Northeast PA is the perfect place to plan a wedding, offering everything from great local food to exquisite views of the natural landscapes that make the area so special. The temperate climate and changing seasons also give brides-to-be lots of options when it comes to planning a wedding any time of the year. 

Many brides may have planned their dream wedding for years in their head, but the options can be overwhelming when it comes down to brass tax. Often, couples can be constrained by their budget or finding the right wedding venue–many of which sell out faster than Taylor Swift tickets.  

Fortunately, there are literally hundreds of different options for planning a wedding in Northeast PA, from throwing a tent wedding in your very own backyard to a destination wedding in the Poconos or any of the dozen-plus wedding venues in the area. 

This NEPA wedding planning guide will help you prepare for what items, steps, and vendors you will need to plan your special day to achieve your perfect vision. 

Step #1: Set a Budget

The wedding budget will be the most important factor in determining the size, location, and time of your wedding. According to data collected by The Wedding Report and The Knot, the five most expensive parts of planning a wedding include:

  1. The venue (plus catering)
  2. The engagement ring
  3. Band/DJ
  4. Photographer
  5. Florist

As a sample breakdown, you can expect to allocate your budget toward these items:

  • Venue: 40%
  • Catering & Drinks: 25%
  • Attire: 10%
  • Photography/Videography: 10%
  • Entertainment: 5%
  • Decorations & Flowers: 5%
  • Miscellaneous: 5%

Of course, these costs vary widely depending on the wedding. For example, planning an offsite wedding at a relative’s house with catering can cut the cost of a venue by more than half. 

As a rule of thumb, you want to preserve anywhere from 10-15% of your total budget for miscellaneous expenses that might pop up at the last minute. For many people, the liquor bill at the end of a long night at a wedding venue can be a shocking expense. 

While you may recoup some money via gifts, we don’t recommend counting on this, especially as much of this money is traditionally used for the honeymoon. 

 

Step #2: Set a Date

Living or visiting Northeast PA gives couples a lot of versatility when it comes to choosing what weekend to plan their wedding and where to host it. If you’re looking to take advantage of the PA’s natural foliage and mild climate, then anytime between May and the last weekend of October is suitable for an outdoor wedding or at any venue. On the flip side, a winter wedding may have the advantage of being slightly cheaper, though you will be confined inside for the most part.

When planning an outdoor wedding, be sure to account for the temperature and weather. The fall is typically pretty dry, but the spring and summer can bring about unexpected rain, so be sure your venue has proper cover.

Bonus: Consider what day of the week you will host your wedding. Most weddings are traditionally held on Saturdays, as it’s the easiest day for guests to attend, but you could save money by having a wedding on a Friday or Sunday. 

 

Step #3: Find a Wedding Planner or Event Rental Company (Optional)

Hiring a wedding planner can make planning your wedding so much more seamless and less stressful. Wedding planners offer a litany of experience and connections in the area that can make it easier to secure vendors and the right equipment for your wedding. For example, if you needed a last-minute tent for a backyard wedding with unexpected rain, a wedding planner would be able to find the best event rental company that could fulfill the order.

Some highly-rated and qualified wedding planners in Northeast PA include:

Keep in mind that many wedding venues have on-site coordinators or planners who can handle all aspects of the event, from the physical seating to on-site catering. However, if you need any additional items, you will need to contact other vendors, such as bakers, florists, and officiants. 

Beyond the wedding planner, many event rental companies offer services beyond rental equipment, such as planning and decorating. Research different options in your area to find a company that best fits your vision. 

Step #4: Choose a Venue

To book a venue or not to book a venue? That is the question! There are so many beautiful and wonderful wedding venues in Northeast PA to choose from–it’s hard to choose. However, a wedding venue can be extremely expensive, and that’s just for the physical land. 

Keep in mind that the time of year of your wedding will be important when choosing the right venue. Obviously, the warmer months give you more versatility if you want an outdoor wedding at a farm, pond, or backyard. A winter or early spring wedding will limit you to an indoor venue, such as a banquet hall. 

Generally, there are two types of wedding venues couples can choose from: onsite and offsite venues. 

An onsite venue provides everything you need in a combined package, including catering, seating, a dance floor, lights, restrooms, etc. Prices for an onsite venue can range from a couple hundred if you host in a banquet hall or restaurant to tens of thousands if you book a premier wedding venue. 

An offsite wedding venue only provides the physical land and location but nothing more. This could be in your own backyard or at a place you rent out, such as a farm or field. Offsite weddings require you to work with an event rental company to provide essentials like seating, lights, a tent, and other items, as well as additional vendors, such as a florist, caterer, etc. 

