Wedding photography is an important aspect of your special day, and the cost of hiring a wedding photographer in Philadelphia can vary greatly. In this article, we’ll take a look at the average cost of wedding photography in Philadelphia, and explore the various factors that can affect the overall cost.
Finding the right venue for you is another important aspect. Since I have gained a lot of experience working on weddings in the Philadelphia area, I will provide you with some of my suggestions.
Average Cost of Wedding Photographer in Philadelphia
As the old saying goes, you get what you pay for. More often than not, experienced wedding photographers will cost significantly more than younger, less experienced photographers. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t find afford an experienced photographer.
Wedding photography pricing may be tricky, but often depend on your exact needs. There are photographers like me that prefer to shoot DIY weddings rather than grand ballroom weddings. And most DIY weddings require around 8 hours of photography from start to finish, whereas some of the bigger ballroom weddings require 12 hours of photography or more.
You’ll also find if you’re just hiring a photographer alone to cover the day and provide you all of the high-resolution digital files, it’s going to be much more affordable than if you’re hiring a photographer with a second photographer, and adding on extras like a photobooth or wedding album.
The average price of wedding photography in Philadelphia starts around $3,000 if you’re going with one photographer and the digital files. The high-end price of wedding photography in Philadelphia can break $10,000 if you’re holding nothing back.
Best Wedding Venues in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania is a great place to get married, with a variety of beautiful and unique wedding venues to choose from in both urban and country settings. Philadelphia and the surrounding suburbs where I predominately work as a wedding photographer consists of historically rich sites and grand ballrooms in the city and charming farms and estates in the suburbs.
Some of my favorite wedding venues in the area are the following:
- Pen Ryn Estate – A historical mansion located in Bensalem, Pennsylvania, known for its elegant and grand architecture and picturesque grounds, making it an ideal location for special events such as weddings.
- Cairnwood Estate – An architectural gem located in Bryn Athyn, Pennsylvania, known for its beautiful gardens, surrounding countryside and incredible views, grand ballroom and terrace, making it a popular choice for weddings and other events.
- Manor House at Prophecy Creek – An 18th century stone farmhouse located in Ambler, Pennsylvania, that has been transformed into a modern event space which preserved many of the original architectural elements for those who love rustic charm.
- Ritz Carlton Philadelphia – One of the most luxurious hotels in the heart of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, known for its exceptional service, high-end amenities and elegantly decorated grand ballroom.
- Radnor Valley Country Club – A private country club in Villanova, Pennsylvania, known for its historical Clubhouse building, beautiful views of the gold course and grand ballroom which make it an ideal venue for weddings.
- Philadelphia Marriot Old City – Situated in the heart of Philadelphia’s historic district, this hotel is one of the most sought after for social events and weddings.
- Riverdale Manor – Located in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, the grand ballroom with high ceilings, large windows, picturesque garden and terrace make for a classic, elegant and historic atmosphere for weddings and events.
- The Bellevue Hotel – Situated on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, the luxury hotel is known for its historic charm, elegant atmosphere making it ideal for exceptional weddings.
- Loews Philadelphia – Considered one of the most luxurious hotels for weddings in Philadelphia, their prime location and grand ballroom make it a top contender for anyone looking for a high-end hotel to host their special day.
- Crystal Tea Room – One of Philadelphia’s coveted wedding venues known for its elegant atmosphere and high ceilings, giving it a feeling of grandeur and space, able to accommodate small intimate gatherings or celebrations up to a thousand guests.
- Union Trust – A popular wedding choice due to its event spaces, grand ballroom, reception hall and terrace providing an elegant atmosphere for any special event.
- Penn Oaks Golf Club – Known for its picturesque surroundings in West Chester, Pennsylvania, this prestigious golf club is ideal for social events such as weddings.
- The Rittenhouse Hotel – In the heart of Philadelphia and known for its impeccable service, this luxury hotel is a prime spot for elegant and high-end weddings.
- One North Broad – Inside the breathtaking Masonic Temple you can host an intimate wedding or a grand reception in one of their newly renovated and iconic Halls.
- The Barn on Bridge – Considered one of the best options in Collegeville, Pennsylvania, if you’re looking to host a rustic wedding in what was once a 1700s dairy farm.
- Faunbrook Bed & Breakfast – The perfect spot in West Chester, Pennsylvania if you’re looking to host an intimate wedding with family and friends.
- Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History – Preserving and interpreting American Jewish history and culture, the museum is an ideal location for Jewish Americans looking for a modern and elegant Philadelphia wedding venue.
- The Curtis Atrium – The Atrium is located in the heart of Philadelphia and can accommodate intimate gatherings or grand celebrations with up to 300 guests in its spacious and elegant wedding venue.
- Kimpton Hotel Monaco Philadelphia – Known for its spacious ballroom and eclectic rooftop lounge, this hotel is one of the hottest venues booking weddings in Philadelphia.
- Morris Arboretum – With 92 acres of lush gardens, bubbling fountains, historic features and a 100-year-old stone carriage house this venue is a breathtaking location for wedding ceremonies and receptions.
- HollyHedge Estate – The perfect venue for a Bucks County wedding, this historic country estate boasts rustic charm and an award-winning catering team on its grounds.
- Anthony Wayne House – Waynesborough built in 1724 hosts intimate and majestic weddings in Paoli, Pennsylvania, and is known for its beautiful landscapes, classic & elegant atmosphere and its historically significance.
- William Penn Inn – A historic inn located in Gwynedd, Pennsylvania, the picturesque location is surrounded by beautiful gardens and landscapes making it a perfect spot for a suburban wedding in a place that has preserved its original charm and character.
- The Lake House Inn – Known for its award-winning architecture and design the inn is located on a seven mile long lake, making it the dream wedding location for couples looking to escape the city.
- RiverCrest Country Club – One of the most prestigious wedding venues in Phoenixville, Pennsylvania, this luxury golf course offers one-of-a-kind weddings and was awarded 2022 Best of The Knot wedding venues for their impeccable service and location.
- Jericho National Golf Club – Offering panoramic views of the golf course, the spacious Grand Ballroom makes this a world class location for private parties and weddings.
- The Inn at Villanova University – With its beautiful Montrose Mansion and Ballroom this site is an incredible spot for a wedding reception capable of hosting up to 220 guests.
- The Desmond Malvern – This family owned and operated hotel and wedding venue has been hosting luxurious weddings for over 30 years in Malvern, Pennsylvania providing impeccable service to both indoor and outdoor weddings.
- The Philadelphia Cricket Club – Considered one of the most prestigious clubs in the area, this private sports club in Chestnut Hill is top choice location for luxury weddings in Philadelphia.
- Cescaphe Ballroom – A luxury event venue in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, considered one of the city’s best ballrooms due to its elegant atmosphere and capability to host up to 600 guests.
- Phoenixville Foundry – A premier wedding venue in Chester County, with its breathtaking ballroom and mezzanine this location is a must consider spot for anyone looking for old-world charm in a modern setting.
In additional to some of the top name venues, Pennsylvania is home to many wineries, breweries and distilleries that offer unique and beautiful settings for weddings, with delicious and local wines, beers, and spirits.
Whether you’re looking for an urban setting with a bit of grunge feel, or an outdoor setting with nature as the background, Pennsylvania has it all. It is no wonder so many couples choose to get married in the State with such a rich history and beautiful scenery.
If you are planning your wedding in Pennsylvania and searching for a photographer, please get in touch!
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