American Swedish Historical Museum Reviews
Reviews
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![Emma]()
Emma Sent on 03/10/2025We LOVE having our wedding at ASHM
ASHM is such a gorgeous venue, my fiancé and I could not be happier. WE toured so many venues in the greater Philadelphia area, and this one was by far the best. They have a great variety of spaces for ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception both indoors and outdoors. There is also great history and exhibits that we are excited for out guests to see as well. Not only that, but access to the nearby park allows even more great photo taking locations beyond the already gorgeous options at the museum.
Not only is the space beautiful, but the staff has been so helpful. They have always been willing to show us (and our family members) around the space whenever we needed/wanted to. Bonnie has been integral to our early planning process and helped minimize our stress exponentially. -
![Latoya]()
Latoya Sent on 06/17/2026Wedding of the Century !
I must tell a short story about how we found the American Swedish Historical Museum.
We were on a quest for exceptional food. As health-conscious food lovers with a passion for pure flavors and high-quality ingredients, we began our wedding planning by searching for caterers before selecting a venue.
During our search, we narrowed our options to three caterers. The first came highly recommended, but unfortunately, we were disappointed by both the food and the service. The second was quite good; however, when we mentioned that our next tasting would be with JAM Catering, the coordinator's face lit up with admiration. That reaction alone increased our excitement. Our first experience had fallen short, and while the second was enjoyable, we eagerly anticipated experiencing JAM for ourselves. We only knew what we had read online, but the enthusiasm others expressed about JAM gave us high hopes.
From the moment we arrived, Bonnie G. captivated us with the history of the company while guiding us through the lovely museum. Nestled within the beautifully manicured FDR Park, the American Swedish Historical Museum is a haven for art and culture enthusiasts and an absolutely charming wedding venue.
The tasting was phenomenal! We attended at the beautiful Bellevue and had the best table in the room. We laughed, talked, and enjoyed ourselves the entire evening. The food was both plentiful and delicious. It felt as though we were getting a glimpse into everyone's wedding celebration. It was truly a wonderful experience.
What made the evening even more special was meeting Jeffrey!
I could go on and on, but ultimately, we were graciously handed off to Dorothy and her team, who took exceptional care of us throughout the planning process. Their communication was attentive, responsive, and excellent. Since we were planning our wedding from a distance, that level of support meant more than I can express.
Then the big day arrived.
And let me tell you—it was electric.
The service was stellar from beginning to end. I can honestly say that all 93 of our guests commented on how charming the venue was and raved about the food. The hanging pretzels were an undeniable favorite! From the "By Hand, From Heart" cuisine to the beautiful ambiance, JAM and the American Swedish Historical Museum helped create a magical and unforgettable celebration.
Not long after the wedding, I found myself thinking, "How can I include them in the next celebration?"
One thing is certain: I would do it all over again with JAM Catering at the American Swedish Historical Museum.
Thank you for being part of the best day of our lives—so far! We are incredibly grateful and highly recommend both JAM Catering and the American Swedish Historical Museum to anyone seeking an extraordinary wedding experience. Latoya & Robert Whitehead- 5.26.26 -
![Bridget]()
Bridget Sent on 06/12/2026Go for it!
We got married at the American Swedish Historical Museum with JAM Catering, and we could not have had a better experience. The entire team was professional, friendly, and thoughtful throughout the process. They truly cared about providing the best experience, and they went above and beyond to provide it. We can't say enough about our amazing coordinator, Shai, who was extremely responsive and easy to work with. She helped keep us on track in planning the wedding that we were looking for, but still guiding us when we needed help with a decision.
When I say the team went above and beyond, I mean it. The morning of the wedding, an outside vendor meant to bring late night bites canceled on us. Shai immediately got in touch with the chef at JAM and worked with them to get late night bites made as a last minute replacement.
