Grace and Mathew’s Reading Terminal wedding in Philadelphia was easily one of the most fun receptions we’ve ever shot. The couple had already done a quick wedding ceremony because of Grace’s mother’s illness, and this big reception party at Reading Terminal Market was their chance to celebrate with all of their people in one of the coolest food halls in the country. No assigned seats, no plated dinner, just amazing food, dancing, and good vibes for hours.
Bridal Preps at The Ritz Carlton Philadelphia
If you’re considering a wedding in Philadelphia and love food, the Reading Terminal Market is the perfect venue for you. The location is easily accessible, with a parking garage directly behind the market, and there are many hotel options for out-of-town guests, including the Loews, Downtown Marriott, Ritz Carlton, and Notary Hotel, all within walking distance.
Bridal Party and Bride and Groom Portraits at City Hall
The Reading Terminal Market wedding layout is unlike anything you’ve seen before. The center of the market is cleared out and filled with custom furniture for guests and a stage setup for the band or DJ. There are also areas you can walk around to get some more quiet, but they are boarded off and patrolled by security for safety and to keep guests from wandering too far.
For photography, there are plenty of local areas to choose from. City Hall is a block away and provides a massive amount of photographic opportunities around it and inside it. The side of the Notary Hotel has a very cool covered path with stone archways above it, and Love Park is right across the street. In front of the Marriott Downtown, there are also a few nice locations.
Reading Terminal Wedding Reception
The food at the Reading Terminal is truly one of the highlights of the event. There is a huge variety of different food options to choose from for your family and friends, and you can go to each different food eatery or have it butlered to you. The desserts were also amazing, including custom homemade pop tarts that were absolutely delicious, along with amazing donuts, cookies, and many other goodies.
The Reading Terminal Market staff, run by All About Events, were beyond helpful and made sure that everything ran smoothly. They have a ton of experience with events and an excellent staff, and you will love working with all of them.
Overall, this was one of the best weddings I have ever been to, and there are many reasons why.
Firstly, there was no sit-down dinner wasting 45 minutes to one hour of precious time. Instead, guests had more time to dance, talk to people, and there were no assigned seats.
Secondly, there were no preset 2-3 options to eat, but instead numerous stations and options, including the option to go to individual food locations or have it butlered to you.
Thirdly, there were no assigned seating, which created a more relaxed lounge type vibe. Guests could roam and spend more time with different people, rather than being stuck at a table waiting for the staff to serve everyone and for them to finish their meals.
Finally, there were areas you could hang out and eat without the band or DJ nearby, so it was more peaceful and quiet if that’s what you preferred.
All in all, Reading Terminal Market is a perfect venue for your wedding in Philadelphia, a great location, excellent food, and professional staff will make your Reading Terminal wedding in Philadelphia one for the books.
Why Reading Terminal Market Works So Well for Weddings
Reading Terminal Market is one of those Philadelphia spots that feels like nowhere else. It’s casual, it’s loud in the best way, and the food is unreal. The market itself has been around since 1893, so you’ve got real history baked into the building, and the layout means your guests aren’t stuck at a table for two hours, they’re up moving around, checking out food stations, grabbing donuts, dancing. If you love food and you want a Philly wedding that doesn’t feel like every other ballroom, this is the move. Pair it with a hotel block at the Ritz, Loews, or Notary and you have a fully walkable weekend for your guests.
Hotel: Ritz Carlton Philadelphia
Venue: Reading Terminal Market
Planner: All About Events