The Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts is a historic wedding venue located in the heart of center city Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It is the nation’s first art museum and school of fine arts. With a convenient location, gorgeous architecture, and top-notch event services, this museum venue is a fabulous location for an elegant event experience.
Facilities and Capacity
The Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts offers a totally unique wedding experience, where you and your guests can celebrate within the art galleries. The venue is suited to accommodate up to 350 guests at a time, making it a great choice for those planning large, extravagant affairs.
The Historic Landmark Building features a Victorian grand staircase, gorgeous artwork, and plenty of other timeless architecture dating back to 1876.
The Hamilton Building is a turn of the century car show room turned modern gallery space, particularly ideal for groups up to 250+, that features modern galleries with a bright, airy, and fun feel.
PAFA is a show stopping venue for not only ceremonies and receptions, but also engagement parties and rehearsal dinners, too.
Services Offered
When having your wedding at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, you will receive only the most professional and attentive service from start to finish. The museum’s in-house catering services can provide exquisite meals for you and your guests. The catering team offers amazing hors d’oeuvres, dinner, dessert, and bar options that will add those amazing touches to your wedding experience.
28 Reviews for Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
Recommended by 97% of couples
5 User photos
Jane Slusser · Married on 09/07/2019
Unique venue! Amazing staff! Best wedding ever!
We had been to PAFA’s historic building for a party about two years before we got engaged and had an absolute blast, so when we got engaged it was one of the first places we wanted to look into for our wedding. It’s such an incredibly unique space that is both very fancy but also doesn’t have a stuffy vibe. Kate Young gave us a tour and talked us through all of the options that they offered, and it was clear that the staff there would work with us to help pull off our big day. Kate McCammon took over once we were officially booked and was helpful throughout the entire process. She made us feel confident that all of the details would be handled on our big day, and I was just always really surprised by how helpful everyone was, giving recommendations about vendors and overall advice on the run of show and how to make our day perfect. For our big day, Kate M worked with us so we could get in early to take photos before our ceremony. The backdrop was just so stunning, and we even got to take some photos in front of our favorite paintings in the collection. During the entire reception, everything ran perfectly, and our friends and family were just so blown away by the space. It was such an amazing place to celebrate and have our big day, and so memorable!
Sent on 10/02/2019
Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts's reply:
Jane!! Thank you so much for your kind words : ) We were so happy to help your family and friends celebrate you and B!Rim H · Married on 08/10/2019
The most gorgeous venue!
If you are looking for a memorable, special, gorgeous venue for a wedding, look no further! We had our wedding at PAFA’s historic building in August and we can not be happier about our choice with the venue. I remember walking into PAFA’s historic building for the first time and I immediately fell in love with it. I did not even check other venues. The venue is so rich with art, history, and colors that it does not require any excessive flowers or lights. All our guests were amazed by the beauty of the space. I got 1000 of compliments regarding the venue.
Sent on 08/20/2019
Most importantly, PAFA’s staff were incredible. They were professional, organized, friendly, and very easy to communicate with. The venue coordinator did a wonderful job coordinating with all vendors. The day went so smoothly because of her. We thank PAFA and all the staff for making our wedding day so magical. Do not think it twice, just choose PAFA!
Kristin Smith · Married on 05/04/2019
Exceptional Experience
It's hard to put into words how incredibly helpful and professional the team at PAFA is. From the moment we stepped into the space, we were greeted with kindness. Kate and her team made sure every detail was managed through the entire planning process. She followed up with EVERYTHING quickly and was solutions based the whole time. Not to mention, the venue is just stunning. We wanted to give our guests an unique experience, and because of Kate and her team, we were able to do so. PAFA will always have a special place in our hearts and we are so grateful to the team who pulled it all together.
Sent on 05/09/2019
Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts's reply:
K, thank you SO much for this lovely review. It was such a pleasure to meet you and work with you on your wedding day! Cheers, Kate and the PAFA team.
1 Endorsement
PAFA offers both historic charm and modern appeal in its event space offerings, and the in-house catering by Duffy's is spectacular!
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