5.0
Verified reviews from real couples
Take your Wedding to the next level!
I can’t say enough positive things about Excelsior and the entire group of people that make the atmosphere so incredible. Kelly and John really care about making couples have such an unforgettable experience. Kaitlyn with catering was so kind and helpful throughout the planning process and their food is delicious!! This venue is such a unique place and is just beautiful! I couldn’t be more happy with how our day turned out and we can’t thank Excelsior enough!
Jordyn E.
5.0
We had an amazing experience with Excelsior for our wedding! The entire team was incredibly easy to work with, responsive, and organized, making the whole planning process feel seamless. Everything ran smoothly on our wedding day, and we couldn't have asked for a better experience. We highly recommend this venue to any couple planning their wedding!
Allie L.
5.0
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Kelly Dantinne
OWNER
AWARD WINNER (9X)
Thanks to recommendations from couples on The Knot
Excelsior is an eclectic event space inspired by Downtown Lancaster's vintage charm. Unlike anything you may have seen, this multifaceted property combines elegant classical architectural features blended with modern design throughout various connecting spaces. Refreshing outdoor areas and enchanting brewer’s catacombs enhance the overall experience creating a one-of-a-kind venue for any event in any season. This national historic landmark is a property complex of several buildings designed for hosting "one wedding per day" for NO LESS than 125 guests and up to a MAXIMUM seated dinner for 275 guests. Our Indoor/Outdoor spaces invite you to stage your event throughout the property spaces from Ceremony to Cocktail Hour to Dinner and into the Reception Party. Excelsior's exclusive on-site catering services, cuisine and amenities are part of the ALL INCLUSIVE bundled RATE per person. The SPACIOUS Bridal Chamber is perfect for large bridal parties to prepare with H&MU, relax and enjoy custom brunches made fresh on site. Take the VIRTUAL TOUR of Excelsior: https://walkinto.in/tour/ZkSFhLl4T-ZyxBY
EXCELSIOR now has a Little Sister Venue " THE WATER GALLERY " ( just 3 blocks away ) to host Bridal Showers and Rehearsal Dinners ! https://drive.google.com/file/d/1eLnF4OXDkQSSBHD7NG8shF8FBOOOKoPX/view?usp=sharing
Amenities + details
Amenities
Dressing Room
Handicap Accessible
Indoor Event Space
Outdoor Event Space
Reception Area
Wireless Internet
Ceremony Types
Civil Union
Commitment Ceremony
Interfaith Ceremony
Non-Religious Ceremony
Religious Ceremony
Second Wedding
Settings
Historic Venue
Venue Service Offerings
Destination Weddings
Food & Catering
Service Staff
Awards and Affiliations
9-Time 'Best of Weddings'
2026.2024.2023.+6 more.
Best of Weddings
The Knot independently assesses vendors for this award—it’s never self-reported. We base it on firsthand experiences from real couples and guests, and they must have a 4.5-star average across 7+ reviews in the qualifying year.
Hall of Fame
Earned by winning 'Best of Weddings' four or more times.
Join couples who chose award-winning vendors for their wedding
Meet the team
Kelly Dantinne
Owner
Hi, I'm Kelly Dantinne and my Husband John and I own Excelsior. We love celebrations and our historic property is like no other venue to host a wedding or special event! Excelsior has a unique eclectic atmosphere inspired by Downtown Lancaster's vintage charm. Unlike anything you may have seen, this multifaceted property combines elegant classical architectural features blended with modern design throughout our various connecting spaces. Refreshing outdoor areas and our authentic brewer’s catacombs enhance the overall experience to create a one-of-a-kind venue for any event in any season!
Reviews
5.0
out of 5.0164 reviews
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Review Summary
This AI-generated summary is a snapshot of this vendor's ratings and feedback.
Excelsior is a unique historic-meets-modern venue with versatile indoor and outdoor spaces and beautiful photo backdrops. Guests praised the organized, responsive, and caring staff along with exceptional in-house catering. Couples said planning and the wedding day ran seamlessly and highly recommend the venue.Review photos
Showing slide number 1 out of 9
Adriana N
Highlighted review.
5.0
7/17/2023
We were completely thrilled with our experience at Excelsior. From the very first meeting, Kelly, John and their team were welcoming and answered every single question we had. It w...
as easy for us to choose Excelsior due to the unique venue structure and the overwhelmingly positive reviews that we heard. We toured about 20 different wedding venues and nothing compared to the unique features of Excelsior. The Dantinne's did an amazing job renovating the space while still maintaining the historic charm and the decades of stories that go along with it. They also crafted the space to be ecologically sound.
We waited 2 years from the time we decided to get married at Excelsior to our wedding date, but it was well worth the wait! The entire team was quick to respond during this time period and helped us craft and create the perfect wedding. Kaitlyn, John and the culinary team were easy to work with and we were able to make menus unique to us. Having the group tasting was also an incredible way to taste so much of their food so we knew exactly what we wanted. It was also a great event for the parents to attend and feel involved in the wedding planning process. Everyone at the wedding complimented how delicious the food tasted! Excelsior took allergies and food safety concerns extremely seriously. I had several gluten free/ vegan guests (due to allergies, not choice) and some random allergies like onions and they were able to accommodate them with no issues.
