The Willis House

The Willis House is a family-owned wedding venue on five and a half acres of wooded land in Manchester Township, just outside York, Pennsylvania. The property centers on a historic home, with barn ruins, a creek-fed pond and natural landscaping around it. Ceremonies take place outdoors, and receptions move to a pavilion overlooking the water.

Why it suits LGBTQ+ couples

This is a private, family-run property, so your wedding is the focus of the day rather than one of several events in a busy building. The venue manager stays on site from start to finish, and you can add an on-site wedding coordinator if you would like one person to steer the plan. It is a strong fit for couples who want an outdoor ceremony, a relaxed country setting and a small team that knows the grounds well.

Ceremonies

You choose your ceremony spot from the sites around the grounds, and the pond makes a natural backdrop. The package includes a one-hour rehearsal, time for guests to arrive and for the ceremony itself, and setup of the included chairs. There is a dressing room for getting ready before you walk out, and you have access to the grounds for photos throughout.

Receptions and food

The reception is held in an 80 by 40 foot pavilion overlooking the pond. It can be enclosed if the weather turns, and it holds around 150 to 160 seated guests with room left for your caterer, a DJ and a dance floor. Tables and chairs are included and set up for you. Guests can gather on the patio for cocktails at the start of the evening, and you can use the bonfire later on. Receptions run for five hours and finish by 10pm. Ask the venue about catering and bar arrangements when you visit.

Getting there and the area

The venue sits close to the interchange of Route 30 and Interstate 83, which makes it an easy drive from Harrisburg, Lancaster, Hershey, Gettysburg and Baltimore. There is parking on site, with a parking coordinator on the day. Hotels and restaurants in York are a short drive away for guests staying over.

Good to know

• You can arrive from 9am on the day to decorate and take deliveries.
• The pavilion can be enclosed for bad weather.
• The venue also hosts showers, so you can plan pre-wedding events here.