When you picture mansion wedding venues in Maryland, you might think of stately staircases and gilded ballrooms. But here’s the thing — not all mansions are stuck in a 19th-century time warp. Some of them? They’re sprawling waterfront estates with private beaches, 130-foot piers, and pavilions that turn into open-air party spaces as the sun sets over the Potomac River.

If you’re looking for a wedding reception venue that’s equal parts historic charm and modern inclusions, this guide is your roadmap.

rachel and jon on the drive

The Most Sought-After Mansion Wedding Venues in Maryland

Let’s start with the ones you’ll see on every couple’s shortlist:

Venue Location Address Quick Highlights
The Pavilion at Weatherly Southern Maryland 14145 Banks O’dee Rd

Newburg, Maryland 20664

Private beach access, Potomac River pier, indoor/outdoor pavilion, acres of landscaped lawns, caterers’ prep kitchen, garden, porch, and splash golf
Newton White Mansion Mitchellville, MD 2708 Enterprise Road

Mitchellville, MD 20721

Georgian architecture, formal gardens, ceremony lawn, patio
Gramercy Mansion Baltimore, MD 1400 Greenspring Vly Rd, Stevenson, MD 21153 Lush gardens, fireplaces, and multiple ceremony sites
Grey Rock Mansion Pikesville, MD 400 Grey Rock Rd, Pikesville, MD 21208 Historic manor house, landscaped gardens, and marble fireplaces
The Liriodendron Mansion Bel Air, MD 502 W Gordon Street

Bel Air, MD 21014

Garden lawn, classic portico, and intimate reception rooms

Other honorable mentions include Glenview Mansion and Kentlands Mansion Wedding Venue. Explore The Wedding Wire for even more options.

While all these venues are dreamy in their own way, The  Pavilion at Weatherly shines above the rest.

pavilion lawn rachel & jon

Why The Pavilion at Weatherly Belongs at the Top of Your List

Southern Maryland doesn’t just have waterfront — it has Potomac River waterfront, and Weatherly takes full advantage. Here’s what makes it different from any other mansion wedding venue in Maryland:

  • Private Beach Access — Perfect for barefoot vows, sunset portraits, or an after-party by the water.
  • 130-Foot Waterfront Pier — A statement ceremony aisle or just the spot for your “we’re married!” champagne moment.
  • Indoor/Outdoor Pavilion — Dinner under a roof, dancing under the stars, all in the same space.
  • Activities Guests Actually Talk About — From lawn games to splash golf (biodegradable balls, of course), there’s zero chance your wedding will feel like every other.
  • Epic River Views — Morning mist, golden hour glow, or moonlit reflections — the Potomac delivers every season.

💡 Seasonal tip: In July, Southern Maryland averages 87°F. Early evening ceremonies mean cooler air and golden light bouncing off the water — basically, built-in photography magic.

Reserve Your Dream Date Today/fusion_button]

couple on the dock

What to Look For in a Maryland Mansion Wedding Venue

Before you book, make sure you’re asking the right questions:

  • Water Access — If a venue claims “water views,” ask if you can actually get to the water (private beach > distant glimpse).
  • Ceremony & Reception Flow — Can guests move easily from lawn to pavilion to patio without feeling lost?
  • Weather Contingencies — Does the pavilion convert to a fully covered space in case of rain?
  • On-Site Activities — Will your guests have something fun to do between the ceremony and reception?
  • Photography Variety — Gardens, porches, piers, and architecture make for a more dynamic album.

fall wedding on the lawn

2026 Mansion Wedding Trends to Watch

Inspired by Tatler’s 2026 wedding forecast, adapted for Maryland’s grand estates

The experts predict that 2026 weddings will be all about emotion, personalisation, and a reimagining of luxury — and Maryland’s mansion venues are the perfect canvas for it. Here’s how those trends translate when your wedding day is set against Georgian architecture, manicured lawns, and Potomac River sunsets.

