The Philadelphia Wedding Weekend Guide for Out-of-Town Guests
Make Philly feel like home for everyone you love.
Your college roommate is flying in from Denver. Your aunt is taking the train down from Boston. Your partner’s whole side of the family is driving up from Atlanta and has never once been to Philadelphia.
They’re coming for you. But they’ll have hours to fill between the welcome drinks and the last dance, and they’ll want to know where to sleep, where to eat, and how to get from the airport to your ceremony without a group chat meltdown.
This guide is for them. Share it on your wedding website, drop it in your welcome bags, or text it to the cousin who always asks a hundred questions.
Where to Stay: Picking the Right Philadelphia Neighborhood
Where your guests stay shapes their whole weekend. Choose a neighborhood close to your venue, or close to the things they’ll want to do in their downtime.
Rittenhouse Square: Tree-lined streets, boutiques, and some of the city’s best restaurants a short walk away. The Rittenhouse Hotel sits right on the square.
Center City: The most convenient choice if your venue is downtown or guests are coming in by train. The Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia at Comcast Center has some of the best skyline views in the city.
Old City and Society Hill: Cobblestones, colonial history, and a lively dinner scene. Perfect for guests who want to see the Liberty Bell before brunch.
The Main Line and the suburbs: If you’re getting married outside the city, book a hotel near your venue and arrange a shuttle. Your guests will thank you at 11 PM.
Divas Tip: Set up a hotel room block 8 to 12 months out. Ask whether it’s a courtesy block (guests can release rooms with no penalty to you) or a contracted block (you’re responsible for unbooked rooms). For most couples, courtesy blocks are the safer bet.
Getting Around Philly
- Flying in: Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) is about 20 to 30 minutes from Center City by car. The SEPTA Airport Line runs straight into downtown.
- Taking the train: Amtrak stops at 30th Street Station, a quick ride from most Center City hotels.
- Getting around town: Center City is very walkable. For everything else, there’s Uber or SEPTA.
- Wedding day: If your ceremony and reception are in different spots, or your venue is outside the city, book shuttle service.
Where to Eat (Beyond the Wedding Menu)
- Reading Terminal Market: A must for first-timers. Dozens of local vendors under one roof, perfect for a casual lunch the day before the wedding.
- Zahav: One of the city’s most celebrated restaurants. Tell guests to reserve well ahead.
- BYOBs: Philly is famous for its bring-your-own-bottle restaurants.
- The cheesesteak question: We’re not picking a side in that debate. Let your guests settle it themselves.
Divas Tip: Add three or four of your own favorite restaurants on your wedding website. Guests love knowing where the couple actually eats.
What to Do Between Wedding Events
- History lovers: Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell at Independence National Historical Park
- Art lovers: The Philadelphia Museum of Art (yes, you can run the steps), the Barnes Foundation, and Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens on South Street
- Garden lovers: Longwood Gardens, about an hour outside the city
- Everything else: Visit Philadelphia keeps an up-to-date calendar of events
Welcome Bag Ideas With Local Flavor
A printed weekend itinerary with times, addresses, and shuttle details
A local treat (soft pretzels, Tastykakes, or something from your favorite neighborhood bakery)
Water and a little recovery kit for the morning after
A handwritten note from the two of you
A card with a QR code linking to this guide
Divas Tip: Ask your hotel about delivery fees before you assemble 80 bags. Many hotels charge per bag to hand them out at check-in.
Plan the Whole Weekend, Not Just the Wedding
A great wedding weekend feels effortless for your guests, because someone planned every piece of it. Welcome drinks, the rehearsal dinner (our favorite Philly ideas), shuttle schedules, and the farewell brunch all need their own timeline, vendors, and guest communication.
Still working on who’s coming? Start with Wedding Guest Lists 101. Looking for ways to keep everyone entertained? Read Wonderful Ways to Entertain Your Guests. Still choosing a location? See Main Line, Bucks County, or Center City? and Saying ‘I Do’ to the Perfect Venue.
Let’s Make Your Guests Feel at Home
Our full-service couples get a planning team that handles the whole weekend, from room blocks and welcome bags to shuttles and the farewell brunch. Tell us your date, your guest count, and where everyone is coming from.
Plan Your Wedding Weekend With Us
Heading somewhere after the farewell brunch? Our Honeymoon Specialist, Erica, can plan your getaway too. Start with Honeymoon Planning Made Easy.
