Nicole and Mac love Philadelphia. When they got engaged, they knew a city wedding was for them. The trick came with finding a wedding venue that was grand without being over the top. The Curtis Atrium’s modern beauty offered the perfect setting for their elegant reception.

A Modern Wedding at the Curtis Atrium

The Curtis Atrium is a gorgeous Philadelphia wedding venue in Old City. A grand curved staircase leads to a stately room. The 12-story room has a skylight that lets in beautiful natural light. At the base of the stairs, there’s even an Art Deco water feature. 

If you have your ceremony at the Curtis Atrium, you can hold your ceremony in front of the waterfall. Other unique features include a mahogany bar and The Dream Garden, a colorful glass mosaic. 

The cost for a wedding at the Curtis Atrium starts at $32,000 during peak season. During off-peak season, prices start at $28,000. The Curtis Atrium has capacity for up to 350 guests seated. Constellation provides all catering services.

One of the great things about a wedding at the Curtis Atrium is that there are so many amazing places for photos nearby. It’s four blocks from the Merchant Exchange Building and right around the corner from Washington Square Park. All the biggest Old City attractions are within walking distance. You can really lean into the historic Philadelphia aesthetic for your wedding photos. 

The Curtis Atrium is part of the Curtis Center. Starting in 1891, publisher Cyrus Curtis used it as home for his many magazines. The architect designed it in the Beaux Arts style. Its classical features helped it blend in with the older buildings in the neighborhood.

A Romantic Philadelphia Wedding

Before their reception at the Curtis Atrium, Nicole and Mac had their wedding ceremony at the Cathedral Basilica Saints Peter and Paul on the Ben Franklin Parkway. Peter and Paul is one of the most breathtaking churches in the city. The domed ceilings and elaborate interiors set the tone for Nicole and Mac’s elegant celebration.

After the ceremony, we headed to Old City for portraits at the Merchant Exchange Building. This spot is one of my favorite places to take ethereal photos in the evening. The columns and curved white stone of the building reflect golden hour light beautifully. The cobblestone streets add an extra level of historic charm. It’s easy to imagine these portraits hanging on Nicole and Mac’s walls. 

When I asked Nicole and Mac what they wanted out of their wedding photography, they knew exactly what they hoped for. They wanted photos that “capture the raw emotions of the day and the happiness of all our guests!” I’d say that on top of those emotional candids, Nicole and Mac came away with lots of timeless portraits too.

Nicole and Mac’s Elegant Reception at the Curtis Atrium

With formal portraits done, we headed to the reception at the Curtis Atrium. Every part of the night reinforced what I already knew about Nicole and Mac: They have hearts of gold. They made me feel like family. Their families also welcomed me with so much love and trust. It made my photographing their wedding such a pleasure.

Nicole and Mac mentioned how much they loved the community aspect of their wedding. Nicole said that her favorite part of wedding planning “was how close it brought me to my family and how excited everyone was, talking about and anticipating the big day.” That love and enthusiasm really shows.

The Curtis Atrium was everything Nicole and Mac hoped for. Pale pink and white roses decorated the tables along with white candles. The classic palette worked really well in the elegant venue. The green and brown marble floor and gold chairs added subtle color to the event.

Throughout the night, Nicole and Mac’s guests packed the dance floor. I got so many fun candids that help you feel what it was like to be in the middle of it all. A private last dance and bubble exit topped off an incredible evening. 

Would you like me to photograph your wedding? I’m a New Jersey wedding photographer, and I’ll document your favorite moments with eclectic and joyful photos. Inquire with me here.

Thank you to the vendors who made this wedding so beautiful:
Venue: The Curtis Atrium 
Photographer: Luna and Lark Photography
Coordinator: Gina Sole 
Florist: Beautiful Blooms 
Cake: Whipped Bake Shop
Band: Love 77 with EBE Talent
Hair and Makeup Artist: MJ Bridal Artistry 
Catering: Constellation Catering 
Transportation: Ace Limousine and Airport Service 
Invitation Suite: Blue Canoe Letterpress