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.

Planning a Wedding at Harvest View Barn at Hershey Farms | Elizabethtown, PA Wedding Venue Guide

Wedding Venue GuidesLancaster County Weddings

Apr 23

Written By John Sawyers

Harvest View Barn at Hershey Farms

https://harvestviewbarn.com

338 Sunnyburn Rd, Elizabethtown, PA 17022

(717) 665-7284

Historic 1893 Barn Wedding Venue in Lancaster County (Up to 200 Guests)

Harvest View Barn at Hershey Farms is a family-owned wedding venue located in Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania, surrounded by 250 scenic acres of Lancaster County countryside.

Originally built in 1893 and fully restored, the barn combines historic architecture with modern infrastructure,Best Wedding Venues in Lancaster County, PA, including climate control, professional event coordination, and structured wedding packages.

The venue offers couples a polished barn wedding experience with exclusive property access, scenic pond views, and multiple ceremony and reception spaces.

Harvest View Barn is also featured in our guide to the Best Wedding Venues in Lancaster County, PA, where couples can compare venues across Lancaster, Mount Joy, Elizabethtown, and Manheim.

About Harvest View Barn at Hershey Farms

Harvest View Barn blends classic Lancaster County farm architecture with modern event amenities designed for weddings.

Highlights of the property include:

• Restored 1893 historic barn
• Scenic countryside views
• Pond-side ceremony location with island gazebo
• Climate-controlled barn reception space
• Private farmhouse getting-ready suites
• Separate ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception areas

Because of its structure and coordination support, the venue is well-suited for couples who want rustic character combined with professional event management.

Guest Capacity

Harvest View Barn can host weddings of various sizes.

Seated dinner receptions: Up to 200 guests

Buffet or station-style receptions: Up to 170 guests

Micro weddings or elopements: Up to 50 guests

Indoor ceremonies can also accommodate up to 200 guests, providing a weather backup option.

Harvest View Barn at Hershey Farms a wedding venue in Elizabethtown, PA

Harvest View Barn at Hershey Farms a wedding venue in Lancaster County, PA.

The Barn Reception Space

The restored two-level barn serves as the primary reception venue.

Features include:

• Grand stone fireplace
• Original wood beams and historic boarding
• Sweeping staircase
• Balcony overlooking the pond
• Mezzanine lounge area
• Climate control for year-round weddings
• ADA accessibility with chair lift
• Separate ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception areas

The layout allows couples to host ceremonies, cocktail hour, and receptions in different areas of the property while maintaining smooth guest flow.

Outdoor Ceremony Space

The outdoor ceremony site overlooks a scenic pond and rolling farmland.

Features include:

• Fountain centerpiece
• Island gazebo
• Sunset countryside views
• Grassy ceremony seating area
• Evergreen-lined property lanes

This setting is especially popular for spring, summer, and fall ceremonies.

Farmhouse Getting-Ready Suites

The venue’s renovated farmhouse provides preparation spaces for both wedding parties.

Features include:

• Separate getting-ready suites
• Two full bathrooms
• Walk-in closets
• Hair and makeup preparation space
• Lounge seating areas
• Kitchen for refreshments
• Sunroom and outdoor patio access

Gold and Platinum wedding packages include extended access to the farmhouse.

Wedding reception at Harvest View Barn at Hershey Farms. Elizabethtown, PA

Guest dancing at Harvest View Barn at Hershey Farms, in Lancaster County.

Wedding Packages and Pricing

Harvest View Barn offers three primary wedding package tiers.

Micro / Elopement Package

Capacity: Up to 50 guests

Pricing begins around $3,000, depending on season and day.

Gold Package

Capacity: Up to 170 guests

Includes:

• 12 hours of property access
• 7 hours of farmhouse access
• Day-of coordinator
• Tables, chairs, and décor items
• Discounted or included linens

Platinum Package

Capacity: Up to 200 guests

Includes:

• 14 hours of property access
• 9 hours of farmhouse access
• Day-of coordinator
• Tables, chairs, and décor items
• Complimentary linen package
• Additional planning tools

Peak Saturday pricing typically ranges between $11,500 and $13,000, depending on the season.

