Ballroom at the Ben

834 Chestnut St. Philadelphia, PA 19107

Tucked inside the historic Ben Franklin Building, Ballroom at the Ben stands as one of Philadelphia’s most iconic wedding venues. Known for its dramatic mezzanine, timeless design, and central Center City location, this venue offers couples a grand setting with built-in visual impact and a classic city vibe. It’s where elegance meets energy and where every moment feels like it belongs in a film.

The Ballroom’s turn-of-the-century architecture sets the tone from the moment guests arrive. Just outside the main space, the building’s historic corridors and decorative details offer photo-worthy charm and a sense of occasion. Inside, the ballroom stuns with high ceilings, ornate molding, dramatic lighting, and its signature mezzanine level that overlooks the dance floor, a feature rarely found in other Philadelphia venues.

Behind the scenes, the venue is managed by Finley Catering, ensuring top-tier service, thoughtful coordination, and a culinary experience that consistently impresses.

Wedding Photography at Ballroom at the Ben

The mezzanine view is one of the standout features from a photography perspective, perfect for wide, storytelling shots that capture the full scope of the celebration. The ballroom’s warm lighting and architectural detail provide a strong foundation for portraits, dance floor action, and quiet in-between moments.

For night portraits, there’s a creative option just downstairs: the lobby of the Franklin Residences, located within the same building. It offers a range of romantic backdrops from reflective pools to tucked-away corners that glow under ambient light. If there’s time, both the balcony and the lobby can be used for variety, but the lobby often provides greater depth and versatility for end-of-evening shots.