Some people are just…joy. They radiate light, happiness, that intangible exquisite nature that makes up good people. You can see it in their eyes. In how they speak to you and to the world around them. You can see it when their family and friends look at them. You can tell by the joy that surrounds them on their wedding day. Both Rachel and Brandon are that kind of good people. From Rachel singing Once On This Island while putting on her wedding dress to the way Brandon touched her face when he arrived at her bedeken, the entire day was full of moments that simply brought tears to your eyes. It was a joy to witness, to feel that love, and to document these moments for them and their incredible, incredible families.
Here are a few of my favorite images from their wedding:
Westin Philadelphia Wedding Photographer
The Westin Philadelphia at 99 South 17th Street sits between Rittenhouse Square and City Hall in the heart of Center City, inside the Shops at Liberty Place. 294 guest rooms, 16 event spaces, and more than 17,000 square feet of space that explicitly accommodates every element of a full Jewish wedding weekend — ketubah signing, tish, bedeken, ceremony, and reception — without leaving the building. The Grand Ballroom with its crystal chandeliers and crown moldings. The Georgian Room with floor-to-ceiling windows for ceremonies. City Hall and Rittenhouse Square steps away for portraits. I have photographed here and the combination of a full-service ballroom hotel with those outdoor portrait locations is genuinely excellent.
About the Venue
99 South 17th Street, Center City Philadelphia, inside the Shops at Liberty Place. Between Rittenhouse Square and City Hall. 294 guest rooms. 16 event spaces across more than 17,000 square feet. In-house catering. The venue accommodates full Jewish wedding weekends including ketubah signing, tish, bedeken, and all ceremonial elements across separate spaces. Complimentary suite for the couple on the wedding night.
The Spaces
The Grand Ballroom at 7,500 square feet is the primary reception space. Crystal chandeliers, crown moldings, warm neutral tones. Up to 350 guests seated for dinner with dance floor and stage. The ballroom’s clean lines and neutral palette make it one of the most versatile reception spaces in Philadelphia — it photographs well under any lighting and works with any decor direction.
The Georgian Room features floor-to-ceiling windows and quiet, elegant proportions. Up to 200 seated. The preferred ceremony space within the hotel. The window light here is exceptional for documentary photography.
The marble entrance foyer and additional breakout rooms accommodate pre-ceremony events. The venue specifically calls out space for ketubah signing and other ritual elements, which makes it one of the more Jewish-wedding-aware hotels in Philadelphia.
Portrait Locations Near the Westin Philadelphia
The Westin’s location between Rittenhouse Square and City Hall is one of the strongest portrait situations of any Center City hotel. Rittenhouse Square is a two-minute walk — garden paths, the fountain, mature trees, and the elegant residential buildings surrounding the square. City Hall and Broad Street are a few blocks north — the exterior of City Hall, the Avenue of the Arts, and the Broad Street median for portraits. All reachable during cocktail hour without a vehicle.
Frequently Asked Questions: Westin Philadelphia Weddings
Where is the Westin Philadelphia located?
99 South 17th Street in Center City Philadelphia, inside the Shops at Liberty Place, between Rittenhouse Square and City Hall.
What is the Westin Philadelphia?
A full-service hotel with 294 guest rooms and 16 event spaces across more than 17,000 square feet. Grand Ballroom at 7,500 square feet, up to 350 seated. Georgian Room with floor-to-ceiling windows, up to 200 seated. In-house catering. Accommodates full Jewish wedding weekends including ketubah signing, tish, and bedeken across dedicated spaces. Complimentary suite for the couple.
Is the Westin Philadelphia good for Jewish weddings?
Yes. The venue explicitly accommodates ketubah signing and other ceremonial elements in dedicated spaces, and the 16-room layout provides flexibility for separating ritual moments throughout the day. The hotel has extensive experience with Jewish wedding weekends.
What are the best portrait locations near the Westin Philadelphia?
Rittenhouse Square is two minutes away on foot — one of the most beautiful urban squares in Philadelphia with gardens, a fountain, and elegant residential architecture. City Hall and Broad Street are a short walk north. Both locations are routinely used during cocktail hour without losing time to travel.
Do you photograph weddings at the Westin Philadelphia?
Yes. If your wedding is here, I would love to hear about it.