Everything on the wedding day went smoothly with no hiccups. Excelsior's staff and our wedding coordinator Cindy Ray/ Planned Perfection worked so well together and kept the night flowing and on time. My Bridesmaids and I got ready in the bridal suite which was well worth getting in early. It was such a stress free way of getting ready and the bridal suite really has everything you need including coffee and a bluetooth radio.
Excelsior did have a specific vendor list which was concerning at first, but after our wedding we completely understand why they do this. They have vetted hundreds of vendors and have done the hard work for you. All of our vendor choices were professional and did an outstanding job. They also know how to respect this historic building, which is critically important when you are installing/ removing decorations and heavy equipment. In retrospect, I am thankful that the vendor list was narrowed down for us.
I would undoubtedly recommend Excelsior over and over again. It was an absolutely incredible day and they made the wedding process as stress free as possible. Months later we are still hearing from our guests that it's the best wedding they have ever been to!
Response from Excelsior on 08/13/2025
What a beautiful review Ariana! Thank you for sharing such lovely compliments about the Ex...
celsior experience! We all loved working with you and Grant on your stunning wedding day💕💕💕💕
Jordyn E
5.0
7/16/2026
I can’t say enough positive things about Excelsior and the entire group of people that make the atmosphere so incredible. Kelly and John really care about making couples have such ...
an unforgettable experience. Kaitlyn with catering was so kind and helpful throughout the planning process and their food is delicious!! This venue is such a unique place and is just beautiful! I couldn’t be more happy with how our day turned out and we can’t thank Excelsior enough!
Any questions?
Allie L
5.0
7/13/2026
We had an amazing experience with Excelsior for our wedding! The entire team was incredibly easy to work with, responsive, and organized, making the whole planning process feel sea...
mless. Everything ran smoothly on our wedding day, and we couldn't have asked for a better experience. We highly recommend this venue to any couple planning their wedding!
Makenzie S
5.0
7/10/2026
Choosing Excelsior for our wedding was the best decision we could have made. It is a stunning historic space with a gorgeous modern finish, and the lush greenery covering the terra...
ce and patios created the most beautiful backdrop for our day. We utilized the venue for the entire day—from getting ready and first looks to photos, the ceremony, cocktail hour, and the reception. The layout allowed for amazing movement throughout the different spaces as the day progressed, keeping our guests engaged and excited. On top of being absolutely gorgeous, it is fully handicap accessible, which was incredibly important to us. Our guests are still raving about how unique and beautiful it was. Excelsior truly gave us the perfect, seamless wedding day!
Ashley H
5.0
6/22/2026
We had such an amazing wedding at Excelsior!! Our guest commented on how well the venue is run and could not stop talking about the amazing food!
Briahna G
5.0
6/22/2026
I can’t say enough wonderful things about Excelsior. We got married 5-15-26 and we wish we could relive that day. The venue runs everything perfectly. The venue provides profession...
alism, great communication, and makes each couple feel heard and valued on their special day. If I can find an excuse to go back to the venue to experience everything again I will!
Renee D
5.0
6/08/2026
The team at Excelsior was excellent to work with, and the beauty of the venue doesn’t hurt either with both indoor and outdoor spaces. Kelly and John, the owners, were so much fun ...
to chat with and Kaitlyn, the catering Director, and her team were on top of things! We had the most beautiful day and this team and their preferred vendors made sure everything went smoothly. A great, all inclusive venue and well priced. Highly recommend!
Michael E
5.0
5/12/2026
The event at the EXCELSIOR was PERFECT! The venue, their services, food drinks and atmosphere were unmatched! Equally, their staff was amazing, especially our coordinator Laura, t...
heir bartenders, and Photographer Harley also made the event perfect. What a memorable day it was. My daughter Jordyn could not have picked a better venue for her wedding and she and Jimmy my new son in law couldn’t be happier with their perfect day at the Excelsior.
If you are getting married, there isn’t a venue any better for you to choose from. You won’t regret it.
Jason S
5.0
4/20/2026
We hosted a 2 day corporate leadership meeting. Not only was the event successful, but Kaitlyn, Kelly and John were some of the most pleasant event professionals I have worked with...
over the past 5 years! Pricing was simple as rental, linens, labor, setup and food were all included. The food: customizable, delicious, variety, a true homerun!
We used the entire space for our event to host different breakouts and social hours. We had 65 attendees and everything was comfortable. The grounds are stunning from the history to the gardens to the art vibes the venue presents --- highly recommended!
For those who care, parking was easy (lot across the way), no city noise disturbed our event, we had an option to provide our own beer/wine/spirts, we were able to access the venue before and after hours to setup. I can see why it's such a highly regarded venue; top service, delicious food and generous use of the space (the entire venue is at your disposal).
