When you’re planning a wedding in Philadelphia, you want a venue that feels personal and polished from the moment you walk in. We built Arts Ballroom around that standard. Our 10,000 square foot venue sits in the Avenue of the Arts district, and we bring the history of the original Hotel Sylvania ballroom into every celebration we host.
What Sets Arts Ballroom Apart for Philadelphia Weddings
Center City gives you access to some of Philadelphia’s most iconic photo locations, and our venue puts you right in the middle of it all. You’re minutes from Love Park, Dilworth Park, and Rittenhouse Square, which means your photographer has plenty of options without needing to drive across the city.
Inside, we’ve kept the architectural details that made the original 1923 ballroom special. The granite staircase, mahogany doors, and French acoustic ceiling aren’t replicas. They’re part of the building’s story, restored during our 2011 renovation by Spector Design Company.
The Grand Ballroom and How Your Guests Move Through It
The Grand Ballroom seats up to 230 guests for a formal plated dinner or up to 250 for cocktail style. The hardwood flooring, crystal chandeliers, and white-paneled walls give you a clean backdrop that works with any wedding aesthetic. We’ve installed custom lighting options, including uplighting, spotlights, and party lights, so you can adjust the mood for each part of your reception.
Your ceremony fits comfortably in the same space. The French acoustic ceiling carries sound clearly, which means your vows don’t get lost in the room. After the ceremony, guests can move into the cocktail hour in the Sylvania Room while we transition the Grand Ballroom for dinner.
Service Ratios That Keep Your Event Running Smoothly
We staff one server for every 10 guests and one bartender for every 75. That ratio means your guests aren’t waiting in long lines at the bar or wondering when their entrée will arrive. Our team includes a bridal attendant, event specialist, maître d’, doormen, and a catering captain who manages the flow between courses.
White-glove tableside service is standard, not an upgrade. We plate each course and bring it to your guests rather than setting up a buffet. Butlered hors d’oeuvres circulate during cocktail hour, and we set up attended stations at both marble bars.
What’s Included With Your Booking
We run as an all-inclusive venue, which simplifies your planning. When you book Arts Ballroom, you get the reception hall, tables, chairs, linens, silverware, flatware, and glassware. Full setup and breakdown are covered. Tax and gratuity are included in your package, so there are no surprise additions to your final invoice.
Your catering is customizable. We work with you to design a menu that fits your preferences and your guests’ dietary needs. The top-shelf open bar, full dessert menu, and custom wedding cake are all part of your package. We also handle cake-cutting service on site.
Space for Your Bridal Party
The Mezzanine level includes two private suites with Juliet balconies that overlook the Grand Ballroom. Each suite has its own private restroom, which gives your bridal party a dedicated area to get ready or take a break during the reception. These suites work well for touch-ups, outfit changes, or just a quiet moment before you walk down the aisle.
We offer weekday rehearsal availability so you and your wedding party can walk through the ceremony setup before your actual day.
How We Support Your Planning Process
Our on-site event coordinator works with you from booking through your last dance. You’re not managing vendor timelines or setup schedules on your wedding day. We coordinate those details so you can focus on your guests. If you want to host your ceremony off-site and join us for the reception, we’ll work with your timeline to make the transition smooth.
The Sylvania Room is also available for rehearsal dinners. It seats up to 100 for a plated dinner or accommodates 300 for cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. The mirrored décor and backlit marble bar give it a different energy from the Grand Ballroom, which works well if you want a more intimate feel the night before your wedding.
Call us at 215-621-8561 or fill out the form on our website to access our pricing guide and book a tour. We’ll show you the Grand Ballroom, the Sylvania Room, and the Mezzanine suites so you can see how everything flows in person.
FAQs
How far in advance should I book Arts Ballroom for my wedding?
We recommend booking as early as possible, especially for Saturday dates. Fill out the form on our website to access our pricing guide and check availability for your preferred date.
Can I bring in my own vendors?
Our packages include catering, bar service, and coordination support. For details about working with outside vendors, contact our event specialist at 215-621-8561 during a tour.
What options do you offer for dietary accommodations?
Our catering packages are customizable. We work with you to create menus that meet your guests’ dietary needs, whether that’s vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or other restrictions.
Do you offer rehearsal time before the wedding day?
Yes, we provide weekday rehearsal availability. This lets you and your wedding party walk through the ceremony setup and get comfortable with the space before your actual wedding day.