Do you have a list of preferred vendors?
Yes, your wedding professional can offer a list of preferred vendors.

How are they selected?
Vendors are selected by long-standing reputation and/or an extraordinary record of excellence at hotel events.

May I use outside vendors?
You may use outside vendors for your music, wedding cake, flowers, and photographers. Contact your wedding professional for more details.

What kind of music is available?
Your personal wedding professional can help select the perfect musical accompaniment. Choices include a harpist, saxophonists, classical duos or quartets, jazz or salsa bands, or a DJ.

How do I arrange for flowers?
Our preferred florist will prepare a range of seasonal arrangements, centerpieces, bouquets, headdresses, corsages, and buttonholes.

May I take wedding pictures at The Ritz-Carlton if my wedding is to be held elsewhere?
No, we reserve photography privileges for couples whose weddings or receptions are held at The Ritz-Carlton.

Do we have our ceremony at the hotel?
That depends entirely on your vision of your wedding day and your preferences. If you wish to have the ceremony here, your planner will work with you to help answer your questions and plan the event.

Are you able to recommend ceremony officiants?
Yes, from a number of backgrounds to accommodate any faith or preference.

Are you able to accommodate different ethnic and religious traditions that call for elaborate setups?
Yes, and do so with great regularity.

How do out-of-town guests make reservations?
Your sales manager and planner will work with you to help assist you in procuring sleeping rooms.

Are there special room rates for wedding guests?
For family and friends of the wedding party, The Ritz-Carlton, Philadelphia will be happy to quote preferential rates for the week of the event. The rate will depend on the occupancy of the hotel at the time the room block is reserved. 

Do the bride and groom get a complimentary room for the wedding night?
The hotel provides a complimentary suite for the bride and groom on the night of their wedding. The complimentary suite is offered with a minimum of 25 guests in attendance at the reception.

What is required by the state of Pennsylvania and the county of Philadelphia for a legal wedding ceremony?
To legally marry in the Philadelphia area, a couple must obtain a marriage license. The couple must apply for their license in person. The couple must wait three days before they can marry. The license is valid for 60 days. The couple must present their Social Security card along with a driver's license, birth certificate, or passport.

What do I need to know before contacting the hotel? 
You should know the estimated number of guests, a date, and an approximate budget for your event. If possible, choose a few alternate dates in case your first choice is not available.

How far in advance should I reserve the date? 
Although The Ritz-Carlton, Philadelphia often fills the most popular dates as far as two years in advance. Saturday evenings typically book up first with more flexibility Friday evenings and Sundays. Contact the hotel for more information about available dates.

What weather should I expect at The Ritz-Carlton, Philadelphia?
Weather is seasonal. Please contact the concierge for more details.

On what are the deposits based and when are they due?
Deposits are based on anywhere from 15 - 20% of the combined food and beverage minimum, plus the rental fees for the event space reserved. Deposits are non-refundable and non-transferable. Two months prior to your event, 50% of the estimated charges are due, and the estimated final balance is due fourteen business days prior to your event.

When do I need to tell The Ritz-Carlton exactly how many guests will be attending my wedding?
The catering department must be notified of the exact number of guests attending a function at least 1 week prior to the start of the event. This will be considered a guarantee, for which you will be charged, even if fewer guests attend the function.

Are there any other suggestions for planning my wedding?
Create a wedding binder. Clip pictures from magazines and make notes about what you have liked at other weddings. This will help you select your flowers, cake, room décor, and other special touches to make your wedding uniquely yours.

May I hold my ceremony and/or reception outside?
No, we are unable to hold outside ceremonies/receptions.

Do I need a wedding coordinator?
The Ritz-Carlton, Philadelphia provides a Special Events manager to coordinate all aspects of your special day and will be on-site the day of the wedding.

What does The Ritz-Carlton provide for weddings and receptions?
The Ritz-Carlton provides all food and beverages, tables and chairs, white table linens, silverware and glasses, a dance floor, and staging for your event. The rental of a ceremony location includes chair set-up and staging as well as rehearsal time for the ceremony. This also includes an on-site Wedding Specialist to greet and assist your guests.

What other services or items can The Ritz-Carlton provide for my event?
The Ritz-Carlton can provide a wide range of specialty items to help you personalize your events, such as Chiavari chairs, specialty linens, specialty base plates, and menu cards. We can also assist you with welcome baskets, bridesmaid and groomsmen gifts, and a variety of other special amenities to help add that personal touch to your wedding. Costs for all items vary.