As a West-Philly-based photographer, I have had the pleasure of working at so many stunning wedding venues, and – most recently – I’ve been invited to attend beautiful and intimate engagements to see these venues in a new light. 

Yet, there’s one that’s simply stood out from the rest: Powel House. 

Built in 1765, this museum opens its doors to couples looking to tie the knot and live through the stunning Georgian architectural details that have been preserved throughout the years. And, I want to open up to the opulence and artistry that could be a part of your big day with a wedding venue review.

The History of Powell House

Quite rightly, as the home of Liberty Bell, Philadelphia’s historic district is host to an array of monuments and landmarks including Powell House.

Currently standing as a museum dedicated to colonial revivalism, Powel House was once home to Mr. Samuel Powel and his wife, Mrs. Elizabeth Powel; two of the most affluent individuals who became known as the 18th-century power couple. 

They’d held the role of entertainer to an array of opulent parties frequented by the likes of George Washington, Benjamin Rush, the Marquis de Lafayette, Benjamin Franklin, and John Adams. 

And, in one of his memoirs, John Adams noted having a ‘sinful feast’ while at Powel House, much like the array of delectable dishes that can be served to the wedding couple on their ceremonious day of a Powel House micro-wedding.

The 18th Century Opulent Interior

As you walk through the front door, you are greeted by a house-mark named The Archway. It frames the house as a white and fluted infinity pillar that takes inspiration from Samuel Powell’s grand trip to Europe in the 18th century. 

Mr. Powel’s infatuation with European architecture and design floods throughout the rest of Powel house with perfect symmetry, an ornate mantel, a rococo ceiling, sash windows, and more. One of the most notable flairs for this perfect symmetry comes from the parlor where the fireplace is framed with two doors yet only one is an entrance and the other is a ‘blind door’.

The Powel House micro-wedding setting has an interior perfectly preserved for a ceremony sharing the floor with the greats. As George Washington spent his 30th wedding anniversary in the ballroom of Powel House, with his wife Martha, it opens up for the spectacular experiences to be had by the wedding couple walking in the footsteps of historical idols.

The House and the Garden

In true wedding venue review fashion, I need to let you know about the two areas at the Powel House museum: The House and The Garden. 

The house shapes a warm day with golden drapes, cream interiors, 18th century period furniture made using the dark red woods of mahogany, and a sprinkle of the socially elite.

In the house, your ceremony will be held in the ballroom that features long windows for light, a piano, a harp, and an ornate fireplace to provide visually stunning symmetry within your wedding day photographs that pay tribute to the Georgian architects.

The garden, on the other hand, paves a green and lustrous ceremony venue dressed with a modern canopy and gorgeous bright lanterns overhead. There is a wild-growing garden home the most beautiful of flowers including the white blooms that gently complement any gown framed by the old red brick of historic architecture in the background.

With a quaint luncheon or dinner in the house, guests will begin the Powel House micro-wedding day in the ballroom sipping on cocktails with the option to access the garden through the house.

The Home to Stunning Micro-Weddings

Being home to Mr. Powel (who happened to be the last Mayor of Philadelphia under British rule and the first Mayor of Philadelphia after the United States of America was formed) it’s no surprise that Powel House is in demand. So, you’ll need to get in touch with the Philadelphia Society or the Preservation of Landmarks (PSPL).

However, if you do book your intimate Powel House micro-wedding, the stunning townhouse streaming with historical narrative and interior quintessence will welcome you with open arms through The Archway.

For $2000, you’ll have access to four hours of the house that pays an ode to the true age of President George Washington. This will also include the following:

• Up to 100 guests

• Separate dressing areas for the wedding couple

• A coat check room

• Venue dress and clean up

• Coordinator for the day

• The kitchen for food preparation

• Public parking

• Dance area

• An in-depth tour for the wedding party

• Access to the house and garden

• Allowances for self-brought alcohol

• Top-choice list of caterers

• Rose petals for confetti

• Space for acoustic musicians

As a photographer, I’ve traveled, explored, and ventured into the magnificent world of weddings big, small, outdoors, indoors, traditional, adventurous, and more. And, there haven’t been many venues that take my camera’s eye quite like Powel House. 

So, why not see where a Powel House micro-wedding will take you and your partner?

For some tips on how to downsize your wedding into a Powel House sized micro-wedding, have a little read of my article 5 Essential Tips to Help you Downsize into a Micro-Wedding. Alternatively, if you’re reading this article and envisioning the perfect day saying “I do” to your partner but haven’t popped the question yet, take a look at my article 5 Pointers to Help you Plan the Perfect Proposal.