When it comes to planning your big celebration, the first thing many couples automatically google is, “Top Wedding Venues in Central Pennsylvania” and start scrolling down and endless list. We want to know the best of the best and how much they cost, right? It’s a constant balancing act when it comes to picking a dream venue and making sure it doesn’t break the bank. Bookmark this post, brides and grooms, this is going to be a gold nugget of info, just for you. Central Pennsylvania has become a destination location for East Coast weddings and as a photographer, I get to share the venues my couples selected and why it was perfect for their big day. You can have a laid back, boho party in the woods or an urban, elegant black tie affair. Central Pennsylvania is literally your oyster! There are so many different types of venues, and at all different price points. It’s important to find the one that fits your vision best, which is why I partnered with Cindy at Planned Perfection to bring you a list of our top 8 venues in Central Pennsylvania. Each of the venues listed has our our total approval. Not only have I photographed weddings at each, my clients raved about their venue experience, leading to land on this list of the top wedding venues in Central Pennsylvania.

Just a quick note, the prices and information as of January 2020 are correct for Saturdays in peak wedding season but can change at any given point. I always recommend contacting the venue to confirm pricing before you seal up your budget!

Top Venue #1: Getting Married at Promise Ridge

Promise Ridge is set in the Pocono Mountains and they specialize in “micro” weddings of up to 20 people and elopements where it’s just you and your honey. The Living Wall at Promise Ridge is the perfect place for your ceremony, it overlooks the Appalachian Trail. (Seriously, views for days!) The package includes the ceremony and your officiant, filing the marriage license, and 90 minutes on the property. You have the option to extend the time for a family-style dinner or gathering on their Infinity Deck! All you need? A photographer and florals. You’ll be good to go!

http://alisatonggcelebrant.com/elope.html#.XkLoiFJKiMI

5353-5319 Hickory Cir, Stroudsburg, PA 18360

How Much does it Cost to Get Married at Promise Ridge?

The average cost of booking Promise Ridge for your elopement is $2,200.
The average cost of booking Promise Ridge for your micro wedding is $2,750.

Top Venue #2: Getting Married at Smoker Farms

Smoker Farms is perfect for the simple and sweet wedding. Set in the farm land of Lancaster County, you’re surrounded by rolling hills and green fields. The hilltop on property is perfect for your ceremony. Afterwards, guests can stroll down to the reception at the barn. One note, this property is a small, family owned business. As they’re often outside tending to the property, expect slower communication as you set up an appointment.

 

https://www.facebook.com/smokerfarm/

1198 Rawlinsville Rd, New Providence, PA 17560

How Much does it Cost to Get Married at Smoker Farms?

The average cost of booking Smoker Farms for your wedding is $4,000.

Top Venue #3: Getting Married at Rock Lititz

Rock Lititz and Pod2 is the perfect modern and eclectic space for smaller weddings. Rock Lititz is where the music industry builds sets and do concert dress rehearsals for big artists so if you’re a music buff, THIS is your venue.

https://rocklititz.com/home

201 Rock Lititz Blvd, Lititz, PA 17543

How Much does it Cost to Get Married at Rock Lititz?

Pricing varies depending on date. Contact the venue directly for details.

Top Venue #4: Getting Married at The Booking House

Oh man, I could sing the Booking Houses praises for FOREVER. This venue has so much versatility when it comes to implementing your wedding vision. For summer 2020, they are opening an outdoor ceremony space as an option for your wedding, along with their indoor ceremony space option. The Booking House team is incredibly professional and will bend over backwards to make sure your day is absolutely perfect. They are certainly the best venue team I have ever worked with. They even have a calendar on their website to make it easy to see if they’re available for your date!

210 S Penn St, Manheim, PA 17545

 

How Much does it Cost to Get Married at The Booking House?

The average cost of booking The Booking House for your wedding is $8,400.