Lauren K
5.0
1/23/2026
From the moment we toured Excelsior, we knew it was the one. The owner, John gave us the initial tour and he was so knowledgeable and you can tell how much he loves the venue and w...
hat he does. Every detail—from the stunning greenery walls to the elegant indoor spaces, everything felt so welcoming and genuinely special.
The staff went above and beyond at every step. They were professional, warm, and incredibly organized, making the entire planning process feel smooth and stress-free. They were always available to answer any questions and provided a quick response to any email I sent. On the day itself, everything ran seamlessly; we were able to truly relax and be present, knowing we were in the best hands.
Our guests are still talking about how beautiful the venue was and how well everything flowed—from the ceremony to cocktail hour to the reception. The space photographed like a dream, and we’ll treasure those memories forever.
We couldn’t have imagined a more perfect place to get married. If you’re looking for a venue that combines beauty, professionalism, and genuine care, Excelsior is the place. We would choose it again in a heartbeat!!
Jordan H
5.0
12/11/2025
We got married at Excelsior in November and could not recommend it more! Kaitlyn, Kelly and John were so organized and helpful throughout the planning process. They truly took the ...
time to get to know us personally and make our vision a reality. The approved vendor list was filled with amazing options and made it so easy to pick outside vendors that were reliable. Specifically, we could not speak higher of Cindy from Planned Perfection and Adam from Select DJ group. The venue was beautiful this time of year, and the food was amazing. Our guests endlessly complimented their entire experience (we know why the Osso Bucca is a signature of theirs!) Overall, they handled any hiccup throughout the day with grace, and made everything so stress free for us so we could truly enjoy ourselves the entire day. We are so happy we chose Excelsior as our wedding venue! From the planning experience, ambiance, food, and location, everything was perfect!
Rachel F
5.0
12/09/2025
We had our wedding at Excelsior Lancaster this October, and it was everything we hoped for and more. The venue is truly one-of-a-kind—historic, modern, and dramatic all at once. Ev...
ery space felt intentional and beautifully maintained, from the stunning ceremony area to the moody, elegant cocktail spaces and the incredible reception floors. Our guests couldn’t stop commenting on how unique and gorgeous the venue was.
The team at Excelsior was equally impressive. Kaitlyn and Kelly were organized, responsive, and genuinely invested in making our day feel seamless. Leading up to the wedding, they answered every question with patience and clarity, and on the day-of, everything flowed perfectly. We never had to worry about where to be or what was happening next—they had it handled without us even noticing.
The lighting, layout, and overall atmosphere in October were absolutely magical. The way the venue’s architecture played with the fall light made the whole night feel warm and cinematic. It struck the perfect balance between romantic and modern.
If you’re looking for a venue that stands out and delivers an unforgettable experience, Excelsior Lancaster is it. We couldn’t imagine getting married anywhere else.
Kimberly C
5.0
10/30/2025
We’re so glad we went with Excelsior for our wedding venue! It was the first venue we found on The Knot during our initial search. We ended up touring a few other places before Exc...
elsior, but once we finally saw it in person we knew we had found our wedding venue. So many of our friends and family questioned why we chose to get married in PA as neither of us are from the area, but everyone immediately understood once they arrived. Coming from NYC and DC, we didn’t want a classic ballroom or a vineyard/barn since neither really fit our vibe. Excelsior was perfect for us with all its indoor/outdoor space options, the greenery, and the industrial feel. We’ve received so many compliments about how beautiful the venue is and the flow of the space. We also enjoyed working with the Excelsior team from start to finish. Kelly and John gave one heck of a tour, while Kaitlyn and Lauren beautifully managed the logistics during the planning process. The wedding day was seamless and the staff were very efficient and professional. We couldn’t recommend Excelsior enough!
Sarah N
5.0
8/13/2025
When we first toured Excelsior, between the beautiful venue and the friendly and welcoming energy from all of the team (especially John), we were set on having our wedding there. I...
honestly can’t say enough about how great the whole team at Excelsior is but every aspect of the planning process and day of was great. Kaitlyn specifically was great to work with, responding quickly to questions, finding great solutions for any issues, and just all-around finding ways to work with whatever ideas or wants that we had for the day. We had friends tell us how great the food was there, and during our tasting we were impressed with a lot of the dishes, and the day of we got so many compliments about how amazing the food was, specifically the Osso Bucca which was our favorite dish as well. They were extremely attentive and accommodating of allergies, or other dietary restrictions. The food service on the day of was quick and seamless. The vendors that Excelsior works with were all great, the wedding venue was gorgeous, and we are confident that every guest had a great time because everyone made sure to point out how great the venue was. Really can’t say enough good things about John, Kelly, Kaitlyn, and the entire team who was involved with planning or involved with the day of. They work so seamlessly with the vendors who come in and take so much off of your plate for your wedding day. We would 100% recommend Excelsior to anyone looking to get married in Lancaster!