Shai was present with us from the beginning of planning to the day of the wedding, and she did not leave the venue until we did. Throughout the entire day, she was keeping us on track and on schedule, so we could just relax and enjoy our day. If you are considering working with JAM, go for it! It was an absolutely fantastic experience and made wedding planning very fun and easy! -
![Ann]()
Ann Sent on 04/22/2025Affordable and Flexible
I'm super happy with our choice to go with ASHM and JAM Catering. The space itself is the perfect mix of what I was looking for - garden party vibes with city accessibility. The versatility of the garden, tent, and museum all in one venue provides guests with a unique experience. It is generally affordable, as far as city weddings go. Additionally, the planning team has been phenomenal. They really have it down to a science at JAM Catering. My fiance and I very happy with our choice and recommend ASHM! -
![Jennifer]()
Jennifer Sent on 02/25/2025What a great team!
We've had an amazing experience working with the American Swedish History Museum /Jeffery Miller team so far, and I couldn’t be happier! From the start, we had a fantastic tour with Bonnie - she’s incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about the museum and what JAM has to offer. Our Event Designer, Dorothy has been an absoulte pleasure to work with - she's extremely attentive, organized, and has made each step of the planning process stress-free. We can't wait for our big day! -
![Hannah]()
Hannah Sent on 02/07/2025Historical Charm, Impeccable Elegance, Wonderful Service!
Working with the JAM team at the American Swedish Historical Museum has been nothing short of incredible! I knew from the beginning that I wanted a non-traditional venue that was still elegant and well-managed, and I found that so quickly with JAM and ASHM. The space is beautiful, historic, and unique, not to mention conveniently located for Philadelphians! I also really value the venue's commitment to preserving the building as a piece of Pennsylvania history and JAM's dedication to sustainability and ethical practices in an industry that often feels so wasteful. Overall, I couldn't recommend them more! -
![Derek]()
Derek Sent on 02/25/2024Perfect for us!
This is the perfect place. Inside is full of gorgous painting / architecture. The outside is just as beautiful! cant wait for wedding day! -
![AMANDA]()
Amanda Sent on 08/22/2023Choosing ASHM as our venue was easy
I had the pleasure of choosing the American Swedish Historical Museum as our wedding venue, and I couldn't have been happier with our decision. The combination of historical charm and elegant ambiance along with the beautiful park grounds provides the perfect backdrop for our special day. If you're looking for a distinctive and memorable wedding venue, the American Swedish Historical Museum is an excellent choice. -
![Kacie]()
Kacie Sent on 05/03/2023Beautiful space - easy to plan!
Our experience with ASHM has been fantastic so far. The space is gorgeous, the staff care, and as a bride, the process has been super easy so far. I feel like they take a lot of the stress off you plate by having a venue that doesn't need much decor, and great staff to help you plan. It has felt like an all-inclusive experience while still having the freedom to choose what we want/don't want. -
Laura Sent on 12/05/2022
Hidden Gem
After setting our eyes on the architectural details of the American Swedish Historical Museum, in the serene setting of FDR park, we met with Mandy (December 2021) who painted the picture of a well planned and beautiful wedding. We loved the idea of being able to have an outdoor wedding with the architectural details as a back drop, or an indoor ceremony on the grand staircase in the case of inclement weather. We knew right away that we would be in good hands with Mandy, the JAM Catering staff, and ASHM staff, so we booked one of the last available dates in 2022. The planning process was well structured, making what could be a frustrating process, a fun and exciting experience.
There is a consistency in the reviews of this wedding venue which ring true…. Mandy is hands down an amazing wedding planner, the venue is unique and beautiful, and JAM catering makes delicious food.
On the day of our wedding, September 9th, we walked into a transformed setting that was beautifully laid out by Mandy, the JAM staff, and David with Buttercup (florals). Behind the scenes, the staff at AMSH were so helpful and organized, in particular, Frank!
ASHM offers a unique experience, backed by years of experience, in a location that is easy to get to from philadelphia and surrounding suburbs without the hassle of driving through the city. We highly recommend this venue and caterer! -
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![Masuma]()
Masuma Sent on 07/21/2022Phenomenal
Mandy Lightcap was amazing - we can't sing her praises enough.
