If you’re looking for a unique Philadelphia wedding venue, check out Globe Dye Works. This industrial wedding venue has a long history of housing textile craftspeople and, now, artists of all kinds. It includes big indoor and outdoor spaces with distinctive features, including beautiful natural light and creative portrait locations. Marcus and Eliana’s Globe Dye Works wedding was an unforgettable evening full of tender moments.

A Unique Philadelphia Wedding Venue

Globe Dye Works is a unique Philadelphia wedding venue with a long history. The Greenwood family established Globe Dye Works in 1865. The company dyed and spun yarn for 140 years. Unlike many industrial buildings, it didn’t change hands until 2007. At that point, Globe Development Group converted it into a complex of artist studios with an event space.

As a former industrial space, Globe Dye Works has the capacity to accommodate big guest lists, but it holds a lot of magic for more intimate weddings too. Marcus and Eliana had a more smaller guest list, and the space worked out perfectly. The tall windows let in pretty sunlight during the day. The skylights in the ceremony space are especially beautiful. It’s rare to have an indoor ceremony that’s so well lit naturally. 

A Globe Dye Works wedding reception has a definite party atmosphere. A disco ball throws light across the weathered brick walls. A red neon sign hangs over the reception area, which is wide open for a good dance party. This unique Philadelphia wedding venue has a very distinct sense of place even compared with other industrial wedding venues.

When the weather is nice, you can enjoy the courtyard at Globe Dye Works too. The simple space is lined with an iron fence and wooden planters. Lush plants spill over the sides, adding dimension and a welcome touch of greenery. Having an outdoor space is great for portraits and anytime you need a break from the dance floor.

Globe Dye Works is located in the Frankford neighborhood. This area of Philadelphia is largely residential without many accommodations in walking distance. It is just a ten-minute drive across the Delaware River from New Jersey and twenty minutes from Center City. Guests can also catch the elevated train. SEPTA’s Market-Frankford line has a stop nearby. 

A Globe Dye Works Wedding

Marcus and Eliana’s relationship is as special as their unique Philadelphia wedding venue. They met in high school on a trip and have spent most of their relationship doing long distance. Even their parents shared that their love is really aspirational, something you rarely see in the age of dating apps. Their Globe Dye Works wedding was the absolute sweetest because they are so in love. Through portraits and all the wedding activities, Marcaus and Eliana were so natural together.

We took advantage of the cool features of this unique Philadelphia wedding venue for portraits. Marcus and Eliana snuggled up on a beautiful blue couch before heading over to the spiral staircase. The black and white images from this portion of the day feel timeless with the minimalist rail winding around them. We also played with the light and shadow from the tall windows for a few moodier portraits.

As fun as it was to take creative wedding portraits, I loved photographing those moments at Marcus and Eliana’s wedding when no one was thinking about the camera. You can tell so much about people’s relationships in those in-between moments. I love the way Eliana’s family embraces her outside Globe Dye Works. After the ketubah signing, too, her family surrounds her with happy tears and hugs. Those are the things that make a wedding day worth remembering. 

Eliana and Marcus incorporated several Jewish traditions into their Globe Dye Works wedding starting with the ketubah signing. The bright natural light fit the mood for this joyful moment. During their wedding ceremony, they stood under a chuppah. Flowering vines trailed along the frame, tying in the natural imagery from their ketubah. At the reception, they danced the horah. You can see so much happiness in Marcus and Eliana’s faces as their guests lift them up in the chairs.

Do you want to see another unique Philadelphia wedding venue? Check out this wedding at The Deacon and this one at Martha Philly!