BLDG39 : A unique and alternative wedding and event venue

The City of Brotherly love has no shortage of wedding and event spaces including BLDG39 at The Arsenal which is

a great option for people who want to break away from the copy and paste style of weddings that are prevalent in the industry. As a queer wedding photographer who encourages their clients to celebrate in ways that feel best for them, I love finding more flexible, accessible, and affordable* venues to be able to recommend. This industrial venue space can be as simple or as complex and done up as you want.

*Affordable has a note next to it because there is so much nuance and no real answer to what affordable really means. Budgets vary from person to person and situation to situation. In this instance they is up front about their venue fees and does not charge additional fees to use parts of their property (or even the overhead string lights). When you rent the space, you get to utilize the space.

Tell me about the venue

This event space is actually part of the Historic Frankford Arsenal complex which was built in 1816, and is located in the Bridesburg neighborhood of Philadelphia. This specific building was built in 1917 during wartime as a paint shop that specialized in munitions.
The complex is now being used for schools, business spaces, culinary spaces, and events. The venue has been renovated to preserve its history while offering a unique indoor-outdoor event spaces. There are vaulted ceilings, metal beams, cement floors, beautiful vintage doors, and exposed brick interior walls, and plenty of natural light.

Hosting events at the venue:

• There is transparent pricing on Here Comes the Guide and even their own website.

• THEY HAVE THEIR OWN FREE PARKING LOT!!!!

• Entire venue is fully accessible, one floor, ramps to entrances, no stairs

• Indoor AND outdoor space (includes a seasonal tent)

• They host micro weddings! ($1500)

• Typical wedding and event rentals vary from $3500-$5500

• Event space rental is for 8 hours total (5 hours, plus 2 hours for set up and 1 hour for breakdown)

• Can host up to 130 guests (up to 175 with tented option)

• Wedding planner required - partnered with Events with Shabars (Black, queer, veteran owned business) and includes bartending and event staffing.

• Partnered with multiple local catering businesses including food trucks and full service catering

• You can choose multiple caterers for your wedding to mix and match for your ideal food experience

What I love about the venue

• Historic and industrial space - and you can use other parts of the complex for photos

• Fully accessible, plus parking (which in Philly is extra points in their favor)

• Multiple food options that don’t have to be a sit down dinner

• The partnership with other queer vendors, and support with local food businesses

• There is a cozy feel, but it is plenty of open space. Plus the option to open the garage doors and have the outdoor tent. Food trucks can park right in front of the building

• Can be as simple or as extravagant as your heart and budget desire!

• Great for any types of events (um, yes, looking to the drag and burlesque scene too)

I’ll be posting about a real wedding at this event space shortly, but if you have booked this space and are looking for a photographer, I know someone you should contact!