Bride and groom portrait as the sun sets at Appleford Estate

Your Guide to Appleford Estate Weddings

Info and Wedding Venue Guide

Bride and groom sitting inside the Appleford Estate

Premium Villanova Wedding Venue

A historic stone farmhouse, neatly manicured grounds, formal gardens, and the gentle sound of water flowing from stream to pond await guests of Villanova’s Appleford Estate. An iconic Main Line mansion, this wedding venue exudes nothing but romance and elegance. We pulled together some information to help guide you through the process of picking your wedding venue. If you have any specific questions about my experiences at this amazing venue, Click Here.

Historic Charm Meets Garden Party

Established around 1682 by James Moore, Appleford Estate’s roots date back through the centuries, tracing American history. A land grant from Pennsylvania’s founder, William Penn, to Moore, is where Appleford’s story begins. 

Building a fieldstone house just outside of Philadelphia, the property has undergone a number of changes since, including its expansion. Today, Appleford sits on 24 beautiful acres, serving as an arboretum and bird sanctuary, as well as a wedding venue. In keeping true to history, Appleford celebrates its most recent owners, who collected antique furnishings, with which the house is still decorated, making for a charming addition to any celebration. 

From those plush rooms, guests can view the expansive and meticulously maintained grounds designed by Philadelphia landscape architect, Thomas Sears (locally, he was also behind the design of Delaware’s Mount Cuba). A formal garden marked by boxwood hedges is both beautiful for wedding photos and a lot of fun to incorporate in to wedding photos!

Elsewhere, formal gardens, brick walkways, a pond, waterfall and stream, plus the colorful rhododendrons, give visitors a different glimpse at every turn, making them feel as though they’ve discovered a secret garden. 

Bride and Groom walking outside of Appleford Estate

Appleford Estate Wedding Event Spaces

Ideally suited to weddings from spring through fall, Appleford Estate Weddings offer space to tie the knot outdoors, followed by a tented ceremony on a flagstone patio. Replete with gardens and hidden wonders, there’s no shortage of spots for couples to take portraits or simply steal a private moment.

Dreamy Gardens

The formal gardens surrounding the historic estate are reminiscent of English country grounds, neatly manicured and aesthetically pleasing. The verdant landscape is echoed in the house’s green shutters, making every season at Appleford feel alive with nature. To one side of the estate is an old greenhouse, which makes a serene backdrop for photos, as do the koi pond and rose garden. The magical setting, tucked within high hedges and heady with the sweet scent of blooms, creates an intimate oasis. 

Bride and groom's first dance inside the tent at Appleford Estate

Luxe Tented Receptions

A flagstone terrace tented and set with tables and chairs is the perfect spot for a reception. Strung with lights, it feels ethereal, especially on days when the sun gently streams through. Add greenery or other elements to bring the gardens in, or let the space shine on its own. Adjoining the house and just a few steps from the gardens, guests are treated to soft breezes and an elegant setting. A dance floor completes the space, which is equally wondrous day and night. 

Bride and groom on the stairway with candle light from Appleford Estate wedding

A Breathtaking Historic Park

Outfitted with antique décor, the interior of the estate feels like stepping back in time. Hardwood floors are complemented by Persian rugs, settees, clocks and mirrors heralding back to another era. Upstairs, a bedroom now serves as a bridal suite, offering plenty of room for a bride and her closest friends and family to get ready and unwind ahead of the ceremony. Thanks to plenty of windows, the room is flooded with natural light. A fireplace adds extra charm, as do the portraits on the wall and the myriad sconces. Elsewhere, rich dark paneling, an expansive dining room and beautiful china displays beckon couples for portraits that you can’t capture anywhere else. 

Groomsmen sitting inside the Appleford Estate

Colonial Charm

Outfitted with antique décor, the interior of the estate feels like stepping back in time. Hardwood floors are complemented by Persian rugs, settees, clocks and mirrors heralding back to another era. 

Upstairs, a bedroom now serves as a bridal suite, offering plenty of room for a bride and her closest friends and family to get ready and unwind ahead of the ceremony. Thanks to plenty of windows, the room is flooded with natural light. 

A fireplace adds extra charm, as do the portraits on the wall and the myriad sconces. Elsewhere, rich dark paneling, an expansive dining room and beautiful china displays beckon couples for portraits that you can’t capture anywhere else. 

 

Everything You Need To Know

Wedding Guest Count

Appleford Estate can accommodate up to 200 guests.

Guest Parking

On-site parking with valet service is available.

Wedding Vendors

Appleford offers myriad options for couples, with a select, but diverse list of exclusive caterers including Catering by Design, Feastivities Events, Feast Your Eyes Catering, John Serock Catering, Perfect Setting Catering & Events, and Sage Catering. 

Appleford Wedding Cost

Pricing varies by day. Twenty-six tables and 150 chairs are included through catering vendors. Reach out to the above vendors for more pricing information on Appleford Estate Weddings. 

Appleford Estate Wedding Reviews

770 Mount Moro Rd. Villanova, PA 610-527-4280

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