A Cool Revamped Factory in Northeast Philly is Now Open For Weddings

Look inside Globe Dye Works, a yarn factory turned artist studio turned industrial-chic party spot.

By Sarah Zlotnick· 3/7/2019, 8:00 a.m.

Photographs by BeauMonde Originals

Philadelphia is not exactly lacking in reclaimed wedding and event venues. There’s La Peg, a former pumping station turned restaurant/theater hybrid, Front & Palmer, a former barrel factory that’s now one of the city’s most sought-after spots for nuptials, the 19th-century textile mill that’s now Moulin … the list goes on, and it’s an exciting one for couples in search of an unforgettable place for an industrial-chic wedding. Today, we can add one more to the group: Globe Dye Works, the 150-year-old yarn dying plant that now houses several artist and small business studios in Northeast Philly, is finally open to the public for weddings on the ground floor.

The coolest part about Globe Dye Works is that the factory aspects of the building have very much been left in tact. Exposed pipes, concrete floors, giant, important-looking machinery that definitely should have required a license or two to operate back in the day … where the rough edges have been smoothed out in other venues, the patina of the past feels almost completely untouched in this warehouse-style space. If you’re looking to surround yourself with authentic Philly while you wed, well, it doesn’t get much more immersive than this.

Globe Dye’s boiler room and gallery can be rented as one space, or broken up and rented separately for smaller affairs. The pre-existing stage is large enough to hold a ten-piece band, and there’s a built-in 24’ x 31’ dance floor. Maximum capacity is 220 for a seated dinner, and 350 for a cocktail-style reception. An outdoor courtyard (great for ceremonies) will become available later this year, and couples can pose for portraits anywhere they’d like in the building — including behind the neon Globe Dye Works sign.

Weddings and other events at Globe Dye Works will run through Birchtree Catering, a woman-owned catering business already based in the building that we love for its sustainable practices. Birchtree will provide a a day-of coordinator to help with the logistics of your event, and in-house Lucky Dog Studios will provide lighting — options include market lights, pin spots, wall projections, and other customized plans — through a package included in the space rental fee.

Speaking of fees: the boiler room at Globe Dye Works runs $3,000 for a 6-hour event, or $700 per hour with a two-hour minimum. The art gallery will put you back $1,800 for a 6-hour event, or $400 per hour with a two-hour minimum. Rented together, you’ll pay $4,000 for a six-hour event, or $1,000 per hour with the same two-hour minimum.

Also good to know: Globe Dye Works is a BYO venue. Birchtree will provide bar staffing and service, but you’ll be responsible for procuring your own booze. Though buying that much alcohol in bulk might seem intimidating, it can actually be very good for your budget. (For expert tips on how to handle that while keeping costs down, click here.)

Globe Dye Works is located at 4500 Worth Street in Northeast Philly. Scroll down for more photos of the wedding and event space.

globe dye works wedding venue