Wedding Planning

Complete Guide to Getting Married at Elkins Estate

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Emily Ziegler • March 10, 2026

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We’ve designed invitations for a lot of beautiful wedding venues, but Elkins Estate Wedding & Event Venue has always been one of our absolute favorites. Sitting on 42 acres just outside of Philadelphia, PA, this private estate built in 1898 is truly something special. From its Gilded Age architecture to its gorgeous gardens, there’s so much to love about this historic place.

If you’re considering Elkins Estate or have already booked, this guide will break down everything you need to know about planning your wedding there.

Exterior of Elstowe Manor at Elkins Estate during the fall
November Wedding at Elkins Estate | Image: MLE Pictures

About Elkins Estate Wedding & Event Venue

We’re starting off with important logistics you’ll need to know. In this section, we’ll break down everything from how to get to the estate to frequently asked questions about weddings there.

Address: 1750 Ashbourne Rd, Elkins Park, PA 19027

Elkins Estate is located in the perfect centralized spot on the East Coast: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It’s a very easy venue to get to via plane, train, or car. Though it’s located close to the city, it’s not actually in the city. Rather, Elkins Estate is located 13 miles outside of Philadelphia, in the suburbs. It sits back from the road, nestled into 42 acres of private grounds that make you feel like you’re in the European countryside.

Closest Major Cities/Towns:

The time it takes to drive to Elkins Park, PA from each major metropolis varies largely based on traffic. We’re sharing the best-case scenarios below in which there’s little traffic (here’s to hoping!).

  • Driving time from Philadelphia: 30+ minutes (13 miles)
  • Driving time from New York City: 1 hour 50+ minutes (99 miles)
  • Driving time from Baltimore: 2 hours (122 miles)
  • Driving time from DC: 2 hours 50+ minutes (158 miles)

Closest Major Airports:

The closest major airports to Elkins Estate are Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR). However, there are so many others around that you have options no matter which airline you use.

Driving to Elkins Estate

Getting to Elkins Estate is very simple. Google Maps or your GPS will take you down major roads right to the main entrance. As you’re driving down Ashbourne Road, you’ll likely see the grounds of the estate before you see the venue itself. Look for the beautiful stone walls lining the property. Once you turn into the venue, you’ll drive through a wrought iron gate that opens to reveal the stunning Elstowe Manor.

Elkins Estate wedding and event venue exterior
April at Elkins Estate | Image: Captured by Jessica Lynn

Pennsylvania is full of beautiful wedding venues, but Elkins Estate stands out as one of the most luxurious. With a distinctly European feel and stunning Gilded Age interiors, it’s the kind of venue that takes your breath away.

With 42 stunning acres, beautiful gardens, and multiple outdoor spaces, the grounds alone are worth the visit. The estate is home to two gorgeous venues: Elstowe Manor and Chelten House (coming in fall of 2026). Each has its own unique style and character. Whether you’re planning a large, formal celebration or something more intimate, Elkins has a space for you.

Plus, Elkins Estate is owned by Landmark: a hospitality company that was founded by a husband and wife duo back in 2001. They operate 15 other stunning venues across New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Landmark has a reputation for outstanding service, and you can feel confident knowing you’re in the hands of experienced professionals.

Gilded, ornate grand hall of Elkins Estate Wedding and Event Venue
Image: MLE Pictures

How much does an Elkins Estate wedding cost?

Elkins Estate currently has two packages to choose from: an Ultimate Weekend Package (3 days, 2 nights) for Elstowe Manor and a Single Day Package for Elstowe Manor. According to their website, their Ultimate Weekend Package starts at $96,000 and their Single Day Package starts at $61,000.

Is a deposit required to secure our date?

Elkins Estate requires a $5000 deposit to secure your date. If you fall in love with the venue on a tour, you may want to come prepared!

Are there guest accommodations on-site?

Elkins Estate does offer on-site accommodations for guests. There are 69 guest rooms, which make this the perfect place to host a wedding weekend.

How many guests can the venue accommodate?

Elstowe Manor has a capacity of 300 guests. Their new venue (coming in fall of 2026), Chelten House, will be able to accommodate 130 guests.

How many hours are included in the package?

With an on-site ceremony, you are allotted six hours for your event. Without the ceremony, you are allotted five hours. Wedding start times are flexible.

If we are not having a ceremony on-site, how early can we arrive?

Without an on-site ceremony, you can arrive up to two hours prior to your reception to take photos.

Planning Your Elkins Estate Wedding

From the delicious food to the accommodations and more, we’re breaking down everything you need to know about planning your wedding at Elkins Estate!

  • Wedding weekend or one-day packages
  • 69 hotel rooms available on-site
  • Multiple ceremony sites
  • Glam hair & makeup suite
  • Billiard and smoking lounge
  • After-party options
  • Farm to table sourcing from Landmark’s Dancing Goat Farm
  • On-site scratch kitchen with extensive food and drink options
  • Complimentary honeymoon suite (included with 20 booked rooms)
Bridal suite with bride's dresses hung up, ready for the wedding day

Images: Captured by Jessica Lynn

There are several options for ceremony locations at Elkins Estate, located both indoors and outdoors.

