What size should a wedding cake be?

A 3-tier cake (10, 8, 6 inches) usually serves 75–100 guests. Larger weddings may need more tiers or sheet cakes.

How much does a wedding dessert table cost?

On average, dessert tables cost $3–$8 per guest depending on desserts and display setup.

What desserts are good alternatives to cake?

Cupcakes, donuts, pies, cookies, and mini tarts are fun, affordable alternatives to a traditional wedding cake.

What’s the difference between a last dance and an exit song?

The last dance is the final song on the dance floor. The exit song plays as you leave or during a sparkler or tunnel send-off. They can be the same or different.

Should we go upbeat or slow for the exit?

An upbeat song creates a big sing-along, high-energy goodbye. A slow song creates a romantic spotlight moment. Choose the vibe you want captured in your photos and video.

How long should the exit song be?

Aim for 3–4 minutes. Your DJ can start at the chorus and fade at the perfect time so it feels seamless.

Can the DJ handle clean edits and timing?

Yes. Professional DJs use clean versions, cue guests, and coordinate timing with photographers and planners so the exit feels flawless.

How much should we budget for a wedding DJ?

National averages typically range from $1,000–$1,700 depending on the source. In Washington, DC, couples commonly invest $1,600–$2,200 for full-day coverage on peak dates. Always compare all-in quotes for a fair match.

Does ceremony audio cost extra?

Usually yes. Ceremony sound often requires a second system, wireless microphones, and additional setup time. Expect an add-on of about $300–$600.

Why do big venues or multiple rooms cost more?

Larger spaces or split-room layouts may require extra speakers, microphones, cabling, or an additional system for cocktail hour. More coverage means more gear, setup time, and labor.

What hidden wedding DJ costs should we watch for?

Common add-ons include overtime, travel/mileage, extra systems for additional rooms, dance lighting or uplighting, photo booth services, and peak-season premiums. Ask for a line-item breakdown.

What’s included in professional DJ pricing?

Typically: ceremony audio, cocktail-hour system, reception system, wireless mics for toasts, basic dance lighting, setup/teardown, backup equipment, and planning/prep (timeline review, music pulls, coordination).

Are wedding DJ prices negotiable?

Pros may adjust based on hours or off-peak dates, but established companies usually maintain set pricing to reflect labor, experience, and reliability.

What’s the difference between a cheap DJ and a professional DJ?

Lower-cost DJs may lack backup gear, insurance, MC skills, or timeline management. Professionals bring reliability, polished MC work, and the experience to keep energy and flow on track.

Do DJs charge for setup and teardown?

Most professionals include setup and teardown in their quotes. If it’s not specified, request that it be detailed in writing.

Do DJs bring their own lights?

Basic dance-floor lighting is often included. Uplighting or specialty effects are usually available as add-ons.

How do travel fees work for DJs?

Many DJs include travel within a local radius (e.g., 30–50 miles). Beyond that, mileage or flat travel fees may apply; confirm the details in your quote.

How far in advance should we book our DJ?

Peak Saturdays can book 12–18 months ahead. If you want better availability or pricing, consider Fridays, Sundays, or off-season dates.

How can we save on DJ costs without cutting corners?

Consider off-peak dates, trim coverage hours if your timeline allows, and ask about package pricing when bundling services like DJ plus lighting.

Cameron Estate Inn Wedding Venue | Mount Joy, PA (Up to 250 Guests)

Historic 1805 Mansion Estate (Up to 250 Guests)

Cameron Estate Inn in Mount Joy, Pennsylvania

Cameron Estate Inn is a historic 15-acre wedding estate located in Mount Joy, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.

Originally built in 1805 and later expanded, the brick Colonial Revival mansion once served as the summer residence of Simon Cameron, President Lincoln’s Secretary of War. Today, the estate operates as a full-service wedding venue and boutique inn, combining historic architecture, landscaped gardens, Donegal Spring views, and on-site accommodations.

Weddings at Cameron Estate are fully all-inclusive, with pricing based on per-person packages rather than venue rental fees.

Guest Capacity

Cameron Estate accommodates:

Up to 250 guests in the Carriage House
Up to 140 guests in the Spring View Ballroom
Smaller private events up to 50 guests in the Donegal Room

This flexibility allows for intimate celebrations or larger formal receptions.

