Outdoors and in, you’ll discover many unique locations for wedding photography at University and Whist it’s hard to choose. These are just a few of our favorites.

The main entrance to the club is a perfect place to start your bridal party, family and couple’s portraits. The solid stone steps and huge wooden door with wrought iron covered windows is tough to beat for a backdrop, and the hard surface is a bonus for ladies wearing heels or formal footwear. The overhang here is also a great spot to use in the rain, giving an outdoor feel while staying dry.

The outdoor ceremony area has plenty of space for large groups and features a grassy area, beautiful wood pergola over a large paver patio, and plenty of shade provided by giant 100 year old oak trees.

Be sure to check out the carriage house before heading back to the mansion. The massive sliding barn doors and cobblestone drive make another great spot for group shots and first looks.

The club inside is best suited for portraits of couples, individuals and smaller groups. We love the main staircase that winds down four stories and opens up into a grand staircase in the main foyer. This staircase alone is great for many creative shots. It is one of our favorite spots for a first look with Dad or the groom. Of course, you do not want to forget to ask about going up to the roof for shots with the Wilmington, Delaware skyline!

We love the bridal suite at University and Whist. It is a large bright space with lots of window light, tasteful vintage furniture, and hardwood floors. One of the best features is the impressive floor to ceiling mirror which is perfect for posed portraits and candid getting ready moments. It’s not often you will have such a beautiful space for getting ready. Be sure to take advantage of all of the natural light for bridal portraits.

Typically the groom and his attendants will be set up downstairs in the private bar area. It features TVs and a pool table and has an upscale man cave atmosphere. There are no windows so your photographer may have to rely on flash or other auxiliary lighting, although with very fast lenses it is possible to shoot with the available light provided by the room fixtures. Take a quick walk outside and you’ll have lots of options for groom and groomsmen photos.

The centerpiece of the outdoor ceremony site is the large stone patio and impressive wood timber pergola. It looks great on its own but really shines when decorated with drapery and floral arrangements. Check with your florist to see what they would recommend!

The lawn is spacious and allows seating for 150 guests. On either side of the pergola are two giant oak trees which provide an abundance of shade for the whole area. The main house provides a beautiful backdrop as the bride and rest of the bridal party process down the stone walkway to the pergola.

The club also has a number of locations throughout the house for hosting indoor ceremonies. The size of your wedding will likely determine which area is best for your event, with the largest ceremonies taking place in the main ballroom.

University and Whist wedding receptions are a perfect example of multi room private estate type reception, meets large ballroom affairs. Cocktail hours take place throughout the many smaller rooms of the club allowing your guests to explore and break into groups to mingle, yet the ballroom provides enough room for 200 guests to dine and dance in the same room together.

The dance floor is large and there are multiple large flat screen TVs throughout the main ballroom for you to project content for guests.

The club is located just minutes from I 95 and Route 202. As with most Wilmington, Delaware weddings, you and your guests will have very convenient access to downtown Wilmington’s plethora of hotels, bars, restaurants, and other helpful resources.