Intimate Wedding Venue in Philadelphia: Martha Philly

When looking for an intimate wedding venue in Philadelphia, restaurants offer a number of conveniences. But what if you’re looking for a venue with some personality? Martha’s in Kensington is a cozy venue where pops of vibrant color bring ceremonies and receptions to life. Although it’s known best for its delicious cuisine, Martha is a great venue for small weddings. Sarah and Ben’s wedding embraced the casual but trendy vibe. 

Martha Philly

As an intimate wedding venue in Philadelphia, Martha has a lot of charm. From the playful branding on the signage to the unpretentious wood and brick of the building, it communicates a sense of welcome from the start. The container garden out front makes it impossible to miss. Guests will love the mix of flora growing in old barrels by the door.

Most Martha weddings, like the one featured here, are held on the patio, though there is indoor seating. The muted tones of the building are brightened by a colorful red outbuilding and red-and-white striped umbrellas at the tables. Lush plants surround the patio and fill planters, softening the urban edge with a touch of nature. It’s easy to feel like you’re stepping into a world apart from the city streets when you come through the distinctive iron gate.

The trees along the back of the patio area are ideal for setting up a small wedding ceremony with minimal extra decoration. Check out Sarah and Ben’s ceremony in the trees. All they needed was a small table and a colorful cloth to make the space special. Floral arrangements are also a popular addition in the ceremony space and along the dining tables.

Every space in Martha Philly has a splash of color to brighten it. Bright orange, yellow, and blue chairs line the tables and double as seats for guests during ceremonies. The whimsical furniture is good inspiration for anyone trying to decide on a color scheme. The atmosphere is fun but retains a sense of occasion.

One of the perks of Martha’s patio is the overhang. Even if the weather doesn’t cooperate for your reception, guests are covered. Market lights twinkle along the edges adding to the festive atmosphere. 

Having a small wedding at a restaurant has some definite perks. Martha is a perfect intimate wedding venue for anyone looking for good food! When not hosting small weddings, Martha is a neighborhood bar known for its delicious fare. (Seriously, their Instagram page will make your stomach rumble.) 

Martha is located in Kensington, Philadelphia. Kensington historically has been a working class neighborhood known for fishing, textiles and other industries. Although many of these industries have either died or moved on from Kensington, the neighborhood is changing quickly in recent years. Martha is one of many bars and restaurants to emerge. 

Sarah and Ben’s Intimate Wedding

Sarah and Ben’s intimate wedding at Martha was casual, lively, and loving. They embraced the character of the neighborhood in our portrait session and added their own colorful touches to the venue’s decor. It helped that their guests came dressed in bright summery hues.

Sarah and Ben’s pre-ceremony portrait session captured the history of the neighborhood and the beauty of the venue. Would it even be a Philly wedding without a portrait in front of a mural? The black and white mural pictured here allowed Sarah and Ben’s florals to stand out. 

Martha features vignettes that are ideal for portraits. Between the ironwork door and honeysuckle lining the path, there are options for adding interest to portraits. Even candid shots always have a beautiful backdrop. The colorful tablescapes and chairs make every moment feel like a party.

This couple didn’t shy away from color in their florals or decor, and it made their small wedding feel fresh and joyful. Sarah’s bouquet featured an array of orange, pink, and white flowers that went perfectly with the bright colors at Martha. They even signed their ketubah on a turquoise floral cloth that continued the theme. 

Are you interested in having me photography your intimate wedding at Martha? Contact me for a consultation today!

Vendor Team

Photographer: Heather McBride Photography

Venue/catering: Martha Kensington

Dress: Reformation

Suit: Indochino

Florist: Botanic Village

Makeup: @diav_ola

Hair: It’s Your Beauty Call