Union Trust

Q: 1. Can we host both our ceremony and reception at Union Trust?

Yes, Union Trust offers a full wedding experience under one roof. You can hold your ceremony in the main ballroom or private rooms and then transition into cocktail hour and reception in the same dramatic space. We’ll plan the flow so your guests and photo coverage move effortlessly.

Q: 2. How do you use the mezzanine and architectural elements for creative photography at Union Trust?

We’ll leverage the wraparound mezzanine, grand columns, and vaulted ceilings to frame dynamic, layered images. From the mezzanine, we can capture elevated, bird’s-eye views of your ceremony or reception; in between the columns, we can create intimate portraits with architectural framing. The scales and lines in the space naturally lend themselves to dramatic compositions, and we’ll plan your portraits to maximize those vantage points.

Q: 3. What architectural and design features make Union Trust special for photos?

Union Trust stands out for its dramatic architectural character and layered visual interest. The 65-foot illuminated, engraved ceiling immediately sets the tone, drawing attention upward and giving images a sense of scale. The wraparound mezzanine balcony offers elevated angles ideal for overhead and wide-frame compositions. Throughout the space, grand staircases, arched windows, marble columns, and ornate detailing add texture, symmetry, and depth. With extensive experience at Union Trust, we already know how to use its architecture, lighting, and vantage points to create cinematic, well-crafted portraits without guesswork.

Q: 4. How do you use the mezzanine and wrap-around balcony to enhance storytelling in your photos?

We’ll use the mezzanine and balcony vantage points to shoot overhead and bird’s-eye views, capturing ceremony entrances, dance floor dynamics, and guest interactions from above. These elevated perspectives allow us to frame your day in layers, combining architectural scale with emotional moments in a single frame.

717 Chestnut St. Philadelphia, PA 19106

Originally built in 1888 as a bank, Union Trust blends Old World grandeur with a bold, modern feel, making it one of Philadelphia’s most visually compelling wedding venues. Set in the Historic District, just steps from Independence Hall and some of the city’s most iconic photo locations, it’s a venue that offers both atmosphere and convenience.

From the moment you walk through its doors, you feel it: soaring 65-foot ceilings, engraved architectural details, warm lighting, and a wraparound mezzanine that adds dimension and drama to the space. It’s not just impressive, it’s inviting, and designed to leave a lasting impression.

Refined Interiors With Space to Celebrate

Union Trust comfortably hosts up to 190 guests, with multiple indoor spaces that adapt to your timeline. Ceremonies and receptions both work beautifully here, where everything flows within one cohesive setting. It’s a venue that doesn’t need dressing up, but still gives you the freedom to personalize.

Wedding Photography at the Union Trust

This is one of those venues that makes photography effortless. The light, the depth, the symmetry-it all works. You’ll find plenty of portrait opportunities inside, especially from the mezzanine or framed between the columns. And when you step outside, you’re surrounded by cobblestone alleys, classic facades, and the timeless backdrop of Old City.

Union Trust is managed exclusively by Finley Catering, one of Philadelphia’s most respected names in the wedding space. Their team handles every detail like catering, coordination, and service, so couples can focus on the day itself. The food is consistently top-tier, and the staff knows the venue inside and out. You’ll also have access to a private bridal suite, all necessary rentals (tables, chairs, lighting, dance floor), and full support for sound and AV.

As a photographer, Union Trust checks a lot of boxes: strong interior lighting, a dramatic sense of space, and a design that looks amazing without needing much added. It’s a place where the energy of the celebration fills the room, and the architecture gives every image a sense of presence. If you’re looking for a historic Philadelphia wedding venue that’s rich in style and grounded in experience, Union Trust is one worth putting at the top of your list.