Guest Guide: What to Expect
Our biggest hope is that everyone feels comfortable, included, and ready to have a great time celebrating with us! If you have any concerns, special accommodations, or just need a little extra info, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re happy to help and want to make sure this day is enjoyable for everyone we love.
If you have any questions or need assistance feel free to contact us at
Brynae.mullins@gmail.com
or
(717)814-7314
In the meantime, here are some common questions our guests might have.
We know there’s a lot of information here, and not everything will apply to everyone, so just scan through for anything you’re curious about before reaching out.
When and where is the ceremony?
Our ceremony will take place at 2:00 PM at Messiah Lutheran, a beautiful church just minutes from the hotel. We kindly ask guests to arrive by 1:30 PM to be seated before the service begins. Parking is available onsite. Located at 901 N 6th St, Harrisburg, PA 17102.
When and where is the reception?
Our wedding reception will take place at 5:00 PM at The Historic Peter Allen House, located at 1801 Peters Mountain Rd, Dauphin, PA 17018.
What should I do during the break between the ceremony and reception if I’m not staying at the hotel?
Our ceremony should wrap up around 2:30 PM, so there will be a few hours before the reception begins at 5:00 PM. If you're not staying at the hotel, no worries! You’re welcome to relax in the hotel lobby! We’re planning to have light snacks and refreshments available there, but if you’re feeling a bit more hungry, the hotel also has a restaurant and bar where you can sit down and grab a bite. Keep in mind that dinner will be served at the reception around 6:30 PM. We appreciate you being part of our special day and hope you enjoy the break however you choose to spend it!
If I’m only staying at the hotel Saturday night, will I be able to check in before the reception?
Yes! We’ve arranged for early check-in for all guests staying just Saturday night, so you’ll be able to go straight to your room after the ceremony ends. The break begins around 2:30 PM, and although standard check-in is normally at 3:00 PM, the hotel will have your room ready early so you can freshen up or relax before the reception kicks off at 5:00 PM.
Please note: We can only guarantee early check-in at the Hilton Harrisburg, as we've arranged a room block there. If you're staying elsewhere, we recommend calling your hotel ahead of time to check their early check-in policy.
We encourage guests who are staying at the hotel to invite friends and family (who may not have a room) to hang out and relax with them during the downtime. It’s a great chance to catch up, freshen up, and get ready to celebrate together!
How do I book a room at the hotel?
We have a room block reserved at the Hilton Harrisburg. You can book a room by calling their front desk and mentioning our wedding, or use the booking link on our Accommodations Page on the website. The room block is limited, so we encourage you to book early!
Is there a dress code?
Yes, we kindly ask guests to follow cocktail attire. Since our ceremony will be held in a church, we suggest wearing something respectful for the setting. There will be a break between the ceremony and reception, so if you’d like to swap into something a little more fun you’ll have time to do so! Also, keep in mind that the reception will be held on grass, so we recommend comfortable shoes.
Cocktail attire is typically described as a step above smart casual, with men wearing suits (tie optional) or a blazer with dress pants and a dress shirt, and women opting for knee-length or midi dresses, jumpsuits, dress shirts with pants etc.
But most importantly, we want you to feel good! No pressure. Wear what makes you comfortable and ready to celebrate with us!
What will the weather be like?
In Dauphin County, early October typically brings comfortable fall weather. Average high temperatures are around 65°F (18°C), with lows near 45°F (7°C). We recommend bringing a light jacket or wrap, especially for the evening hours.
Will there be parking available?
Yes, there is ample parking at Messiah Lutheran and the Peter Allen House. The church also has a parking garage across the street. Venue staff will be available to assist you with parking and directions.
Will there be shuttle services?
Yes, we will provide shuttle services to and from the venue for your convenience.
Do I need to be staying at the hotel to use the shuttle, and how do I let you know if I’ll be using it?
Nope! The shuttle from the hotel to the venue is available to all guests, regardless of where you’re staying. Just indicate on your RSVP if you’ll be using it so we can estimate how much room we’ll need. If you’re unsure, go ahead and check “yes” we’d rather have extra room than not enough!
