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USA TODAY
Wedding season is around the corner, and this year is said to be one of the biggest for weddings, as brides and grooms reschedule their plans that had been canceled due to COVID.
According to the New York Times, the world may see roughly 2.5 billion weddings this year, and trends have changed from large elaborate celebrations, to smaller and more imitate gatherings.
Wedding venues are also changing and getting more creative as some couples shy away from country clubs and banquet halls, to garden and museum ceremonies.
Central Pennsylvanians are in luck − there are plenty of unusual venues to host weddings including 200-year-old barns, renovated cigar warehouses and more. The options are endless. Here are 10 to start with.
The Bond
Where: 134 E. King St., York
Sizing: Up to 200 guests
Pricing: April-August – Friday/Sunday: $7,750 Saturday: $8,550
September-November – Friday/Sunday: $8,750 Saturday: $9,250
Located in Royal Square, in the heart of downtown York, The Bond is Central Pa.’s first industrial event space.
The unusual architecture features exposed brick walls, polished concrete floors and plenty of natural light that shines through tall glass windows, perfect for a event that is both special and picturesque.
The Bond is equipped with several rooms and amenities, perfect for a wedding. The atrium acts as a cocktail room, and features a composition of chandeliers, made by local artisans.
Other rooms include a ceremony area, ballroom, bridal boudoir, and chaps chamber for the groom and his groomsmen. As the weather warms up, you can host an outdoor reception at their outdoor space, which features more chandeliers, backdrops, and a fireplace.
The Booking House
Where: 210 S. Penn St., Manheim
Sizing: Varies depending on room; 100-250 guests
Pricing: Contact The Booking House directly
Formally known as The Old General Cigar Co. Warehouse, which produced cigars for more than 50 years, The Booking House venue space is located in the heart of Manheim’s industrial section, in Lancaster County.
The historic building has been modernized with new amenities including new restrooms, handicap accessibility, and brand new heating and air conditioning.
For events, there is no guest count minimum, spending minimum, or china requirement. The Booking House offers two “getting ready” rooms, featuring a Bridal Suite and a Groomsmen Cigar Lounge complete with windows allowing natural golden light to shine through for photos.
Brown’s Orchards
Where: 8892 Susquehanna Trail South, Loganville
Pricing: May-October 2022 – Friday: $5,500 Saturday: $6,500
2023 – Friday: $6,500 Saturday: $7,500
Sizing: Up to 150 guests
In Summer 2021, Brown’s Orchard and Farm Market opened a rustic wedding venue space on their property, overlooking the green hills and orchards.
This outdoor ceremony site is nestled in the quiet orchards, away from the farm market. The large white reception tent is filled with fabric liner, fans, crystal chandeliers and chapel window sidewalls
Couples can say “I do,” under a handmade, wooden arch while guests sit on benches constructed from tree stumps.
For weddings, Brown’s offers additional on-site services including catering, flowers, dessert, party favors and even wedding cake.
More on Brown’s:Growing for the next generation, Brown’s Orchards & Farm Market opens a rustic wedding venue
Outdoor dining in Central PA:As the weather warms up, enjoy a meal outdoors at these central Pa spots
Maple Springs Farm
Where: 291 Laurence Drive, Hanover
Sizing: Up to 150 guests
Pricing: Contact Maple Springs directly
Established in 2020, this 53-acre family-owned farm, offers an authentic 1886 Dutch-style refurbished barn wedding space.
Some amenities include full indoor restrooms, dining and dancing areas, a patio, gazebo and on-site parking. It has a lower level, which receives your guests to mingle and get acquainted while the upper level allows for dining
“Parties are able to provide their own certified bartenders, caterers, setup and cleanup,” said Dixie Wildasin, co-owner.
The on-site gazebo is the perfect place for hosting a ceremony, and the lower level barn or outdoor patio allow guests to come together for drinks, and hor d’oeuvres.
Indian Steps Museum
Where: 205 Indian Steps Road, Airville
Sizing: Up to 40 people
Pricing: $350 per day
Located along the Susquehanna River, Indian Steps Museum was first built as a cabin, showcasing Native American history and culture.