  • Bespoke for Everyone – We’re not talking just monogrammed napkins. At Maryland mansions, bespoke touches can mean custom cocktail menus inspired by your love story, individually selected guest gifts (hello, Maryland-made spice blends or Chesapeake Bay-inspired oyster knives), and curated playlists that set a distinct mood in each part of the estate — from the porch to the pavilion to the pier.
  • Low-Key Opulence – Luxury in 2026 is about depth, not size. Instead of massive, sprawling guest lists, couples are leaning into smaller celebrations with richer textures — silk table runners, velvet lounge seating on the porch, and artisan-crafted place settings that turn each table into its own work of art.
  • The Bold Return of Colour- 2026 planners are saying goodbye to beige — and mansion weddings are taking note. Imagine a garden ceremony framed by ombré floral arches, cocktail hour on the lawn with jewel-toned glassware, and a pavilion transformed by architectural lighting in deep emerald, cerulean, or fuchsia.
  • Breaking the Venue Mold- Even with historic estates, couples are pushing past “ballroom only” receptions. At The Pavilion at Weatherly, that means using the pier for a cocktail send-off, the private beach for golden-hour photos, and the pavilion for a breezy indoor/outdoor dinner-dance hybrid. Other Maryland mansions are experimenting with open-air garden lounges, patio bars, and tented lawn dance floors.
  • Timeless, Not Trendy – While colour and creativity are in, the foundation is still timelessness. At a Maryland manor house, that might mean pairing bold florals with classic Georgian architecture, or mixing a contemporary menu with traditional ceremony rituals. The key is making it authentic to you while respecting the venue’s history.
  • The Weekend Estate Experience – The single-day wedding is fading fast. Even if you can’t host overnight, a Maryland mansion estate is perfect for multi-day celebrations — think a welcome party on the lawn Friday, the wedding Saturday, and a farewell brunch by the water on Sunday. Weatherly even turns “downtime” into entertainment with pier strolls and splash golf.

Get Inspired

things to do in southern maryland cecd k

Mansion Weddings by Maryland Region

  • Southern Maryland — Waterfront estates with piers and patios (The Pavilion at Weatherly is the standout here).
  • Eastern Shore of Maryland — Coastal estates near the Chesapeake Bay with dock access.
  • Central Maryland — Historic architecture like The Gramercy Mansion and The Grey Rock Mansion.
  • Western Maryland — Manor houses surrounded by mountain and forest landscapes.

potomac river activities

Neighboring States Worth a Peek

If your guest list is D.C. or Northern Virginia heavy, Maryland mansions are still easy to get to — many are under 90 minutes from both BWI and DCA. And if you’re open to exploring beyond Maryland, other New England states like Rhode Island and Connecticut also offer historic manor house venues with similar architecture.

things to do in northern virginia

Mini-Moon Spots Near Maryland Mansions

Stay in wedding mode for just a little longer without hopping on a plane:

  • Annapolis, MD — Sailing, seafood, and historic charm, about 90 minutes from Southern Maryland.
  • Cape Charles, VA — Bayfront beaches and boutique inns, around 3.5 hours away.
  • The Greenbrier, WV — Iconic resort with golf, spa, and hiking, about 5 hours away.

reception florals

Let’s Plan in Style

Maryland’s mansion wedding venues offer more than just beautiful architecture — they’re about location, flexibility, and giving your guests a full experience. If your vision includes a private beach, a pier that makes your photographer giddy, and a pavilion that morphs from dinner space to dance party in seconds? The Pavilion at Weatherly is where your wedding story starts.

the pavilion interior

Author Bio

Written by Gabbi Rubino, Client Success Manager for Snowmad Digital, a marketing agency specializing in luxury wedding venues across the United States. With over 2 years of hands-on experience crafting SEO-driven wedding guides, Gabbi has worked with top venues featured in leading publications like The Pavilion at Weatherly. 

She has helped hundreds of couples plan weddings at estates, waterfront properties, and private manors — with a special focus on Maryland’s mansion wedding venues. Her expertise spans venue selection, trend forecasting, and regional planning insights, making her a trusted voice for couples seeking a truly distinctive celebration.

rachel and jon sunset portrait