She helped us to pull together a wedding in 4 months, assured us along the way that it could be done and worked with us to create a memorable day. Day of coordination - she (and Nicole!!) and the entire team at JAM were PHENOMENAL in making all of our guests feel comfortable and well cared for. THANK YOU! -
![Savannah]()
Savannah Sent on 06/30/202211/10 best service of my life
We had our wedding in May at the American Swedish Historical Museum in FDR Park, Philly and JAM truly delivered the best experience we could’ve ever asked for. If we could do it again, I would choose them a 1000x over. When you hear of a catering company, food immediately comes to mind but JAM does so much more, going above and beyond to give the couple, family, and guests the best experience. Leading up to the event, I felt comfortable and at-ease because my coordinator (Mandy Lightcap) was consistent with communication, answered every question I had, and reassured me every step of the way that everything was running smoothly and we were right on track. Mandy had also set me up with an assistant coordinator (Dorothy) just in case I needed her as well! I never felt left in the dark during the entire process. Setting up was a breeze thanks to Frank (the venue manager), and we felt confident leaving our belongings with him and arranging to pick them up afterwards with him in charge. EThe day of the event, I had figured out there was a tornado warning leading up to our ceremony time (which means moving the ceremony/cocktail hour inside) and honestly, without Mandy I think I would’ve had an absolute breakdown. She made every effort to keep me calm and recognized when I was overwhelmed that she needed to ask someone to make the final decisions regarding the plans for the day. Ultimately we decided to go for the outdoor ceremony, and JAM had been one step ahead putting chairs inside just in case we needed to shift mid-ceremony. The food during cocktail hour was absolutely delicious and I really think it could’ve been a meal in itself. It set the bar high for dinner, and boy did that deliver! Our entrees (steak/salmon/black bean cake) were some of the best dishes I’ve ever eaten, not even taking into account it was served at a wedding. It really felt like a dinner at a fine dining restaurant, not something served in mass amounts, every bite was flavorful and the portions were even larger than I had pictured. The guests still rave about the food to us, and the cake as well! The chef absolutely knocked it out of the park. At the end of the night, JAM was kind enough to recognize how the weather had affected our timeline and graciously agreed to give us an extra ½ hr of service, free of charge!!!! The cherry on top of the entire night was the staff, going beyond just our coordinator and chef, but the servers and bartenders as well. Not only was their set-up and service top-notch but fun as well!!! We even had a few of them join us on the dance floor at the end of the night and our guest experience would not have been the same without it!!! It is one of the first things our guests mention when they talk about our wedding. Everyone had the best time with them on the dance floor and it really just added to the excitement. It was the most PERFECT day and I honestly have to say JAM is to thank for that, I highly recommend them to everyone who wants more than a venue, they truly deliver the greatest overall experience for everyone involved. -
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![Taylor]()
Taylor Sent on 09/19/2021American Swedish Historical Museum was perfection!
The American Swedish Historical Museum is a hidden gem in South Philly. Nestled in FDR park, we had a sentimental attachment to the location because we regularly walk our dogs there and luckily ASHM is a dog friendly venue so our flower girl and ring bearer could be included. The location itself is a beautiful backdrop, but Jeffery A. Miller Catering also did a great job making everything look and ran smoothly the day of. Shoshanna our coordinator through JAM, was responsive and genuinely cared about making sure we were happy with everything. We didn’t want a traditional wedding cake and they worked with us to create a strawberry shortcake and signature cocktails that fit right in with our fruit themed wedding. The food and staff were amazing the day of and we couldn’t be happier with our choice in venue and caterer.
I want to add after reading a few other reviews that we were originally supposed to get married in May of 2020 and had to reschedule multiple times obviously due to COVID, JAM made the experience as seamless as possible while we all worked through a situation that none of us could have ever imagined. I felt that there was always open and honest communication from them and they did what they could to make our day happen the way we wanted while protecting their employees and business at the same time. -
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Sarah Sent on 08/15/2021
Wedding Venue Review
My husband and I recently had our wedding at the American Swedish Historical Museum in FDR Park in Philadelphia. Being from Philly, I had been in the park many times without knowing about the museum. We stumbled upon the venue online and immediately fell in love with the location, the architecture of the building, and the history of the museum along with their indoor displays. The museum is beautiful and can be used for the ceremony indoors or outdoors. They host cocktail hour inside and outside as well so that guests may tour the various displays. The reception is held outdoors in a beautiful covered (clear top paneled) tent where the sides of the tent can remain open or closed. String lights hang from side to side which is beautiful when lit up alongside the museum at night. The venue offers many places for pictures as well as a lake boathouse and rotunda within walking distance in the park.