Its profound architecture and serene nature trail include a one-mile waterfall loop. The museum grounds are available for weddings, anniversaries and other special events.
The museum can host the ceremony, and after saying “I do,” the married couple and their guests can enjoy an indoor reception or outdoors at the pavilion. The photo opportunities include taking photos near the boulders along the Susquehanna River, or beside ancient artifacts around the exterior walls of the museum.
Sara Ellen Event Venue
Where: 324 W. Market St., York
Sizing: Up to 150 people
Pricing: Packages vary from $600-$1,200
In downtown York, Sara Ellen Event Venue is serving the community through their mission: Celebrate life’s greatest moments with the perfect location for any occasion.
Their space offers several different packages depending on the size of your party and type of event.
The classic package offers six-hour venue access of their 2,500-sqare-foot space, equipped with a Bluetooth Surround Sound System, so a DJ is not needed. Depending on the number of guests, the venue offers round or rectangular tables and folding chairs.
Other packages such as the premier, and executive options offer chair sashes, table covers, and plates. Event planning, decorating and day-of coordination are also available, for an additional fee.
Bentley Farms
Where: 4535 Lincoln Highway, York
Sizing: Up to 300 guests
Pricing: Contact Bentley Farms for rates
Just minutes off of Route 30, Bentley farms is a serene 12-acre farm in York County.
The rich landscaped gardens, picturesque bridge, and a renovated 1820s tobacco barn offer a scenic backdrop for both a ceremony and reception.
The venue can accommodate a small intimate gathering, or large gatherings of up to 300 guests. Both indoor and outdoor accommodations can be made for cocktail hour, and the reception.
The Stone Mill 1792
Where: 6210 Smoketown Road, Glenville
Sizing: Between 70-175 guests
Pricing: May-October – Friday: $6,700 Saturday: $7,200 Sunday: $6,200
The Stone Mill 1792 is a family-owned event venue space and has been hosting weddings in York County for the past nine years.
Wedding packages offer the happy couple and their wedding party members separate suites before the reception. Outside, the Pergola is equipped with a fountain and pond in the background for the ceremony and picturesque scenery.
Cocktail hour takes place on the landscaped lawns and the reception in a white tent with a wooden deck. Tables and chairs come with the package, and outside vendors are welcome as well, though bartenders and caterers must be insured.
Historic Shady Lane
Where: 475 Shady Lane, Manchester
Sizing: Up to 225 guests
Pricing: Contact Historic Shady Lane for rates
The history of the Historic Shady Lane property dates back to a year after George Washington became president. The original family owners built a distillery above the stream, brewing whiskey and other spirits. That distillery was built on the property that is now Historic Shady Lane, over 220 years later.
This 34-acre site offers several wedding packages for a different experience. Have your ceremony in the rose garden, or on the greenhouse patio.
Bride and groom parties can prepare for the big day in their own personal suites, inside the cottage, along with fresh breakfast and mimosas. For the reception and ceremonies, Shady Lane provides tables and chairs, as well as set-up and clean-up. Outside vendors are also allowed to be brought in, but must be insured.
Ballroom on Broadway
Where: 1649 Broadway, Hanover
Sizing: Up to 200 guests
Pricing: Contact Ballroom on Broadway directly for rates
Located inside the over 52,000-square-foot Markets at Hanover, The Ballroom on Broadway offers a variety of event space options, event management, catering, and plenty of free parking.
Just outside the ballroom is the Edison Terrace, a large, semi-enclosed terrace that can be used for wedding ceremonies, and cocktail hour.
The ballroom offers a modern venue space, where the happy couple can work with event management to design their dream reception. The event team offers food and beverage packages, as well as music, photo and décor assistance.
Lena Tzivekis is a reporter for the York Daily Record/Hanover Evening Sun. Email her at etzivekis@gannett.com or find her on Twitter at @tzivekis, and say hi, or let her know where to get the best cup of coffee!
