2015 brought with it some definitive trends related to the wedding world as we know it. This past year was a busy one, and we found that our bands had performed at some unique venues, at which we never performed before. It is exciting that the luxury wedding business continues to grow, offering our clients more and more choice. At the same time, we understand just how overwhelming it can be, as we are often asked for advice on unique wedding venues in the Philadelphia area, as well as the outlying rural areas. We have seen quite a bit over the last year, and thought we would share this here.
Rustic Country
Perhaps the most obvious trend is toward rustic venues, both within the city and the much less urban country setting. Here are some unique, rustic venues at which our bands have performed, and that we found delivered excellent service, and provided a great experience for our clients in the outlying areas:
Brandywine Manor House, Honeybrook, PA (Chester County)
Inn at Leola Village, Leola, PA (Chester County)
The Cork Factory, Lancaster, PA (Lancaster County)
The Farm at Eagles Ridge, Lancaster, PA (Lancaster County)
The Drumore Estate, Pequea, PA (Lancaster County)
Excelsior Hall, Lancaster, PA (Lancaster County)
Hotel du Village, New Hope (Bucks County)
Holly Hedge Estate, New Hope (Bucks County)
Rustic Mansion in National Park
Closer to the City, BVTLive!’s Jellyroll had the honor of performing at opening of what I think is simply an impeccable, most interesting, rustic venue, located in Valley Forge National Park with catering by Robert Ryan Catering. The Philander Chase Knox House is more than just a rustic mansion, as there is an amazing permanent tent that resembles a beautiful open air Ballroom with incredible views:
The Philander Chase Knox House
Philadelphia Historic
Within the city of Philadelphia, the Cescaphe Event Group has taken over the historic Water Works, nestled in Fairmount Park, next to The Art Museum, overlooking the river and Boathouse Row. This is perhaps the most exciting, historic, and unique venue in Philadelphia:
Urban and Suburban Industrial & Rustic Chic
Here are some industrial chic and rustic venues, that we would recommend within the city of Philadelphia, as well as the suburbs:
Front and Palmer (Philadelphia)
The Crane Arts Building (Philadelphia)
Franklin Commons (Phoenixville, PA )
The Foundry (Phoenixville, PA)
The Suburban Buzz
As for the future, I can’t think of a venue that has been this highly anticipated, in years. Perhaps it is because the caterer and new owner is Finley Catering , known for the center city properties, who also own the Ballroom at the Ben (which, by the way, is undergoing extensive renovation in early 2016), Union Trust, and the Crystal Tea Room. The Ellis Preserve is a historic property, located in Newtown Square, that is being totally renovated. This venue will offer the rustic old style mansion feel, with the amazing food and service that Finley Catering is known for:
The Ballroom at Ellis Preserve (Newtown Square, PA)