Ariana I
5.0
8/12/2025
If I could give Excelsior thousands of stars, I would. We had our wedding at Excelsior in May and it still feels like yesterday. We had the absolute BEST day of our lives. Excelsio...
r is one of the coolest venues in Lancaster - sophisticated and classic, yet unique and quirky in its own way. It is not your average venue - which is EXACTLY what we were looking for. Owners John and Kelly took us in like family, and from the first tour we knew it was the one. I can't begin to describe the kindness and professionalism from John, Kelly, Kaitlyn, and the entire team. I wish I could go back in time and do it all over again because they were THAT amazing to work with. The attention to detail, the planning - everything was stress free! It was the most PERFECT day!!!! And the food - PHENOMENAL! Thank you so much to Excelsior - John, Kelly, Kaitlyn, and the team for making our day so so special. :)
Marnie M
5.0
6/03/2025
From our first walk through with the owners to our wedding day, the whole process was seamless. Excelsior exceeded every expectation we had for our wedding day. An all inclusive ex...
perience was exactly what we were looking for. The unique venue has so many different spaces to enjoy. Signature on King (onsite catering company) and Kaitlyn were so amazing with communication and making sure all our dreams came true. Their vender list was so helpful and full of such talented people. All our vender worked so well together. If you are thinking about booking Excelsior, Simple Soirée, and Splits and Daisies, do it!! Your will have a wedding day better then you can even imagine! We can’t wait to go back to Excelsior for a friends wedding in a few months. 💕
Steph C
5.0
5/19/2025
We used Excelsior for both our ceremony, our cocktail hour, and our reception for our wedding on May 2nd 2025. I found Excelsior by accident, after having nearly put in a deposit f...
or another location. I set up a tour after finding them through my photographer and ended up falling in love. As someone who looked at both very outdoorsy locations and very industrial locations, this was the perfect combination of the two things that I was looking for.
Excelsior was the right spot for me from the beginning, as you walk in, the building give the most breathtaking contrast of old vs new, with greenery and plants lining the walls, the terrace, and the sunken gardens. There are lots of options for both indoor and outdoor events, or in our case the combination of both. We opted to be married in front of the large greenery walls, with our cocktail hour in the catacombs and sunken gardens, and then our reception in the Grande Salon. We ended up using the Empire Room upstairs for some of my bridal shots and the street view for pictures. Don’t worry, we used it all! I also wanted to mention the beautiful getting ready suite for the bridal party which is very spacious and easily fit us (approximately 10+ people at a time) and the incredibly clean and spacious bathrooms.
Beyond the beautiful venue, the staff was genuinely a joy to work with. My primary contact was Kaitlyn who is the Director of Catering for Excelsior. She was so knowledgeable, prepared, and fun to work with. She also gave us lots of ideas and allowed us to customize a lot of things to make it uniquely us. That woman is a miracle worker– she even figured out how to get me things I missed at the cocktail hour (long after it ended) and gave my husband recipes from their kitchen because he LOVED the food so much.
When I tell you that every person at our wedding commented how beautiful Excelsior was, how kind and organized the staff was, and how incredible the food was– I mean it. Every single person! I even had quite a few people from the catering and restaurant industry who all said it was marvelous. I couldn’t have picked a better place for our wedding. It was truly a masterpiece! I could not recommend Excelsior more.
Mary H
5.0
4/17/2025
Living in AZ but being from PA and wanting to get married in our home state, we were stressed because nothing felt quite right every time we searched. Then, we found Excelsior. We ...
did a Facetime tour with the owners, and it was all of five minutes to know this was our perfect venue. The building is so unique and perfect, with a perfect mix of brownstone, charm, and industrial vibes. We loved that catering was in house and that they had a vetted list of high quality vendors they recommended. The whole day--ceremony, cocktail reception, and getting ready--could all happen in the same building, just different rooms, and we could weave through them all throughout the night. It was an unbelievable, magical venue steps away from great after party spots and hotels. Our dream venue for our dream day!
Melissa R
5.0
1/27/2025
I am so grateful for the dream team at Excelsior for facilitating the perfect backdrop to my wedding. From the beginning it was clear that we were in the hands of experts who genui...
nely cared that our wedding was success and curated to our vision. The process was easy and secure as I was guided through the planning process through the joint efforts of the in house and external vendors.. I also felt like both the in house and the external vendors genuinely loved the space and knew each other well, and worked well together day of like they were of one team. Everything from the catering menu curated, the FOOD!! the attention to detail, to the flow of the day, to the VALUE of our day was sheer perfection. This is a very special place with a very special caring team. Something that was really smart and special here was the tasting event. So smart to show off vendors, show large quantities of lots of kinds of foods, and have other couples mingle and meet. Just a really special day leading up to the wedding. Our friends and families were obsessed with the cocktail hour cellar. I loved the style and customizations we were allowed here. Just a perfect place to get married. HAVE YOUR WEDDING HERE
Karissa T
5.0
1/20/2025
Our experience with Excelsior for our August 2024 wedding was phenomenal. It's obvious how gorgeous the spaces are, but what made it the best experience was how well the entire Exc...
