A Guide to the Best Reception Venues in Philadelphia
When you're celebrating something important, whether it's a milestone birthday, wedding, or new achievement, is often followed by a reception. These gatherings help keep the celebrations going for longer and are a great way for people to catch up after the main event! Receptions often involve sharing food, mingling, and dancing to music.
There are plenty of unique destinations to host a reception, but if you're looking for a city filled with history and culture, then Philadelphia is the place to go. This significant destination is one of America's earliest-founded cities and is also where the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were signed, making it a one-of-a-kind location for celebrations.
With Giggster, you can host your event in unique locations ranging from all-inclusive party spaces and cozy cafes to modern lofts, charming breweries, and bright art galleries. Each of our venues has something different to offer and, with options available for every price range, it's easy to choose a space that works for your event and budget, too.
Hosting an enjoyable reception is the best way to end a big event. With the right venue, you can make your special day one to remember!
Why Choose Giggster for a Reception Location in Philadelphia?
If you don't know where to start shopping for a venue, just download the Giggster app. It's the best place to find a venue for your next event.
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Is your reception going to be a big celebration? Check out our large loft spaces, modern industrial venues, or creative warehouses for venues with more than enough space to accommodate big groups.
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Receptions usually involve food, so choosing a space that has seating and tables is a great idea. Our breweries with high ceilings and plenty of chairs, adorable cafes with atmospheric lighting, and romantic restaurant spaces are some of your best options for events with meals.
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Philadelphia is a beautiful city, and your reception can be stunning as an outdoor event. If you're a fan of places like Fairmount Park, we have several outdoor spaces to consider, from brewery patios and outdoor courtyards to rooftop lounges and gorgeous garden venues.
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If you're searching for a chic location with a sophisticated ambiance, we have those too. Book a gorgeous art gallery or a historic Georgian-style mansion estate.
105 Amazing Reception Locations in Philadelphia
Exceptional Variety & Quality: Open the Giggster app to browse 105 quality venues in the Philadelphia area. We have options to suit any style or occasion, from modern resort locations and museum spaces to charming farm venues and classic ballroom places.
Hassle-Free Booking: Giggster makes finding a venue fun, and once you've chosen your reception space, you can easily complete your rental on your smartphone. Chatting with hosts, comparing locations by price and features, and securing your booking can be done in just a few taps.
24-Hour Free Cancellation Policy: We aim to make booking your venue as affordable and simple as possible. Our prices start as low as $34/hour, and our policy for changes is flexible. We offer free cancellations within 24 hours of confirmation, as long as you made your booking at least 48 hours before the event.
Platform Protections: From modern house venues and historic buildings to stunning parks and gorgeous spaces like Trendy Philly Penthouse, we truly have the best selection of event spaces in Philadelphia. If you want extra protection from damage, liability, or last minute cancellations, just choose one of our protection packages at checkout.
Pros and Cons of Receptions in Philadelphia
Philadelphia is an important city and is loved by many for its history, but is it really the right place to host an event? From Bucks County to Montgomery County and deep within the city, we have locations sure to impress. These pros and cons can help you make an informed decision for your reception.
Advantages
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One of Philadelphia's biggest advantages is that there's so much to do. From spending the day at a museum or watching a sports game to enjoying drinks in a bar or strolling around town admiring murals and visiting City Hall, there's always something new to discover around every corner.
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When you're choosing a destination for your event, you always have to consider your budget. Luckily, Philadelphia offers an affordable cost of living and is among the United States' most inexpensive major cities.
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Philadelphia's climate lets you experience all four seasons with pleasant weather in the spring and fall, warm and humid summers, and winters that occasionally see snow. Each season brings new activities and unique opportunities for events with numerous indoor and outdoor venue options.
Disadvantages
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Unfortunately, Philadelphia is among the cities in the United States with the highest poverty rates. This leads to an elevated crime rate, and some neighborhoods can be problematic, so make sure you choose a venue in a safe location.
