First and foremost, Michele Kuhl is truly the most exceptional planner, coordinator, and wedding expert I have ever encountered. If you choose to book this venue (which you absolutely should), an outside planner is unnecessary. I initially hired one, but it only complicated matters. After comparing experiences with friends who married this past year, everyone was astonished by how Michele went above and beyond, genuinely delighted in her role. If possible, I highly recommend requesting Michele as your planner for a wedding at the Curtis.
We tied the knot in October, and her excitement matched that of our family. From my very first visit to the venue—where I booked on the spot with Laura, who was incredibly accommodating—to the attentive care we received from every staff member, the service was exceptional. Darlene, the in-house florist from Buttercup Florals, was remarkable, bringing my vision for lush greenery centerpieces with votive orbs to life. After losing our beloved dog Rosie a month before the wedding, Darlene thoughtfully adjusted our plans, allowing me to carry a bouquet of white roses in her memory. Together with my mom, she meticulously crafted the perfect day, incorporating ivory and white florals that showcased my bridesmaids' floral ballgowns beautifully.
When a family member experienced a medical emergency during the event, Michele and her team navigated the situation with unparalleled compassion and grace while maintaining the celebratory atmosphere. I had feared the night would be disrupted, but they managed everything seamlessly. My husband and I chose not to do a first look—an important decision for him—and Michele ensured we wouldn't cross paths. My father was unable to walk me down the aisle completely, so it was Michele who fluffed my dress to perfection as I made my entrance, her genuine excitement bringing her to tears.
Every member of Michele’s team was impeccably dressed, and their attention to detail was remarkable. They ensured I had the opportunity to see the beautifully set-up space first, and provided food and drinks for us during photographs. Michele even had an ivory fur wrap delivered because she remembered I had mentioned to her I was worried I’d be cold weeks prior.
Their willingness to accommodate my father's needs discreetly the unavoidable family drama we all have and their expertise in managing the decor I brought was nothing short of extraordinary. They truly brought our dream day to life, and we find ourselves watching our wedding video repeatedly in awe.
Our friends and family were thoroughly impressed by the venue and Michele's dedicated staff. I consider Michele a friend for life and have recommended the Curtis to anyone I meet who is planning a wedding—even to those who might not have sought my input (like the people in line ahead of me at the grocery store discussing venues).
The Curtis is one-of-a-kind, featuring stunning herringbone hardwood floors, elegant blue and green wall murals, a coffered ceiling, and grounds that transport you to a European estate. The modern tent and breathtaking arbor are simply perfect. The grand entrance I desired was fulfilled, and the base package includes an incredible range of offerings at a reasonable price, with worthwhile add-ons to consider.
Our wedding day was simply incredible. Initially, I didn’t want a wedding—I preferred eloping—but after experiencing this venue, I’m thrilled we chose to celebrate here. A heartfelt thank you to Michele, her team, and everyone at JAM; the significance of this experience is impossible to...
Read moreHorrible Experience! unprofessional staff (for weddings and hall rental)! I recently called to schedule a appointment to show my mother and mother in law Curtis Hall Arboretum for my fiancé and myself for a wedding for next year. I spoke with a Miss Brown to see the hall a couple of days before and she told me to meet her at the property at 8:15am. So we agreed and I arrived with my family around at 8:00 am just so we could take a walk around the property and get a feel for how things would go for our wedding. I also told the "manager" that we were a very delicate couple being as tho we just lost our baby boy 2 months ago so we were looking for a beautiful place that we could celebrate our union being as tho we were still grieving. Any who, around 8:15 (Miss Brown still hasn't arrived) my mother and mother in law waited outside and a man walked up to open the place up and said he was only there to clean the bathroom. I then told them to just wait inside and sit down and I would wait for Miss Brown. The man put his hand to my mother face and said, NO NOT YET YOU CANT COME IN", in a very unpleasant matter. STRIKE ONE! So we waited and a older heavy set woman arrived (also with a very nasty and unprofessional attitude as well) let my parents come in and sit down. She claimed to be the manager of the property and said she would show us around. She showed us rooms by just pointing and mumbling. She had no desire on showing us this property and I was getting very upset, impatient and turned off! STRIKE 2! Lastly, it turned 8:45 STILL NO MISS BROWN! So we decided to complain to a very rude and flamboyant man who we found out was the supervisor of everyone. He talked to us with a loud tone and his hand on his hip. STRIKE 3 AND WE'RE OUT! Finally when we decided we had enough and got up and left out and we saw miss brown had finally arrived and was showing someone else the property on our appointment time!!!!!!! wow!!!! You know what was so disappointing about the experience?? The whole staff was African American and so am I and they treated their own kind like trash! SMH! I am marrying a Italian man and I was there with his mother and I was embarrassed that my own kind treated us in such a manner. I began to sob in the car because I was so disappointed and embarrassed. Luckily when we left we ran into a beautiful country club that was so warm and accommodating to my family and it was a blessing in disguise! So we took our 2,800$ that we were looking forward to using at Curtis Hall and went with MCCALLS Country club instead. Curtis hall is good for one thing and one thing only........walking dogs and taking pictures!...
Read moreThe Curtis Arboretum has everything you'd need for a gorgeous and unforgettable wedding celebration! If you're getting married in the Philadelphia metro area and want a venue that combines natural beauty and grandeur, put the Curtis Arboretum on your short list. You won't find a more beautiful spot to tie the knot than the lawn behind Curtis Hall (the main building). The stairs that run from Curtis Hall down to the park's grassy expanses and then back up to the ceremony site allow you to make an entrance that builds anticipation. And the long, elegant pergola that runs across that space creates a lovely backdrop for your exchange of vows. You could spend hours having your wedding portraits done and still not exhaust all the possibilities the arboretum's 45 acres of meadows and forests offer. And Curtis Hall gives you an indoor space that is perfect for celebrating your nuptials with dinner and dancing. (At the wedding we photographed there recently, the couple used the tent-enclosed back patio for dinner and the toasts before moving into the intimate and historic ballroom for the party.)
Another reason to consider the Curtis Arboretum for your wedding is its partnership with JAM Catering, which handles the food, beverages, floral arrangements and onsite coordination. In our time as wedding photographers, we've rarely worked with caterers/florists/coordinators who are so helpful, friendly, creative and detail-oriented. And we can tell you from experience that the food...
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