Historical Society of Pennsylvania

Select services venue

The venue will provide the space, plus a few extras.

Full wedding (ceremony and reception) pricing

Starting at $10,000

Guest capacity

Up to 160 seated guests

About this venue

The Historical Society of Pennsylvania is Philadelphia's Library of American History and contains over 21 million historic documents covering every topic imaginable. HSP can create a personalized experience that will thrill and engage your guests! HSP docents can pull historic documents from their enormous collection and display a curated selection of treasures selected specifically for your event. Guests can view and learn about these documents in The Reading Room, which can also host dinners for up to 60 people. Upstairs, the newly renovated Patterson Room can host up to 150 guests for seated receptions.

Seated guest capacity

40-160

Venue type

Museums, Galleries
Urban Locations

Venue setting

Indoor

1300 Locust St, Philadelphia, PA 19107

Our event spaces

Patterson Room

Newly-renovated reception hall with opportunities for customization

The newly-renovated reception hall is a great space for seated dinners with dancing. The reception hall can host up to 160 guests for a seated dinner.

Guest capacity

Up to 160 Seated

Up to 160 Standing

Ideal for

Wedding ceremony, Elopement, Wedding reception, Engagement party

Main Lobby

The perfect chic cocktail hour space

The welcoming lobby area is a relaxed space for cocktail hour with a three-piece band or other low-key entertainment, with access to displays showcasing various historic documents. These documents and artifacts with captivating historical significance can be customized for your event, with items of relevance to you or your event in particular.

Guest capacity

Up to 100 Seated

Up to 160 Standing

Ideal for

Engagement party, Welcome party, Cocktail hour

Guests often feel this space is

“Luxurious and chic”

The Reading Room

A distinct, historic setting with displays of historic treasures selected specifically for your event!

The Reading Room is adjacent to the lobby and provides a unique opportunity for the backdrop of your event to be the Historical Society’s large library. With a distinct vibe from the seating and lighting fixtures, guests will be sure to remember dinners in this stately setting.

Guest capacity

Up to 100 Seated

Up to 100 Standing

Ideal for

Elopement, Rehearsal dinner, Engagement party, Welcome party, Couples luncheon, Cocktail hour, Farewell brunch

Guests often feel this space is

“Warm and cozy”

Patterson Room

Newly-renovated reception hall with opportunities for customization

The newly-renovated reception hall is a great space for seated dinners with dancing. The reception hall can host up to 160 guests for a seated dinner.

Guest capacity

Up to 160 Seated

Up to 160 Standing

Ideal for

Wedding ceremony, Elopement, Wedding reception, Engagement party

Main Lobby

The perfect chic cocktail hour space

Guest capacity

Up to 100 Seated

Up to 160 Standing

Ideal for

Engagement party, Welcome party, Cocktail hour

Guests often feel this space is

“Luxurious and chic”

The Reading Room

A distinct, historic setting with displays of historic treasures selected specifically for your event!

Guest capacity

Up to 100 Seated

Up to 100 Standing

Ideal for

Elopement, Rehearsal dinner, Engagement party, Welcome party, Couples luncheon, Cocktail hour, Farewell brunch

Guests often feel this space is

“Warm and cozy”

Available services that can be provided by Historical Society of Pennsylvania

Services & amenities

Bar services
Catering services
Clean up
Dressing room / Bridal Suite
Event coordinator
Event rentals
Event staff
Liability insurance
Service staff
Set up
Wedding cake services
Wheelchair accessible
Wifi

Reviews

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5.0 out of 5

1 review

Write a review

Incredible ceremony venue in center city!
•Verified review
•Katie & E.•May 9, 2025
The team at the Historical Society of Pennsylvania was exceptional in helping us plan a perfect wedding ceremony. From our first call with Preston and Emily, we were impressed by their energetic, communicative, and organized approach. They were incredibly easygoing and flexible. The historic venue provided a romantic backdrop for an exceptional value. The staff went above and beyond, setting up a special collection of items related to our wedding theme and being available for any last minute logistics related to the ceremony rehearsal and preparation. We would absolutely host our wedding ceremony at the Historical Society of Pennsylvania again - they helped make our day truly magical!
Response from vendor•May 9, 2025
Hi Katie, Thank you for sharing such kind words about The Historical Society of Pennsylvania. We are so glad to hear that the HSP Team was able to make your wedding ceremony dreams come true! Congratulations once again!