Hotel Monaco, the Powel House, and Union Trust.
Clearly this summer is “photograph lots of weddings in renovated old banks” month! From Capitale to Cipriani and now over to Philadelphia’s Union Trust, it’s been a gorgeous month of soaring ceilings, expansive spaces, and excellent renovations! Stephanie and Nickolas had a day that was pure Philadelphia joy from start to finish. From their preparations in the popular Hotel Monaco to the gorgeous outdoor Greek ceremony at the Powel House, their charming indoor portraits at Powel surrounded by beautiful old architecture to their outdoor portraits around classic Philadelphia landmarks, ending at their reception inside the iconic Union Trust building, the entire day was full of history, sunshine, and sweetness.
Here are a few of my favorite images from the day:
Union Trust Philadelphia Wedding Photographer
Union Trust at 717 Chestnut Street in Philadelphia’s Historic District was built in 1888 as the Union Trust Company Bank and has been renovated into one of the most dramatically beautiful wedding venues in the city. 65-foot illuminated engraved ceilings. A wraparound mezzanine balcony overlooking the main floor. A grand stone staircase. Exclusively catered by Finley Catering. 120 to 190 guests. Steps from Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell. I have photographed here and the verticality of that space — the ceilings, the balcony, the staircase — is extraordinary to work with.
About the Venue
717 Chestnut Street in Philadelphia’s Historic District. Built 1888 as the Union Trust Company Bank. Renovated into a wedding venue. Four indoor event spaces. 120 to 190 guests. Exclusively catered by Finley Catering — the same company that handles the Crystal Tea Room and Ballroom at the Ben. No venue rental fee; food and beverage minimum applies. Five-hour event time standard; $1,500 setup fee adds one additional hour. Average wedding $20,750 to $25,000 for 100 guests.
The Space
The main gallery features 65-foot illuminated engraved ceilings, ornate marble columns, arched windows overlooking the Historic District, and a wraparound mezzanine balcony that overlooks the entire room below. The grand stone staircase provides one of the most dramatic ceremony entrances of any venue in Philadelphia — the couple descends to the main floor while guests look up, with the photographer positioned on the balcony above for a bird’s eye view down the aisle.
The bridal suite is located upstairs and accessible from the balcony level. Cocktail hour can be held on the balcony while the main floor is flipped for reception. The mezzanine level allows for natural separation of ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception within a single continuous space.
Photography at Union Trust
The staircase entrance — one of the most photographically distinctive ceremony moments in Philadelphia. The balcony view looking down at the ceremony below. The 65-foot ceilings catching the light from the chandeliers and the illuminated engravings. The arched windows with the Historic District outside. And after the reception, the streets of Old City — Independence Hall, Chestnut Street, the cobblestones of the surrounding neighborhood — all steps away for outdoor portraits.
Frequently Asked Questions: Union Trust Weddings
Where is Union Trust located?
717 Chestnut Street in Philadelphia’s Historic District, steps from Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, and Old City.
What is Union Trust?
A renovated 1888 bank building in Philadelphia’s Historic District. 65-foot engraved ceilings, wraparound mezzanine balcony, grand stone staircase, four indoor spaces. 120 to 190 guests. Exclusively catered by Finley Catering. No rental fee, food and beverage minimum applies. Average wedding $20,750 to $25,000 for 100 guests.
What makes Union Trust distinctive?
The staircase entrance is unlike any other ceremony moment in Philadelphia. The couple descends the grand stone stairs while guests look up and the photographer shoots from the balcony above — the geometry of that moment is extraordinary. The 65-foot ceilings make the room feel larger than the guest count suggests, and the wraparound balcony creates natural separation between ceremony, cocktail, and reception without requiring a venue with multiple rooms.
Who caters Union Trust weddings?
Finley Catering is the exclusive caterer. They also handle the Crystal Tea Room and the Ballroom at the Ben. Menus include over 40 passed hors d’oeuvres, multiple cocktail stations, and nearly 50 gourmet main course options with full accommodation for dietary restrictions including kosher, vegan, gluten-free, and nut-free.
Do you photograph weddings at Union Trust?
Yes. If your wedding is here, I would love to hear about it.
