14 Woodsy Wedding Venues That Are Perfect for Nature Lovers

There’s nothing more romantic than saying “I do” surrounded by towering trees.


woodsy wedding venues

Woodsy wedding venue Parque Ridley Creek / Photograph by du soleil photographie

Sure, we all love a glam, sophisticated city wedding — Philly is perfect for it, after all — but every now and again, we long for a nature-filled soirée, a mountaintop celebration, a party amid the pines. That’s why we’ve rounded up some beautiful tree- and greenery-filled woodsy wedding venues, all within a three-hour drive of the city. These scenic wonderlands range from a campground to a waterfall — and they offer loads of fresh air. (And if traipsing through the wide, open spaces isn’t quite your speed, check out some of these other lists, like our lineup of hotel and ballroom venues or restaurants you can rent for your Big Day.) Have another magical destination we should know about? Email kschott@phillymag.com.

Ash Mill Farm Bed and Breakfast

Doylestown

Ash Mill

Photograph by Hazel Lining Studio

This 10-acre working sheep farm mixes a pastoral setting with chic sensibilities. You and your guests have full run of the property on your Big Day, so take time to soak in the country vibes and drink in the fresh air. The farm can host 50 to 250 guests and is able to accommodate a rehearsal dinner, ceremony, cocktail hour, reception, after-party, and even brunch the following morning. If you and some of your guests want to stay on the property, there are options for that (the Grand Manor house and two separate cottages), while the two resident mini ponies are perfect for cute photo ops. 5358 York Road. 

Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve

New Hope

woodsy wedding venues

Photograph by Silent Film Photography

Can you imagine a more beautifully natural spot than a field of wildflowers? You get just that here. Choose from a few sites on the property for your ceremony or reception: There’s a stunning pond, a deep-woods gazebo, an open-air stone bridge overlooking most of the preserve and a creek, and the Moore Pavilion, the common site for receptions. (The latter has a flat area to extend with a tent.) Depending on the location, the preserve can accommodate five to 200 guests, but take note: Because this is a working nature preserve, there is no on-site catering or wedding planner. Oh, and no picking the foliage! 1635 River Road.

Fiddle Lake Farm

Thompson

fiddle-lake-farm-wedding

Photograph by Danfredo Photos + Films

Here, you have your choice of four ceremony sites — the barn, the lakeside, the hayfield, or a woodsy area. A benefit of the barn? It has a 200-year-old wooden dance floor, making it ideal for the reception, too. (It can hold up to 150 guests; a tent can be added to the back to bring the capacity to 300.) The antique decor and vast greenery-filled views make for a rustic, vintage or bohemian wedding celebration (and gorgeous pictures). Put your guests up in the B&B-style farmhouse or 1920s-era craftsman cottage. 4003 Fiddle Lake Road.

HollyHedge Estate

New Hope

Holly Hedge Estate

Photograph by Redfield Photography

More than 20 acres will provide the backdrop for a rustic-yet-sophisticated wedding at this venue, which works with a range of budgets. HollyHedge offers ceremony sites both indoors and out (with multiple options for the latter), as well as additional buildings for cocktail hour and another to hold the reception. All catering is done on the premises. Need a place to stay following the nuptials? The destination has 15 rooms that are exclusively set aside for guests — though if your party is larger than that, sister property 1740 House can host them. (It has 23 rooms.) A shuttle can take folks over to the house; if you book 10 or more rooms at the sister spot, the ride is free. 6987 Upper York Road.

Ledges Hotel

Hawley

portraits

Photograph by Redfield Photography

Nestled in between beautiful rock ledges and the mellow Paupack High Falls — which you can literally get married in front of — the Ledges Hotel provides panoramic views of nature from every angle. The 2023 seasonal packages range from May to October (with a minimum capacity of 75 and max of 150) and November to April (with 50 to 75 guests). The staff will handle the catering. (Want a smaller soirée? The Boiler Room, part of Hawley Silk Mill, also boasts a view of the falls and has a capacity of 80. It’s a separate venue, but part of the same hospitality group that runs the Ledges. Learn more here.) 119 Falls Avenue.

Parque Ridley Creek

Newtown Square

parque ridley creek

Photograph by du soleil photographie

In the heart of the 2,600-acre Ridley Creek State Park lies this majestic stone mansion outfitted with fountains, flagstone patios and pristine gardens. The main reception space is the Hunting Hill Mansion, which resembles an elegant English Tudor castle and holds up to 150 guests. There are two private wedding suites, including one with a balcony that overlooks the park’s trees and hillsides. If you wish to say your “I do’s” among the forest of trees, outdoor ceremony sites are available for your use on the grounds. 351 Gradyville Road.

