Water Works
Venue Information
Set against the dramatic backdrop of the Philadelphia Museum of Art and Boathouse Row, The Water Works offers a wedding setting that seamlessly blends Neoclassical elegance with modern luxury. As Cescaphe’s sixth venue, this historic site pairs iconic Philadelphia architecture with flexible event spaces, allowing couples to host a celebration that feels both grand and distinctly personal. With sweeping river views, landscaped lawns, columned walkways, and the venue’s signature vintage gazebo, The Water Works brings together many of the city’s most beautiful features in one extraordinary location. Architectural Beauty and Guest Experience Combined The Water Works surrounds guests with a rare combination of classic design and contemporary comfort. Ceremonies often take place outdoors, where the views of the Schuylkill River, the skyline, and the surrounding gardens create a timeless, natural frame for saying “I do.” Receptions flow into the Engine House, a space where historic stonework and soaring ceilings meet modern event technology and luxurious finishes. The venue offers a versatile layout ideal for couples wanting to transition seamlessly between outdoor ceremonies and indoor receptions without losing the sense of connection to the landscape. When ceremonies are hosted at the Engine House, Cescaphe extends the celebration with an additional half-hour of event time, including a top-shelf open bar and an expanded culinary experience. Guests will appreciate the atmosphere of historic opulence combined with contemporary ease, all managed by Cescaphe’s well-known team of coordinators and catering professionals. Wedding Photography at The Water Works The Water Works grounds offer a complete visual story without the need to venture far from the venue. Architectural elements like the stone walkways, classical columns, and the vintage gazebo provide refined, formal backdrops, while the riverside views and nearby park paths offer softer, nature-inspired scenes. Tip: While Philadelphia is packed with iconic photo locations, couples can save considerable time, stress, and transportation costs by taking full advantage of The Water Works’ grounds. Whether capturing the classic architecture, sweeping city views, lush greenery, or even edgier, industrial textures just a short walk away, it’s easy to create a beautifully diverse gallery without ever leaving the venue. If the timeline is tight, staying on-site is not a compromise-it’s an opportunity.
Venue Address
640 Waterworks Dr.
Philadelphia, PA 19130
Directions
Click here to get directions to this venue from your current location.
Contact Info
Phone: (215) 238-5750
Locations near Waterworks
Art Museum, City Hall, Rittenhouse Square, Rodin Museum, 30th Street Station
Wedding Photos at The Water Works
Wedding Stories
A Classic Philadelphia Wedding at The Lucy | Gina & Drew
It was a lively summer evening in Avalon, where Gina was celebrating her friend Kerri’s birthday. Despite the setback of forgetting her ID in Philadelphia, the night was young and full of possibilities. Her luck held when she managed to slip into the Whitebrier, a local bar bustling with the cheer of vacationers and the clink of glasses. As fate …
Real Wedding at Water Works | Jen and Zach
Jen and Zach’s love story began in an unexpected yet fateful way. Despite their paths crossing many times throughout their childhood and college years, it wasn’t until they were both 25 that their journey truly started. They matched on JSwipe, a dating app for Jewish singles, and spent two months getting to know each other through the app. Their shared …
Exquisite Vie by Cescaphe Nuptials| Patrice & Angelo
Patrice and Angelo first met in high school but didn’t have classes together. They hung out with the same friends and sometimes bumped into each other at parties. Over the years, they went on a few dates but never seemed to get the timing right. Then, in September 2020, something clicked for both of them, and they knew they were …
The Lucy Wedding | Lucia and Ben
Lucia and Ben had been together for years, but the story of their love began long before they officially started dating. They attended the same high school, but their paths never crossed until after Lucia graduated. One fateful day, they were both at a party thrown by a mutual friend, Jenna. They hit it off right away, bonding over their …
Classic Center City Wedding at Cescaphe Ballroom |Mary Kate and Justin
Meet Mary Kate and Justin. Their shared interest in track and field has led them to a beautiful relationship. They met in December 2018 at a track and field coaching conference in Atlantic City. During that time, Justin was a collegiate track coach and MK was coaching at the high school level. They became acquainted through a mutual friend and …
Wedding at Cescaphe|Kelly and Patrick
Kelly and Patrick became friends in high school. As a couple, they enjoy coming to the gym together as a couple. Kelly began accompanying him last winter and has grown to love it just as much as he has since high school. Aside from that, they are opposites in terms of other things. Patrick enjoys snowboarding in the winter. On …
Downtown Club by Cescaphe |Jodi & Patrick
One fine St. Patrick’s Day weekend, Jodi and Patrick’s friends set them up on a blind date. The couple who introduced them ended up getting into a huge fight that night, so they had to spend the whole evening together. After that, they exchanged numbers and talked on the phone for a few weeks leading them to set up their …
Downtown Club Philly Wedding|Shana & Kyle
Who would have thought that on the very day when you realize you are being used, you meet someone you deserve? After getting disappointed when Kyle found out that the girl he was seeing was only using him for drinks, he noticed another girl with such beautiful eyes. From that moment, he knew he wouldn’t let the opportunity pass to …
Vie by Cescaphe Wedding|Gabrielle & Mike
Gabrielle and Mike met at a wedding on the dance floor. He was friends with the groom, as Michelle would be with the bride. He was just some guy on the dance floor dancing up to her while bobbing his head. They started talking and soon enough he asked her out on a date. Gabrielle fell in love with him …
Cescaphe Philadelphia Wedding | Megan & Josh
Megan and Josh met through mutual friends in high school. They started to get to know each other more in college at Saint Joseph’s University, where they would all hang out. Their story started when Megan needed a date for her formal and her friend suggested Josh. They had a fantastic time together and continued talking afterward! Josh’s ability to …
A Vie Micro Wedding| Alexandra & Clark
Despite the pandemic, this couple fought through obstacles for the perfect day! Ten years ago, Alexandra attended a semi-formal date party with Clark that lead to their greatest love story! Here are some favorites from their Vie micro wedding beautifully captured by Ralph Deal Photography. Getting Ready First Look Bride & Groom Wedding Party Ceremony First Dance Reception Getting Ready …
Jess & Jon|Cescaphe Waterworks Wedding
Jess and Jon had an absolutely beautiful, scenic fall day for their Cescaphe Waterworks Wedding in October. Everything was planned to perfection with the getting ready, portrait and ceremony/reception locations all with a mile of each other! A big thank you to Jess and Jon for trusting us to capture this amazing time in their lives and for being such …