elsior team planned & executed our day. For example: they were very accommodating with me & my fiance planning the wedding from afar (phone calls and Zoom calls), they mixed & matched menu options to match what we were hoping for (making an entree into an appetizer, for example), and they moved the cake cutting upstairs to assist our timeline. They provided additional tables for our florals (and they have SO much decor in-house for you to use), made meadow tea as a special request, and even provided an extra food cart for my bridal party who had time to kill between the ceremony and reception. Another thing that stood out to me is that Excelsior was more than happy to provide a signature mocktail in addition to our signature cocktails. They also set out sparkling cider instead of champagne for our sober guests so they could still be included in the toasts. This meant so much to me AND to those guests. Although Excelsior hosts tons of weddings, they still paid attention to and nailed the personal touches we wanted. As a detail-oriented bride, I could not have been more happy with our day! Our guests loved it all.
Theresa L
5.0
1/20/2025
Our wedding at Excelsior was absolutely perfect, and I can’t thank Kelly and John, the owners, enough for their incredible hospitality and support throughout the entire process. Th...
ey went above and beyond to ensure our big day was everything we dreamed of and more. A special shoutout to Kaitlyn from Signature Catering, whose team delivered outstanding service and delicious food that our guests are still raving about! The venue itself is stunning, and every detail was handled with care and professionalism. We couldn’t have asked for a better experience and highly recommend Excelsior to any couple looking for a beautiful, seamless celebration!
Lauren R
5.0
12/20/2024
We couldn’t have been more thrilled with our choice of the Excelsior for our wedding. From the moment we stepped onto the property, we knew it was going to be something special, an...
d it exceeded all of our expectations in every way. The venue itself is truly unique, offering both beautiful indoor and outdoor spaces that provided the perfect backdrop for our big day. Each location on the property is thoughtfully designed, giving us a variety of stunning settings to capture memories. One of the best things about having your wedding there, is that you’re the only couple there on your wedding day, which made such a difference in terms of the level of attention we received. We felt like we were the sole focus of the entire day, and it was amazing to have all the space and time dedicated just to us. A huge reason why everything went so smoothly was the incredible team, particularly Kaitlyn, who is in charge of catering. From the moment we met her, we knew we were in good hands. We had several guests with food allergies, and Kaitlyn handled everything with such thoughtfulness and professionalism. She made sure all dietary restrictions were addressed, offering options that were both safe and delicious for everyone. Her dedication to making sure each guest had a fantastic experience was truly appreciated. The recommended vendors were also a huge factor in making our day flawless. They helped narrow down the list of vendors and everyone we worked with knew the venue well and was exceptional throughout the planning process and on the day of. The team at the Excelsior has clearly cultivated relationships with the best in the business, and it made a world of difference to have such skilled professionals involved in our wedding. Overall, our wedding at the Excelsior was everything we had hoped for! We are beyond grateful to have celebrated our special day at such a remarkable venue and highly recommend it to any future couples looking for a spectacular wedding in Lancaster!
Taylor B
5.0
12/17/2024
Kind, helpful and the food was amazing!
Alaina T
5.0
7/08/2024
5 stars just doesn't feel like enough. Excelsior was the second venue that we toured when looking for a spot for our wedding day and it made the decision SO easy. Once I left this ...
spot, I knew I could not picture my wedding day anywhere else. This space is an absolute dream - from the elegant entrance, the gorgeous outdoor ceremony space, the cocktail hour catacombs, the lovely bride suite... every element is so thoughtful and charming.
We had the pleasure of getting to know John, Kelly, and Kaitlyn through the planning process. No detail is forgotten with this team - they are willing to go the extra mile to make your day special/unique to you! Any vision you have this team will exceed it.
The food!!! Our guest could not (still haven't) stop talking about delicious the food was - the hors d'oeuvres, smoker station, and entrees were truly next level.
The day of our wedding was seamless thank to this outstanding team. We will truly never forget our wedding day at Excelsior and couldn't have dreamed of a better spot.
Response from Excelsior on 07/08/2024
Alaina you and Ryan are so dear! Thank you for such a beautiful review. We were so happy f...
or you on your Wedding Day at Excelsior 6.22.24! Thanks for the 5-Star post and details of your event. Have a wonderful married life together and please stop in for a visit anytime you are Downtown Lancaster :)
Rebecca M
5.0
2/29/2024
The passion that Kelly, John, and Kaitlyn have for this industry is palpable from the first time you meet them. If you go with Excelsior for your wedding, you will be treated to a ...
first class, all inclusive, personal experience. These people are logistic pros at events, have good taste to go with it, and take the time to know you as a couple. The team at Excelsior works seamlessly with vendors in the area and will truly put on an amazing experience for both you and your guests. While you can absolutely up-level your wedding here and make it extravagant, we appreciated that we never felt sales pressure to add-on to our initial contract. We felt the natural decor of the space was plenty for us. Did we mention the food is mouth-watering?
