A visit to Philadelphia isn’t complete without a stop at Reading Terminal Market. This maze of food stands and grocers delights visitors and regulars. In the evenings, it transforms into an unconventional and unforgettable wedding venue. I photographed Melanie and Mike’s Reading Terminal Market wedding on digital and film photography.
A Reading Terminal Market Wedding
If you’ve ever attended a Reading Terminal Market wedding, you know there’s a special magic to having the building to yourself after the crowds clear out. The seemingly endless stretches of vendors usually are filled with hungry tourists and locals shopping for groceries. After hours, the strings of lights and neon signs give the space an intimate atmosphere.
Wedding receptions at Reading Terminal typically take place at the Center Court near the building’s 11th Street entrance. You can do a lot to make the space feel very “wedding” with decor. Alternatively, you can embrace the venue’s character.
There’s practically no cap for your guest count for a Reading Terminal Market wedding. The building can accommodate thousands of guests. Wedding packages start around $10,000.
One of the best parts of getting married at Reading Terminal is that your guests get to dine with the vendors who operate there. You’ll work with the event planners from All About Events to select the vendors who will cook up your wedding feast. One of my personal favorites, Old City Coffee, does the coffee and tea service.
When you have a Reading Terminal Market wedding, you get private access to a National Historic Landmark. This market has been operating since 1893. The Philadelphia and Reading Railroad Company built the space as part of the neighborhood’s network of train terminals and stations. Today walking into Reading Terminal almost feels like stepping onto a movie set.
Reading Terminal Market’s location couldn’t be more convenient for marriers who want a walkable wedding day. Located directly across from the Convention Center, Reading Terminal is close to many hotels. There are train and subway stations nearby for locals, and out-of-towners will have their pick of entertainment during their stay.
Reading Terminal Market on Film Photography
When I asked Melanie and Mike what led them to book me, they named two things that I pride myself in. They said, “Your use of light. Also, you were super organized.” As to the latter, I’m a former math teacher and data analyst. I put a lot of thought into the systems behind my client experience. My goal is to make your life as easy as possible when you work with me. That way you can focus on enjoying your wedding.
Regarding my lighting, I put a lot of work into mastering the use of natural and artificial light. A Reading Terminal Market wedding requires a good understanding of artificial light, including on-camera and off-camera flash. There’s virtually no natural light inside Reading Terminal, especially at night.
Some photographers shy away from lighting situations like this. I actually love the challenge. Over the years, I’ve gotten good at creating clean images that portray the night’s energy. In the photos from this Reading Terminal wedding, you can see it in the photos of the speeches and first dance especially.
Like all of the weddings I photograph, I brought my 35mm camera to Melanie and Mike’s wedding. Film wedding photography is my specialty, and I’m really passionate about it. Since I first learned photography on film back in high school, I’ve loved the way it brings together technical skills and artistry. The film photos from this Reading Terminal gallery are warm, inviting, and just as cleanly lit as the digital photos.
Reading Terminal is such a Philadelphia institution that film photography suits it perfectly. Melanie and Mike’s wedding had a modern minimalist aesthetic, but their photos still feel timeless. I can picture these photos on a wall with images from the market’s history.
Melanie and Mike’s Romantic Wedding
A Reading Terminal Market wedding was perfect for Melanie and Mike. They love travel, and Reading Terminal has such an eclectic group of vendors. Mike actually proposed to Melanie on a trip to Egypt. Melanie had dreamed of seeing the pyramids since the first grade. In 2023, they spent three weeks in Cairo and Luxor. Mike proposed in a hot air balloon over the Nile.
Before their reception at Reading Terminal, Melanie and Mike held their ceremony in a nearby church. Afterward we explored Center City together. We stopped for an iconic picture on the median in front of City Hall. The motion blur from the traffic emphasizes how alive the city felt that night. Melanie and Mike still felt like they were in their own world.
En route to their Reading Terminal Market wedding reception, we also popped into Friday Saturday Sunday. I love the candid photo of them that I took from the sidewalk outside. You can feel how thrilled they are.
At Reading Terminal Market, Melanie and Mike’s guests greeted them warmly. Their families gave heartfelt toasts. Then Melanie and Mike took to the dance floor for a beautiful first dance. Strings of lights lit the room with a cozy glow.
Towards the end of the evening, Melanie and Mike snuck away for a moment alone on the sidewalk. The photo of them standing under the neon Reading Terminal sign is one of my favorites from the night. City life goes on around them, but they’re totally present with each other.
Your Philadelphia Wedding Photography
Melanie and Mike’s Reading Terminal Market wedding was one to remember. I look forward to photographing more weddings here! Like I said – unconventional and unforgettable.
Would you like me to photograph your wedding? I’m a queer wedding photographer based in Philadelphia. I’ll document your day with photos that are unapologetically you. Inquire with me today!
Vendor Team
Reception Venue: Reading Terminal Market
Photography: Theo Nash Photography
Coordinator: Christina Mayo (Reading Terminal Market only)
Catering: Reading Terminal Market
DJ/Band: Mikey Junior (Blues Band)
Florist: Corey, Myrtle & Magnolia
Cake: Flying Monkey Bakery (Reading Terminal)
Hair and Makeup: Aleksandra Ambrozy, Ali and Angela
Melanie’s Wedding Attire: The Wedding Factor, Milla Nova
Mike’s Wedding Attire: Suit Supply