 

Onsite vs. Offsite Wedding Venue: Pros and Cons

Onsite Wedding Offsite Wedding
Location Typically held at the same venue for both ceremony and reception. Ceremony and reception are held at separate locations, often with travel in between.
Pros
Convenience No need to travel between venues, simplifying logistics for guests. Offers more flexibility in choosing locations (e.g., destination wedding, scenic outdoor spots).
Cost Typically more expensive for high-end venues, but combines cost into a single price.  Requires several itemized costs that typically are cheaper, but depends on what’s required. 
Time Efficiency Easier to manage, as everything is in one place, minimizing delays. Allows for a more personalized, unique experience by selecting venues based on your vision.
Guest Experience Guests don’t have to worry about moving locations, making it more relaxed. Can offer a unique and memorable experience if carefully planned.
Vendor Coordination Fewer vendors to manage, since the venue typically offers in-house catering, décor, and coordination. More control over selecting specific vendors for each location.
Cons
Venue Limitations Limited to the venue’s available spaces, which may limit personalization or flexibility in design. More complex logistics in coordinating transportation, timing, and venue accessibility.
Atmosphere May feel more formal or constrained by the venue’s ambiance and rules. Greater opportunity for creativity and customization of each part of the day, including theme and style.
Guest Travel No travel required for guests, making it easier for them to attend, especially if local. Guests may need to travel between locations or to a distant destination, which could be inconvenient.
Weather Dependence Indoor venues are less weather-dependent; outdoor options may require a backup plan. Outdoor or remote locations might be more vulnerable to weather issues, requiring a solid contingency plan.
Wedding Experience May feel less personal or “cookie-cutter,” especially at large, commercial venues. Can be more intimate or unconventional, allowing for unique settings (e.g., beach, mountain, or private estate).

 

Best Wedding Venues in Northeast PA

While expensive, an onsite wedding venue can grant you access to top amenities and amazing views that you can’t get anywhere else. If you’re considering booking a professional wedding venue, check out this list of some of the top wedding venues in Northeast Pennsylvania. 

Lackawanna County

  • Constantino’s Event Venue – Clarks Summit: A popular indoor and outdoor venue that offers lovely garden walkways and in-house catering.
  • The Scranton Cultural Center – Scranton: A historic venue featuring grand architecture and elegant indoor spaces perfect for a sophisticated wedding.
  • The Radisson Lackawanna Station Hotel – Scranton: A former train station turned luxury hotel with classic elegance, offering a stunning ballroom and unique city views.
  • La Buona Vita – Dunmore: A local favorite, this banquet hall offers an elegant setting with classic Italian-inspired décor and exceptional catering services.
  • The Abington Club – Clarks Green: A scenic country club with lush grounds, ideal for both indoor and outdoor ceremonies and receptions.
  • Stone Meadows – Clarks Summit: A charming, rustic venue with expansive outdoor spaces and a serene, natural backdrop for your wedding day.
  • Creekside Grove – Lennoxville: A picturesque venue offering a peaceful setting by the creek, perfect for a romantic outdoor ceremony.

Luzerne County

  • The Beaumont Inn – Beaumont: A historic inn with beautiful botanical gardens and an onsite restaurant, the Beaumont is considered one of the premier wedding venues in the entire area. 
  • Friedman Farms – Dallas: A rustic yet refined venue featuring an elegant barn with modern amenities and scenic views of the surrounding countryside.
  • The Banks – A Waterfront Venue – Pittston: A chic, modern venue located on the Susquehanna River in downtown Pittston, The Banks offers stunning water views and a contemporary atmosphere for your wedding.
  • The Mary Stegmaier Mansion – Wilkes-Barre: A grand mansion with historic charm, offering luxurious indoor spaces and an intimate setting for your celebration.
  • The Luzerne County Courthouse – Wilkes-Barre: Weddings are hosted in the Classical Revival-inspired Rotunda with amazing views of the domed spire. 
  • AppleTree Terrace at Newberry Estate – Dallas: A picturesque estate with beautifully landscaped gardens and a sophisticated banquet hall for a refined celebration.
  • The Westmoreland Club – Wilkes-Barre: A prestigious private club with a luxurious ballroom and personalized service for an upscale wedding experience.
  • The Woodlands Inn, a Best Western Premier Collection – Wilkes-Barre: A charming, upscale venue with a beautiful ballroom, outdoor garden, and modern amenities for a memorable wedding day.
  • The Barn at Glistening Pond – Falls: A rustic and elegant barn venue set alongside a tranquil pond, offering a relaxed yet elegant atmosphere. 
  • The Irem Temple Country Club – Dallas: A grand, historic country club with impressive architecture and both indoor and outdoor spaces for a classic wedding.
  • Mohegan Sun Pocono – Wilkes-Barre: A luxurious resort and casino offering multiple banquet halls, a glamorous setting, and top-tier entertainment options.
  • Blue Ridge Golf Club – Mountain Top: A scenic country club with views of the mountains, ideal for both indoor and outdoor weddings surrounded by nature.
  • Glen Summit Country Club – Mountain Top: A peaceful, elevated country club set deep in the woods of Mountain Top, this venue offers a spacious indoor setting for large weddings and events. 
  • Sand Springs Country Club – Drums: A picturesque country club with a gorgeous setting for outdoor ceremonies and elegant indoor reception options.

