Located right in the heart of the City of Brotherly Love, this luxurious venue offers a stunning and unforgettable setting for your wedding day. When you choose to celebrate a Ritz-Carlton Philadelphia wedding, you’re not just selecting a venue – you’re stepping into a world of elegance and luxury crafted to create unforgettable experiences. The Ritz-Carlton Philadelphia offers a variety of locations to accommodate every aspect of your big day, from getting ready to the ceremony and reception.
About the Ritz Carlton Philadelphia
The transition from a banking institution to a luxury hotel began in the late 1990s, when the Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company converted this historic structure. The meticulous transformation ensured that the building’s architectural integrity and historic elements were preserved while incorporating the modern luxury and sophistication that the Ritz-Carlton brand is known for worldwide. The hotel officially opened in 2000, offering guests an unparalleled experience that blends historical elegance with contemporary comfort.
Throughout its history, The Ritz-Carlton, Philadelphia, has been celebrated for its grandiose marble hall. Once the main banking room, it now functions as the hotel lobby, offering a striking first impression to guests. The preservation of this and other architectural elements pays homage to the building’s rich past while providing a unique ambiance that sets the hotel apart in the luxury market.
Today, The Ritz-Carlton, Philadelphia, symbolizes luxury and elegance, offering world-class accommodations, dining, and amenities. It caters to upscale clientele, including those planning and hosting weddings, galas, and other significant events, seeking a venue that combines historical significance with modern luxury. For luxury wedding photographers and clients, the hotel’s majestic architecture and sophisticated interiors provide a perfect backdrop for capturing memorable moments.
Getting married at the Ritz Carlton Philadelphia
- Getting Ready: As you and your wedding party prepare, you can access the hotel’s stunning suites. These beautiful spaces provide a cozy setting for hair and makeup. They’re great spaces to hang out, relax, and get ready.
- Ceremonies: The Ritz-Carlton Philadelphia offers an array of unique ceremony spaces. For a grand ceremony, look no further than the iconic Grand Ballroom. With its 60-foot ceilings, marble columns, and sparkling chandeliers, the Grand Ballroom is a serene, gorgeous space. For a more intimate and romantic setting, consider the Petite Ballroom, which features floor-to-ceiling windows and an outdoor terrace with stunning city skyline views.
- Receptions: Your wedding reception at the Ritz-Carlton Philadelphia will be spectacular, thanks to the hotel’s talented culinary team, led by Executive Chef Ben Davis. From the cocktail hour to the multi-course dinner, you and your guests will enjoy a gastronomic experience. Choose from various customizable menus featuring fresh, seasonal ingredients and innovative dishes inspired by Philadelphia’s vibrant flavors and the world beyond.
Ritz Philly wedding photo locations
The Ritz-Carlton Philadelphia also offers stunning locations for wedding photography. Here are four of our favorite spots at the hotel:
- Grand Ballroom: The majestic Grand Ballroom offers a spectacular backdrop for wedding portraits, with its soaring ceilings, marble columns, and glittering chandeliers. It’s a great photo spot whether you’d like to go in there before your reception or earlier in the day. I also adore the marble staircase that leads down toward the Ballroom. It’s a beautiful first look spot and a great photo location.
- Petite Ballroom Terrace: For a more intimate and romantic setting, the Petite Ballroom Terrace provides stunning city skyline views – suitable for sunset or nighttime photos.
- The Rotunda: The hotel’s iconic Rotunda, with its grand marble staircase and opulent dome, offers a truly breathtaking setting for your wedding photos.
- The Ritz-Carlton Philadelphia Lobby: The hotel’s elegantly appointed lobby, with its polished marble floors and impressive columns, provides a sophisticated backdrop for group photos or candid shots.
Suppose you’d like to leave the Ritz for additional images. In that case, the City of Brotherly Love is rich in history, culture, and stunning architecture – all of which provide a wealth of opportunities for wedding photography. Here are a handful of nearby locations that offer exceptional settings for photos:
- City Hall (1401 John F Kennedy Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19107): Just steps away from the Ritz-Carlton, Philadelphia’s iconic City Hall provides a striking backdrop for your wedding photos, with its magnificent architecture and vibrant history. While the outside of City Hall is gorgeous, I love going under the Hall for additional images. (Note: We just have to check and ensure it’s open on your wedding day!)
- Dilworth Park (1 S 15th St, Philadelphia, PA 19102): Located next to City Hall, Dilworth Park offers a modern and dynamic urban setting for your photos, complete with fountains, green spaces, and dramatic city views.
- Philadelphia Museum of Art (2600 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy, Philadelphia, PA 19130): The Philadelphia Museum of Art’s grand steps and neoclassical architecture provide an elegant and timeless backdrop for your wedding photos. I especially love the view of the city from the top of the steps.
- Rodin Museum (2151 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy, Philadelphia, PA 19130): The serene gardens and classical sculptures of the Rodin Museum offer a picturesque setting for intimate and romantic wedding portraits.
- The Barnes Foundation (2025 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy, Philadelphia, PA 19130): Its modern architecture and beautifully landscaped grounds provide an elegant backdrop for your wedding photos. I love the long lines of trees in the lawns outside.
- Rittenhouse Square (210 W Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia, PA 19103): This historic park, surrounded by charming brownstones and lush greenery, offers a tranquil and picturesque setting for your wedding portraits.
- Washington Square (210 W Washington Square, Philadelphia, PA 19106): Another of Philadelphia’s historic squares, Washington Square boasts picturesque gardens, fountains, and monuments – perfect for capturing various wedding photos.
- Independence Hall (520 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19106): As the birthplace of the United States, Independence Hall offers a truly iconic and historic backdrop for your wedding photos.
- Benjamin Franklin Bridge (N 5th St, Philadelphia, PA 19106): For a dramatic and industrial touch, consider capturing your wedding photos against the impressive backdrop of the Benjamin Franklin Bridge, with its striking steel cables and sweeping views of the city skyline.
In short, The Ritz-Carlton Philadelphia is an amazing place for a wedding. With beautiful spaces, delicious food, and great service, it’s no wonder the Ritz is a popular Philly venue. You’ll also find many great spots for photos inside the hotel and nearby!
