Lizzie and Justin had an incredible and sizzling hot Morris Arboretum wedding in Philadelphia, PA. Summer outdoor weddings get toasty in Philly, but Lizzie and Justin were cool as cucumbers and so much fun all day. Wait until you watch the cinematic reel of their wedding day and relive the joy, tears, laughter, and a little sweat mixed in.
About the Morris Arboretum of the University of Pennsylvania
The Morris Arboretum sits on 92 acres in the Chestnut Hill neighborhood of Philadelphia, tucked along the Wissahickon Creek. Siblings John and Lydia Morris bought the land in 1887 and built a Victorian summer estate called Compton, planting rare trees and sculpting Japanese gardens, an English park, and a fernery that still stands today. After Lydia willed the property to the University of Pennsylvania in 1932, it became the official arboretum of the state of Pennsylvania, and it now holds more than 13,000 labeled plants from around the world. Fun fact, the Out on a Limb canopy walk that suspends visitors 50 feet above the forest floor is one of only a handful of treetop boardwalks in any American botanical garden, and weddings here often pause for portraits next to the giant Acer Robinia or under the Swan Pond willows.
Bridal Preps at the Logan Hotel in Philadelphia
They both got ready at the Logan in Philadelphia. The Logan is unique for its location between City Hall and the Art Museum. The rooms and venue are beautiful, and the Urban Farmer restaurant and rooftop are stunning. Our second photographer split off with Justin and his groomsmen on the rooftop while I worked Lizzie’s suite, which kept the prep coverage moving fast on a tight summer timeline.
First Look at Logan Circle in Philadelphia
It was blazing mid-afternoon sun for their first look at the Swan Memorial Fountain at Logan Circle. Justin was all smiles and kept that smile going all day long for Lizzie. We worked the shaded side of the fountain to keep the harsh light off their faces, grabbed a few wide frames with the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul behind them, then hopped into our transportation and headed up to the Morris Arboretum for portraits and the rest of the festivities.
Wedding Photos at Morris Arboretum in Philadelphia
The Morris Arboretum is incredible for wedding photographs or engagement sessions. The property, established in 1887, has a vast abundance of fantastic photography locations. No matter the lighting conditions, there are always beautiful spots to photograph at Morris, from the rolling hills to the sculpture garden filled with gorgeous blooms maintained to perfection. The staff also drives you around on golf carts, which makes it easy to hit several distinct backdrops in the window between ceremony and reception without melting the bridal party.
Morris Arboretum Wedding Ceremony
Lizzie and Justin chose to hold their ceremony just within walking distance of the sculpture garden. It was quaint, quiet, and surrounded by greenery and all of their loved ones. The Don Eaton Band ran live ceremony music, and I have to say they have some of the cleanest audio for a wedding ceremony we have heard in years. With the canopy of mature oaks overhead, the late afternoon light dropped gold across the aisle right at the vows.
Morris Arboretum Wedding Reception
Cocktail hour spilled into the sculpture garden at the Arboretum. Unlike some other venues, it is wide open and has plenty of room for guests to gather, drink, and graze. Feast Your Eyes catering provided incredible food all night, and they are one of a kind on the Philadelphia wedding circuit.
The Morris Arboretum wedding reception is a tented setup with a dancefloor and tables outdoors. The Don Eaton Band rocked this fun crowd all night, and I was so happy to capture and document this special day for Lizzie and Justin.
VENDORS:
Venue: Morris Arboretum
Catering: Feast Your Eyes
Florist: Luci Floral Designs
Hair Stylist: MG Hair & Makeup
Makeup Artist: MG Hair & Makeup
Dress: Romona Keveza Collection from Kleinfeld Bridal
Music: Don Eaton Band
Bridesmaids Dresses: Banjanan
Planner: Porch & Pearls
Looking at the rest of the city? Browse our full guide to the 12 best Philadelphia wedding venues for more outdoor and ballroom options across the region.