The staff at the venue is incredibly friendly - those who work in the museum and those directly related to helping set up and coordinating the entire day. We had such an easy process for drop off and pick up on separate days from our actual ceremony/reception - it made the entire day and night so easy and more relaxing than having to worry about how to get our stuff to and from the venue.
We will continue to be supporters of the museum and it will forever hold a special place in our hearts! -
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![Margaux]()
Margaux Sent on 10/19/2019Absolutely recommend ASHM!
We chose the American Swedish Museum for our September 2019 wedding. The venue, food and service was incredible and we could not have been happier with the event. Mandy made the planning process easy and was responsive and accommodating.
We hosted the ceremony inside and loved the town hall feel of being surrounded by friends and family. The cocktail hour and reception in the tent felt very elegant. So many of our guests commented on the beautiful venue, great staff and delicious food.
We absolutely recommend ASHM! -
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Bianca Sent on 08/02/2019
Amazing space, delicious catering, happy husband and wife!
I cannot begin to express how grateful I am for Jeffrey Miller Catering. My husband and I visited two of their venues as potential venues for our wedding and ultimately landed on The American Swedish Historic Museum. I loved the unique charm the museum had and Mandy and Shoshanna were so lovely to work with. No one ever missed a beat! From prompt email replies to many last minute changes the week of the wedding, everything was done quickly and gracefully. The wedding day and night were more than we could ever imagined. While running on adrenaline and the energy of the room, I managed to try appetizers, my meal, and all the desserts. Everything was DELICIOUS. All my guests are talking about how amazing the food was. Every item I brought was placed exactly how I imagined. The staff was ON IT the entire night. They didn't miss a thing. Food was passed out quickly and the captain and servers were constantly ensuring all guests had everything they needed. The museum itself is STUNNING. While the wedding day is a crazy whirlwind that goes by in the blink of an eye, I truly tried to take some time to look around and take it all in, but I would need weeks to take in all the beauty of this museum. Desserts and photo booth were set up in different galleries which allowed guests to explore and they loved it. Dancing in the great hall under the painted ceiling was so special and fun. All our vendors were accommodated and mentioned JAM and Shoshanna being so easy to work with. The pictures from this venue, both indoor and outdoor are so captivating! If there are anymore synonyms for the words wonderful, amazing, and fantastic, just insert them here, because I am so grateful for JAM and the perfect wedding day they helped give my husband and I! -
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Lindsey Sent on 07/21/2019
A venue unlike any other!
We had our July 2019 wedding at the amazing ASHM. The venue is so unique with it's multiple different spaces all in very close proximity. We were predicting heat, and opted to have our ceremony in the beautiful inside of the museum. The cocktail hour took place both inside the museum as well as on the lawn, and the reception inside the large tent right out front. The venue as well as the surrounding park has countless opportunities for photos.
The museum is easily accessible, which was great for our out of town guests to be able to attend without having to rent a car. The museum staying open throughout the night was not only a source of entertainment, but also a great way to cool down on a hot July evening. Nothing worse than working up a sweat on the dance floor and having no AC in sight.
One very slight con to add to all the pros, FDR park is a public park and during our event, there was a party going on near the lake with loud music playing. We were able to hear the music throughout cocktail hour and the portions of the reception that the band was not playing (speeches etc.) although it was not overpowering, and easily covered up by the band playing. This did not dampen the mood at all, however, just something to keep in mind if you are looking for a very secluded venue, this may not feel as private as you may like.
We would completely recommend the American Swedish Historical Museum! -
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Molly Sent on 06/03/2019
Amazing Staff! Super Flexible and Accommodating!!
