When couples walk through the mahogany doors at the Arts Ballroom, they often pause. It could be the way natural light catches the crystal chandeliers, or how the French acoustic ceiling creates this perfect sound envelope around their conversation. We’ve watched thousands of Philadelphia wedding couples transform from nervous planners into confident hosts in our 10,000 square foot venue on Locust Street, just off the Avenue of the Arts.
The Arts Ballroom in Philadelphia offers an elegant and versatile venue for weddings, accommodating up to 250 guests in its Grand Ballroom. With beautiful spaces for both ceremony and reception, a dedicated service team, and an all-inclusive package, couples enjoy a seamless experience. The venue also provides custom lighting, catering, and a flexible wedding schedule, ensuring a memorable celebration.
Why Philadelphia Couples Choose The Arts Ballroom for Their Wedding Day
We’ve been part of Philadelphia’s wedding scene since our 2011 renovation brought the historic 1923 Hotel Sylvania ballroom back to life. Couples choose us because we handle every detail, from your ceremony setup to your last dance cleanup, with a service team that knows exactly when to step in and when to fade into the background.
A Natural Transition From Ceremony to Reception
Arts Ballroom Grand Ballroom seats 250 guests for ceremonies, with white paneled walls and hardwood floors that photograph beautifully from every angle. The granite staircase becomes more than an architectural detail; it’s where your wedding party makes their entrance, where your flower girl pauses for that perfect photo, and where you’ll steal a quiet moment together before joining your cocktail hour.
The French acoustic ceiling ensures your vows carry clearly to every guest without the need for extra equipment. When you’re ready to transition from the ceremony to the reception, your guests will naturally move into our Sylvania Room for cocktails. At the same time, our team transforms the Grand Ballroom for dinner. No shuttles between venues, no weather worries, no timeline stress.
Our Team Protects Your Wedding Day
We assign one server for every 10 guests at your wedding, plus a dedicated bridal attendant who stays with you throughout the event. Your maître d’ coordinates every transition while our event specialist handles vendor timing behind the scenes. With one bartender for every 75 guests, your cocktail hour flows smoothly, whether you choose our top shelf open bar or signature cocktails at our two built in marble bars.
Arts Ballroom executive chef leads the catering team through butlered hors d’oeuvres during cocktail hour, attends stations if you prefer them, and white glove tableside service for your plated dinner. We handle your custom wedding cake cutting and serve your full dessert menu exactly when you want it.
What Your Wedding Package Actually Includes
Your booking includes exclusive use of our entire venue with no shared events. Every couple receives:
Spaces & Setup:
- Full access to our Grand Ballroom, Sylvania Room, and Mezzanine level for your entire event
- Two private suites with their own restrooms for your Philadelphia wedding party’s comfort
- Complete setup and breakdown while you’re getting ready and long after you’ve left
- All tables, chairs, linens, napkins, silverware, flatware, and glassware needed for your guest count
Atmosphere & Details:
- Custom lighting packages for dinner, uplighting, and dancing party lights
- The Grand Ballroom’s marble fireplace as a ceremony backdrop or sweetheart table centerpiece
- Juliet balconies overlooking the ballroom from your private Mezzanine suites
- Tax and gratuity are already included in your package, eliminating surprise costs at the end of your celebration
Making Your Wedding Schedule
Most couples book their wedding date with us 9 to 12 months in advance. We offer weekday rehearsal availability so your wedding party feels confident about their entrances and positioning. Your event coordinator meets with you throughout your planning process, not just on your wedding day in Philadelphia.
We work with your chosen vendors, or you can select from our preferred partners, who are familiar with our spaces. For ceremony music, our musicians’ balcony on the Mezzanine provides perfect acoustics and sightlines. Your DJ or band sets up in whichever room you’re using for dancing, with our team handling all the power and spacing logistics.
Conclusion
We know you’re comparing Philadelphia wedding venues, weighing what matters most for your celebration. Come tour our Grand Ballroom and Sylvania Room. Walk up that granite staircase. Stand where you’ll say your vows. Picture your guests raising glasses under our crystal chandeliers. Fill out our pricing guide form to receive detailed packages, or call us at 215-621-8561 to schedule your tour.
FAQs
How many guests can the Arts Ballroom accommodate for a wedding?
We seat up to 250 guests for formal weddings in our Grand Ballroom. For cocktail-style receptions, we accommodate up to 550 guests across our full 10,000 square foot venue.
Can we hold both our ceremony and reception at the Arts Ballroom?
Yes, many couples hold their ceremony in the Grand Ballroom, then move guests to the Sylvania Room for cocktails while we transform the Grand Ballroom for your reception dinner and dancing.
What’s included in our wedding package at the Arts Ballroom?
Your package includes exclusive venue use, all tables, chairs, linens, silverware, flatware, glassware, full catering with top-shelf open bar, custom wedding cake, complete setup and breakdown, tax and gratuity, plus our full-service team, including servers, bartenders, bridal attendant, and event coordinator.
Do you accommodate dietary restrictions for wedding guests?
Our executive chef and catering team work with you to plan menu options that meet your guests’ needs. Contact us at 215-621-8561 to discuss specific dietary requirements for your wedding.