The Bellevue Hotel Philadelphia is a classic Center City hotel, considered the “Grand Dame of Broad Street.” This hotel opened in 1904, and is a timeless staple in Philadelphia’s hotel scene. After close to 100 weddings there, I’m happy to say that I’m treated like family there. Their staff is dedicated to top notch service, and somehow, as high as the bar is, they’re always exceeding expectations.
The ballroom is clearly one of the most beautiful and classic grand ballrooms in any hotel in the country. The lighting system is still an original design by the one and only Thomas Edison, and in fact, the lighting board is still comprised of the original control arms. It’s truly a remarkable gizmo!
Weddings at the Bellevue Hotel have that old-world Philadelphia feel, yet they can have whatever modern spin the client wishes depending upon the decor. The floors are beautiful, old hardwood, and they’re impeccably maintained. So much can be done with this ballroom, and I’ve seen dozens of different themes and setups. It can accommodate an intimate 100 person wedding, or it can comfortably fit 400.
Because it sits in the middle of Philadelphia’s Avenue of the Arts, weddings held at the Bellevue Hotel provide me with spectacular locations to take my couples for photographs. The view of Philadelphia’s City Hall gives me a spectacular backdrop for some nighttime photography, and I always offer my couples a chance to get a quick shot later in the evening for a “wow” shot for their album.
Location: 200 S Broad St, Philadelphia, PA 19102.
1/320; f/2.8; ISO 4000; 24.0 mm.