Outside image of Cameron Estate Inn, Mount Joy PA.

Ceremony Locations

Spring Garden (Outdoor)

Overlooks Donegal Spring
Tree-lined natural backdrop
Garden pathway entrance
Popular spring–fall option

Conservatory (Indoor)

Floor-to-ceiling windows
Marble fireplace
Chandeliers
Climate-controlled for year-round ceremonies

Gazebo

Garden setting
Ideal for intimate outdoor ceremonies

Indoor backup plans are built into all wedding packages.

Reception Spaces

Spring View Ballroom

Crystal chandeliers
Marble fireplace
Rotunda overlooking woods and creek
Cocktail hour hosted in the Sun Porch

Best for weddings up to 140 guests.

Reception Spaces

Spring View Ballroom

Crystal chandeliers
Marble fireplace
Rotunda overlooking woods and creek
Cocktail hour hosted in the Sun Porch

Best for weddings up to 140 guests.

Carriage House

Soaring ceilings
Historic architectural beams
Cocktail hour in Fireside Lodge
Reception capacity up to 250 guests

Best for larger weddings.

Donegal Room

Located inside the mansion
Seats up to 50 guests
Ideal for rehearsal dinners or smaller gatherings

Stone bridge at Cameron Estate Inn, Mount Joy PA, wedding venue.

Get A Quick Quote

All-Inclusive Wedding Packages

There is no venue rental fee.
Pricing is based on per-person package selection.

Cameron Celebration Package

Starting at $168 per person

Includes:

On-site ceremony
1-hour cocktail reception
4-hour reception
Five butlered hors d’oeuvres
Three stationary displays
Five-course served meal (dual entrée)
Champagne toast
Premium open bar (4 hours)
Dessert display
6" cutting cake
Gourmet coffee station
Floor-length linens
Chargers (gold, silver, or clear)
Sparkler sendoff
Day-of coordinator
White glove service
Complimentary overnight stay for couple

Lizzie Package

Starting at $153 per person

Includes:

On-site ceremony
Cocktail hour
Three-course served meal
Premium open bar
Linens & chargers
Day-of coordinator
White glove service

Simon Package

Starting at $119 per person

Includes:

On-site ceremony
Cocktail hour
Three-course meal
House open bar
Linens
Day-of coordinator

Service Fees & Tax

21% service fee
6% sales tax
Food & beverage minimums apply by season and room selection

Catering Minimums Snapshot

Spring View Ballroom

Peak Saturdays (Sept–Oct): $12,000 minimum
Off-peak weekdays: $5,000 minimum

Carriage House

Peak Saturdays (Sept–Oct): $15,000 minimum
Off-peak weekdays: $6,000 minimum

Ceremony times vary by room:

Ballroom events typically 6:00 PM start
Carriage House events typically 3:30 PM start

Reception end times:

Ballroom: 11:30 PM
Carriage House: 9:00 PM

Wedding Weekend Experience

Couples may reserve the estate for a full weekend experience:

Friday arrival & rehearsal dinner
Saturday ceremony & reception
Sunday farewell brunch
Exclusive use of 22 guest rooms (Inn Block option)

After-parties available for Inn Block guests.

Elopement Package

Starting at $1,600 for couple + up to 4 guests

Includes:

Ceremony at scenic location
Bridal bouquet
Four-course dinner
One-tier cake
Champagne toast
Beer, wine, mixed drinks
Overnight stay
30-minute ceremony + 2-hour dinner

Additional guests: $110 each
Cocktail add-ons available

On-Site Accommodations

Cameron Estate Inn includes:

22 guest rooms
Historic mansion lodging
Boutique bed & breakfast atmosphere
Convenient lodging for wedding party and out-of-town guests

Why Couples Choose Cameron Estate

No separate venue rental fee
All-inclusive dining & bar service
Historic mansion setting
Multiple ceremony options
Indoor rain plan security
On-site accommodations
Dedicated planning & day-of coordination

Birde and groom at Cameron Estate Inn, Mount Joy PA.

Planning a Wedding at Cameron Estate?

Because Cameron Estate operates as a full-service, all-inclusive venue with catering minimums and structured timelines, couples should align early on guest count and seasonal pricing tiers.

Thoughtful timeline planning ensures smooth transitions between the ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception spaces.

Check DJ availability & pricing