Pennsylvania-Philadelphia

Manayunk reception and ceremony?

Hi!  Just wondering if anyone had/attended a wedding reception at the Manayunk Brewery?  Seems like it could be a great place for a laid-back reception (which is what we want!) and on the cheaper side!  (Love the look of Artesano, but may be a bit too pricey for us)  Also, I'd love to have an outdoor ceremony nearby...any thoughts?  Possibly spaces in Fairmount Park?  Just engaged about a week ago so feeling a little overwhelmed looking for places in/near the city!  Thanks!!

Re: Manayunk reception and ceremony?

  • Cackle6Cackle6 member
    Sixth Anniversary 1000 Comments
    edited December 2011
    I've been to a couple of private parties there, and if you're looking for a fun laid-back casual space, I think this would fit the bill. The food is decent, and if you and your friends are beer drinkers, then it would be right up your alley.

    Gorgas park is just up the hill in Roxborough on Ridge Ave and Hermitage Ave. There's a gazebo and I've seen a handful of wedding ceremonies there (I used to live right across the street and could see the park from my window). It's a really pretty park, and would probably be less exspensive/easier to book than Fairmount park, but I've never looked into Fairmont so I wouldn't know.
  • edited December 2011
    I went to a graduation party at the Manayunk Brewery and they had a fruit plate out during cocktail hour. I went to grab a strawberry off of it and discovered all of the fruit under the first layer was all moldy! Grossed me out. Couldn't eat the rest of the night.
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  • gkishbauchgkishbauch member
    10 Comments
    edited December 2011
    We are having our rehearsal dinner there in a few months. The food is fine - won't impress any foodies, but the convenience and "chill" factor were the deciding elements for us (our ceremony is up the street at St. John the Baptist) - and to echo Cackle, if you have craft beer lovers (like my fiance), they'll be pleased.  And definitely is cheaper than more traditional venues, that's for sure.  Just depends on what you're going for :)

    As far as ceremony locations in Fairmount - what about Valley Green?  I don't know if they just do ceremonies (there's a restaurant right there in the park that also holds small receptions), but it's beautiful.  
  • edited December 2011
    I agree with gkish - I'm also getting married at St. John the Baptist in Manayunk and live nearby Gorgas Park. It is pretty, definitely an option. But Valley Green is beautiful. It's back on the Wissahickon trail and is surrounded by trees and a stream (see link below for picture.) It has a very natural, laidback, rustic feel. I know Valley Green Inn caters weddings but I'm not sure on the price. You could see if you could use the grounds for ceremony only though. You could always look into places in Chestnut Hill. It's not too far from Manayunk and is a very pretty area. I'll let you know if I can think of anywhere else.

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  • Kris1331Kris1331 member
    First Comment
    edited December 2011

    Thanks for all the suggestions!  I may look at Valley Green for the ceremony.  We are also thinking about looking at Bartram's Gardens for the ceremony and reception, though the prices there are starting to add up quickly...

  • edited December 2011
    Batram's Garden is really pretty! There's also Morris Arboretum in Chestnut Hill. Not sure of prices though. I hear ya - weddings add up so quickly. If keeping costs down is your priority I think a wedding in the park followed by Manayunk Brewery would be fun. How many people are you inviting? My sis-in-law had her rehearsal dinner at one of the houses on Boathouse Row.  They were able to use a local caterer to save $$. The food was great and they had like 75+ people there (would work for a small wedding)....there were 2 different rooms plus a nice patio overlooking the river. Another friend of mine had their reception at Beat Street Station. I couldn't make it, but she said they had a blast! More fun and funky. The mansion at Ridley Creek is also gorgeous... You have to pay a fee to rent the place but I think you can use whatever caterer you want.

    Good luck!
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  • edited December 2011
    my shower was supposed to be at manayunk brewery on 7/30. it was moved to bourbon blue at the very last minute because manyunk lost power. apparantly they have lost power numerous times this past summer and bourbon blue had to take care of their people. their power was out all night and they lost all of their beer. they tried to give bourbon blue all of our deserts (cheesecake) for us to eat. a wedding was there the previous night and the power went out in the middle of the wedding. bourbon blue was super accomodating but in general seemed irritated with manayunk for them screwing people over so much since it kept happening. i would stay far away from the place at this point. but thats just one person's opinion. good luck :) maybe try iron hill brewery
  • Cackle6Cackle6 member
    Sixth Anniversary 1000 Comments
    edited December 2011
    Speaking of Bourbon Blue - now *there's* a Manayunk venue with amazing food and even better prices than the Brew Pub. I planned our company holiday party and we had it there, and everyone had a blast and the food was awesome. It's pretty laid back and fun like the Brew Pub, and I think they just opened an outdoor deck as well. Definately something to look into! :)

    BTW, Jelybean, I just re-read your post. And I don't I'll be eating there ever again. SO GROSS!
  • Kris1331Kris1331 member
    First Comment
    edited December 2011
    Thanks for all the info!  So weird about them losing power...def something to consider. 
  • Hi I was wondering if you had any info On the house on boathouse row? Sounds amazing
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