FAQs

Is transportation provided to the ceremony? What are the details for the shuttles?

Shuttles from Rittenhouse Square to the ceremony at Arch Street Meeting House will depart from the Sofitel (120 S 17th St, Philadelphia, PA) at 2:45pm and 3:00pm on Saturday, December 3.

If you are staying at the Kimpton Palomar, the Sofitel is directly across the street.

If you are staying at the Warwick Hotel, the Sofitel is a 3-minute walk up 17th Street. 

If you would prefer to take an Uber or Lyft instead of one of the shuttles, Arch Street Meeting House is located at 320 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA. The ceremony begins at 3:30pm.ng.

How does a Quaker wedding ceremony work?

It doesn’t work without YOU! Quaker ceremonies begin in stillness but they are participatory occasions. Guests are invited to rise if the spirit moves them and offer stories, words of support, pieces of marital wisdom, sing, or otherwise meaningfully contribute. It is customary to allow a moment of silence between each contribution. You can make everyone laugh, but ultimately it’s a spiritual service so anything that might fall under the category of “Best Man Speech” is probably better saved for another setting.

Also, there is no officiant. In Pennsylvania, there’s a special provision for “self-uniting ceremonies” because of the state’s Quaker history. At a specified point, we say our vows to each other, and then we sign a religious certificate of marriage, which every guest also signs as a witness to the occasion.

Why are you getting married this way and do I need to dress like the man on the Quaker Oats box?

Kelsey was raised in the Quaker faith as a member of Gwynedd Friends Meeting just outside Philadelphia. Find the Father of the Bride and he’ll give you the lowdown on the family history stretching back to George Fox. But nobody has to dress like the oatmeal man.

In that case, what should I wear?

Find your finery, this is a black tie affair!

What should I know about your wedding and COVID?

At this time, the Racquet Club of Philadelphia where the reception will be held requires proof of full COVID-19 vaccination for entry. As December approaches, please check back here for updates in case the current circumstances of the pandemic evolve. All our events will be held indoors and we are mindful of everyone’s health and safety!

How will I get to the ceremony?

There will be limited shuttle service provided from Rittenhouse Square (where the hotels on the “Accommodations” page are located) to Arch Street Meeting House, departing at 2:45pm. Uber is also a good option. It’s about a 15-minute drive in traffic from Rittenhouse Square to the Meeting House. If you drive your own car to the Meeting House, look for one of the nearby parking garages or try your luck with the street parking available on Arch Street between 3rd and 5th Streets.

Are children invited?

Although we adore your children, all of the events of our wedding are adults-only.