Are children allowed at the ceremony?
Yes! Children are more than welcome to join us for the ceremony! We’d love to see their sweet faces there! Our ceremony will take place in a church and we completely understand if you'd like them to be a part of this special moment. However, we kindly suggest that families with little ones who might get a bit rowdy sit toward the back, so it’s easier to step out to the nursery if needed. (Trust me, my mom had to do this with me when I was a kid, so if your little one makes noise, it's just my karma!)
Are children allowed at the reception?
Yes! We’ve decided to include children in our celebration. During the reception, there will be a separate area just for them! They will have their own little kids’ party with fun activities and a bounce house! So if your little ones are joining the fun, please make sure they’re dressed comfortably for play.
That being said, we understand that every family is different. If you feel your child might be more comfortable at home, we completely understand and support that decision too.
If your child will be joining you at your table, we kindly ask that they sit on your lap to help us manage seating. We’d also appreciate it if little ones could be stepped out with during speeches and our first dances, to help keep the moment meaningful and focused.
Thank you so much for your understanding and support! We can’t wait to celebrate with you (and your kiddos)!
To help us prepare, please make sure to include your child(ren)’s name(s) on your RSVP. This ensures they’ll get a personalized goodie bag and won’t miss out on any of the fun! If you RSVP “yes” for your child and they end up not attending (we totally get that sometimes little ones get tired!), we’ll still make sure their goodies make it home to them.
Will there be a meal provided?
Yes, we will have appetizers and refreshments at cocktail hour and a buffet will be served during the reception. Please let us know if you have any dietary restrictions.
Will there be vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free options?
Yes! We want all of our guests to feel comfortable and well-fed, so we’re making sure there are options available for anyone with dietary restrictions, including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free dishes. If you have any dietary needs or allergies, please let us know when you RSVP so we can ensure there’s plenty available for you!
Will there be an open bar?
Yes, we will have an open bar available for our guests to enjoy!
Can I take photos during the ceremony and reception?
Yes, you're welcome to take photos during both the ceremony and reception. We just ask that you be mindful of our professional photographer and videographer, ensuring they have a clear path to capture our special moments. Thank you for your consideration!
Can I bring a plus-one?
Due to space limitations, we’re only able to accommodate plus-ones for those who received an invitation with a guest included.
However, we totally get that it can be uncomfortable to attend a wedding solo, especially if you don’t know many people. If this is the case, please don’t hesitate to reach out! We would much rather have you there and will do our best to make you feel comfortable and included!
Will there be dancing?
Yes, absolutely! We have a dance floor ready and waiting for you to show off your best moves. We can't wait to celebrate with you!
What time does the reception end?
Our reception will conclude around 10:00 PM. We hope you'll dance the night away with us until then!
Are there local attractions or activities nearby?
Yes! We've dedicated a page on our wedding website to highlight local attractions and activities you might enjoy during your stay. Feel free to check it out for recommendations on dining, sightseeing, and more!
Is there a wedding registry?
Yes, we have a registry at Amazon. You can find the details on our registry page linked down below. We also have a section on our website dedicated to the registry.
Can’t Be There in Person? Join Us on Zoom!
Accessibility & Special Accommodations
We want to ensure that all of our guests feel comfortable and have an amazing time celebrating with us.
Venue Accessibility
Both Messiah Lutheran Church and The Historic Peter Allen House are wheelchair-accessible. The reception venue has both indoor and outdoor spaces, with smooth paths for mobility devices
For Guests with Limited Mobility:
If you need assistance with seating at the ceremony or reception, please let us know ahead of time so we can accommodate you.
Shuttle services will be available to minimize walking distances.
For Guests with Sensory Sensitivities or Special Needs:
The church has a quiet room/nursery available if anyone needs a moment away from the crowd.
If you or a loved one need special accommodations, please reach out to us in advance, and we will do everything we can to make the day enjoyable for you.
