How to Include Philadelphia in Your Wedding: The Ultimate Guide for Philly-Loving Couples

How to Include Philadelphia in Your Wedding: The Ultimate Guide for Philly-Loving Couples

If you and your partner love Philadelphia, why not make the city part of your wedding day? From iconic venues to Philly-inspired wedding favors, there are countless ways to bring the heart and soul of the City of Brotherly Love into your big day.

At The Shaina McAndrews Team at eXp Realty, we love helping couples find their dream home in Philly, but today, we’re here to help you plan the ultimate Philly-inspired wedding!

Here are creative and stylish ways to include Philadelphia in your wedding, whether you’re hosting it in the city or just want to add some hometown pride.

1. Get Married at an Iconic Philadelphia Venue

There’s no better way to celebrate your love for Philly than by saying "I do" in one of the city’s historic or scenic venues.

Top Philadelphia Wedding Venues:

  • The Franklin Institute – A wedding among the stars in the planetarium!

  • The Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts (PAFA) – A stunning art-filled backdrop

  • The Union League of Philadelphia – Historic charm & classic elegance

  • Water Works by Cescaphe – Breathtaking views of Boathouse Row

  • One North Broad (Masonic Temple) – A hidden architectural gem

Pro Tip: Book early! Philly’s best wedding venues fill up fast.

Explore Philly Wedding Venues

2. Take Wedding Photos at Classic Philly Landmarks

Philadelphia’s cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and skyline views make for incredible wedding photos.

Best Philly Photo Spots:

  • LOVE Park – A must for Philly lovers

  • City Hall & Broad Street – The classic "Broad Street shot" with City Hall in the background

  • The Art Museum Steps – Rocky-inspired wedding photos!

  • Elfreth’s Alley – America’s oldest residential street for charming backdrops

  • Boathouse Row & Fairmount Park – Waterfront beauty

Pro Tip: Schedule photos early in the day for fewer crowds!

3. Serve Philly-Inspired Food & Drinks

Impress your guests with Philly flavors that make your wedding menu unforgettable.

Philly Wedding Menu Ideas:

  • Soft Pretzel Bar – With mustard, cheese, and dips

  • Mini Cheesesteak Sliders – A bite-sized take on a Philly classic

  • Roast Pork Sandwiches – An alternative to cheesesteaks, with sharp provolone & broccoli rabe

  • Tastykake Dessert Table – Philly’s famous snack cakes as wedding treats

  • Water Ice or Italian Ice Station – A refreshing summer wedding option

Signature Philly Cocktails:

  • The Liberty Bell Mule – A Philly twist on the Moscow Mule

  • Pennsylvania Old Fashioned – Featuring Philly-distilled whiskey

  • The Rocky Balboa Espresso Martini – Strong and bold, just like the champ!

Pro Tip: Hire a Philly-based caterer who specializes in local flavors.

4. Play Music with a Philly Connection

Set the mood with a playlist featuring Philadelphia artists!

Philly Wedding Playlist Ideas:

  • "You Make My Dreams Come True" – Hall & Oates

  • "Ain’t No Stoppin’ Us Now" – McFadden & Whitehead

  • "Philadelphia Freedom" – Elton John

  • "One More Time" – Boyz II Men

  • "Summertime" – DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince

Pro Tip: Book a local Philly band or DJ to bring authentic city vibes to your dance floor!

5. Philly-Themed Wedding Favors for Guests

Thank your guests with Philly-inspired wedding favors that show off your city pride.

Top Philly Wedding Favors:

  • Mini LOVE Statue Keepsakes

  • Soft Pretzel Wedding Favors – Packaged with a note saying "Thanks for Tying the Knot with Us!"

  • Mini Bottles of Philly Distilled Spirits – Like Stateside Vodka or Bluecoat Gin

  • Personalized Tastykakes – With your wedding date or names

  • Philly-Themed Coasters – Featuring the skyline or sports teams

Pro Tip: Add a "Visit Philly" Guide to help out-of-town guests explore the city!

6. Treat Your Guests to a Philly Experience

Make your wedding more than just one night by organizing fun Philly activities for your guests!

Fun Pre- or Post-Wedding Events:

  • A Historic Walking Tour – Show off Philly’s history to your guests

  • A Pre-Wedding Phillies, Sixers, or Eagles Game – Celebrate in true Philly style

  • Rooftop Drinks at Assembly Lounge – The best city skyline views

  • A Private Mural Arts Tour – Showcasing Philly’s world-famous street art

Pro Tip: Offer welcome bags with SEPTA passes so guests can explore the city!

Ready to Find Your First Home in Philly After the Wedding? Let’s Talk!

Planning a wedding is a huge milestone—but so is buying your first home together! If you’re thinking about buying a home in Philadelphia or the suburbs, we’d love to help!

Schedule a Free Home Buying Consultation
Email us at: Shaina@MontCoLiving.com

Let’s find the perfect home to start your new life together—right here in the city you love!