Lancaster has become a bona fide wedding phenomenon! Locals and out-of-towners alike are in search of venues that will fit their style and provide guests with an unforgettable experience. Despite the ramifications of Covid closures and restrictions, new venues have continued to open, while others have evolved. What follows are a few we’ve discovered during our travels.
Warehouse 100
100 W. Franklin St., New Holland • Warehouse100venue.com
If industrial chic is your style, head for New Holland, where the husband-and-wife team of Taylor and Brandon Holmes transformed what had been the home of a metal fabrication business (and before that it was part of Case New Holland) into an event venue. The transformation started when Taylor needed a place to park her food truck and the building’s owners offered her the space. The entrepreneur took one look and her creative juices started flowing. Remodeling began in 2019 and was finished in time for the couple’s own wedding in late 2020. Warehouse 100 opened to the public in January 2021.
River’s Edge at Long Level
1829 Long Level Rd., Wrightsville • Riversedgell.com
Owned by Dave and Sharon Kline, who operate the adjacent Long Level Marina, the venue is actually the brainstorm of general manager, Jordan Woodworth, who watched as boaters gathered on the lawn and deck of the property after a day on the river to linger by the water’s edge and enjoy food and drink. That observation prompted him to envision the property as an event venue. The Klines grasped his vision. In 2019, the property was transformed into a venue (capacity is 150) that offers a large patio, lawn area, pavilion-style tent, an indoor dining facility and best of all, a gorgeous view of the Susquehanna River.
Britain Hill Venue & Vineyard
790 Little Britain Road, North, Quarryville
Britainhillvenueandvineyard.com
Ken and Debbie Helm launched their dream of operating a vineyard/winery and event venue five years ago when they purchased acreage in Southern Lancaster County. Ken, who has a construction background, built a bank barn that can accommodate up to 185 guests. The large deck offers unsurpassed views of the vineyard and the rolling hills. The vineyard/winery offers a full range of wines. The Helms recently expanded the venture with the acquisition of The Livery, which is located in Lampeter.
Osbornia Farm
74 Clendenin Rd., Quarryville • Osborniafarm.com
History abounds here. Dating to the 1800s, the farm was once part of the Robert Fulton Birthplace. Owned by the Osborne family since 1934, it features a 19th-century farmhouse and a barn that has been repurposed for use as an event venue. Making its debut two years ago, the venue also features beautiful outdoor areas, including a grove of chestnut trees near the barn. While the venue can accommodate 200 guests, it offers unique Micro-wedding and Elopement packages for up to 25 guests.
IronSpire Complex
2800 N. Reading Rd., Adamstown • Ironspirecomplex.com
Open since mid-June, the former Stoudt’s complex has been refurbished and reimagined as an event venue that features an open-air banquet hall, a cozy courtyard and a covered garden. Unique to the complex are shops overseen by vendors that specialize in weddings. Columbia Kettle Works is the new brewer in town, as it operates a taproom on the premises; future plans call for CKW to open a full-service brewpub in the complex. Yes, the antiques venue is still on the premises.
The Mill at Manor Falls
380 Old Blue Rock Rd., Millersville • Themillatmanorfalls.com
A mill has been located at this site that’s just outside of Millersville since 1771. During the Civil War, flour made at the mill helped to sustain Union troops. More recently, the mill was the site of a popular French restaurant that opened in the early ’70s and closed in the mid-80s. It sat vacant until 2012, when the current owners began restoring it. Open since 2018, the site features the climate-controlled mill building, gardens, waterfalls and a bridge.
Twin Brook Retreat
5697 Strasburg Rd., Gap • Twinbrookretreat.com
Owned by Merv Beiler since 2015, Twin Brook Retreat makes its home on acreage that was originally part of the Penn Grant and more recently was home to a winery. Beiler, who is a contractor, purchased the property, intending to “create an environment where people can glorify God and experience His presence.” The grounds were excavated and the buildings were restored and updated. The 18th-century barn on the property can accommodate up to 120 guests, while the outdoor environs can expand that number. The property also has four apartments. In addition to weddings, Twin Brook makes itself available for church retreats, family reunions, business meetings and social events.
Drumore Mill on Harmony
1658 Harmony Ridge Rd., Drumore • Facebook.com/DrumoreMill
Six years in the making, this gorgeous property will appeal to history buffs and nature lovers alike. The first record of a mill being built aside Fishing Creek dates to 1734. Remnants of a mill add to the atmosphere at Drumore Mill, whose amenities include a farmhouse, a barn that offers get-ready spaces and ample space for a ceremony/reception, a unique creekside indoor/outdoor reception area, a secluded chapel, paths that meander through stands of ferns, wild cabbage and pawpaw trees, waterfalls and views of woodland. As for history, the property is believed to have served as a lookout during the Civil War and as a stop on the Underground Railroad.
Railroad House Inn
280 W. Front St., Marietta • Railroadhouseinn.com
The Railroad House has always hosted weddings but over the course of the last two years, owners Joey Bowden and Freddy States have worked to make it a wedding and special events destination. The property has been transformed inside and out. The most ambitious project saw the carriage house become a venue that can seat up to 60 guests. In addition, it boasts a patio surrounded by gardens. The original summer kitchen also received a makeover and can now accommodate up to 20 guests for a private event. The inn’s guest rooms were also updated, as was the Perry Street Cellar. Finally, the patio and gardens adjacent to the inn were refreshed.
Such a wonderful article! Thank you for showcasing all of these amazing Venues!