This paper reports a novel crystallographically characterized Eu3+ complex, [Eu(fod)3(terpy)] (fod = anion of 6,6,7,7,8,8,8-heptafluoro-2,2-dimethyl-3,5-octanedione and terpy = terpyridine). The single crystal XRD result shows that the Eu ion have a nine-coordinated structure where Eu is attached to six oxygen atoms of one fod ligand and three nitrogen atoms of one terpyridine ligand with a coordination polyhedron as EuO6N3. The paramagnetic NMR result is in line with SC-XRD and confirms the same coordination structure of the complex in solution as well. The photophysical properties were studied in solid state, solution and as a thin film. The band gap value of the complex is determined which is found to be in the range of semiconductors, suggesting application of complex in optoelectronics. Upon excitation with UV-radiation, the complex displays characteristic emission transitions of europium ion. The complex shows high experimental emission lifetime in solid state which suggests that the antenna affect is effective in the present complex. Finally, various color parameters of the complex were calculated and the CCT value reveals the complex as a warm light source.