Chester County Weddings at the Phoenixville Foundry

The Phoenixville Foundry has a rich history and now serves as an iconic wedding venue in Chester County, Pennsylvania. But there’s much more than meets the eye when it comes to this local gem.

First, let’s delve into the area. Located right on the border of Philadelphia, Chester County (known as Chesco to all the locals) is one of the first three counties founded in Pennsylvania. Dating back to the late 1600s, it was founded by William Penn, who was also the founder of Pennsylvania. This deeply rooted county history is exuded in the character of the town, with families who have been here for hundreds of years since the first settlement of the Quakers and many buildings that have been restored to mix old and new to create unparalleled architecture.

There are two main historical “claims to fame” that Chester County is known for. First, the county was a staple in the construction of the Pennsylvania Railroad, serving as an iron and steel production hub. This critical part of Chester County history is still resonant in many of the venues throughout the county, which have been built upon this legacy—especially at the Phoenixville Foundry. Second, it was also where the largest battle of the American Revolutionary War was held: the Battle of Brandywine. The sprawling green space that was once a battleground is now filled with historic landmarks and idyllic venues for patrons to learn more about our history.

Looking to present-day Chester County, there is so much to explore, making it the ideal spot to host a wedding for both locals and out-of-towners. One main draw is easy access to the city of Philadelphia, which is less than one hour away and easily accessible via SEPTA, the local public transportation authority. The activities and attractions are plentiful in the county, with vineyards, gardens, breweries, distilleries, museums, cultural events and more.

Phoenixville specifically—where Phoenixville Foundry is located—is home to a bustling downtown area filled with art, theater and culinary delights at restaurants that serve farm-to-table fare from all the local purveyors in Chester County.

There are so many places to explore, with plenty to put on your wedding website for guests should you choose the Phoenixville Foundry in Chester County as your wedding venue!

A Brief History of the Phoenixville Foundry

Next, the history of Phoenixville Foundry. One of the most iconic landmarks of Chester County was the Phoenix Iron & Steel Works. It’s the namesake of Phoenixville and was an industrial hub for the area, providing work for many families for many years. Now, the historic Phoenix Iron & Steel Works building has been transformed into the stunning Phoenixville Foundry wedding venue. The history dates all the way back to the inception of Phoenix Iron Company in the late 1700s, when Chester County began iron production on the banks of the French Creek, which today is right in the Phoenixville Foundry’s backyard.

The Phoenix Iron Company started manufacturing iron nails, and throughout its life, it was purchased by passionate entrepreneurs who gave it new purpose more than once. When business was booming in the late 1800s, they built the campus and building that is now home to the modern-day Phoenixville Foundry. The most critical development the company made over the years was the invention of the Phoenix Column. This iron structure was composed of multiple steel sections flanged and riveted together. This changed construction forever and has since been one of the building’s largest claims to historic fame. After the downfall of the iron and steel industry, the company eventually shut down, leaving the building abandoned. After many years, it was taken over by the Phoenixville Area Economic Development Corporation (PAEDCO), who turned it into a museum to commemorate local history. Then, in 2008, The Hankin Group took over the building and transformed it into the incredible venue that stands today!

Now, this is just a very quick look at the history of the Phoenixville Foundry. Check out our Then & Now page to discover the full story!

The Heritage Center is a museum that is adjacent to the Cupola Ballroom on-site to commemorate the history of the region and the venue. Many wedding guests choose to explore the museum during the event to experience this Chester County history for themselves!

Phoenixville Foundry Location

One of the best features of the Phoenixville Foundry is our location. We’re situated right on Main Street, nestled between downtown Phoenixville and the beautiful French Creek waters and idyllic Schuylkill River Trail. This means that we have incredibly easy access to local spots for the wedding after-party, home rentals and hotels for weekend guests, recreation options for those staying in town, as well as options for stunning wedding photos on-site and in town.

One unique feature of the Phoenixville Foundry is that there are plenty of options on the grounds to host both your ceremony and reception in one locale, indoors or outdoors depending on your preference and the season.

These are just a handful of the unique features found at the venue:

As you arrive at the Phoenixville Foundry, you’re greeted by the towering brick exterior and will notice a patio area out front; the patio area is known as our Sculpture Garden. The patio area is surrounded by the stately flagship Phoenix Columns that play such an integral part in the history of the venue and the town and features a gorgeous pavilion constructed with the columns that couple drapery and florals for extra character. It provides an impressive backdrop for your special occasion, night or day, as it’s romantically lit for ambiance and function in the evening.

The Cupola Ballroom and Mezzanine is a popular space to host both a ceremony and reception at Phoenixville Foundry. The space is named after the original Cupola Furnaces, which to this day are a stately focal point of the space, standing tall in their original location. This ballroom features a mesh of old and new, where you can still see the history that surrounds you with all the modern conveniences and new-age additions. When you look up, you’re greeted by the sun shining through the original clerestory windows, filling the space with natural light during the day. The ceiling is open and features the steel beams of the original structure that have been revitalized. And of course, the Cupola Furnaces! Many couples choose to sneak away from the celebration to take photos near the furnaces before the night ends.

It’s the largest indoor space available, boasting 8,100 square feet, and also features a 24’ x 32’ dance floor so guests can dance the night away!

The beautiful West Wing Ballroom features the stunning steel truss work in the ceiling, accented by modern lighting and rich wood accents. The space exudes a natural color palette perfect for any style wedding, any color scheme and can accommodate up to 275 guests seated.

One feature that all couples love, no matter what season, is the fire pits we have on the West Wing Patio. Whether you want to use them to create a romantic outdoor ambiance or offer guests a special late-night s’mores snack, we’re one of the few Chester County wedding venues with such a unique feature!