The staff at the American Swedish Historical Museum went above and beyond for our May 2019 wedding! So accommodating with start times, special requests for vendor deliveries and drop offs not to mention such pleasant staff! Frank was amazing with our requests and so easy to work with! The venue is so beautiful and well maintained! Our guests cannot stop talking about it! Thank you American Swedish Historical Museum for making our day breathtaking and effortless!
Molly and Dan -
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Neda Sent on 08/27/2018We had our wedding in May 5, 2018 at American Swedish Historical Museum The venue itself was exactly what we were looking for in terms of atmosphere, scenery and overall experience. The staff specially Mandy worked well with us on our budget and found prices/packages that fit. She was excellent and very responsible. We couldn’t ask for more beautiful day! Every thing was excellent and she did a great job! My husband and I agreed that choosing ASHM was the best decision we’ve had and Mandy is the best!
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![Julia]()
Julia Sent on 07/18/2018Beautiful, unique venue. Our guests loved it and we had the most amazing time. -
![Elaine]()
Elaine Sent on 08/14/2025south philly wedding of our dreams!
My husband, Dave, and I had the wedding of our dreams with JAM at American Swedish Historical Museum in South Philly. They make the entire wedding planning process easy and deliver on everything they promise. Dorothy and Bonnie, our coordinators and initial contacts were kind and helpful at every turn. Wish we could do it again, and we would do it all the same! -
![Christine]()
Christine Sent on 01/17/2025Great Wedding Venue
Anyone looking for a venue in Philly, I would highly recommend the American Swedish Historical Museum! I’m getting married there this spring and it’s been so effortless working with their coordinators. Jeffrey A Miller does the catering - they put a lot of effort into their food. It’s all fresh and handmade, much better than your typical wedding food in my opinion. The venue offers indoor/outdoor vibes tucked away in FDR park with a tent during the spring and fall months! -
![Alli]()
Jess Sent on 05/29/2019Beautiful Philly Venue with Everything!
We were married at the Swedish Museum on Friday, May 17th 2019. Our experience from start to finish was excellent!
Pros:
- Excellent price and flexibility, tons of menu options and rental options for decor
- Comes with day-of wedding coordinator who was amazing (you will need this!)
- Indoor & outdoor venue, both options are beautiful. I had a little bit of rain after my ceremony and the catering staff swiftly moved everything inside - totally seamless!
- Food is the BEST in Philly (JAM catering), cake is included, and tasting included too
- Free parking for your guests and easy access to the city afterward
- Cultural and interesting venue, in the city, but set in a gorgeous park setting
- Venue fee goes toward educational programs at the museum
Cons:
- If you opt for an outdoor ceremony, remember that you are in an public urban setting. There were people sunbathing outside the museum as my guests arrived, and someone was doing donuts in the parking lot which was annoying. I suppose there is not much the venue or caterer can do about this but I wish I had known because I would have used their gorgeous indoor space. The park could also use some general cleaning up, mowing lawn, removing graffiti in parking lot, etc.
- This is not the best venue if you have a lot of handicapped family members. There are several stairs involved, and though there is a handicapped parking space in the back, my guests told me it was difficult to get to. One of them informed me there was a catering truck blocking the spot. There is an elevator though once you are inside the building.
- I wish I had thought about this beforehand, but there is really no private space for the bride on the wedding day. The museum has one bathroom which is downstairs toward the kitchen, and I was running into guests before my ceremony which was awkward. They use one of the museum rooms as a makeshift "bridal suite" but since this is where the whole bridal party + parents were told to go, it was completely packed before the ceremony and several people using it throughout the night. I had to use one of the other exhibit rooms to bustle my dress (since it is kind of revealing to do that), and someone walked in on us. It is funny in retrospect but kind of annoying on the wedding day.
Overall this venue worked great for our 130 guests, we got several compliments especially on the service and the food. The tent and lighting were beautiful! These are the amazing caterers I used and everything went perfectly. Highly recommend each of them!
DJ - Jamie Grimble
Florist - Wisot Designs
Officiant - Ceremony Officiants
Photographer - Kelly Giarrocco Photography -
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