FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The Arches – Jane Darnell – 610-996-2760 – [email protected]
The Arches Celebrates Five Years of Love Stories, Restoration, and Community
Coatesville, PA — May 2026 — The Arches recently celebrated its 5th Anniversary with a private gathering honoring the couples, families, vendors, and community members who have helped shape the venue’s story over the past five years.
Originally built in 1870, the historic church served the Coatesville community for more than 150 years. Since reopening as an event venue under the vision of Crosby and Nancy Wood of New Heritage Properties, The Arches has welcomed more than 20,000 guests, hosted over 150 weddings, and celebrated hundreds of life events.
Founded originally as Midway Arches, the venue’s name naturally evolved into The Arches over time, inspired by the beautiful architectural arches found throughout the historic building. In conjunction with the venue’s 5-year celebration, The Arches also unveiled a newly redesigned website created by its talented venue designer, along with a new online home at www.thearches600.com.
Over the past five years, thoughtful renovations and enhancements have preserved the church’s historic beauty while transforming it into a warm and welcoming gathering place for modern celebrations. In that time The Arches has hosted over 150 weddings and hundreds of life celebrations, welcoming more than 20,000 guests. Couples and guests have traveled ot only from across Pennsylvania, but from Erie to State College and states including Oklahoma, Kansas, New York, New Jersey, Maryland, Delaware and even internationally from Germany and Colombia. While many assume the veue draws primarily local celebrations, its reach continues to extend far beyond the region.
Guests continue to be drawn not only by the venue’s stained-glass windows, soaring architecture, outdoor spaces, wraparound porch, and multiple wedding suites, including the historic rectory next door, but also by the flexibility and hospitality that make each event feel personal and unique.
The anniversary celebration welcomed past couples, couples with upcoming weddings, community leaders, and friends of the venue for an afternoon filled with music, entertainment, food, and shared memories. Many couples returned with their children, parents, and family members who had also fallen in love with The Arches over the years, creating heartfelt reunions and full-circle moments throughout the day.
Guests gathered for a celebratory champagne toast and commemorative balcony group photo honoring the many love stories and milestones shared within the historic space.
Throughout the afternoon, couples and guests were entertained by the talented violinist Brian Fitzy and amazed by roaming magician Clive Allen, whose interactive performances added energy and surprise to the celebration.
Guests also enjoyed culinary offerings from Doe Run Catering, Alexander’s Catering, and Butter’s Soul Food, along with an assortment of wedding cakes, cookies, cupcakes, brownies, and desserts from several talented local bakeries and dessert artists.
The event’s memories were beautifully documented by Kathryn Rose Photography and Moments of Joy Content Creator, capturing candid moments, reunions, laughter, and celebrations that reflected the heart of The Arches community.
The celebration also highlighted the ongoing revitalization taking place throughout Coatesville, as historic spaces continue finding new life and purpose while preserving the character and stories that make the community unique.
“It was a wonderful day seeing couples return to The Arches from near and far and having the chance to simply be guests while revisiting the place where their love story began,” said Jane Darnell, Acting Manager of The Arches. “Watching families reconnect, seeing children running through the same space where their parents were married, and celebrating alongside so many people who have become part of The Arches story made the day incredibly meaningful for all of us.”
As The Arches looks toward the future, its mission remains unchanged: honoring the history of the building while continuing to create a welcoming place where people gather to celebrate life’s most meaningful moments.
Beyond weddings, The Arches continues to serve as a gathering place for unique community experiences. In March, The Arches hosted the Edgar Allan Poe Speakeasy bringing in over 850 new guests to The Arches and to Coatesville from across the region for an immersive evening that highlights the versatility and continued draw of the space. “To book your wedding or next event visit www.thearches600.com “