Niki and Grant had a romantic, colorful wedding at The Woodlands in Philadelphia. They self-officiated—surrounded by their loved ones. The couple brought their enchanted garden inspiration to life with the incredible vendor team below. I’m honored to have been present and hope they love the photos as much as I enjoyed taking them.
Philadelphia wedding venue: The Woodlands
If you’re looking for a unique Philadelphia wedding venue, consider The Woodlands. The Philadelphia venue is on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. The Woodlands is located on the west bank of the Schuylkill River in Philadelphia.
The site offers the historic Hamilton mansion, a matching carriage house and stable, and a Victorian rural cemetery. Along with an arboretum of over 1,000 trees that span 53 acres. The grounds even contain the tallest gravestone in the United States and the tallest obelisk gravestone in the world. (For those who also had to Google “obelisk,” it’s a tall, four-sided monument that tapers to the point at the top.”)
The mansion can accommodate 60 people for a sit-down style event (like Niki and Grant’s). Or 125 guests for a cocktail-style party. Anything larger requires the use of their outdoor spaces. The venue can be utilized for ceremony only, reception only, or both. There are ample roads on-site for free parking for guests, which can be a rare find in Philadelphia.
Planning a wedding at The Woodlands
While The Woodlands offers a list of preferred businesses who are familiar with the grounds, marriers are welcome to work with any vendors. (Apart from tent rental, which is through Ocean Tents.)
The Woodlands has an event space virtual tour, if you’re like me and enjoy gathering as much data as possible while wedding planning. The historic venue also offers public events in the community, if you’re interested in checking out the grounds.
For folks who are interested in having a photo session at the Philadelphia wedding venue, a signed permit and fee are required (contact events@woodlandsphila.org for more information).
Values-aligned wedding planning
Oftentimes, the clients I work alongside are marginalized in some way(s). Marriers are oftentimes opting to break away from traditional norms to focus on what feels most organic to them. Micro-weddings and intimate weddings have grown more popular amongst many of the clients I collaborate with. Values like authenticity and personal connection tend to be prioritized over large-scale productions.
For engaged marriers looking to connect with mission-driven, Philly wedding venues and vendors that are aligned with their values, The Woodlands is an incredible option. The Woodlands is also a non-profit and open to the public for free from dawn to dusk.
Wedding venue accessibility
The Woodland’s pathways and avenues make up part of the National Recreation Trail program. The grounds have a looped road system, which span from a central paved circle. Due to the infrequent motor vehicle traffic, The Woodlands are often visited by bikers, runners, and walkers. Circling the perimeter of the space, there is an unpaved path that is a popular destination for University City dog-walkers and runners.
The grounds, first floor of the mansion, and restrooms are wheelchair accessible. The venue also has a portable ramp for the front steps, which can be used upon request if needed for your event.
For additional details regarding accessibility at The Woodlands, consider checking out my Guide to Accessibility in Philadelphia Wedding Venues. The guide includes expansive details around some of Philadelphia’s most popular unique wedding venues. Including information regarding:
- public transportation proximity
- ADA accessible parking
- seating options
- path surfaces
- wheelchair accessible access
- and gender-inclusive restrooms
The Woodlands is one of the rare Philadelphia wedding venues that has gender-inclusive restrooms and getting ready spaces. As a non-binary wedding photographer, that extra step means a lot and always makes me feel more welcome when working there.
Their Events & Communication Manager, Hann Daly (hannahdaly@woodlandsphila.org), is a delight of a human being who has over a decade of experience working with local and national nonprofits. If you have further questions about The Woodlands as a possible Philadelphia wedding venue, don’t hesitate to reach out.
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