budget: Prices range from $4,000 to $9,500, depending on space and wedding size
What’s on the menu: Although Bok doesn’t offering in-house catering, they’re more than happy to welcome outside contractors.
Guest accommodations: This South Philly location is an easy Uber to any number of Center City hotel options.
