Featured Venues
Union League of Philadelphia selects EMG as their preferred entertainment partner, ensuring upscale events with proven expertise.
Featured Venues
Union League of Philadelphia selects EMG as their preferred entertainment partner, ensuring upscale events with proven expertise.
Union League of Philadelphia
A venue’s recommendation reflects the trust they place in EMG’s professionalism, value, and exceptional service. Union League Of Philadelphia named us as their recommended entertainment partner, which highlights a shared commitment to quality and confidence in the experience we bring to every event.
What Entertainment Works Best at The Union League of Philadelphia?
The Union League of Philadelphia is one of the most grand and storied event spaces in the city, with 14 distinct rooms across a French Renaissance landmark building on Broad Street. A band fits the vibe of the space best, particularly in Lincoln Hall, and candlelight amber uplighting is highly recommended to bring out the dark wood paneling throughout the reception rooms. Intelligent lighting can also add a dynamic layer for the dance floor. Elegant Music Group has performed at The Union League of Philadelphia, and the conversation about what fits your day is always free.
Summary
- Recommended format: band is the best fit for Lincoln Hall’s grand scale; DJ and hybrid also work
- Lighting: candlelight amber uplighting highly recommended to accentuate the dark wood paneling; intelligent lighting beneficial for the dance floor
- Setting: a historic French Renaissance private club on Broad Street in Philadelphia, founded 1862, with 14 distinct rooms and an 1881 chandelier in Lincoln Hall
- EMG has personally performed at The Union League of Philadelphia
Why We Love The Union League of Philadelphia
The Union League of Philadelphia carries a weight and presence that very few venues in the country can match. The building, completed in 1865, has hosted every US president and countless landmark celebrations. Lincoln Hall, the signature ballroom, has its original 1881 chandelier hanging above the dance floor, grand arched windows, and an ornately carved ceiling. The Meade Room and Grant Room downstairs are paneled in rich dark wood with bronze chandeliers, creating a warm, moody atmosphere for smaller celebrations. Candlelight amber uplighting in any of these rooms plays directly into the dark wood’s character, bringing out the warmth and depth that makes the Union League feel genuinely historic rather than just old.
What Entertainment Works Best at The Union League of Philadelphia
A band is the format that best fits the grandeur and formal character of the Union League of Philadelphia, particularly in Lincoln Hall, where the scale and architectural presence reward a fully live sound. A DJ or hybrid also works well in Lincoln Hall or the more intimate Meade and Grant rooms. Candlelight amber uplighting is our strong recommendation throughout, since the dark wood paneling in the reception rooms responds beautifully to warm amber tones. Intelligent lighting adds a dynamic element for the dance floor once dinner ends without disrupting the room’s historic character.
Ceremony Music at The Union League of Philadelphia
A string trio or string quartet is a beautiful choice for a ceremony in one of the Union League’s intimate rooms. The building’s quiet, historic character makes live strings feel natural and fitting.
Cocktail Hour Music at The Union League of Philadelphia
The Union League’s library, with its rich wood and quiet character, is one of the most distinctive cocktail hour spaces in Philadelphia. A jazz trio suits the private club character of the space. A solo pianist is a natural fit for this kind of room.
Reception Entertainment Options
DJ: Works well in Lincoln Hall and the smaller rooms, with candlelight amber uplighting and intelligent dance floor lighting filling the scale and character of the space.
Hybrid: Brings live energy alongside the DJ in a room that rewards a fuller sound.
Band: Our top recommendation for The Union League of Philadelphia, where the grand scale of Lincoln Hall and the historic weight of the building make a fully live reception the natural fit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a band or DJ better at The Union League of Philadelphia?
A band is the format that best fits the Union League’s grandeur and formal character, especially in Lincoln Hall. A DJ or hybrid works well too, and the right choice also depends on which of the 14 rooms a couple is using.
Why is candlelight amber uplighting recommended at The Union League?
The reception rooms, particularly the Meade Room and Grant Room, feature rich dark wood paneling that responds beautifully to warm amber tones. Candlelight amber uplighting brings out the depth and warmth of the wood rather than competing with the room’s existing character.
Where does cocktail hour take place at The Union League of Philadelphia?
Cocktail hour can take place in the library on the first floor, the lounge areas, or other of the building’s 14 distinct rooms, depending on the size of the event.
Does The Union League offer on-site accommodations?
Yes. The Inn at the Union League has 70 rooms and 13 suites, allowing couples and guests to stay in the building for a full wedding weekend in Center City Philadelphia.
What is the most popular entertainment package for Union League of Philadelphia weddings?
Many couples pair a string trio or quartet for the ceremony, a jazz trio or solo pianist for cocktail hour in the library, and a full band in Lincoln Hall for the reception, with candlelight amber uplighting and intelligent dance floor lighting throughout.
Plan Your Union League of Philadelphia Wedding
Every couple’s vision is different. Tell us about your wedding at The Union League of Philadelphia and we’ll help you figure out what makes sense.
Related Planning Resources
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140 S Broad St
140 South Broad Street
A venue’s recommendation reflects the trust they place in EMG’s professionalism, value, and exceptional service. Union League Of Philadelphia named us as their recommended entertainment partner, which highlights a shared commitment to quality and confidence in the experience we bring to every event., PA 19102
215-563-6500
https://www.unionleague.org/
RANKED THE #1 FASTEST GROWING EVENTS COMPANY IN AMERICA BY INC MAGAZINE (INC 5000, 2024)
