Philadelphia Water Works Reception

kmontana

Hi! My FI and i really want to have our wedding reception at the Water Works in Fairmount Park. Does anyone have information that could help? It's city owned and requirs a permit, but is it really that easy? We are on a serious budget and if we go through the restaurant for food, etc., it will exceed what we have to spend. Thanks so much for any information and/or ideas!

LorLor22

Do you want to have your reception at the Water Works restaurant or the gazebo area next to it? I looked at Water Works when I first got engaged, and I think I remember it being being pretty pricey - around $130 per person + tax, etc. 

For the outdoor gazebo area, you need a permit from the city and you have to be out by 3pm. I know you can have a ceremony there, but I don't know about receptions. The Philadelphia Parks & Rec website probably has more helpful information. 

kmontana

Oh wow, thank you for that info... Ideally, the reception would be under the pavilion with catering from an outside source. At first, I was under the impression that it was all the same location, however, I recently learned that you could rent the property without going through the restaurant (of course they don't tell you that). I did not know however, that you had to be out by 3p

LorLor22

Also - I would check about availability soon! Your profile says your wedding date is June of next year, which is a popular month! Reception venues often book more than a year in advance.