Top 5 Wilmington Delaware Formal Wedding Venues
A photographer’s list of the best formal wedding venues in Wilmington, Delaware
Just south of Philadelphia, Wilmington Delaware is a little gem of a city. It is certainly one Philadelphia brides should consider. Head to Delaware to take advantage of some amazing venues, easy access, rolling hillsides and vistas. Wilmington is a great alternative to the busy city venues just north of us in Philly. Furthermore, Wilmington is very convenient for guests and tax free as an added incentive. Here are my top 5 formal venue picks located in Wilmington: (no particular favorite order)
1. The Hotel Dupont:
Downtown Wilmington
The grande dame of elegant weddings in Delaware. Most noteworthy is the gold ballroom, it is perfect for a formal affair. The staff and facilities are top notch. This venue is fantastic for large weddings and especially those featuring a band. As a photographer this place is a dream. Gold walls, beautiful architecture, towering doors, detailed ceilings, wrought iron staircase, pretty bridal getting ready suite, curved stone stairways and a newly renovated lobby. Work with a wedding planner to design the right table settings and an experienced florist might suggest tall flower vases make this room stunning! If you are looking to add a few outdoor garden photos, Gibralter Gardens is a quick trolley ride away. The indoor spaces at the Hotel du Pont are amazing, the details, stone staircases, grand doorways and romantic lighting offer endless fun spots for portraits on your wedding day.
The gold ballroom at the Hotel du Pont is a romantic wedding dream!
The decor, food and table settings at the Hotel du Pont.
Guests enjoying late night dancing at the reception to live music (EBE Talent)
2. Winterthur Gardens and Estate
Greenville, Delaware
Winterthur is certainly also one of my favorites. This amazing property is located conveniently near Greenville Delaware. It has gorgeous gardens, walkways, fields and beautiful stone staircases. Cocktail hour is typically around the pond and then guests are shuttled down to the main lobby for the reception. Receptions take place in either a tented area just outside of the main restaurant, or inside the restaurant. The staff is more than willing to shuttle the bride and groom around in a golf cart with the photographer to get some beautiful shots around this amazing property. Even on a rainy day, this place exceeds your expectations and offers indoor and outdoor photo locations. Below are a few favorites locations at Winterthur for wedding portraits:
A great alternative for photos at Winterthur is inside the atrium next to the reflection pond.
The clear tent is a popular option at Winterthur for wedding receptions.
The kissing tower, fields of flowers and hillsides of grass and expansive open areas offer spectacular spots to take portraits.
The inside option at Winterthur for wedding receptions if you decide not to do a tented wedding.
The reflecting pond at Winterthur is amazing.
3. Dupont Country Club (including the Brantwyn Estate)
North Wilmington, Delaware
Dupont Country Club is definitely not one to overlook. The original ballroom is expansive and grand. Their event coordinator is easy to work with and the food is fantastic. The Dupont CC also manages the beautiful old estate mansion , Brantwyn. If it’s not booked for an event, brides and grooms may rent it for wedding photos. The gardens and indoor location is lovely. Take a look at a few events at Dupont and Brantwyn, it is certainly convenient to I-95 and is located on a beautiful property.
The grand ballroom at Dupont Country Club with a wall of floor to ceiling windows, a balcony and a fireplace.
Brantwyn, across the street from Dupont Country Club, has a gorgeous side garden and pretty architecture for indoor and outdoor photos.
4. The Wilmington Country Club
Greenville, Delaware
Located next to Winterthur and originally part of the Winterthur Estate, Wilmington Country Club has all of the bells and whistles one would expect from an old traditional country club. WCC has a beautiful ballroom, gorgeous outdoor patio, a great staff and amazing spots for wedding portraits. Take a look at this spring wedding at the Wilmington Country Club. Flowers done by Flowers by Yukie , Dress, Pronovias .
5. Greenville Country Club
Greenville, Delaware
One of the oldest clubs around, founded in 1905, the club is very traditional. This is definitely one of my favorite garden spots for weddings. The building inside has old world charm, wood walls, romantic rooms, a beautiful staircase , and amazing food. The ceilings are lined with pretty lights giving the room depth and soft light. Here are some photos from a recent fall wedding at Greenville Country Club. Flowers done by Flowers by Yukie. Wedding planning by Secretariat Events .
Old world charm inside and out at Greenville Country Club. The indoor hallways feature beautiful wood walls and beautiful window light.
The tented area at Greenville CC is connected to the main house. Pretty brick walls and draped tent ceilings lined with twinkly lights are gorgeous!
The tea house offers a beautiful backdrop for formal photos.
Outside couples are framed by gorgeous backdrop of greenery and the trademark round room.
Outside couples are framed by gorgeous backdrop of greenery and the trademark round room.
A cake cutting on the dancefloor under the greenery/floral ring.
Bridal portraits outside at Greenville Country Club and inside the bride’s getting ready room. Amazing light throughout the house.
I hope you found my photographer’s list of venues helpful in your wedding venue search! Each venue has its own feel and style. Whatever you choose for your special day, make sure it fits your wedding size and feels like a fit for your style.
Wilmington wedding vendors featured in the story:
Kelli Wilke Photography Instagram: @wilkephoto // Facebook @kelliwilkephoto // Photobooth @piperboothco
All photography by Kelli Wilke Photography . For more information about booking your photography, please visit our website at www.kelliwilke.com or fill out our contact form hello@kelliwilke.com