Glen Foerd on the Delaware Est. Prior to 1930

5001 Grant Avenue, Philadelphia, PA, United States

Message & View Pricing
Glen Foerd on the Delaware
Send messages & view rates of your favorite venues in one spot.
This venue has been favorited 229 times
A beloved host to galas and events since the late 1800s, this historical riverfront estate rests on 18 acres. 
Wander through the formal rose garden below the big Eastern sky and feel the romance around you.
The Lowdown
Type
Art Gallery
Ballroom
Estate / House / Mansion / Villa
Historic Building
Museum
Views
Bay
Garden
Historical Monument
Landscaped Grounds
Style
Art Deco
Classic
Elegant
Garden Party
Glamorous
BEST type of CELEBRATIONS
Anniversary / Engagement Party
Charity Event
Corporate Event
Product Launch
Dinner Party
Rehearsal Dinner / Welcome Reception
Reunion
Social Event
Wedding Ceremony
Wedding Reception

Venue Setting

The stately porte cochere welcomes you through Glen Foerd’s front door, where you’ll enter another world of stately elegance and refined beauty. It’s your mansion for the day, and your guests will be awestruck at the living history around them. They’ll admire the artwork in the second floor gallery, the beautifully furnished rooms and architectural details, the sweeping staircase and stunning stained-glass window overhead. Grab a glass and wander the grounds, taking in the riverfront view and the classic gardens on the 18-acre estate. Then enjoy dinner and dancing on the riverfront, in a fully customizable event structure that’s nestled between the mansion and the river. Years later, your photographs will tell the story of your most memorable day ever.
Fees
(Prices listed here are estimates only & are subject to change)
Price Range

Does this include catering fees?

No

Estimated Price Per Head

from $153 to $195

Insurance

Additional Insurance May Be Required Depending On The Event

Capacity

Seated
350
Buffet
350
Standing
400
Celebrations Hosted Here Since
Prior to 1930
Curfew
11 PM
Venue Spaces
Indoor & Outdoor Venue Spaces Available
Catering
Client Must Use The Catering Provided By The Venue
Alcohol
BYO Permitted – You Can Bring Your Own Alcohol
Music
Indoors & Outdoors
Smoking
Designated Smoking Areas Only
Kid Friendly Events
Yes
Handicap Accessible
Yes
Amenities
  • Bridal Suite/Changing Rooms Onsite
  • Street Parking
  • Valet Parking
  • Wifi
  • Ample Parking Onsite
  • Dining Chairs
  • Dining Tables
  • Onsite Restrooms
Venue Features
The Scene:

The Glen Foerd estate was established by Charles Macalester, Jr. Born in Philadelphia in 1798, he was a respected businessman and broker. In 1850, Macalester purchased 1,000 acres in northeastern Philadelphia and divided, plotted and sold off large lots of his land. Holding onto one section of the land for a summer residence, he built a three story Italianate riverfront house and called it Glengarry, after his family’s Scottish ancestral home. In addition to the mansion, the estate consisted of a stone gas house, ice house, Gothic-style gatehouse, a sixty foot high stone water tower, five large greenhouses and riverfront cupola. 

Glengarry was the scene of many gala affairs. During the summer, heads of state and other dignitaries traveled from Washington, D.C., where Macalester maintained a residence, as guests of Macalester and his daughter, Lily Macalester Laughton, a famous Washington hostess. 

In 1895, the mansion was purchased by Robert and Caroline Foerderer. After purchasing the estate, Foerderer hired architect, William McAuley of Philadelphia, to handle extensive renovations to the mansion. The house was enlarged and enhanced with Classical Revival additions. A carriage house and garden house was added at this time, and the gas house was converted for use as a boat house. Everything was planned to enhance the uniqueness and beauty of the home and to accommodate entertainment on a grand scale. As a final touch, they changed the name of the estate to Glen Foerd, a merger of Glengarry and the Foerderer name.

Standout Venue Features:
Winter weddings at Glen Foerd take place in the warm, welcoming mansion – host to lavish parties since the 1800’s. With a second-floor art gallery, sunlit porches, elegant dining room and cozy basement rathskellar, guests can easily transition from ceremony to cocktails, to dinner and then dancing and maybe an after-party. Prepare in the second-floor bridal suite, with its river views and floor to ceiling windows that fill the room with natural light. The mansion easily accommodates up to 120 guests and is beautifully decorated for the holidays. Enjoy a fully-customized celebration under the stained-glass skylights and romantic chandeliers, with outstanding food and service at a reduced cost.
Extra Perks:

Catering fees Includes: 

• Riverside Pavilion with white reception chairs, 60-inch round tables, dance floor, 

custom-made bars and five service tables. Ask for our list of elegant upgrades and 

custom finishes 

• Custom menu with a cocktail hour; sit-down or stations-style dinner; dessert 

station and butlered desserts, artisan coffee and tea station; non-alcoholic 

beverages, bar mixers and bar fruit 

• Rental china, flatware, glassware, linens and additional service tables 

• Event staff for set-up, event service and breakdown 

• Full event coordination: event timeline; coordinating vendors; alcohol purchase 

and returns; ceremony coordination; event layout and execution plan; 

ceremony rehearsal 

• Service charge and sales tax

Eats & Drinks
Food, Restaurants, Cafes, Bars & Lounges
Food, Restaurants, Cafes:
Best of Philly Caterer 2013 

THIS VENUE DOES NOT HAVE ANY REPORTS AT THIS TIME.

Check back again soon!