A Mutter Museum wedding combines historic Philadelphia elegance with time among the museum’s notoriously quirky exhibits. One minute you’re in an elaborate woodwork library or wide marble staircase. The next you’re sipping a cocktail face to face with the Hyrtl Skull Collection. It’s definitely an experience Kristen and Jack’s wedding guests won’t forget. Their beautiful Mutter Museum wedding had the perfect balance of classic and curious details.

A Mutter Museum Wedding

The Mutter Museum doesn’t have the origin story of your typical Philadelphia wedding venue. It was established in the late 1850s with a collection of biological specimens, models, and medical equipment. Originally, it was intended for biomedical research. It’s now a museum dedicated to medical history housed in a gorgeous building in Center City. The architecture inside and out makes it an appealing venue.

Fortunately, the Mutter Museum has plenty of rooms that aren’t full of medical oddities. Several rooms are available for wedding ceremonies and receptions. They have a nineteenth-century glamor with painted ceilings and elaborate moulding. Antique portraits hang on the walls lit by tall arched windows. One potential ceremony spot has a gilded fireplace that serves as a beautiful focal point whether you have a full chuppah or just a few florals.

The main hall of the Mutter Museum has an incredible symmetrical marble stairway. I can’t think of a better way to make a grand entrance to a reception. For quieter portraits, there are warm, dramatically lit halls and a library lined with card catalogs with an old-fashioned charm.

One of the most unique things about a Mutter Museum wedding is that guests can wander the exhibits during cocktail hour. No photography is allowed in that section of the wedding venue, but your guests will never run out of things to talk about. Kristen and Jack got creative and tied references to the exhibits into their cocktail hour decor. They put chamomile flowers in bell jars on top of beds of moss. It was on theme while still feeling like wedding decor.

The Mutter Museum is located in the heart of Philadelphia in Center City. The area is accessible by public transportation or ride shares, so guests don’t have to worry about driving and parking in this busy neighborhood. You don’t need to go anywhere to take portraits with a venue like this. Rittenhouse Square is just about a half mile away if you want more diverse photos. Just keep the weekend crowds in mind!

Kristen and Jack’s Elegant Wedding 

Because this wedding venue has so many high ceilings and walls with dark woodwork, the light in some areas is very moody. For their Mutter Museum wedding, Kristen and Jack did their first look beside a wall of windows. The space is free of distractions, and the side light from the windows makes them practically glow. It was the perfect place for them to have an intimate moment before seeing their guests.

Originally, Kristen and Jack planned to have their wedding ceremony in Mutter Museum’s courtyard. We took some portraits out there, including a few with their extremely lovable pup. The white flowering trees, green ferns, and bushy yellow flowers feel like a little oasis in the middle of the city. The tall ivy-covered brick wall is a popular place to set up for a ceremony. 

The rain put a damper on Kristen and Jack’s plans, forcing the ceremony inside. Thankfully the backup ceremony spot was gorgeous. Guests gathered under the blue and white ceiling to watch Kristen and Jack exchange vows in front of the gold fireplace. A few floral arrangements and candles made the space feel cozy and romantic.

A Mutter Museum wedding doesn’t require a lot of decoration to feel elegant and elevated. Kristen and Jack chose classic details that suited the space. White florals decorated the tables and made up Kristen’s bouquet. The combinations of textures and shades of white and cream were a surprising contrast to the dark interior. Kristen’s chic dress felt like it was made for the Mutter Museum. Even the cake felt timeless in that setting. 

Would you like me to photograph your Philadelphia wedding? I’ll put you at ease in front of the camera and capture those sweet in-between moments. Reach out to me!