Sophie is a wedding photographer’s dream. Sweet, soulful, and willing to do whatever it took for a great image. Whether it was getting ready next to a window in the dark, sitting patiently with her wedding party for a dramatic group portrait, or perching on the Union League‘s grand staircase for a solo shot, Sophie was all in, all day. Sophie and Vincent are warm, loving humans with warm, loving families so it was no wonder that their day was warm and loving as well. Winter weddings in the dark? I’m there, every time.
Union League of Philadelphia Wedding Photographer
The Union League of Philadelphia on Broad Street was founded in 1862 to support the Union and Abraham Lincoln, and the French Renaissance League House completed in 1865 has hosted every US president, heads of state, and countless significant celebrations since. The number one City Club in the United States. Lincoln Hall’s chandelier has been hanging since 1881. The double spiral staircase at the entrance. The library with its rich wood and quiet character. I have photographed here in winter and the moody, dark, formal quality of this building at night is extraordinary.
About the Venue
Broad Street in Center City Philadelphia, one block from City Hall. Founded 1862, League House completed 1865. 22,000 square feet of private event space across 14 unique rooms. 70 Inn rooms plus 13 suites for overnight guests on site. Events for 4 to 450 guests. In-house catering. The Inn at the Union League allows guests to stay in the building.
The Spaces
Lincoln Hall is the signature ballroom. Grand arched windows, ornately carved ceiling, and the original chandelier from 1881, converted from gas to electric in 1911. Portraits of all previous Union League presidents painted by Philadelphia artists line the walls. Up to 380 guests. This chandelier and these portraits make Lincoln Hall one of the most visually distinctive ballrooms in Philadelphia.
The Meade Room and the Grant Room are located downstairs. Both feature rich dark wood paneling, chandeliers, and a warm, moody atmosphere. Each accommodates approximately 200 guests. Ideal for couples who want a more intimate, formal character than the grand scale of Lincoln Hall.
The library on the first floor is one of the best first look and portrait locations in the building. Secluded, rich in character, and quiet enough for an intimate moment before the ceremony.
The Inn at the Union League provides 70 rooms and 13 suites for overnight guests, making multi-day wedding weekends possible without leaving the building.
Photography at the Union League
The double spiral staircase at the entrance for formal portraits and grand entrance coverage. The Lincoln Hall chandelier, which dates to 1881, for reception coverage under extraordinary light. The library for first look and intimate portrait coverage. The Meade Room’s dark wood paneling for moody, formal images. The exterior of the League House on Broad Street. And City Hall just down Broad Street for the quintessential Philadelphia backdrop.
Winter weddings here photograph particularly well. The dark interiors, the candlelight, the formal weight of the space — it all amplifies. The first time I photographed here in December I knew I’d want to come back.
Frequently Asked Questions: Union League of Philadelphia Weddings
Where is the Union League of Philadelphia located?
Broad Street in Center City Philadelphia, one block from City Hall.
What is the Union League of Philadelphia?
The number one City Club in the United States, founded 1862, with the League House completed 1865. 22,000 square feet across 14 rooms. Lincoln Hall accommodates up to 380 guests with the original 1881 chandelier. The Meade Room and Grant Room for 200 guests each. 70 Inn rooms and 13 suites for overnight guests. In-house catering. Events for 4 to 450 guests.
What makes the Union League distinctive?
The 1881 chandelier in Lincoln Hall is genuinely irreplaceable. The portraits of every Union League president by Philadelphia artists on the walls of Lincoln Hall tell 160 years of American history. The library as a portrait location. The double spiral staircase. This building has been hosting significant celebrations since the Civil War era and it shows in every detail. It photographs as seriously as it takes itself.
Can guests stay overnight at the Union League?
Yes. The Inn at the Union League has 70 rooms and 13 suites available for wedding guests. Staying in the building makes the morning-after experience particularly seamless.
Is the Union League a private club?
Yes, it is a private members-only club. Wedding couples do not need to be members to book an event, but the club’s private character shapes the atmosphere of every event held there.
Do you photograph weddings at the Union League of Philadelphia?
Yes. If your wedding is here, I would love to hear about it.