A refundable security deposit and structured payment schedule apply.

Catering and Alcohol Policies

Harvest View Barn maintains a structured vendor system.

Key policies include:

• Couples must choose from an approved caterer list
• Bartenders must be licensed
• Alcohol service limited to five hours
• Vendors providing services over $5,000 must carry liability insurance

Couples may provide their own:

• DJ
• Florist
• Additional vendors

This flexibility allows couples to customize their vendor team while maintaining venue oversight.

Indoor reception at Harvest View Barn at Hershey Farms. Elizabethtown, PA

Harvest View Barn at Hershey Farms wedding reception, Elizabethtown, PA

Additional Amenities

Wedding packages may include:

• Exclusive use of the property
• Venue-provided day-of coordinator
• Parking attendants
• Well-lit parking areas
• Engagement photo access (when available)
• One-hour rehearsal for Gold and Platinum packages
• Outdoor sparklers permitted with approval
• Fireworks allowed through licensed vendors

Location and Accessibility

Harvest View Barn is located at:

338 Sunnyburn Road
Elizabethtown, PA 17022

Approximate travel times:

Harrisburg — 30 minutes
Lancaster — 30 minutes
Baltimore — 90 minutes
Philadelphia — 2 hours
Washington DC — 3 hours

Nearby airports include:

• Harrisburg International Airport (MDT)
• Baltimore/Washington International (BWI)
• Philadelphia International (PHL)

The location makes the venue convenient for guests traveling throughout the Mid-Atlantic region.

Harvest View Barn at Hershey Farms wedding venue in Lancaster County.

Harvest View Barn at Hershey Farms at Elizabethtown, PA

A photo booth at Harvest View Barn at Hershey Farms. in Lancaster County, PA

Why Couples Choose Harvest View Barn

Among Lancaster County barn wedding venues, Harvest View Barn stands out for:

• Historic 1893 barn architecture
• Climate-controlled reception space
• Scenic pond ceremony location
• Private farmhouse preparation suites
• Structured wedding packages with coordination
• Exclusive property access

The venue works particularly well for couples seeking a classic Lancaster County barn wedding with professional planning support.

Other Barn Wedding Venues in Lancaster County

Couples considering Harvest View Barn often explore several barn and farm venues throughout Lancaster County while searching for the right setting for their wedding day.

Other popular rustic venues couples frequently consider include:

Each of these venues offers a unique Lancaster County barn wedding experience, with scenic farmland views, outdoor ceremony locations, and beautiful rustic reception spaces.

Free Lancaster Wedding Planning Guide

Planning your wedding at Harvest View Barn?

Our Perfect Wedding Guide was created to help couples organize every part of their wedding day — from ceremony planning to building a reception timeline that keeps guests engaged and the dance floor full.

Inside the guide, you'll find helpful tips on:

Creating a reception timeline that flows smoothly
Choosing music for each part of the wedding day
Coordinating vendors and keeping the evening running seamlessly

Download the guide here:

Download the Perfect Wedding Guide
https://perfectdj.squarespace.com/blog/perfect-wedding-guide

Wedding DJs for Harvest View Barn Weddings

Because ceremonies, cocktail hour, and receptions often occur in different areas of the property, professional entertainment coordination helps the event flow smoothly.

A DJ familiar with Harvest View Barn can help:

• Provide ceremony sound coverage near the pond ceremony site
• Coordinate transitions between the ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception areas
• Balance sound within the large barn reception space
• Maintain dance floor energy for weddings with 150–200 guests

Proper sound coverage and structured timeline management help ensure the celebration flows naturally from the ceremony through the final dance.

Planning a Lancaster County Wedding?

Couples exploring venues throughout the region may also want to see our guide to the Best Wedding Venues in Lancaster County, PA, where we compare venues across Lancaster City, Mount Joy, Elizabethtown, and Manheim.