Unique · Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
William Way LGBT Community Center
An LGBT community center in Center City Philadelphia with a second-floor ballroom and smaller rooms to rent.
The William Way LGBT Community Center is a community organization at 1315 Spruce Street in Center City, Philadelphia. It rents rooms for private events, and its Mark Segal Ballroom is the main space for ceremonies and receptions.
Why it suits LGBTQ+ couples
The venue is run by an LGBT community center, so hiring a room supports an organization that serves the community. It is a strong fit for couples who want a city celebration in a space with real roots in Philadelphia LGBTQ+ life, and who like a small or mid-sized gathering. The rooms are rented by the hour, so you can match the booking to a short ceremony, a longer reception or a rehearsal dinner.
Ceremonies
The Mark Segal Ballroom is on the second floor. Set up in theater style it holds up to 150 guests, which makes it workable for a ceremony. Smaller rooms suit intimate vows: the Philadelphia Room on the ground floor holds up to 50 in theater style, and the Living Room takes up to 18.
Receptions and food
For a reception, the ballroom holds up to 100 guests for a seated dinner or up to 200 for a cocktail-style party. The lobby holds up to 175 standing. The center does not describe in-house catering on its rental page, so plan to bring in your own caterer. Events serving food or drink carry a cleaning fee, and events serving alcohol need a refundable cleaning deposit, so ask for the current terms. Equipment such as a sound system and a projector can be rented, and a baby grand piano is available in the ballroom for an extra charge, which suits live music during a ceremony.
Getting there and the area
The center sits on Spruce Street in the Gayborhood, close to bars, restaurants and hotels, which makes it easy to build a wedding weekend around it. Center City is well served by public transit, and Philadelphia has plenty of hotels nearby for guests. Ask the center about access needs before you book, because its rental page does not describe them.
Good to know
- Rooms are rented by the hour
- Ballroom seats up to 100 for dinner
- Bring your own caterer and confirm alcohol terms
Frequently asked questions
How many guests can the ballroom hold?
The Mark Segal Ballroom holds up to 100 for dinner, 150 theater style and 200 for a cocktail reception.
Are there smaller rooms?
Yes. The Philadelphia Room, the Community Room and the Living Room suit smaller gatherings.
Can I serve alcohol?
Yes, with conditions. Events serving alcohol need a refundable cleaning deposit, so confirm the current terms with the center.
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