Wedding Venues in Scenic Lancaster County, PA

This past summer my daughters had sparkles in their eyes and sparkling rings on their fingers. It couldn't be just any place it had to be the perfect place, a place where dreams would come true. The search for the great wedding venue was on.

The Lancaster County Winery (http://www.lancastercountywinery.com/weddings/) one of the first places that came to mind when we started looking. This historic working winery is located south of the city of Lancaster in the town of Willow Street,(no that isn't a typo, the town actually is called Willow Street). The farm has been in existence since the early 1700s, allow your imagination to invision the mature trees that surround the old stone homestead providing a great backdrop for photos. One of the best things about this location, is that the wedding and reception can be held indoor or out. According to the winery, the person to contact for a tour and current rates is Todd Dickel at 717-464-3555.

While at the south end of the county, we would have been remise had we not considered the Willow Valley Resort and Conference Center (http://www.willowvalley.com/weddings-willow-valley.asp). Included in the wedding package is the Victorian Wedding Chapel complete with stained glass windows; with a reception to follow in the breath-taking Palm Court. As the beautiful bride descends to down the marble staircase to the Palm Court she is sure to feel like a princess in a fairy tale. Also, included is the wedding cake. I'm sure you have you've heard the expression, "it takes the cake". Well, this is one wedding cake you will actually want a piece of, yummo. The website for this venue is amazing so check it out; prices are easily found there. For additional questions call, (800) 444-1714 and ask for Sharee Spangler and she will be happy to assist you.

So during a "hunting break" over lunch it was suggested that we check out Mulberry Art Studio (http://mulberryartstudios.com/events.html) as a possibility for the weddings and receptions. The vibe here is fresh due to the constantly changing art exhibits on the walls and that includes both of the ballrooms that are used for the weddings/receptions. Individual meetings need to be set with the director of the gallery, April Koppenhaver, and she will help tailor your event to your desires; pricing depends on how elaborate of a wedding and reception is planned so I was unable to achieve a current quote. Don't let this deter you from checking this place out as it allows for some of the most creative concepts that you can formulate with April. Check out her past beautiful transformative room concepts on her website. If art rocks your world this place is for you. She can be reached at 717-295-1949.

Headed to the north side to the outskirts of the city, in search of what now felt like the quest for the holy grail of wedding venues brought us to the Eden Resort (http://www.edenresort.com/weddings/overview). I've attended many memorable weddings and formal events at the Eden. The innovative staff at the Eden always finds a way to make your day unique. Weddings receptions are held in the Presidential or Grande Ballroom, or the Courtyard. The Courtyard happens to be my personal favorite. As a garden lover, the Courtyard is a paradise of large lush greenery and a fountain.It feels like you are outdoors without the fear of the weather interfering with the "big day" and in your own piece of the Garden of Eden. Be assured no matter which room pick you will be in good hands. The staff is gracious; the service impeccable, the food excellent, and the vista lovely. The Eden Resort is located on the edge of the city. Rates are readily available on the website in the PDF document (www.edenresort.com/upload/files/WeddingMenu.pdf ). According to the Eden Resort Tina Butz the Wedding Manager, will be happy to assist in making your day extra special. You can contact her at 717-560-8428.

As we headed north of the city, we decided to look at Landis Valley Museum and Village (http://www.landisvalleymuseum.org/rentals.php). Imagine arriving to the chapel in a horse drawn carriage. Step into the past as you step into the historic on site chapel and feel the history surround you. Enjoy the picturesque and photographic setting as you walk to your choice of locals on the grounds for your reception. Often receptions are held in the yellow barn where the modern amenities such as sparkling white lights turn the building in to a place perfect for dancing and celebrating the nuptials. However, there are many other buildings from which to choose or large tents can be rented and air conditioned filled for those hazy hot summer sizzlers. The website provides details on pricing and if you have additional questions about this often overlooked but fabulous place, where you can make your own history, contact Joyce Perkinson, Director of Sales at 717-581-0431.

Well, hopefully our step will save you some as you go on your quest looking for "the perfect place" for your wedding. Remember the most important thing isn't the place you choose it's the person you've chosen to spend the rest of your life that truly matters.

*Since the research for wedding venues was done last summer, all the ones mentioned in this article were contacted to make certain the names and phone numbers of contact people had not changed.