We feel so blessed to have celebrated our marriage at Excelsior. It really was the best day of our lives and we have your team to thank for that. THANK YOU!
Tara S
5.0
1/03/2024
I cannot speak highly enough about the amazing venue. It was absolutely beautiful and we received so many compliments on it. The staff was amazing to work with and very attentive t...
hroughout the planning process and throughout our wedding day. The food was DELICIOUS. They even learned one of our family recipes to serve. We are so grateful to have found Excelsior for our wedding day and would recommend to anyone looking for an incredible venue!
Mark S
5.0
12/26/2023
When we were looking for a wedding venue, we were recommended to look at Excelsior. Living 4 hours away, it's not a place that was originally on our radar. However, after our tour ...
with John, we fell in love with the venue. One word that kept coming back to us was "intimate" and how that was the perfect venue for us.
John, Kelly and Kaitlyn made the whole process really easy for us. They have an approved list of vendors to work with. This limits the amount research we had to do, and also gave us comfort in knowing we were working with vendors who would do a fantastic job. There is a quarterly tasting where many different couples come to taste the food - it was a great time and the food was delicious! It was well-planned out so we could be in a wedding-esque setting with 150 guests, which was our number, as well.
Kaitlyn did an amazing job keeping everything organized and on time, which made everything leading up to our day less stressful.
On our big day, we got lucky with low 80s and sunny in late October, so that let us have our cocktail hour outside (we had planned everything inside) and the guests loved it. We had a perfect day and can't thank the staff enough. We've had countless family and guests tell us how special of a wedding that was, with many people saying it was their favorite every (I agree for what it's worth).
Thank you to the whole Excelsior and Signature Catering teams for making our wedding day everything we could've ever wanted.
Josslyn S
5.0
12/26/2023
EXCELLENT! My husband and I had the wedding of our dreams at Excelsior, which completely exceeded our expectations! Excelsior made the hectic process of planning a wedding so much ...
easier. From their preferred vendor list (who are very experienced with the venue) to the all-inclusive approach to food/venue, the big tasks and coordination were taken care of between Excelsior staff. The food, staffing, linens, dishes, endless decorations, etc. are all included in their per-person rate. They have so many decorations that we barely bought anything.
Our guests raved about the in-house catering and quality of their food and awesome portion sizes. Owners John and Kelly were always so easy to get ahold of to answer questions. Katelyn, who is in charge of catering, was absolutely prenominal! She loves thinking outside the box and make every menu unique! (Even making foods off the normal menu at our request) We couldn't be happier with our Excelsior experience. Now I'm dying to be invited to an Excelsior wedding to see everything from the guests' point of view!
Selam M
5.0
12/19/2023
The venue, the staff, the food, everything about Excelsior was excellent! Our wedding was everything we hoped for and more because of this beautiful venue. Not only did we love it,...
but all of our guests were raving about it! This was the best decision we made, and all of the vendors they recommended were also fantastic.
Korey M
5.0
12/19/2023
From the moment my husband and I stepped foot onto the Excelsior property, we knew it was the venue we must get married at. The industrial chic design was exactly what we were look...
ing for. We wanted a unique venue that would creat an unforgettable experience for our guests. Our guests have not stopped commenting on how beautiful the venue was and how they enjoyed exploring the new spaces throughout the day. Aside from the beautiful design, John, Kelly, and Kaitlyn were a dream to work with!! They are a well oiled machine and were so easy to work with. They provided us with suggestions, were flexible, and very responsive. Our wedding was everything we hoped for and more and we owe it to Excelsior and their team.
Lauren P
5.0
12/15/2023
My husband and I got married at Excelsior on 11/25/23 and our wedding day was nothing short of exceptional. As a wedding vendor by profession, my venue search was a little differen...
t than most due to being around weddings all the time. As someone who has photographed HUNDREDS of venues for a living, it's no coincidence that I chose Excelsior to host my own.
From the first couple minutes of the tour, the owners Kelly and John really make you feel like family. We fell in love with how intentionally designed the property was, the many different beautiful spaces, and we were absolutely taken with the Oyster House. We rented the property and the bridal party + significant others were all able to stay.
Excelsior's vendor list is top tier, and all vendors that I would've hand picked myself anyway: Kaci from Simple Soiree, Kate from Forte Florals, DJ Mast Productions, Shumaker PDT; all were on an exclusive list and for good reason.
Our wedding day was magical, Excelsior made everything seamless. The catering was incredible, and our guests raved about the Osso Bucca and the Sweet Potato Gnocchi. I'd recommend Excelsior to anyone and everyone. It's the perfect venue for any time of year. It was 40 degrees and I knew that any weather circumstance would still result in a perfect wedding. Thank you Kelly, John, and Kaitlyn for the incredible experience, we are forever grateful!
Sue S
5.0
12/15/2023
Everything was beautiful. The staff was great to work with. Kept everything as stress free as possible during their special day. Would recommend this wedding venue to others.
