By definition, Central Pennsylvania is a fairly large geographic area west of Philadelphia, comprising towns and cities like, Lancaster, York, Hershey, Harrisburg, Gettysburg, Carlisle and Lebanon. To be more accurate and precise, this would describe south central Pennsylvania.
Locally and nationally, the area has been long known as “Pennsylvania Dutch Country.” Home to a long-standing Amish population in Lancaster and the surrounding area. It is long associated with agriculture and farming, site of the historic civil war engagements in York and Gettysburg, birth of Hershey’s Chocolate and its related tourist attractions, the state capital in Harrisburg, car shows in Carlisle, David Letterman’s Home Office in Lebanon and more.
Why has central Pennsylvania become such a popular Wedding destination for locals and out-of-state engaged couples?
As a photo booth provider located in central Pennsylvania, we have worked with clients from New York City, Philadelphia, Phoenix, Chicago, and Holland (yes, the Netherlands), to name a few distant locations. Working closely and getting to know our clients, we have received great feedback and insight into their choices and decisions. There are certainly any number of reasons and factors we come across as a wedding vendor.
The natural beauty, typography and history of the area will present to you with options in abundance. Central Pennsylvania has an increasing number and diverse variety of Wedding venues, hotels, historic sites, parks and gardens which present hundreds of opportunities for wedding ceremonies and receptions. Whether you are planning something traditional, elegant, rustic or the combination of all three, central Pennsylvania offers it all.
To outsiders, central Pennsylvania appears almost timeless and exotic. Within a three-hour drive of major metropolitan cities like New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore and Washington, DC, there is certainly a change of culture and pace. There is a history and a sense of peace to the region which so many enjoy and bring into their own Wedding plans and planning.
Born and raised in New Jersey myself, my own father described Lancaster County as “Mayberry” in reference to the popular 1960’s sitcom, The Andy Griffith Show. While the region has changed in the last 20+ years since he characterized the area, it still retains and preserves much of its historic charm, culture, rolling hills and scenic views.
In some cases, central Pennsylvania offers a central location if you have a bride from New York and a groom from Pittsburgh, for example. Or, a neutral destination for couples from distant areas of the country. For some, the region generates a nostalgia of family trips to Hershey, camping in Gettysburg or visiting relatives in Lancaster. In some cases, it’s even the sense of tradition. As an example, an out of state bride’s parents were also married at the Hotel Hershey, thirty-five years earlier.
Relative to major metropolitan areas, affordability becomes a significant factor in choosing central Pennsylvania as a Wedding destination. Consider the average Wedding in Manhattan would cost nearly $100,000. However, a bride and groom with a more modest budget of $35,000 can marry in central Pennsylvania and afford extravagances that would be unaffordable elsewhere and get better value for their money.
Naturally the affordability of central Pennsylvania is positive for family, relatives and guests of the bride and groom who travel from other areas. They will find affordable and lodging and easy access to the region along with most of the modern conveniences and luxuries expected from much larger metropolitan areas.
The growth of central Pennsylvania Weddings has also lead to the development of a highly professional class of dedicated Wedding vendors, covering all aspects of weddings plans, preparations and services.
For a newly engaged couple looking for location for their Wedding, Central Pennsylvania has much to offer in the way of Wedding options to appeal to a variety of themes and budgets.