The Grand Ballroom at the Arts Ballroom combines historic elegance with modern service, making it a top choice for weddings in Philadelphia. Built in 1923 as part of the Hotel Sylvania and renovated in 2011, our ballroom seats up to 230 for formal weddings or accommodates 250 for cocktail receptions. The French acoustic ceiling, marble fireplace, and crystal chandeliers create the sophisticated atmosphere that Philadelphia couples seek for their celebration.
The Grand Ballroom is a popular choice for weddings due to its historic architecture, including a marble fireplace and French acoustic ceiling. It offers flexible configurations for ceremonies and receptions, accommodating up to 230 guests for formal dinners or 250 for cocktails. The venue provides full-service catering and event coordination, ensuring a seamless experience.
What Sets the Grand Ballroom Apart
At the Arts Ballroom, we offer more than just event space. The original 1923 architecture provides authentic historic elegance, while our exclusive use policy means your wedding is the only event that matters that day. Here’s what makes couples choose this specific ballroom for their Philadelphia wedding.
Architectural Details That Define Your Wedding
The Grand Ballroom’s white paneled walls and hardwood floors provide a timeless backdrop for any wedding style. Our granite staircase becomes your grand entrance point, while the marble fireplace anchors the room as a natural ceremony focal point or sweetheart table backdrop. Crystal chandeliers cast warm light throughout the space, and the French acoustic ceiling ensures your vows and toasts carry clearly to every guest.
Your Vision-Adaptable Space
Ceremony and Reception in One Location: Hold your ceremony in the Grand Ballroom, then transition guests to the Sylvania Room for cocktails while our team transforms the ballroom for dinner: no venue changes, no transportation logistics, just seamless transitions within our 10,000 square foot space.
Flexible Configurations:
- Formal seated dinners for up to 230 guests
- Cocktail-style receptions for 250 guests
- Combined with Sylvania Room for cocktail hour (accommodates up to 300)
- Access to the Mezzanine level with Juliet balconies and private suites
Complete Service and Inclusions
Your Grand Ballroom wedding includes:
- Exclusive use of the entire venue
- One server per 10 guests, maître d’, event specialist, and coordinator
- One bartender per 75 guests at two built-in marble bars
- Executive chef and full catering team
- All tables, chairs, linens, silverware, flatware, and glassware
- Custom lighting packages, including uplighting and party lights
- Complete setup and breakdown
- Tax and gratuity included
Professional Coordination Throughout
Your event coordinator works with you from booking through your wedding day. We accommodate your vendor choices or connect you with partners familiar with our space. The musicians’ balcony provides ideal acoustics for ceremony music or entertainment. Our team handles all logistics, from power requirements to vendor timing.
Conclusion: Book Your Grand Ballroom Wedding
Schedule your personal tour of Arts Ballroom and discover why Philadelphia couples choose our venue. Our event coordinator will guide you through the space, discuss your specific wedding plans, and provide detailed pricing information. To begin, contact us 215-621-8561 or fill out the form on the wedding page.
FAQs
What makes the Grand Ballroom different from other Philadelphia wedding venues?
Arts Ballroom Grand Ballroom offers exclusive use of a historic 1923 space with original architectural details, including a French acoustic ceiling, marble fireplace, and granite staircase. Get the 10,000-square-foot venue with no shared events and full service.
How many guests can the Grand Ballroom accommodate?
The Grand Ballroom seats up to 230 for formal weddings or 250 for cocktail-style receptions.
Can we hold the ceremony and reception in the Grand Ballroom?
Yes, many couples hold their ceremony in the Grand Ballroom, then use the Sylvania Room for cocktails while we reset for your reception.
Do we need to hire separate vendors for catering and bar service?
No, Grand Ballroom bookings include our executive chef, a full catering team, top-shelf open bar, and bartenders. We provide butlered hors d’oeuvres, plated dinner service, a custom wedding cake, and a full dessert menu as part of your package.