Pocono Palms

Canadensis

Pocono Palms

Planning and design by Lavish Haus Design & Event Co.; florals by Kraft & Co.; photograph by Jessica Manns Photography

This former church turned event venue is located in the heart of the Poconos and surrounded by luscious and picturesque greenery. Those who want an outdoor and indoor experience will love the garden ceremony site complete with a cocktail area, and the interior reception hall that can accommodate up to 140 guests with a large dance floor. With access to the property for your entire day, you will have ample time to get ready in the wedding suite, which features glam stations, dressing areas, and a lounge and bar. Read more about the venue here. 1365 PA-390.

Pomme

Radnor

woodsy wedding venues

Florals by RAM Floral; photograph by Jess Palatucci

Located in a stunning woodland setting with tall trees, wooded paths, and winding streams, this is the perfect spot for all nature lovers out there. The main ballroom, which accommodates a seated reception for 200 or a cocktail reception for 350, is designed to bring the outdoors in with its rustic charm. A custom pergola, complete with a swing, and a covered veranda allow you and your guests to enjoy the ceremony area all year long (weather permitting, of course). The pristine landscaping provide gorgeous backdrops for photos to capture all the moments of your special day. 175 King of Prussia Road.

Portico at Awbury Arboretum

Germantown

woodsy wedding venues

Photograph by by Black, White & Raw Photography

For a taste of nature within city limits, we present Awbury Arboretum — a lush, tree-filled 56-acre plot in historic Germantown. While the operating arboretum remains open from dawn until dusk — even during your event — the staff aims to keep the Cope House and the surrounding gardens private during your special day. Catering is handled by Peachtree Catering and Events. 1 Awbury Road. 

Promise Ridge

Pocono Mountains

woodsy wedding venues

Photograph by Sarah Brookhart Photography

Deep in the woods of the Poconos overlooking the Appalachian Trail you’ll find pure, fairyland magic — by way of this intimate destination on the property of local officiant Alisa Tongg. There are two options for celebrations — an elopement for two or a micro-wedding for up to 20. A dreamy living wall is lined with various foliage, including tropicals and heart-shaped plants (but of course). And an infinity deck provides a space for guests to sit during the ceremony. Three private chefs work with the property, so you can add a family-style dinner to your gathering, too. Curious what it all looks like? Check out this gorgeous elopement. Address provided upon request.

Pump House Weddings and Bed and Breakfast

Bloomsburg

pumphouse-bnb-wedding

Photograph by Deborah Huber & Associates

The Pump House is all about turning your Big Day into a weekend-long celebration: When you book your wedding, the venue is yours Friday through Sunday at noon. Choose to set up tents and tables on the grounds or celebrate indoors at Brick Barn Hall, an industrial, loft-ceilinged space that can house 160 guests. Or opt for Studio Hall, which is a more intimate and art-filled space that can accommodate 75 guests. (Micro-wedding and elopement packages are also available.) There’s plenty of lodging for your friends and family at the Season House as well as the Manifold House and Catawissa Cabin, and two additional tiny houses. But you can also rough it and camp, should you feel so inclined. 42 Pump House Lane.

Ridgeland Mansion

Fairmount Park

Ridgelands Mansion

Photograph by Rebecca Barger Photojournalism LLC

Sitting on five acres in the historic west Fairmount Park, the Ridgeland Mansion — a Joshua’s Catering venue — provides you with a secluded feel right in Philly’s backyard. Different options for events of all sizes, all on the property, offer something for every guest list. The Stunting Tent with the mansion acting as the backdrop seats 300 people and features a three-sided bar as well as side walls with cathedral windows. The Ridgeland Barn accommodates up to 60 guests. And for something more intimate, the Secret Garden is a beautiful setting for a ceremony. 804 Oak Lane Avenue.

Weddings at Camp

Greeley

Camp Timber Tops Wedding

Photograph by Love Me Do Photography

Weddings at Camp is actually a collection of three camps in the Poconos — Pine Forest Camp, Camp Timber Tops and Lake Owego Camp — that are all a natural fit for an outdoorsy and adventurous wedding celebration. Each of these venues provide that destination feel but without the cost of international travel. Added bonus: Almost everything is included if you choose to wed at one of these sites, from catering and entertainment to lodging, and you and your guests have access to the property from Friday to Sunday. As for the capacity? Anywhere from 100 to 1,000. Pocono Mountains.

Whitewoods

Wapwallopen

Woodsy wedding venues

Photograph by Jessica Manns Photography

From April to December, Whitewoods is ready to host and celebrate your special day among its towering pine trees, babbling brook, and hidden clearings. Choose from an open-air outdoor ceremony on the property and indoor reception at The Manor — it has heating and air conditioning — which can seat up to 245 guests. The manor also includes a lovely courtyard for cocktail-hour games and mingling. 312 Moyers Grove Road.

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