Planning a wedding in Lancaster County and wondering what kind of budget you’ll need for your venue? In this guide (and video!), we break down the real costs and variables that go into wedding venue pricing here at Drumore Estate. Whether you’re just beginning to plan or narrowing down your options, this article will help you better understand what to expect.
Watch the Video
Want to hear it directly from our team? Watch the video below for a quick walkthrough of everything covered above straight from the venue!
What Affects Venue Pricing?
The cost of a wedding venue in Lancaster, PA naturally changes with demand and market trends. Popular dates, bigger guest lists, or last-minute plans can all drive costs up. On top of that, factors like inflation, food prices, and staffing shortages can impact what vendors and venues charge from year to year. If you’re hoping to save, consider choosing an off-season or weekday date — it’s often one of the easiest ways to stretch your budget further.
Key Factors That Influence Cost
- Guest Count: The number of guests you invite directly impacts your overall cost. More guests mean more space, food and drink, staff, rentals (tables, chairs, linens), and setup time.
- Catering: Menu selections, service style, and bar packages all play a role.
- Wedding Date: Saturdays, especially in peak season, are most expensive. Fridays, Sundays, or weekdays often offer better rates and availability.
- Time of Year: Fall, especially September and October, is the most in-demand season in Lancaster County. Winter and early spring weddings are typically more affordable and offer cozy seasonal charm.
- Year of Your Wedding: Prices change yearly due to inflation, labor rates, and material costs. Booking early can help lock in current rates.
Understanding Catering Costs
Catering pricing is often influenced by your menu selections, service style, and guest count. Premium ingredients, special dietary requests, additional courses, or plated meal service can all increase the per-person cost. Staffing needs and bar packages also affect overall pricing. While base packages provide great value, upgraded services and custom options allow flexibility to match your priorities and budget.
Drumore Estate Catering Packages
At Drumore Estate, all catering is done in-house to ensure high-quality service and a seamless experience. Our catering packages start at approximately $60 per guest and are thoughtfully designed to suit a range of tastes, styles, and budgets.
- Bronze Buffet: An approachable and affordable option featuring a selection of delicious buffet-style entrees and sides. Ideal for casual or daytime weddings.
- Silver Package: A step up in both variety and presentation, the Silver Package includes elevated buffet options or plated meals, enhanced sides, and upgraded table service.
- Gold Package: This mid-tier package brings more variety in culinary choices, more formal service presentation, and upgraded hors d’oeuvres. It’s perfect for couples looking for that balance between elegance and value.
- Platinum Package: Our most premium option includes an expanded menu, personalized service options, enhanced hors d’oeuvres, and upscale presentation. Ideal for formal weddings or those seeking a high-end culinary experience.
All packages include custom menu planning with our Event Facilitator; experienced RAMP-certified servers and bartenders; and full service with china, flatware, glassware, and poly linens. Tables, chairs, setup, and teardown are provided, along with cake-cutting service, ice water, rolls, and butter on each table. Each package also features appetizers during cocktail hour and a selection of main entrées for your event.
We offer a variety of service styles, including buffets, chef-attended stations, plated meals, and cocktail receptions, to suit your vision and guest experience. Customization is our specialty: we’re happy to accommodate dietary restrictions, lifestyle preferences, and food allergies, and can provide specialty meals upon request.
Schedule a Tasting
Wedding planning is stressful but it can also be fun. One of the best ways to do this is finding your caterer or finalizing your menu. What’s better than trying all that delicious food? Having it at your wedding, of course!
Tastings at Drumore Estate
While private tastings aren’t included in standard packages, Drumore Estate hosts two group tastings each year (typically in January or February) featuring a set menu of favorite dishes. Private tastings are also available by appointment for couples who prefer a more personalized experience.
Planning Your Bar and Beverage Service
On average, the bar typically accounts for 10% to 20% of the total wedding budget for an open bar, depending on the couple’s preferences and guest count.
At the lower end (around 10–12%), this might include beer and wine only or limited options. Mid-range budgets (around 15%) often cover a full open bar with standard liquors and a few signature cocktails. Higher-end setups (20% or more) usually include premium liquors, extended bar hours, specialty cocktails, and champagne toasts.
If priced per person, open bar packages generally range from $25 to $60 per guest for a four- to five-hour reception. To control costs, many couples choose beer and wine only, offer signature drinks, or set a capped consumption limit.
Bar Service at Drumore Estate
At Drumore Estate, our bartenders are RAMP certified, and bar service is available for a per-person fee. Each package includes professional bartenders who handle setup and teardown, along with full glassware for wine, beer, cocktails, and champagne. Ice, mixers, and garnishes are provided, as well as champagne toast service with flutes and pouring (alcohol not included). Bar service also includes a coffee, decaf, and tea station, plus a selection of soft drinks, juices, and mixers for guests to enjoy.
Enhancements and Upgrades
Food and Beverage Upgrades
Add-ons to your food and beverage service are among the most common ways a wedding budget can increase. Premium bar packages with top-shelf liquor, champagne toasts, specialty cocktails, late-night snacks, or dessert and coffee stations all contribute to higher costs but can enhance the guest experience.
Décor and Rentals
Décor and rental enhancements can also add to the overall cost, especially when customizing the look and feel of the event. Specialty linens, upgraded chairs, extra floral arrangements, draping, lighting, and other ambiance details can transform the space while increasing expenses.
Entertainment and Experiences
Entertainment choices such as live bands, photo booths, or unique features like live painters and fireworks elevate the celebration and create memorable moments but come at an additional cost.
Service and Coordination
Service-related additions, including extended rental hours, professional coordination, valet parking, and guest shuttles, can provide extra convenience
Custom Enhancements at Drumore Estate
In addition to your base venue rental and catering, Drumore Estate offers a range of optional enhancements designed to elevate your wedding day and bring your vision to life. These custom upgrades include:
- Tent Draping & Lighting Enhancements: Add romance and ambiance with ceiling draping, twinkle lights, chandeliers, or uplighting. These touches dramatically transform the atmosphere inside our tented spaces.
- Décor and Furnishing Options: From elegant lounge furniture and specialty linens to customized ceremony arches and signage, we can help you enhance your event’s aesthetic to reflect your personal style.
- Entertainment & Lounge Setups: Create relaxing lounge areas for your guests or include additional entertainment options like lawn games, photo booths, or fire pits for a more interactive and memorable experience.
These enhancements are completely optional and customizable. Think of them as the finishing touches, the “bells and whistles,” that elevate a beautiful wedding into an unforgettable one.
Drumore Estate Sample Pricing Breakdown
While pricing varies by guest count and season, here is a starting point;
Friday Wedding for 100 Guests: Starts at approximately $20,000 and up, including venue, catering, and bar service.
Venue-only pricing begins around $5,000 and increases depending on your date, guest count, and customizations.
Want a Custom Quote?
We offer a wedding pricing calculator to help you estimate your total investment based on your preferences. Just visit drumoreestate.com, fill out our quick inquiry form, and we’ll send you a personalized quote based on:
- Guest count
- Desired season and date
- Priorities for your big day
We’ll also invite you to schedule a tour to see the estate in person and talk through your vision.
Ready to Start Planning?
If you’re looking for a Lancaster wedding venue that combines historic charm, stunning views, and a seamless full-service experience, Drumore Estate may be the perfect fit. Contact our team today to start planning your unforgettable day.