Wedell-Piesdorf was born on 20 May 1837 in Frankfurt-an-Oder into the noble von Wedel family.

Among his siblings were brother Karl von Wedel-Piesdorf, a prominent lawyer.

He left civil service in 1876 to take over the administration of his Piesdorf manor (near Könnern).

[2] From 1884 to 1890, he was a Free Conservative member of the Reichstag, representing the Erfurt constituency.

In 1888, he was made Minister of the Royal Household by Kaiser Wilhelm II, serving in that role until 1907.