Elope in Pennsylvania

Poconos, Lancaster County, Gettysburg!

Couples wishing to elope in Pennsylvania should note that the state has a three-day waiting period for issuing marriage licenses. Applicants must provide their Social Security numbers and a driver’s license or other official photo ID, as well as divorce decrees if applicable. But, once you've got that out of the way, you'll get to the fun part - choosing where in Pennsylvania to get married. Here are some of the Pennsylvania’s best places to elope:

Gettysburg

History buffs may choose to wed in famous Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. It is the site of the 1863 Battle of Gettysburg, which was heralded as the turning point of the Civil War, as well as a former railroad hub. The area is also home to several wineries, where honeymooning couples can visit and taste some local wines.

Among the many great places to wed in Gettysburg is the Gettysburg Battlefield Bed & Breakfast, an 1809 historic farmhouse located on the site of the famous battle, which offers an elopement package which includes a one- or two-night stay and cake and sparkling beverage. For more info on this package go to their website at gettysburgbattlefield.com/Elopements.

Another Gettysburg-area elopement venue is The Beechmont, a bed and breakfast located in nearby Hanover.  Their Elopement Package is well-priced at $925 for up to 6 guests (as of January, 2012). The price is less if the bride and groom are the only ones present. This package includes the following:

• Candlelight ceremony in the front parlor or under their 150-yr-old Magnolia tree
• Services of a wedding officiant
• Bride's bouquet and groom's boutonniere
• Small wedding cake
• Two-night stay at The Beechmont Inn
• Dinner for two at Restaurant Sidney
• Candlelight breakfast each morning

The Beechmont also offers an "Intimate Wedding Package" for those couples wanting a more elaborate ceremony for up to 20 guests. You can check out the inn at thebeechmont.com.

Amish Country

One of Pennsylvania’s most popular tourist attractions, Amish Country in Lancaster County takes visitors back to a simpler time. Horse-drawn buggies are a common sight, and the quaint shops feature handmade furniture and delectable homemade treats.

There is no shortage of places to elope in the area, either. One such elopement venue is The Historic Smithton Inn, located in Ephrata. Their "Wedding for Two" package includes everything you'd want in an elopement package:

• A personalized ceremony for the bride and groom
• Services of an officiant
• Bridal bouquet and groom's boutonniere
• One-night stay in one of their most romantic rooms
• A bottle of champagne or white wine
• Wedding cake for 2
• Gourmet breakfast

They also offer a "Wedding for a Few" package which also includes a photographer and hors d'oeuvres reception for up to 6 people.

Another lovely Amish-Country venue is the Harvest Moon Bed and Breakfast, located in New Holland. For the budget-conscious couples, the Harvest Moon offers a super-cheap, super-simple ceremony, their "Indian Summer Wedding Package" for $250 (as of January, 2012) which includes a sparkling cider toast and music. They also offer more elaborate small, intimate wedding packages for up to 10 guests. You can find out more info at their website at harvestmoonbandb.com.

Poconos

You can’t have a conversation about eloping in Pennsylvania without mentioning the Poconos. These majestic mountains have long been a haven for lovers looking to get away from it all, and they’re brimming with idyllic elopement venues.

Among the area’s famed resorts is Cove Haven, which features a private lake and offers reasonably priced wedding packages. For the eloping couple, consider their "Champagne Wedding" package, which is a ceremony for two and includes:

• An intimate indoor or outdoor ceremony for two performed by a local officiant
• Sparkling champagne or cider
• Wedding photo album with 8 (5"x7") mounted color photographs
• Wedding cake
• Honeymoon Concierge on site to assist with wedding day

This package begins at $695 (as of January, 2012) and must include a 2-night honeymoon. Call them at 800-585-6190 for more details.

Shawnee Inn and Golf Resort has several indoor and outdoor sites to choose from. Located on the edge of the Delaware River, Shawnee Inn and Golf Resort offers couples a "Two Person Wedding Package" for $750 (as of January 2012). This package includes overnight accommodations with a bottle of Champagne, fruit basket and breakfast the next morning.  Not bad for a wedding at a top-notch golf resort. Go to their website at shawneeinn.com for more details.

For those who prefer an elegant bed and breakfast accommodation, French Manor offers personal service and an on-site spa. They also offer an indoor salt water pool and hot tub, fitness room, 4-diamond restaurant with pianist and nature and hiking trails. French Manor is definitely not your average B&B! They also provide eloping couples with an elegant venue for an intimate wedding.  Their "Intimate Elopement Package" is available November through the end of April and offers couples a wedding ceremony on their balcony with a 20-mile view of the northern Pocono Mountains. Two nights' lodging is included in one of their fireplace and Jacuzzi suites. This package is priced at $1,500 midweek or $1,750 on the weekend. Do be sure to go to their website for the most current pricing at thefrenchmanor.com.

As for the honeymoon, you'll find Pennsylvania has a lot to offer its visitors. Did you know that the state has over 100 state parks, and admission is free to all of them? There are also lots of amusement parks in Pennsylvania, including Dutch Wonderland, Hershey Park, Sandcastle Waterpark and Splash Lagoon. Other highlights of the state include the unspoiled Amish Country and popular music festivals such as Musikfest and the Philadelphia Folk Festival. It’s no wonder lots of couples choose to elope there.

Synonyms: Elopin, elpoing, elopnig, and loping are all popular typos for eloping. Elopeent, elopmnt, elopemet, eopement and elopemen are all popular typos for elopement