The Ritz-Carlton Philadelphia is housed in the former Girard Trust building at Broad and Chestnut, a neoclassical landmark designed by McKim, Mead and White in 1908. The Grand Ballroom has 60-foot ceilings, marble columns, and chandeliers. The Rotunda staircase is one of my favorite first look locations in Philadelphia.
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, romantic setting, the Petite Ballroom Terrace offers stunning city skyline views – ideal 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: 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: 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: The grand steps and neoclassical architecture of the Philadelphia Museum of Art provide an elegant, timeless backdrop for your wedding photos. I especially love the view of the city from the top of the steps.
- Rodin Museum: The serene gardens and classical sculptures provide a picturesque setting for intimate, romantic wedding portraits.
- The Barnes Foundation: 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: This historic park, surrounded by charming brownstones and lush greenery, offers a tranquil and picturesque setting for your wedding portraits.
- Washington Square: Another of Philadelphia’s historic squares, Washington Square boasts picturesque gardens, fountains, and monuments – perfect for capturing a variety of wedding photos.
- Independence Hall: As the birthplace of the United States, Independence Hall offers a truly iconic and historic backdrop for your wedding photos.
- Benjamin Franklin Bridge: 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.
If your wedding is here, I would love to hear about it.