Adam B
5.0
11/21/2023
Excelsior surpassed every dream we had for our special day!
Their staff were extremely caring, responsive and on top of all the details from start to finish. The venue is stunnin...
g and has multiple indoor and outdoor areas to choose from to make your day perfect.
The food was fantastic, and they cater to any requests and dietary restrictions you might have.
If you're looking for perfection, then I would highly recommend booking Excelsior for your wedding or any other event!
Margaret C
5.0
10/30/2023
Excelsior was a dream wedding venue! From our initial tour through our wedding day about two years later, everything was perfect. Kelly, John, and Kaitlyn were so kind and easy t...
o work with. They are very organized and communicative. The venue has gorgeous indoor and outdoor spaces and we were overjoyed with how our wedding day turned out despite it pouring down rain all of the day-of. Would highly recommend to anyone searching for a venue!
Emily H
5.0
8/03/2023
We got married at Excelsior in May and everything was perfect! From the initial planning meetings, to the execution of the day, we have no complaints. Kelly, John, and Kaitlyn were...
amazing to work with, the food was delicious, and the beauty of the venue is just unmatched. From when we first visited, we knew we HAD to get married here! We received so many compliments from guests, and had the most perfect, seamless wedding. Highly recommend! Thanks Excelsior!
Joey S
5.0
7/26/2023
Excelsior is THE wedding reception location. We cannot recommend them enough. They were the best team to work with. Every part of the wedding planning process was so seamless with ...
them. After our wedding, our guests said that was the best spot they’ve ever been to for a wedding. They also thought the food was delicious. The Excelsior team goes above and beyond and makes the bride and groom feel so loved. The catering team made a Caesar salad specifically for my husband. It was so sweet! The venue is very clean and beautiful. Kelly and John are so thoughtful. You can’t go wrong with Excelsior!
Mikayla A
5.0
7/23/2023
Our wedding at Excelsior was magical. Kelly, John, and Kaitlyn are wonderful to work with and have everything down to a science, which means every part of the day runs smoothly! Th...
e unique combination of indoor and outdoor spaces can’t be found anywhere else, and our guests loved the venue as well. Our wedding was everything we hoped it would be, thanks to Excelsior!
Eliana M
5.0
7/16/2023
Excelsior was everything we’d hoped for! The staff, the food/drinks, and the venue itself helped make our day everything we dreamed it would be. The space is stunning and everyone ...
is so helpful and accommodating. Our guests are still talking about how great the wedding was and we didn’t have to worry about a thing on our big day. 10/10 recommend this venue!
Emily T
5.0
7/14/2023
Highly recommend! The venue was beautiful and food was delicious. Our guests repeatedly came up to us to say how much they loved the venue and it was the best food they’ve ever had...
at a wedding. Additionally, the Excelsior team is so friendly and easy to work with. They ensured everything was perfect on our wedding day.
Natalie R
5.0
7/13/2023
Excelsior is the best place to get married hands down. The venue is so unique and all of our guests loved being able to experience different rooms and spaces throughout the wedding...
day. The history of the building creates an eclectic style, mixing together industrial, traditional, and modern touches making it a very flexible venue for your decor. Plus, this venue has stunning options both inside and outside, so no matter the weather, your wedding day vision will not fall apart.
The food is actually amazing... I know people will raise an eyebrow, but we had so many people come up to us and rave about the food. Their menu offers a lot of options and the best, most personable part, is if you really want to include a family recipe or dish, they will (and seemed to welcome the ideas).
To top it off, you will not find a venue with staff that cares more than the team at Excelsior. Kelly, Jon, and Kaitlyn really put in the time to get to know each and every couple, and genuinely care about making your wedding day the best. They're very hands-on and welcome your creative (and even crazy) ideas.
The only downside I will say, is the fact that the venue has to close up at 10pm. This isn't something they can control, so it's more of a complaint about Lancaster haha. You do have some tight windows and will have to make some sacrifices in your timeline but that's pretty much true with any venue. People weren't ready to stop dancing and drinking so it would've been great to have one more hour. Even though we had an after party, the venue was more fun and intimate than going to a bar with a bunch of strangers.
Jessica L
5.0
7/12/2023
We could not have asked for a better venue. The staff was so accommodating and helpful throughout the entire wedding planning process. They were well organized and always quick to ...
respond with any questions that we had. The fact the the building is unique and absolutely beautiful is just the icing on the cake!
Megan T
5.0
6/01/2023
The guests fell in love with the venue just as much as we did! every inch is photo perfect
Beth M
5.0
5/30/2023
We knew Excelsior was THE place for our daughter and son-in-law's wedding from the moment we passed through the gates. It's a spectacular blend of historic, industrial and greenery...
. Every space is like stepping into a new experience yet somehow feels perfectly connected. It wowed our gets just as it did us.
