The Drexelbrook- Best Delaware County Wedding Venue
The Drexelbrook is a tried and true favorite wedding venue in the tri-state area. With indoor and outdoor spaces to choose from, as well as rooms that allow you to host up to 1,200 guests, Drexelbrook has options for everyone. We are happy to acknowledge The Drexelbrook as a Philadelphia Wedding’s Editor’s Choice Award winner in 2021!
The History Behind The Drexelbrook
Drexelbrook opened in 1950 as a private club with an ice skating rink, a swim club, tennis courts, and three dining rooms. Throughout the years, many celebrities, like Dick Clark and George Bush, were hosted at the Drexelbrook. Dick Clark even lived in the nearby Drexelbrook Apartments and was a member of the club. There were many ebbs and flows of membership throughout the years as new clubs were built in the area, but Drexelbrook held up and kept going strong.
In the ’90s, new management took over and put a focus on the catering aspect of Drexelbrook. Now focused on style and presentation, Drexelbrook adjusted their business, closing the swimming pool for good and putting major efforts into their catering. When the 2000’s hit, they added the Corporate Events Center to the mix, allowing Drexelbrook to host larger events in their Grand Ballroom. Recently in 2019, Drexelbrook added a Holiday Inn and Suites to the existing event center.
The Drexelbrook holds a unique flair with lots of history behind its doors. These special touches are something you won’t find in any other venue! Plus, the new addition of the Holiday Inn and Suites is great for guests visiting from out of town.
Drexelbrook’s Venue Options
The Drexelbrook offers a variety of meeting spaces for different styles and sizes to cater for every wedding and event. Whether you are looking for indoor or outdoor, rustic or elegant, Drexelbrook has an event space perfect for you. Their two primary locations at The Grand Ballroom and the Mansion Ballrooms. Additionally, all spaces are ADA compliant and non-smoking to accommodate all guests comfortably.
The Grand Ballroom
The largest of Drexelbrook’s event spaces, The Grand Ballroom offers space for up to 1,000 guests. The elegant high ceilings and custom-sized dance floor allow you to host your guests and create an amazing celebration. The sophisticated space has gorgeous crystal chandeliers that decorate the room, as well as mahogany doors and floor-to-ceiling windows. This room also has broadcast capabilities and screens for videos, plus you have access to the appointed bridal suites.
The South & Center Ballroom
The South & Center Ballroom has similar amenities as The Grand Ballroom but in a smaller space. This Ballroom is the perfect size for 200-300 guests, and also allows you to use the bridal suites on your special day. This Ballroom is classy and refined with mahogany doors, floor-to-ceiling windows, and twenty-foot coffered ceilings. You also have the option of adding on the North Ballroom for dessert and espresso service to end your night.
The South Ballroom
Similar to the South & Center Ballroom, the South Ballroom offers the same gorgeous tall ceilings, crystal chandeliers, mahogany doors, and floor-to-ceiling windows. The South Ballroom is ideal for weddings of 125-200 guests. You could add on the Grand Lobby for a beautiful cocktail hour in addition to your reception in the South Ballroom.
The Brandywine Ballroom
The Brandywine Ballroom offers a golden accented room with an elevated balcony and beautiful views overlooking the West Terrace. This ballroom is the primary ballroom within in the Drexelbrook Mansion. This space has three rooms and two outdoor areas and is perfect for parties of up to 200 guests. You could also choose to begin the night with a cocktail hour in the Belmont Room which offers outdoor seating and a fireplace for a cozy reception area.
The Belmont Room
The luxurious Belmont Room offers space for intimate, small receptions with a classy and chic vibe. Offering lots of natural light and a built-in fireplace, the Belmont Room is perfect for a cocktail hour or a smaller wedding party.
The Chesapeake Room
The Chesapeake Room is a lovely addition to your wedding day at The Drexelbrook. It’s a great choice for a wedding lounge, dessert room, or bar. Adjacent to the Brandywine Ballroom, it’s the perfect add-on to your wedding night.
Outdoor Spaces
There are many outdoor areas that you can add to your ceremony or reception space at Drexelbrook. Choose from scenic terraces with outdoor firepits and gorgeous views, gazebos, and gardens.
Catering at the Drexelbrook
One of the greatest parts about having your wedding at The Drexelbrook is the delicious, award-winning catering they offer. The culinary team takes your tastes into consideration while creating a one-of-a-kind meal for your wedding day. They work hard to integrate seasonal ingredients and accommodate dietary restrictions, making it a great dining experience for any guest or couple.
Interactive stations are a popular choice for cocktail hour. The Drexelbrook allows you to serve hors d’oeuvre’s on Himalayan salt rocks and ice luges, or you can choose a more traditional route for appetizers. Dinner is also extremely customizable with options of a buffet, family-style, served stations, or a combination of any of the options. You also are able to do dessert in-house with many different choices, cake & coffee included!
The culinary team at Drexelbrook is also certified gluten-free with the NFCA and ServSafe certified. Drexelbrook has unlimited options for your wedding meals, and your choices are sure to be unique to reflect your personal style.
We spoke with Dominic Savino, CPCE, Managing Partner at the Drexelbrook.
What are some of the historic facts or history of Drexelbrook that couples love to share with their guests?
The Drexelbrook opened on March 17th, 1950 as a members-only Inn and Restaurant. Thousands of couples have selected The Drexelbrook to host their weddings. Today, The Drexelbrook is host to second, third, and fourth generations of couples. Many couples have enjoyed their senior prom or swam together at our pool as well!
What is your best tip for couples looking to book the perfect venue?
Some of the best tips for selecting the perfect venue are to do your research, ask questions, and visit the venue at the time of the year you are having your wedding if possible. Food, service, and atmosphere are three key components that a venue must have to ensure a memorable wedding.
What are some wedding trends you have seen become popular recently at Drexelbrook?
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, recent trends include hybrid weddings so if you cannot attend in person, you can watch live. Other trends include composed plates for easy eating, “forkless” cocktail menus, attended buffets, and custom cocktails.
If you’d like to watch the full interview with Domenick Savino, click below!
A special thank you to the Drexelbrook and Philip Gabriel Photography for the beautiful photos used in this post. Philadelphia Weddings is proud to award The Drexelbrook an Editor’s Choice Award in 2021 for their amazing culinary team, versatile spaces, and historic venue.
Be sure to check out other Editor’s Choice Awards in 2021 over on our blog!