When it comes to planning a wedding, finding the perfect venue can be one of the most exciting—and daunting—decisions you’ll make. For couples looking to tie the knot in Philadelphia, the Westin Philadelphia stands out as one of the premier wedding destinations in the city. This luxurious hotel, located in the heart of downtown, combines elegance, top-notch service, and an iconic setting that will make your wedding day unforgettable.
The Westin Philadelphia: Overview of the Venue
The Westin Philadelphia is a four-star hotel that boasts modern luxury combined with classic architecture. Located between City Hall and Rittenhouse Square, this hotel offers couples an unbeatable location in the heart of Center City. The Westin blends the sophistication of historic Philadelphia with contemporary design, making it an ideal spot for weddings of any size and style.
Why Choose the Westin Philadelphia for Your Wedding?
There are several key reasons why so many couples opt for the Westin Philadelphia as their wedding venue:
- Elegant Setting: The Westin’s interior is a perfect balance of sleek, modern finishes and traditional opulence. The spacious ballroom and other event spaces exude elegance, providing a stunning backdrop for your ceremony and reception.
- Convenient Location: Guests will appreciate the Westin’s location within walking distance of many of Philadelphia’s key attractions, like the Liberty Bell, the Philadelphia Museum of Art, and Rittenhouse Square. This also means there’s no shortage of places for photo opportunities around the city.
- World-Class Service: From their team of experienced wedding planners to their expert culinary staff, the Westin is known for delivering exceptional service that ensures your big day goes off without a hitch.
- Customization Options: Whether you’re dreaming of a large formal affair or a more intimate celebration, the Westin has flexible spaces and packages that can be tailored to meet your specific needs.
Venue Spaces for Weddings at the Westin Philadelphia
One of the most exciting aspects of choosing the Westin as your wedding venue is the variety of stunning event spaces available. Whether you want a grand ballroom wedding or a more intimate ceremony, the Westin has options to suit your style and guest list size.
The Grand Ballroom
The crown jewel of the Westin Philadelphia’s wedding venues is the Grand Ballroom. This spacious room is perfect for couples looking to host a large, luxurious wedding. The ballroom is designed with timeless elegance, featuring high ceilings, gorgeous chandeliers, and warm, inviting decor that can be dressed up to suit any wedding theme.
- Capacity: The Grand Ballroom can accommodate up to 400 guests for a seated dinner and 500 for a cocktail-style reception. This makes it an ideal choice for couples planning a large-scale celebration.
- Features: The ballroom’s expansive layout allows for a large dance floor, so you and your guests can dance the night away. Its neutral color palette is also perfect for complementing a wide range of decor styles, from classic and romantic to modern and chic.
The Crystal Tea Room
If you’re looking for a more intimate setting with a touch of grandeur, the Crystal Tea Room is a fantastic option. This historic room features dramatic floor-to-ceiling windows, ornate decor, and plenty of natural light—creating a romantic atmosphere perfect for both ceremonies and receptions.
- Capacity: The Crystal Tea Room is ideal for mid-sized weddings, holding up to 200 guests for a seated reception and up to 250 for a cocktail-style event.
- Features: The room’s architectural details, including crystal chandeliers and intricate woodwork, give it a unique charm that’s perfect for vintage or elegant wedding themes.
The Terrace
For couples looking for an outdoor component to their wedding, the Westin Philadelphia offers a beautiful terrace space. Located just outside the ballroom, this open-air venue is perfect for cocktail hours, smaller ceremonies, or pre-dinner mingling.
- Capacity: The Terrace can hold up to 100 guests, making it an intimate and charming option for smaller gatherings.
- Features: The Terrace offers a picturesque view of the city and can be beautifully decorated with fairy lights, lush floral arrangements, and outdoor lounge seating. It’s especially magical during the warmer months, when you can make the most of the Philadelphia skyline as your backdrop.
The Boardrooms and Salon
For couples hosting smaller, more private weddings, the Westin also offers a selection of boardrooms and salons that can be transformed into cozy, intimate ceremony or reception spaces. These rooms are perfect for smaller guest lists, elopements, or rehearsal dinners.
- Capacity: Depending on the room you choose, these spaces can accommodate between 25 to 75 guests.
- Features: These smaller spaces provide a more intimate atmosphere, ideal for personalized ceremonies or family-style receptions. They can also be used for pre-wedding gatherings, such as bridal showers or rehearsal dinners.
