About Philadelphia
Philadelphia is one of the most iconic cities in the United States and is the largest city in Pennsylvania. Located on the banks of the Delaware River, Philadelphia has a long and storied history, with some of America's most important events have taken place here. It was once home to both the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution, making it an integral part of our nation's past.
The city is home to attractions like the Liberty Bell Center for American Freedom, Fairmount Park and its collections of trails, historical sites like Ben Franklin’s grave site, and world-class museums like The Barnes Foundation and The Franklin Institute Science Museum. Couples gearing to walk down the aisle are spoilt for choice in terms of the selections of lovely spaces to tie the knot.
For those who want to get up close to nature on their big day, there are choices of forest wedding venues in Philadelphia to explore. From majestic manors nestled among lush trees to rustic barns situated on sprawling acres, couples have their pick of breathtaking outdoor settings.
Forest Wedding Options in Philadelphia
- Photography
Exchanging vows at a forest wedding venue offers a unique opportunity to capture the beauty of nature and the love of the couple in one frame. Professional photographers help couples create lasting memories with artistic images captured using high-tech equipment.
- Entertainment
Against the backdrop of an outdoor forest wedding venue, the best entertainment options include live music and dancing, interactive activities, and specialty shows by fire dancers or magicians. Also, consider hiring local bands or musicians who can bring an extra touch of personalization to the occasion.
- Catering
Catering companies specialize in delivering customized spreads for diverse occasions, including outdoor weddings hosted at forest venues. The culinary experts in Philadelphia offer both plated meals or buffets tailored to suit a couple's preferences and special dietary restrictions. Caterers also supply tablescape set-up items and staffing services.
Forest Wedding Vendors in Philadelphia
- Deibert Photography
Deibert Photography is a full-service wedding photography studio located in Philadelphia, owned and operated by husband and wife duo Ben and Ashley Deibert. Ben began his career in 2010 and since has developed a unique approach to documenting the emotion of each client’s relationship throughout the day of their nuptials. Ashley provides support from behind the scenes, helping couples find the perfect presentation for their wedding album and wall art pieces for display in their home.
- 12th Street Catering
12th Street Catering is a company that combines outstanding food with beautiful décor and dazzling displays. Its experienced chefs create dynamic arrangements that are sure to WOW your guests. The company takes advantage of locally sourced ingredients and highly seasoned staff, giving it the edge over other catering companies in Philadelphia and the Main Line.
- Anders Hyatt Music
Anders Hyatt Music offers quality, professional DJ services for weddings, parties, and corporate events. Anders' expertise in this area has grown over 10+ years of collaboration with DJs, during which time he has developed a deep understanding of all that goes into a successful performance. His commitment shows in the personalized and engaging experiences each client enjoys - music choices are always tailored to the event's atmosphere and objectives.
Pros and Cons of Forest Weddings in Philadelphia
Forest weddings are becoming increasingly popular in Philadelphia due to their unique charm and unparalleled serenity. Couples who love nature, and rustic elements, and enjoy an intimate ceremony may find the forest to be a perfect venue for their big day. However, there are some considerations to be taken into account when deciding on a forest wedding in Philly.
Advantages
- Forest venues provide an intimate, romantic atmosphere that is perfect for weddings, the natural beauty will make the ceremony especially breathtaking.
- The natural backdrops make your photos even more stunning. The scenery offers an amazing backdrop for photos that will last forever.
- Forest venues are often less expensive than indoor venues due to not needing to rent out space or buy décor items such as flowers or tablecloths.
Disadvantages
- One major drawback to having a forest wedding is having to worry about rain, wind, or extreme temperatures ruining the ceremony.
- Make sure that animals won’t disrupt your ceremony by doing some research ahead of time into what types of animals are common in the area and how they may impact your event.
- If you choose a remote location for your forest wedding, it could make it difficult for guests to find their way there without detailed directions from you beforehand, this could add stress to them before arriving at the venue.
Tips on How to Organize Forest Weddings in Philadelphia
Hosting a wedding in a forest setting in Philadelphia can be a magical experience. To make sure your special day runs smoothly and is memorable for all the right reasons, here are several tips to take into consideration when planning such an event.
- Consider the season: Depending on the time of year, there may be specific considerations to keep in mind. The summer season can bring heat and humidity, while winter will likely require heated seating or transportation. Springtime is ideal for catching blooming flowers, while fall offers beautiful foliage for autumnal photographs.
- Develop a plan A/plan B: For outdoor venues, it’s wise to have an alternate plan in case of inclement weather. This could mean reserving a nearby tent or garage space where guests can gather if necessary. If planning an indoor component (such as a reception), look into rental spaces that provide backup options if necessary.
- Choose appropriate footwear: While heels might look stunning in photos, guests’ comfort should be priority number one, especially at an outdoor venue where paths and terrains may be uneven or muddy from rain or snowfall. Encourage guests to bring shoes that are sturdy enough for walking and dancing yet comfortable enough for wearing throughout the night.
- Have bug spray available: Although many forest venues already have insect repellent measures in place (such as mosquito netting), it doesn’t hurt to double up on protection by having cans of bug spray available for guests upon their arrival so that no one is bothered mid-ceremony by pesky critters!
- Introduce mood lighting: Create a romantic atmosphere outdoors after dark by using candles/lanterns/fairy lights along pathways or around gathering areas like fire pits or bars. This ensures visibility once twilight sets in!
Famous Locations in Philadelphia
- Bartram's Garden
Bartram's Garden offers allows visitors to take in tranquil views of the river, meander on the woodland trails, explore diverse native plant species and enjoy educational programs that connect people with nature and Philadelphia's fascinating history. There's also a nursery featuring heirloom plants, a war memorial dedicated to local veterans, and walking tours covering important sites like the African-American Burial Ground site. Whether you're here for a day or simply passing by on your way to other city hotspots, it's worth discovering Bartram's Garden!
- Spruce Street Harbor Park
Spruce Street Harbor Park is the perfect spot for all your warm-weather activities. Nestled on the Delaware Waterfront, the urban paradise comes alive in the spring, summer, and fall with an abundance of things to do like playing boardwalk bocce, spending time in one of 50 colorful hammocks, or getting your game on in the arcade. Even more awesome? Mouth-watering food vendors, breathtaking floating gardens, and garden lights as well as an award-winning beer garden make it a must-visit spot on any nice day.
- University City
University City, or West Philadelphia, is a lively area of the city full of interesting attractions. Its universities are some of the country's most distinguished, and it contains the renowned Philadelphia Zoo as well as beautiful Fairmount Park. Here you'll find tons of nearby hiking trails and spots to relax while taking in nature’s breathtaking views. There are hundreds of bars and restaurants to enjoy when you need a break from sightseeing, so your trip to University City isn't complete without trying something unexpected that locals rave about!