Top Venue #5: Getting Married at Supply

Supply is perfect for a wedding vision that needs an industrial, all white canvas for a venue. With floor to ceiling white walls and gorgeous boho and mid century modern furniture all over, this venue is perfect for a unique wedding theme. You have complete customization and can fully pull yourself into the venue and make it how you want it to be!

 

http://www.supplymanheim.com/

280 S Oak St, Manheim, PA 17545

How Much Does it Cost to Get Married at Supply?

The average cost of booking is $5,000-7,000.

Top Venue #6: Getting Married at Bluestone Estate

Bluestone Estate is an ideal venue for anyone going for that Lancaster County feel. Set in rolling fields with a beautiful restored stone and wood barn, it has a magical feel when you look through the big windows out onto the landscape. Truly perfect for a more rustic and romantic wedding day. There are options for an indoor ceremony in the barn or outdoor ceremony on the hill overlooking a quaint pond.

 

 

Bluestone Estate Weddings | Premier Event Venue in …

How Much Does it Cost to Get Married at Bluestone Estate?

The average cost of booking is $8,500.

Top Venue #7: Getting Married at Historic Shady Lane

Historic Shady Lane really has an old world romantic feel. The layout is great with so many options for weddings! From the cobblestone area to the ruins, and the greenhouse to the white tent, you have so many options for the layout of your wedding. Really perfect for a boho yet, romantic, vision. The team there is amazing, always on hand with a golf cart whenever it’s needed.

 

475 Shady Ln, Manchester, PA 17345

How Much Does it Cost to Get Married at Historic Shady Lane?

The average cost of booking is $9,500.

Top Venue #8: Getting Married at Excelsior

Excelsior is the venue if you want to escape from the city while retaining that luxurious feel. Most people who tie the know here are couples from NYC, Philadelphia, NJ, or DC craving an escape from the hustle and bustle. Excelsior is tucked into Downtown Lancaster city, close to many hotels, airbnbs, restaurants, and bars, which provides perfect entertainment for guests making a weekend trip out of your wedding. It has beautiful indoor and outdoor options for ceremony, which makes it easy to plan a wedding for any time of year. As a once abandoned building in Lancaster City, they restored the building beautifully while still keeping some of the worn beauty.

 

https://www.facebook.com/excelsiorlancaster

125 E King St, Lancaster, PA 17602

How Much Does it Cost to Get Married at Excelsior?

Excelsior offers all inclusive wedding packages, inquire directly with the venue for pricing.

Okay, we’ve really covered the top venues in Central Pennsylvania, now it’s time to dive into saving money and really honing in that wedding budget with…

Pro Tips from Planned Perfection: How to Save Money with your Venue

– What time you’re able to access your venue is a huge cost factor. Do not assume you have it from 12AM-12AM. Venues have strict entry and depart times and often adding additional hours can be a hefty fee. Planning your timeline out ahead of time will ensure that you don’t have to add on hours later.

– Does the venue allow your guests to leave cars on site overnight or must all of your guests depart with the vehicles they came in? Asking this up front will help you budget for additional transportation ahead of time so guests don’t have to worry about what to do with their cars after they’ve been partying and you don’t get slapped with a hefty towing fine.

– Does your venue have free parking on site? If not, perhaps you consider pre paying parking or getting parking vouchers for your guests. Or again, consider providing transportation so your guests aren’t surprised by parking fees.

– Guest count minimums- Some inclusive venues require you pay for a minimum of 150 guests even if only 110 RSVP yes, show up, etc. Your budget may only allow you invite 125 guests, so this can take a lot of available venues off your radar. Ask up front!

– Refundable security deposits, taxes and fees not included in your rental are all expensive additions to rental costs. Ask for full pricing up front to make sure your budget is realistic. This will seriously save money in the long run!

A big thank you to Cindy at Planned Perfection for this info on the top wedding venues in Central Pennsylvania! Planned Perfection is one of the top wedding planners in our area so after you check that venue off, be sure to inquire with her about your big day here. Of course, photography is on your list, too. If you want more information on working with me, get in touch!