Beyond its picturesque design, it’s the amazing food and service level that separate the Excelsior from all other venue options in the tri-state area. The whole team was a joy to work with but Kaitlyn was absolutely wonderful (she even had her chef's make one of our family recipes to be served during cocktail hour). It was also such a pleasant surprise to not be nickeled-and-dimed for things like table linens, accommodations for guests with food allergies or last minute layout changes.
Thank you all for your attention to detail!
Emily J
5.0
4/25/2023
Our wedding day was a dream in this stunning and spacious venue! Kelly, John, and Kaitlyn made sure every detail was perfect, and they had every single thing covered on our special...
day. The bridal suite has no comparison. We received so many compliments on the delicious food and unique spaces. We could not have asked for anything more!
Daniel D
5.0
12/19/2022
Absolutely perfect. We had the exact wedding we envisioned, and everyone was raving about all the food. Kaitlyn, the catering manager, was a delight to work with and was so accomod...
ating with all our requests. We could not have asked for a better day!
Adrienne B
5.0
9/12/2022
We could not have been happier with our choice of Excelsior for our wedding day. From the booking and planning process to the big day, working with Kelly, John, and Kaitlyn was alw...
ays such a positive and perfect experience. They were accommodating to everything we asked for, and everything about our day was personalized to exactly how we imagined it. Excelsior is a stunning venue, and we cannot thank everyone there enough for making our wedding day so special!
Alicia J
5.0
8/20/2022
Excelsior is truly a one-of-a-kind venue and we could not be happier that we chose them as our venue!
From initial contact - it is clear that Excelsior is unique. Upon inquiry the...
y offered a packet of incredibly thorough and transparent information about their packages and what is offered. We loved that they offer an almost all inclusive package that meant a lot less work, planning and ultimately money for us! We also loved that their packages include all of the venue spaces to do with as you please! We were so excited to utilize all of Excelsior's incredibly beautiful and unique spaces for each part of our wedding and our guests loved transitioning throughout the venue and getting to experience all Excelsior has to offer.
Excelsior does have a preferred vendor list and some vendors must be chosen off of it (wedding coordinator, florist and DJs). Although this might be a turn off to some for me it made finding vendors much easier and Excelsior's preferred vendor list truly only has the best of the best! The result - Excelsior runs like a well-oiled machine. Virtually all of the vendors we used had worked at Excelsior before and with the other vendors as well. It made for a completely stress free and seamless day!
Perhaps the best thing Excelsior has to offer though is its team. You can really tell that Kelly, Kaitlyn and John are doing what they love and are dedicated to making sure their couples have an experience unique to themselves! It felt like there was very little they couldn't customize if we wanted and they were constantly offering ideas to help make our wedding day really ours! Correspondence was always prompt to answer any questions and concerns.
As for the food- Excelsior's in-house catering did an awesome job for our pre-wedding brunch, cocktail hour and reception. Our guests raved about the food and although most of our menu choices were from a list of dishes they already offered, we also loved that we were able to customize a few hors d'oeuvres.
My in-laws also rented Excelsior's newly renovated guest house The Oyster House and it was a great experience. It was super convenient and an awesome location for the groom and groomsmen to get ready the day of.
Kelly, Kaitlyn, John and the rest of the Excelsior team - thank you for making our wedding day dreams come true! We cannot recommend Excelsior enough!
Alexandra F
5.0
8/01/2022
We found Excelsior in May of 2019 and had initially planned to get married in June 2021, opting for a nearly 2 year engagement because we loved Excelsior so much, and they were boo...
ked solid for 2020. With the uncertainty of the pandemic still in early 2021, we chose to post-pone our wedding another year. Excelsior was so kind and accommodating about this.
o We have been trying to put into words how amazing our experience working with Excelsior was and there just aren’t any that capture it. Our wedding day was even better than we imagined it could be. We had countless people tell us that it was not only the best wedding they'd ever been to, but the most beautiful venue as well. The food was incredible, and the execution for the entire event was seamless. Given the choice, we’d get married at Excelsior 20 times over.
Lauren G
5.0
7/21/2022
I can not say enough good things about Excelsior. Everyone is SO nice and welcoming. They are accommodating and quick to respond. The venue itself is the prettiest building I have ...
ever been in. The service is the best I have seen anywhere and my wedding was genuinely the best one I have ever seen and so many people commented on this. Literally no-one lifted a finger the day-of because of how seamlessly they did everything. They are the best in the industry and ensure dream weddings. I am literally obsessed with excelsior and wish I could live that day over and over again because of how awesome of a venue and staff there is. The vendors they let you chose from are the BEST in the industry. This is the top central PA venue, you won't regret it for even one minute
Jackie K
5.0
7/13/2022
What a magical place for a Wedding! The venue is gorgeous - each space totally unique. The owners and staff are exceptional. The passion they have for their business is truly evide...
nt. They helped us every step of the way. The catering team is onsite, and their food is incredible. The service was fantastic. Our Wedding guests were totally impressed with Excelsior. We can't recommend it enough!
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Excelsior
Kelly Dantinne
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Owner
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