Colleen McDermott is the owner and founder of Marry Me Philadelphia, a regionally recognized enterprise which helped pioneer the micro-wedding trend. The celebrant has married thousands of couples since 2012 and plans to showcase her forthcoming Glenside-based business during the Keswick Fall Festival on Saturday, October 14.
McDermott moved from Fox Chase to Glenside in 2021 and decided to expand her scope. Keswick Collective, which is slated to open at 237 N Keswick Avenue sometime after Thanksgiving, will allow her to do that.
“Now that I’m moving into a bigger location, I don’t want to limit myself to just weddings. Keswick Collective will be broader and more community-oriented. I have a lot of ideas that I’ll be sorting out over the next month or so,” she said.
While weddings will remain a significant element of the business, McDermott expects to host events of all types to add to the Collective’s offerings.
“I have artists who want to incorporate workshops, galleries, acoustic music, yoga, meditation,” she said. “If someone is celebrating a life moment, like a birth or a bridal shower, our space will be equipped to host that kind of event, too.”
The Keswick Fall Festival will see McDermott hosting mini-showcases throughout the afternoon, perhaps even an on-the-spot wedding if a licensed couple so chooses.
“Couples can spontaneously exchange vows for a special fee of $100, or $50 with pre-registration. It’s a memorable day made easy, with a simple requirement: secure your marriage license at least 3 days prior, ensuring it remains valid through October 14,” she said.
The booth promises more than nuptials: festival-goers can pose against a thematic backdrop, children can indulge in crafts, and attendees can test their luck in a candy corn count contest for a chance to win a full elopement package. She’ll also have giveaways, promotional items, freebies, and dog treats to offer passers-by.
“I’ve learned through this industry that last-minute weddings are a huge draw for all sorts of people from all walks of life,” she said. “Fewer people are planning big weddings.”
“I’m ready to bring my business here and introduce our new brand. I love this area,” she said.
For more on Keswick Collective, you can visit their website. For more on Marry Me Philadelphia and Keswick Collective, you can check out their Linktree platform.
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Photos: Colleen McDermott