When Luke O’Brien Creative first reached out to me to help photograph B & D’s wedding day at The Crystal Tea Room, a flood of inspiration hit me. I could already see the shots forming in my head—moody lighting, romantic portraits, and all that classic Philly grandeur I’m obsessed with. Located in the heart of Center City, this breathtaking ballroom is one of the most historic Philadelphia wedding venues, offering an unforgettable backdrop for a grand celebration. If you’re dreaming of a luxury wedding venue in Philadelphia that combines timeless elegance with historic charm, look no further than The Crystal Tea Room!

The Crystal Tea Room: A Stunning Philadelphia Historic Wedding Venue
How Big is The Crystal Tea Room?
The Crystal Tea Room is one of the largest and most luxurious wedding venues in Philadelphia, spanning 50,000 square feet inside the historic Wanamaker Building. Its grandeur makes it perfect for both intimate and large-scale weddings.

When Was The Crystal Tea Room Opened?
This venue dates back to the early 20th century, when it was originally a lavish tea room. Today, it’s managed by Finley Catering, one of the top names in Philadelphia’s luxury wedding scene.
How Many Guests Can The Crystal Tea Room Accommodate?
The ballroom is ideal for both intimate and grand weddings, with space for:
- Up to 1,000 guests for a cocktail-style reception
- Up to 600 guests for a seated dinner
Size and flexibility make this one of the best wedding venues in Philadelphia for couples seeking a dramatic yet elegant atmosphere.

What Makes This Venue Unique?
If you’re looking for a wedding venue in Old City Philadelphia or Center City with unmatched elegance, This breathtaking venue offers:
A Showstopping Crystal Chandelier
The centerpiece of the ballroom and a dream for any best Philadelphia wedding photographer capturing luxury details.
A Stunning Indoor Conservatory
A hidden gem for cocktail hour, featuring a glass atrium for a romantic garden vibe.
All-Inclusive Catering by Finley Catering
Known for award-winning cuisine, ensuring an exceptional dining experience.
Prime Location for Iconic Wedding Photos
Steps away from some of the best wedding photo locations in Philadelphia, including City Hall, Broad Street, and Old City.

How Much Does It Cost to Get Married at The Crystal Tea Room?
Your Crystal Tea Room wedding cost depends on the day of the week, guest count, and customizations. Pricing typically starts at $180–$250 per person, with minimum guest counts required for weekends. If an inclusive pricing model appeals to you, keep in mind their pricing includes catering, venue rental, and service staff. This is an incredible value for a historic Philadelphia wedding venue!

How Can I Book or Tour The Crystal Tea Room?
To tour or inquire about hosting your wedding at this exquisite venue, visit Finley Catering’s website or call their team to schedule a walk-through.
B & D’s Wedding: Hollywood Glam Meets Historic Philadelphia
Getting Ready & Classic Philly Portraits
This bridal ensemble was a showstopper. From her bombshell Hollywood glam waves, to her long-sleeved, mock neck lace gown to her dramatic lace-trimmed veil, B embraced elegance in every way. And her bouquet of white roses and orchids completed the sophisticated look.

Her bridesmaids wore high-neck velvet green gowns, a rich and luxurious choice that complemented the winter wedding setting.

Before the couple’s ceremony at The Crystal Tea Room, we captured some of the most iconic wedding photos in Philadelphia at these breathtaking spots:
- Philadelphia Museum of Art – A classic location for timeless wedding photos in Philadelphia.
- The Merchant Exchange Building – One of the most sought-after Philadelphia historic wedding venues for portraits, with its European-inspired architecture.
- Broad Street & Philadelphia City Hall – No Philly wedding is complete without Philadelphia City Hall wedding photos! The grand architecture and stunning backdrop of Philadelphia City Hall wedding pictures make this an unforgettable photo op.





The Ceremony at The Crystal Tea Room
From start to finish, B & D’s day was the perfect blend of vintage glamour, sophisticated details, and breathtaking wedding photos in Philadelphia’s most iconic locations.
When I say my jaw was on the floor when I stepped into the ceremony space. The ballroom was transformed into a romantic, candlelit setting, with a breathtaking all-white floral circle arch as the altar backdrop. The golden chandeliers and soft lighting just added to the intimate, elegant feel.

The Reception: Candlelight & Champagne
As the evening unfolded, the ballroom glowed with gold accents, candlelight, and luxurious décor. Every detail, from the elegant table settings to the perfectly dimmed lighting, created an atmosphere that felt warm and inviting. This was truly a dream setting in one of the best wedding venues in Philadelphia.

B & D’s celebration showcases The Crystal Tea Room’s unmatched elegance; it’s one of the top luxury wedding venues in Philadelphia in my book!
Planning a Wedding at The Crystal Tea Room?
If you’re searching for the best wedding photographer in Philadelphia to capture your day at The Crystal Tea Room, I’d love to bring your vision to life! Whether you’re planning at The Crystal Tea Room, Merchant Exchange, or another historic Philadelphia wedding venue in the Old City, I specialize in capturing timeless, romantic, and editorial-style images.
Let’s chat about how I can help you create unforgettable Philadelphia City Hall wedding photos, wedding photos in Philadelphia, and stunning moments at the best wedding venues in Philadelphia!




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