In light of everything happening in the last two years, people are rethinking how weddings are done. My favorite trend? The rise of micro weddings! These smaller events allow couples to focus on authentic connections with the people who matter most to them. If you’re planning a Philadelphia micro wedding, this list of venues is a great place to get started envisioning your not-too-big day.
9 Philadelphia Micro Wedding Venues
Ranging from historic homes to modern studio spaces, these venues are perfect for micro weddings.
1. Vaux Studio
Vaux Studio is in the heart of Philadelphia. It has elegant Old City charm with a hint of whimsy. The space is cozy but bright. Florals easily steal the show in the ceremony room. One of the most captivating features is the black and white staircase leading to checkered tile. This Philadelphia micro wedding venue is suited to couples who want their event to be elevated with a touch of the unexpected.
2. Osteria Greenhouse
For couples looking to treat guests to a memorable meal, Osteria is ideal. The Greenhouse is a glass-encased patio filled with vining plants. With florals and candles on the tables, the venue manages to allude to an Italian garden aesthetic while still feeling modern.
3. Promise Ridge
If you’re looking for a micro wedding venue with mountain views, check out Promise Ridge. The outdoor ceremony space features a living wall covered in coladium and ferns, and it overlooks the rolling Pocono Mountains. There’s something timeless about dancing under the stars. Even though it has a dramatic view, it’s an intimate venue just right for a micro wedding.
4. Maas Building
The Maas Building is a Philadelphia micro wedding venue with vintage appeal. Ceremonies take place in the courtyard in front of the towering blue doors with their squares of stained glass. This venue can handle florals and decor in bold colors, but a more minimalist approach would work just as well. The former brewery is spacious inside in case your guests need room to dance!
5. Morris House Hotel
Although the Morris House Hotel is more traditional than other Philadelphia micro wedding venues on this list, it’s quite beautiful. Antique furniture, ornate carpets, and rich finishes fill the rooms. It definitely has a luxurious feeling to it. Best of all, your guests can rent rooms there! This gives a micro wedding a less hurried atmosphere than big weddings.
6. Wm. Mulherin’s Sons
The current owners converted this former distillery on Front Street to a boutique hotel and Italian restaurant. When restoring the building, the owners took care to honor its beautiful features, including big arched windows. The venue is intimate with dark wood and warm brick walls.
7. Welkinweir
Welkinweir is the largest venue that I’ve featured here. The property includes a historic estate house and a 55-acre arboretum. Having a Philadelphia micro wedding here provides plenty of opportunities to explore beautiful local plants around the large pond.
Even though it might seem counterintuitive to have a micro wedding at such a spacious location, it has a lot of benefits. Couples also can enjoy impromptu moments with guests and each other. Those in-between moments make for the most meaningful photographs.
8. Irwin’s Upstairs
Another Italian restaurant, Irwin’s Upstairs is located in the BOK Building. It’s a historic fixture of this South Philadelphia neighborhood. Arts programs, restaurants, and furniture makers fill the BOK Building. The eclectic vibe carries into the energy at Irwin’s Upstairs. The menu and decor, however, are fully Sicilian in origin. The terrace overlooks the Philadelphia skyline for a breathtaking view.
9. Location 215
Unlike the specific ambiance of the BOK Building, Location 215 gives couples a blank slate. The open space has natural light and white walls. These features make it feel like an art gallery. It’s a good venue for a Philadelphia micro wedding with a modern minimalist aesthetic. Florals and tablescapes set the tone for seated dinner receptions.
Do you want to see another Philadelphia micro wedding? Check out this micro wedding featuring Cambodian traditions at Philadelphia Brewing Co.!
These weddings were shot for the following photographers:
Vaux Studio shot for Jess Flynn
Promise Ridge shot for Sarah Brookhart
Morris House Hotel and Welkenwier shot for Afrik Armando
Location 215 shot for Kelly Giarrocco