Wedding Packages and Customization Options
One of the biggest perks of hosting your wedding at the Westin Philadelphia is their comprehensive wedding packages, which take much of the stress out of planning. These packages are designed to provide everything you need for your big day, from catering to decor, while also allowing you the flexibility to customize elements to suit your vision.
Westin Philadelphia Wedding Packages
The Westin offers a variety of wedding packages that cater to different budgets and guest lists. Each package includes the basics needed for your wedding, but can also be tailored to include extras, depending on your preferences.
Standard Wedding Package
This is the Westin’s all-inclusive option that covers most of the essential elements for a seamless wedding day. Here’s what you can expect to be included:
- Catering: The standard wedding package includes a plated dinner with multiple menu options to choose from. It also includes a cocktail hour with hors d’oeuvres and a wedding cake prepared by the in-house pastry team.
- Bar Service: Open bar service is typically included in the package, offering guests a wide selection of wine, beer, and cocktails.
- Event Coordinator: The Westin provides an experienced event coordinator who will help manage all the details of your wedding, from the initial planning stages to the day-of execution.
- Table Settings and Linens: The package includes all necessary table settings, including fine china, glassware, silverware, and linens.
- Dance Floor and AV Equipment: If you’re planning on dancing or having speeches, the Westin provides a dance floor, microphone, and sound system to ensure your event runs smoothly.
Custom Wedding Package
For couples looking for more flexibility and personalized touches, the Westin offers a customizable package option. This allows you to build a wedding experience that fits your specific preferences. Some of the elements you can customize include:
- Menu Upgrades: Opt for premium food and beverage options, such as gourmet plated dinners, craft cocktails, or a lavish dessert table.
- Decor and Design: The Westin can work with you to bring your dream wedding vision to life by adding custom decor, floral arrangements, specialty lighting, and more.
- Entertainment and Extras: Whether you’re looking to hire a live band, bring in photo booths, or arrange for special guest experiences, the custom package offers the flexibility to include these elements.
Culinary Experience at the Westin Philadelphia
The food at your wedding is one of the key components of your guests’ experience, and the Westin Philadelphia is known for delivering exceptional cuisine. With an expert culinary team, the hotel offers a range of menu options, from formal plated dinners to buffet-style meals, all designed to impress even the most discerning palates.
Menu Options
The Westin offers a wide variety of menu options to fit different tastes and styles. Here’s a closer look at what you can expect:
Cocktail Hour
The cocktail hour typically features an array of passed hors d’oeuvres and food stations where guests can enjoy a variety of small bites. Popular options include:
- Mini crab cakes
- Bruschetta with fresh tomatoes and basil
- Shrimp cocktail
- Artisan cheeses and charcuterie boards
Plated Dinner
For formal sit-down dinners, the Westin’s culinary team offers an array of mouthwatering entrees, each crafted with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Menu options often include:
- Grilled filet mignon with red wine reduction
- Herb-roasted chicken with seasonal vegetables
- Seared salmon with lemon-dill sauce
- Vegetarian and vegan options, such as stuffed portobello mushrooms or quinoa-stuffed peppers
Buffet-Style Reception
If you prefer a more casual dining experience, the Westin also offers buffet-style wedding dinners. This option allows guests to choose from a variety of entrees, sides, and salads at their own pace. Buffet menus typically include a range of meats, seafood, pasta dishes, and vegetarian options.
The Wedding Cake
Included in most wedding packages is a custom-designed wedding cake created by the Westin’s in-house pastry chef. Whether you’re looking for a classic tiered cake or a modern dessert table, the pastry team will work with you to create a cake that fits your wedding theme and tastes delicious.
Popular cake flavors include:
- Vanilla sponge with buttercream frosting
- Chocolate ganache with raspberry filling
- Red velvet with cream cheese frosting
You can also request personalized touches like sugar flowers, monograms, or a cake that reflects your wedding’s unique color palette.
Accommodations for Guests
One of the key benefits of hosting a wedding at a luxury hotel like the Westin is that your guests will have access to world-class accommodations, ensuring their stay is as comfortable and enjoyable as possible.
