This beautiful venue is the site of where John James lived when he came from France in 1803. You can feel the history of this venue when you step foot on the property. The historical house is where John James lived and researched wildlife. 

With a beautiful outdoor ceremony location secluded from the surrounding roads and neighborhoods, you'll love walking down the aisle to your significant other. Looking out at all of your guests with the historical house in the background will be a moment you'll never forget.

As you walk the grounds, you’ll capture photos that will grace your home for decades to come. You’ll dance the night away inside the barn. Your guests will feel right at home inside. 

As you drive back down the tree lined lane, leaving the venue as newlyweds, you’ll look over at your incredible partner and thank God you’re married to such an amazing person. And you’ll always remember how beautiful your day truly was.


THE PERFECT VENUE

It's the day of your wedding and sunlight is streaming through the tress behind your officiant as he asks you to repeat after him. Your guests wait in anticipation. You repeat the words and your officiant says, "You may kiss..."

John James Audubon Center HIGHLIGHTS

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HOTELS NEARBY

The perfect location to get into your wedding dress and do some final hair and makeup touches is the Homewood Suites right down the street. This will give you enough room to get everything done the morning of!

PORTRAIT LOCATIONS

It's time for your first look, portraits and bridal party photos. This venue has plenty of portrait locations! We may head into the field or down to the Historic House. This venue also has a secluded space with different birds that give a nice unique touch to your photos.

THE CEREMONY

The field just out front of the reception space is perfect for your ceremony. The giant tree and historic house make for a beautiful backdrop. Your guest will love to watch you tie the knot in this stunning location. 

THE RECEPTION

This reception space has so much character. On either side of the building there are giant glass doors that open so it feels like you are still outside. The giant fireplace makes you feel so cozy and warm. There is also a gravel area out back with fireplaces and sitting areas.

Should we both get ready at John James Audubon Center?

FAQ

We suggest getting ready at The Homewood Suites. We suggest that you both get ready at the same place to maximize your pictures. John James Audubon Center allows you to arrive a few hours prior to your ceremony. This gives you enough time to arrive, get in your dress, and take pictures without any stress.

A FEW OF OUR MOST FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT SHOOTING WEDDINGS AT John James Audubon Center

Where do you recommend taking our family portraits?

Family photos most often happen right at the ceremony space. We may do it under the arbor if the lighting is nice or we may shift you over to the fence behind the ceremony space. If we're experiencing some rain, we may take photos in the reception space. Either way, we'll put you in the very best spot for lighting.

What time should we schedule our ceremony to begin?

This is going to depend on the time of year that you're getting married. If you're sharing in a first look, the best time to have your ceremony end is 1 hour prior to sunset. If you're not sharing in a first look then we would suggest your ceremony ending 2 hours prior to sunset. Most ceremonies at John James Audubon Center last approximately 30 minutes.

Do they allow for sparkler exits? Should we do one?

John James Audubon Center does not allow for sparkler exits for safety reasons. However, we've photographed some great exits using bubbles, glow-sticks, and American flags. Get creative with your exit and think outside the box. Who knows? You might start a new trend.

How long should we plan to take bride & groom portraits?

We typically schedule 45 minutes for bride + groom portraits if you're sharing in a first look. If you're not sharing in a first look, you can expect to have approximately 10 minutes for bride and groom photos. For this reason, we highly encourage a first look because your photos are the first things to get cut short if something runs behind.

Should we have our ceremony indoors or outdoors?

Our preference is to always have your ceremony outside, unless it's pouring rain. If you know it's going to be cold and don't want to keep your guests outside for to terribly long, we'd suggest sharing more personal vows to one another in private, maybe during your first look, and then having a shortened 10 minute ceremony outdoors. We promise, it'll be worth it and you'll warm back up in minutes once you're inside again.

Meet
JOSIAH & STEPH

GET TO KNOW THE PHOTOGRAPHERS

We’re Josiah and Steph, a husband and wife team based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania that specialize in wedding photography and videography. We were married back in June 2015 and totally understand the craziness that is wedding planning. Our goal is to help make this process easier on your and to capture images you cherish for the rest of your lives.

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Whether you’re getting married at John James Audubon Center or someplace in PA (or beyond!), we would love to be considered for your day. 

If you’re interested in working with us, the best way to reach us is by either filling out the form or sending an e-mail to hello@josiahandsteph.com with your wedding date and location. If you’ve filled out the form and haven’t heard from us in a few days, please email us directly.

INQUIRE

WE WOULD LOVE TO BE A PART OF YOUR DAY!