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Another issue that locals and visitors often remark on is the city's cleanliness. Many people complain that the streets are dirty, which can make it an unattractive location for important celebrations.
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If you're planning on driving around Pennsylvania, you'll experience traffic and congested roads, especially with the never-ending construction.
The Best Type of Venue for Your Reception in Philadelphia
Take a tour of Philadelphia, PA's venues on the Giggster app! We feature some of the most unique wedding venues and reception locations, from gorgeous barn venues and outdoor spaces overlooking the Delaware River waterfront to hotel lobbies and photo-worthy spots to suit any gathering. Below are some of our best options for reception venues in Philadelphia.
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All-Inclusive Event Spaces – Venues with Everything You Need. Organizing a reception is a lot of work, but having a venue that's all ready to go can make planning much easier. Our all-inclusive locations and banquet halls are your best choice for an easy-to-plan event.
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Restaurants and Breweries – The Perfect Places for Dinner Events. Since most receptions include serving cocktails or sometimes even a full meal, book a space that's already equipped with tables and chairs. A stylish restaurant or historic brewery with rustic charm is a great location for gathering over food.
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Chic Art Galleries – Host Your Reception in Style. If you want to impress your friends and family, book an art gallery. These spaces not only make unique wedding venues but can also be perfect for the reception, and the artwork serves as the ultimate backdrop for photos.
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Versatile Lofts and Warehouses – The Ultimate Spaces for Big Gatherings. There are plenty of warehouses or lofts located throughout the central city area that may seem unassuming on the outside but are stunning indoors. Rent a transformed loft space for a venue with lots of room for all your guests.
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Private Homes and Penthouses – Casual Venues Offering Comfort and Privacy. More casual or intimate receptions might be better suited to a modern home, stylish apartment, or gorgeous penthouse location. These venues offer maximum comfort, luxury, and convenient amenities all in one.
How to Plan a Reception in Philadelphia
Receptions happen after the main event, and you should have everything carefully organized to guarantee the entire day goes smoothly. In the case of a wedding reception, work-related celebration, or graduation reception, here's what you'll need to do;
Choose a Convenient Location – Decide when and where your dream wedding ceremony, corporate presentation, or grad party will be. For the reception, you'll want to choose a space that's located close to the main event, is big enough for your guest list, and has a suitable layout for any activities you have planned.
Plan Food and Drinks – You can choose to hire a caterer or provide your own refreshments. Either way, make sure you've organized food and drinks for you and your guests.
Set Up Your Equipment – You might want to have music playing or speeches at the reception, which means you'll need speakers and microphones. If your venue doesn't already include audio-visual equipment, you'll need to provide your own.
Finalize Your Guest List – Is everybody invited to the reception, or is it a more intimate event with a selective guest list? Send invitations to those you would like to attend the reception.
Saving Money on a Reception in Philadelphia
Whether you're wedding planning or organizing a celebration for year-end presentations to your team, you'll most likely be working with a budget. These tips can help make sure you don't spend too much.
Keep the event small.
A bigger event is always more expensive than a small one. If you can't seem to stick to your budget, consider making your reception a more intimate event. Smaller gatherings mean more opportunities for mingling one-on-one.
Can you skip hiring vendors?
Vendors can be a great help when organizing an event, although they come with an extra cost. Instead of having a caterer, photographer, and DJ on site, try thinking of ways to pull off the event without the added help.
Try to DIY as much as you can.
Create your own invitations, floral arrangements, and decorations instead of buying new ones. With a bit of imagination and some materials from the craft store, you can bring your vision to life without overspending.
Discover Philadelphia Reception Venues on the Giggster App
Whether you're searching for a place to get married, host a gala, or celebrate a special milestone, the Philadelphia wedding venues, party locations, and reception spaces on the Giggster app will inspire you to plan your event with excitement. With locations available throughout Philadelphia and near many major cities around the world, you'll have no problem finding a suitable venue for your big day.