Room Blocks for Wedding Guests
The Westin offers special room blocks for wedding parties, allowing you to reserve a set number of rooms for your guests at a discounted rate. This ensures that your loved ones have a convenient place to stay and allows everyone to be close to the festivities.
Room block options include:
- Standard Guest Rooms: These spacious, well-appointed rooms feature modern amenities, plush bedding, and stunning views of the city.
- Suites: For guests looking for an upgraded experience, the Westin offers luxury suites with additional space, separate living areas, and enhanced amenities.
Bride and Groom Accommodations
For the newlyweds, the Westin often includes a complimentary suite as part of their wedding package. This luxurious suite is perfect for relaxing after the excitement of the day, and many packages include special perks like a bottle of champagne, breakfast in bed, or late checkout.
Wedding Photography at the Westin Philadelphia
The Westin Philadelphia’s central location and elegant interiors provide the perfect backdrop for wedding photography. Whether you want classic portraits, candid shots, or dramatic city views, the hotel offers a variety of photo-worthy spots.
Photo Opportunities Inside the Hotel
- Grand Staircase: The Westin’s grand staircase is a popular location for bridal portraits and couple shots. Its sweeping curves and luxurious design make for a truly dramatic backdrop.
- Ballroom and Crystal Tea Room: These opulent spaces offer ample opportunity for capturing the beauty of your wedding day, with their sparkling chandeliers, elegant decor, and spacious layouts.
- Terrace: If you’re looking for an outdoor setting without leaving the hotel, the Westin’s Terrace offers stunning views of the Philadelphia skyline.
City Landmarks Nearby
Given the Westin’s prime location in Center City, couples have the option to incorporate some of Philadelphia’s iconic landmarks into their wedding photos. Popular nearby photo spots include:
- Rittenhouse Square: A short walk from the hotel, this beautiful park offers lush greenery and romantic walkways, perfect for outdoor shots.
- City Hall: One of Philadelphia’s most recognizable landmarks, City Hall offers a grand architectural backdrop for dramatic wedding photos.
- The Philadelphia Museum of Art: Just a short drive away, the famous steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art are a classic location for wedding photos, offering breathtaking views of the city skyline.
Planning Your Wedding at the Westin Philadelphia: Tips for Success
Planning a wedding at the Westin Philadelphia comes with a number of advantages, but there are a few insider tips that can help ensure your day runs smoothly.
Work Closely with the Event Coordinator
The Westin’s wedding coordinators are experts at what they do, so be sure to take advantage of their knowledge and experience. From helping with vendor recommendations to managing the timeline of your wedding day, their support is invaluable.
Book Early
The Westin is a popular wedding venue in Philadelphia, so it’s important to book as early as possible to secure your desired date. Popular dates, especially during the spring and fall wedding seasons, can fill up quickly.
Use the Surrounding Area
The Westin’s location in the heart of Philadelphia means you have plenty of options for extending your celebration. Consider hosting your rehearsal dinner or after-party at one of the nearby restaurants or bars, or take advantage of the city’s rich history by arranging tours for out-of-town guests.
Making Your Wedding Unique: Personal Touches
While the Westin Philadelphia offers a luxurious, pre-set backdrop for your wedding, there are still many ways to infuse personal details into your day to make it truly your own.
Custom Decor
From the flowers to the lighting, the decor of your wedding can be customized to reflect your personal style. Whether you’re dreaming of a romantic candlelit atmosphere, modern chic design, or vibrant colors, the Westin’s event team can work with you to bring your vision to life.
Personalizing the Menu
If you have special culinary preferences or want to incorporate cultural traditions into your wedding menu, the Westin’s chefs are happy to work with you to create a personalized dining experience. Whether it’s a special family recipe or a dish that holds significance to your relationship, these custom touches can make your wedding even more memorable.
Final Words
A wedding at the Westin in Philadelphia offers the perfect blend of elegance, luxury, and exceptional service. With its stunning venues, expert staff, and prime location in the heart of the city, your big day will be nothing short of spectacular. Whether you’re planning a grand affair or an intimate gathering, the Westin provides the ideal backdrop for a wedding you and your guests will remember forever.
By choosing the Westin Philadelphia as your wedding venue, you’re not only selecting a beautiful space but also investing in an experience that will make your wedding day everything you’ve dreamed of. From the ceremony to the reception, every detail will be taken care of, allowing you to focus on enjoying your special day with the people you love most.