Outdoors: Elstowe Manor

One of our favorite ceremony sites is right on the stairs of Elstowe Manor. Imagine this as your backdrop:

Outdoor wedding ceremony at Elstowe Manor at Elkins Estate
Image: MLE Pictures

Indoors: The Main Ballroom

Elkins also offers multiple indoor ceremony options, including The Grand Ballroom (pictured below). Luxurious draping, grand pillars, and gold Chiavari chairs make this option an elegant one.

Indoor wedding ceremony at Elstowe Manor at Elkins Estate
Image: Captured by Jessica Lynn

Your reception will take place in The Grand Ballroom, which can accommodate up to 300 guests. Marble pillars, black and white checkered floors, and elegant pops of gold make this room perfect for a formal celebration.

Wedding reception in The Grand Ballroom at Elkins Estate, ready for guests
Image: Captured by Jessica Lynn

Elkins offers both indoor and outdoor ceremony spaces, so there are options for you no matter which season you choose.

Pennsylvania’s weather tends to be the most temperate in May, June, September, and October. Those are Elkins Estate’s premium months, and tend to be the most in-demand.

If you don’t mind the cold, Elkins does offer off-season rates for January-March (Pennsylvania’s chillier months). Elkins notes that “[their] team takes pride in crafting winter wonderlands, where seasonal enhancements add an extra touch of magic to your special day.” In addition to their regular menu, they also offer warm cider for guests upon arrival, cheese fondue during cocktail hour, and a sparkler send-off. Something to consider: Pennsylvania typically has several snowstorms during the winter. This could impact travel for both you and your guests.

Want to plan your pictures around nature? Late April to early May is a good time to see stunning spring blossoms. October through November offers bright fall foliage. (Check out PA’s fall foliage report for more accurate estimates.)

Cherry blossoms in April by Captured by Jessica Lynn | Stunning fall foliage in November by MLE Pictures

As mentioned, Elkins Estate offers 69 guest rooms on-site. However, if you need more rooms or are looking for accommodations off-site, there are plenty of hotels nearby. Philadelphia is home to some luxurious and centrally-located hotels with stunning views of the city skyline. All of the hotels listed below are around a 30-minute drive from the venue.

Elkins Estate Wedding Cost

Elkins currently offers two wedding packages: an Ultimate Weekend Package (3 days, 2 nights) for Elstowe Manor and a Single Day Package for Elstowe Manor. Let’s take a quick look at them both.

Wedding weekends have been increasing in popularity, and we can absolutely see why! Who wouldn’t want to spend a whole weekend celebrating love with your closest friends and family members? Elkins makes that possible with their Ultimate Weekend Package. This package lives up to its name. Here are just a few of the many amenities that are included:

  • On-site rehearsal dinner
  • Morning-of breakfast
  • Use of hair & makeup suite
  • Activities for guests
  • Day-of lunch
  • On-site ceremony
  • Valet parking
  • Enhanced cocktail hour options
  • Enhanced four-course dinner options
  • Dessert station
  • After-party
  • Brunch buffet

According to their website, the Ultimate Weekend Package starts at $96,000.

If you don’t need everything that the weekend package includes, Elkins also offers a Single Day Package. You still get access to their most important amenities, but without extras like rehearsal dinner, daytime activities, or brunch. Here are just a few of the many amenities that are included:

  • Use of hair & makeup suite
  • On-site ceremony
  • Cocktail hour
  • Four-course dinner
  • Honeymoon suite for one night
  • After-party
  • Continential breakfast

Their Single Day Package starts at $61,000.

Elkins Estate’s prices are dependent upon the day of the week, the time of year, and even the time of day. Their premium wedding months are May, June, September, and October. Their off-peak wedding months are January, February, and March. If you’re flexible with your date, you may receive a better rate.

It is also important to note that Elkins charges additional fees, such as a 6% PA sales tax and a 24% administrative fee. Gratuity is not included.

Hiring Your Elkins Estate Wedding Stationery Designer

Okay, we admit it… we’re going to do a little self-promotion here. At Heather Paperie, we design classic custom wedding invitations (think venue illustrations, letterpress printing, elegant script, double thick paper, etc.).

Over the years, we have worked with countless couples to design formal wedding invitations for their Elkins Estate wedding. Your invitations are an important part of setting the tone for your day. And when you have a venue as grand and formal as Elkins Estate, your stationery deserves to match the vibe.

Here are a few of our favorites:

Images: Captured by Jessica Lynn

Do you want your invitations and day-of wedding paper to perfectly coordinate with the aesthetics of your Elkins Estate wedding? We would love to bring your vision to life. Reach out today to get started!

Elkins Estate Wedding Inspiration

Elkins Estate is truly one of a kind. From the gorgeous architecture to the impeccable service from the Landmark team, it’s a venue that delivers on every level. Whether you’re in the early stages of planning or already have your date locked in, we hope this guide gave you everything you need to feel confident and excited about your big day. We know it’s sure to be incredible.

For further reading, check out some of our favorite weddings at Elkins:

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