The Poconos

  • Green Gables Estate – Cresco: A historic estate spanning over 70 acres with seven total residences and 10 individual lots. 
  • Skytop Lodge – Skytop: A grand, all-season resort with luxurious accommodations, outdoor adventures, and stunning beauty in the heart of the Poconos.
  • Woodloch Resort – Hawley: A family-owned resort featuring a variety of event spaces and activities, ensuring a fun-filled and memorable wedding experience.
  • The Shawnee Inn and Golf Resort – Shawnee on Delaware: A historic riverside retreat offering elegant event spaces, golf, and outdoor activities, perfect for weddings and special occasions.
  • The Lodge at Mountain Springs Lake Resort – Reeders: A family-run, exclusive wedding venue nestled beneath towering pines and a stunning lake, offering a picturesque setting for up to 200 guests.
  • Memorytown – Mount Pocono: A rustic barn venue featuring a picturesque lake and charming decor, ideal for country-style weddings and events.
  • Blue Mountain Resort – Palmerton: A luxury ski resort offering stunning mountain vistas and a range of indoor and outdoor spaces for weddings and celebrations.
  • The Settlers Inn – Hawley: A historic inn with artfully decorated spaces and beautiful gardens, providing an elegant backdrop for intimate weddings.
  • Ledges Hotel – Hawley: A unique venue set against natural stone ledges and gorges, offering contemporary spaces for memorable wedding ceremonies and receptions
  • The Venue at Carley Brook – Honesdale, PA: A rustic and serene event space surrounded by lush woodlands, perfect for intimate and picturesque weddings.
  • Chelsea Sun Inn – Mount Bethel, PA: A charming countryside estate featuring elegant accommodations, stunning vineyard views, and romantic wedding settings.
  • Chateau Resort – Tannersville, PA: A versatile mountain resort offering beautiful indoor and outdoor spaces for weddings, all with views of Camelback Mountain.
  • Mount Airy Casino Resort – Mount Pocono, PA: A luxurious resort with sophisticated event spaces, world-class amenities, and entertainment options for unforgettable wedding celebrations.

If you decide to forgo an onsite venue and choose a venue without onsite amenities or your backyard, check out our guide to planning a backyard wedding to discover everything you will need to plan your big day.

 

Step #5: Build a List of Vendors for Your Wedding 

While an onsite wedding venue may provide you with several amenities you need for a wedding, it will still be up to you to provide the decor and any other services that aren’t provided. An offsite wedding venue will require you to work with outside companies for virtually every aspect of your wedding.

Going by most standard weddings, you could end up working with well over a dozen different vendors for services, including:

  • Caterer
  • Wedding Planner or Coordinator
  • Officiant
  • Photographer
  • Videographer
  • Florist
  • Decorator 
  • Band or DJ
  • Baker
  • Bartender or Beverage Service
  • Bridal Shop or Designer
  • Tailor or Seamstress
  • Hair Stylist and Makeup Artist
  • Stationer
  • Calligrapher
  • Transportation Company
  • Event Rental Company

11:11 Event Rentals works with a preferred list of vendors that we trust for all events to ensure that our customers receive the highest quality service.

Step #6: Work Out Additional Details

Beyond the venue, flowers, and band, there are several additional details that you will need to work out for your big day. 

  • Attire: Designating proper attire for the bridesmaids and groomsmen is an essential part of any wedding. 
  • Attend a Wedding Expo: NEPA is home to several wedding and bridal expos that happen throughout the year. Use these opportunities to meet potential vendors, shop for clothing, and get ideas to inspire you for your big day. 
  • Itinerary: Create a detailed wedding day schedule, including hair and makeup appointments, ceremony timing, and reception activities to ensure everything runs smoothly.
  • Entertainment and Amenities: Consider adding entertainment options such as photo booths, yard games, or after-reception activities to enhance the experience. 
  • Officiants: Decide whether you want a traditional, religious, or non-denominational officiant, or consider asking a close friend or family member to get ordained.
  • Transportation: Plan logistics for getting the wedding party and guests to and from the venue, especially for remote or offsite locations, such as backyard weddings.
  • Lodging for Guests: Make arrangements for important wedding members and family and friends who come from out of town to stay.
  • Wedding Website: Create a wedding website to centralize important details for your guests, including RSVP options, maps, a registry, itineraries, and FAQs.
  • Backup Plans: Always have a contingency plan for outdoor weddings, such as tents or alternate indoor spaces, to prepare for unexpected weather.
  • DIY Options: Explore do-it-yourself ideas for decorations, favors, or signage to add personal touches and save on costs.

Planning your NEPA wedding is no easy feat, which is why 11:11 Event Rentals has the wedding equipment and know-how to make your dream wedding become a reality. Whether you’re hosting a backyard wedding or a wedding at a venue, we have dozens of party rental items that can help make your life easier and save you money. Contact us today for a quote or to find out more about what we can offer you!