The Ultimate Guide to Fall Weddings in Pennsylvania
There’s just something magical about a fall wedding! The crisp air, the colors, the cozy vibes, it all comes together to create the most romantic setting. Whether you’re dreaming of an intimate barn celebration or a grand estate affair, autumn offers endless opportunities to make your day unique, warm, and unforgettable.
At C&J Catering, we’ve seen firsthand how beautiful fall weddings can be (and how delicious!). From seasonal menus to candlelit décor, here’s your ultimate guide to planning the perfect fall wedding in Pennsylvania, complete with our favorite venues, menu ideas, and décor inspiration.
Fall Wedding Venues We Love
We’re lucky to work with some truly stunning Pennsylvania wedding venues that are especially magical this time of year.
Historic Acres of Hershey: Rustic charm meets elegant design at Historic Acres of Hershey. The barn and pavilion glow against the fall foliage, and the photo opportunities are endless.
King Mansion: Overlooking the Susquehanna River, King Mansion offers a sophisticated backdrop for a romantic fall wedding. Think timeless architecture, grand interiors, and golden light reflecting off the water.
Linwood Estate: If you’re looking for sweeping mountain views and rich fall colors, Linwood Estate delivers. It’s the kind of place where every turn feels like a postcard moment.
The Star Barn at Stone Gables Estate: The Star Barn is dramatic, rustic, and full of character. With its towering structures and countryside setting, it’s everything you could want in a picturesque fall wedding venue.
Fall Wedding Menu Ideas
Fall is all about comfort, warmth, and flavor, and your menu should reflect that. Our culinary team loves to lean into seasonal ingredients and cozy dishes that make guests feel right at home.
Signature Fall Drinks
Kick things off with a cocktail (or two!) that sets the tone:
Apple Cider Margarita: A crisp twist on a classic favorite.
Hot Apple Cider Bar: Complete with cinnamon sticks, star anise, and spiced rum.
Hot Chocolate Bar: Perfect for chilly evenings and late-night treats.
Espresso Martini with Pumpkin Cold Foam: Sophisticated, seasonal, and a little bit decadent.
Crowd-Favorite Fall Appetizers:
Small bites that pack big flavor? Yes, please.
Bacon-Wrapped Sweet Potato with Spicy Maple Glaze
Butternut Squash Arancini
Butternut Squash Shooters
Roasted Balsamic Cranberry and Brie Crostini
Fresh Salads & Rolls with a Fall Twist
Add color and crunch with salads that feel fresh but seasonal:
Pear, Cranberry, and Walnut Salad
Roasted Sweet Potato, Dried Cranberry, Burrata, and Pumpkin Seeds with Raspberry Vinaigrette
Honey Cornbread, Cheddar Biscuits, and Brown Butter Sage Rolls (because rolls deserve their own spotlight!)
Cozy Entrées to Savor
Heartier entrées are perfect for cooler evenings — and your guests will love these options:
French Roast Chicken with Roasted Root Vegetables and Maple Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
Short Ribs with Garlic Whipped Potatoes and Green Bean Almondine
Maple Bourbon Salmon with Roasted Potatoes and Maple Dijon Carrots
Sweet Fall Desserts
The best way to end the night? With something warm, gooey, and just a little nostalgic.
Apple Cider Donuts
Mini Pumpkin, Apple, and Pecan Pies with Vanilla Ice Cream
Warm Apple Cobbler with Salted Caramel Ice Cream
S’mores Station (because who doesn’t love roasting marshmallows?)
Salted Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars
Fall Florals & Décor Inspiration
Fall is the season of rich textures and bold colors. Whether you’re going vibrant or keeping it neutral, there are so many ways to make your space feel warm and inviting.
Florals That Shine in Autumn: Think dahlias, marigolds, and zinnias for pops of color, paired with neutral hydrangeas in rich reds, greens, browns, and mauves for balance.
Creative Seasonal Touches: We love adding natural elements to centerpieces. Things like dried oranges, apples, and pears bring a fresh, unexpected twist to your décor.
Lighting & Ambience: With earlier sunsets, lots of candlelight is key. Mix in lanterns, fairy lights, or even hanging bulbs to create that romantic glow once the sun goes down.
Color Palettes That Pop (or Stay Subtle): Don’t be afraid of color! Burnt orange, deep burgundy, and mustard yellow all look incredible this time of year. Prefer something softer? Chocolate brown and olive green create a timeless, earthy palette that pairs beautifully with any venue.
Cozy Touches That Guests Love: Add texture and warmth with specialty linens, firepits, lounge seating, and soft blankets. Not only do these details look amazing, but they make guests feel comfortable all night long.
And don’t forget to think about your ceremony backdrop. If your venue features golden trees or rolling mountains, play off those natural tones rather than competing with them.
Make Your Fall Wedding Unforgettable
At C&J Catering, we love bringing these details to life. From helping you craft the perfect fall wedding menu to coordinating with your venue and floral team, we’re here to make every element come together seamlessly.
Get in touch with our team to learn more about our wedding catering packages, and let’s make your celebration one to remember.
