When couples start dreaming about their wedding day, one decision stands above the rest: the venue. It sets the tone, shapes the experience, and becomes the backdrop to one of the most meaningful days of their lives. And on this week’s episode of The Preferred List Podcast, we sat down with Leah: owner, heart, and driving force behind Historic Ashland, an incredible Lancaster, PA wedding venue tucked perfectly between Lancaster and York counties.
From the moment you step onto the property, you can feel that Historic Ashland was built with intention. In a world where so many venues feel like “wedding factories,” Leah has created something entirely different, something deeply personal.
I’m James, a wedding filmmaker based in Lancaster. After years of filming wedding days and working alongside incredible vendors, I started this podcast to highlight the people who truly make weddings unforgettable. Whether you’re a couple planning your big day or a vendor deep in the industry, these conversations are packed with honest insight, real stories, and a whole lot of heart.
A Lancaster Wedding Experience That’s Fully Yours
One of the biggest things that makes Historic Ashland stand out in the venue world is its commitment to privacy and exclusivity. Leah said it best: “We do one wedding a day, so people really enjoy the exclusivity that provides.”
That means no rushing, no overlapping timelines, no strangers wandering onto your grounds. The entire property becomes your own for the day. As a wedding filmmaker, I can tell you… this feeling changes everything. Couples breathe easier. Families slow down. The day feels intentional instead of chaotic.
Endless Versatility, One Stunning Property
Historic Ashland is the kind of Lancaster wedding venue that’s hard to label because it does so many things well. Yes, there’s a large structure on the property, but calling it a “barn” doesn’t do it justice. They call it the lodge, and it blends estate elegance, garden charm, and a refined country feel.
With three indoor and three outdoor ceremony locations, the space adapts beautifully to whatever vibe a couple imagines. Sun-drenched moments, cozy indoor vows, or something in between. For weddings where weather can be unpredictable, this flexibility is gold.
Service That Lets You Actually Enjoy Your Wedding
At many venues, couples (and their families) end up doing a ton of behind-the-scenes work they never expected. But Historic Ashland is built differently.
They provide:
- A day-of coordinator
- A venue manager
- A full setup and teardown team
And it changes the whole energy of the day.
“Here the couple can be the couple,” Leah told me.
You get to actually enjoy everything you planned, not run around managing it.
From 1806 to A Modern Lancaster Wedding Venue
Historic Ashland’s story is almost as beautiful as the weddings they host.
In 2017, Leah and her family took on the incredible challenge of transforming an 1806 property into a luxury wedding venue. They weren’t coming from the wedding world, but they had vision and they put their heart, sweat, and literal equity into making it real.
By May 2018, they were hosting their first weddings. Today, they welcome around 70 couples a year.
And the coolest part? Leah recently got married at her own venue, experiencing the space from both sides. Her biggest takeaway?
“Do not sweat the small stuff.” Because at the end of the day, it’s about marrying your person. Everything else is secondary.
Leah’s Advice for Couples Planning a Lancaster Wedding
Leah shared a few pieces of wisdom that every couple should hear:
1. Have real conversations with your partner before planning.
Dreams, expectations, budget. The earlier you’re on the same page, the better.
2. Be honest about your budget and build around it.
Pinterest is great… until it makes you spend $12,000 on flowers.
3. Curate your guest list with intention.
Her test is brilliant: If your electric goes out, would they let you stay over tonight? If they wouldn’t, they shouldn’t be at your wedding.
The Heart Behind Historic Ashland
Everything about this venue reflects Leah’s heart for service, family, and hospitality. And as they continue to grow and dream up new additions, one thing won’t change: Historic Ashland is a place built for meaningful celebrations, not mass-produced events.
If you’re planning a Lancaster wedding and want a venue that feels personal, private, and beautifully refined, Historic Ashland deserves a spot at the top of your list.
For more episodes of The Preferred List, check us out on Youtube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Instagram.
leave a comment