The Benefits Go Way Beyond the View

Yes, the scenic factor is top-tier—but a waterfront wedding brings more to the table than a photo backdrop. Couples are drawn to the water for emotional, sensory, and logistical reasons too. Here’s why:

1. Built-In Decor Theme

When you get married by the water, nature does a lot of the heavy lifting. Instead of dropping thousands on floral walls or ceiling installations in a ballroom, you’re working with a backdrop that’s already spectacular.

Whether it’s the soft movement of the river, the bold drama of ocean waves, or the stillness of a mirrored lake at dusk, the scenery speaks for itself. Most couples still bring in thoughtful décor, but it’s usually more personal and less about “filling the space.”

Think minimalist ceremony arches that frame the view without blocking it, aisle markers that tie into the landscape, and lighting that highlights the water instead of competing with it.

2. A Multi-Sensory Guest Experience

Waterfront weddings aren’t just about what you see—they’re about what you feel. There’s a reason people flock to beaches, rivers, and lakes when they need to recharge.

The gentle sound of waves or river currents can turn your ceremony into a meditative moment. The breeze keeps the air moving during a long day of celebrations. The smell of salt air (or fresh mountain lake air) sets the tone before guests even sit down. This is when your guests start feeling like they’re part of an experience.

3. Photography You Can’t Fake

Good photographers love waterfront weddings because they offer dynamic lighting and natural reflectors. Water softens harsh sunlight and creates dreamy, glowy portraits. It also gives your photographer a playground of textures—think docks, yachts, sandy beaches, or grassy riverbanks to play with composition.

But there’s a catch: waterfront light can be tricky if you don’t know how to use it. That’s why you’ll want to work with a photographer who’s done this before. They’ll know how to capture the right moments, adjust for reflections, and keep you looking fresh—not squinty—in your photos.

“Backgrounds that are light-colored such as sea and sky will be overexposed (also known as ‘blown out’). This is an intentional stylistic choice.”

– Zoe Larkin, Wedding Photographer

How to Prepare for a Waterfront Photo Shoot

Before the camera comes out, here’s what to consider:

• Golden Hour Timing: Work backward from sunset to plan your ceremony and couple portraits. The “magic hour” is real, especially over the water.

• Wind Management: Talk to your hair and makeup team about styles that won’t unravel in a breeze. Your photographer will guide you on the best veil tricks (or when to ditch it altogether for dock photos).

• Footwear Prep: Plan for photos on grass, sand, or docks. Brides, consider a second pair of shoes for those moments.

Pros & Cons of Waterfront Weddings at a Glance

Not all waterfront weddings are created equal. The type of water you choose changes the vibe, the logistics, and the overall experience.

Let’s break it down:

Quick Guide

Full Breakdown of Waterfront Destinations

Riverfront Weddings

A river wedding is often about peaceful, romantic energy. The water moves gently, reflecting the trees and sky. River venues are often less crowded than beaches, making them ideal for couples who want privacy.

Pros of Riverfront Weddings

• Calm, soothing setting

• Typically fewer wind issues than oceans

• Great for boating entrances or dockside ceremonies

Challenges

• Tides can cause timing issues (ask your venue about high and low tide impact)

• Potential for spring flooding in some areas

Popular Riverfront Wedding Venues

• The Pavilion at Weatherly – 14145 Banks O’Dee Rd Newburg, Maryland 20664

• Independence Seaport Museum, Philadelphia – 211 S Christopher Columbus Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19106

• The River House at Goodspeed Station, Connecticut – 55 Bridge St, Haddam, CT 06438

Lakefront Weddings

Lakes offer stillness and serenity. Think calm waters, mountain reflections, and relaxed vibes. Lakefront weddings often lean rustic or resort-like.

Pros Of Lakefront Weddings

• Mirror-like reflections for photos

• Typically less wind

• Great for smaller ceremonies and weekend wedding retreats

Challenges

• Less natural airflow = warmer temps in summer

• Some lakes have strict venue rules about noise or boating

Popular Lakefront Venues

• Cedar Lakes Estate, New York – 1 Team USA Way, Port Jervis, NY 12771

• The Arch, California – 4105 Lakeshore Blvd, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150

• Big Cedar Lodge, Ozarks, Missouri – 190 Top of the Rock Rd, Ridgedale, MO 65739

Oceanfront Weddings

An ocean wedding is bold and dramatic. Waves crashing, sea breeze in your hair, panoramic ocean views—it’s a whole mood.

Pros of Oceanfront Weddings

• Breathtaking backdrops

• Built-in soundtrack (hello, waves)

• Works for large or small weddings

Challenges

• Wind (think: hair, décor, sound systems all blowing away)

• Permits are often required for public beaches

• Weather shifts fast on the coast

Popular Oceanfront Venues

• Hilton Waterfront Beach Resort, California – 21100 Pacific Coast Hwy, Huntington Beach, CA 92648

• Ocean Edge Resort, Cape Cod, Massachusetts – 2907 Main St, Brewster, MA 02631

• The Bohlin Weddings and Events, Newport, Rhode Island – 20 Commercial Wharf, Newport, RI 02840

Bay & Inlet Weddings

Bays and inlets are cozy and private, perfect for intimate weddings. They’re usually calmer than oceans but still offer water views.

Pros of Bay/Inlet Weddings

• Privacy and intimacy

• Soft water movement

• Less wind than the open ocean

Challenges

• Access may be limited depending on the venue

• Some bays have marshy areas—scout your photo spots

Popular Bayfront Venues

• The Oaks Waterfront Inn, Maryland – 25876 Royal Oak Rd, Royal Oak, MD 21662

• Chesapeake Bay Beach Club, Maryland – 500 Marina Club Rd, Stevensville, MD 21666

• Water’s Edge Resort, Connecticut – 1525 Boston Post Rd, Westbrook, CT 06498

Waterfront weddings go hand in hand with seasonal strategy. Unlike indoor venues where air conditioning controls the climate, the great outdoors has its own schedule. In Southern Maryland—and across the U.S.—certain months are better suited for waterfront ceremonies depending on your priorities.

Before you check out the table below, keep in mind: no season is “bad” for a waterfront wedding—but each comes with trade-offs. It’s about deciding what’s most important to you: flowers, sunsets, budget, or weather predictability.

Bottom line? Know your priorities. If you’re dreaming of a golden-hour ceremony with bold fall florals, you’ll trade off longer nights. If you want summer cocktails on the dock, you’ll need a weather backup plan. There’s no wrong answer—just smart planning.

“The other thing to remember is that rainy or overcast wedding days have some of the most beautiful light. Cloud cover helps eliminate harsh shadows caused by bright, sunny days, which means your photos can have a beautiful, soft quality to them (and no squinting). concerns about Plus, you can purchase clear umbrellas that have a slightly more luxurious feel (for very little money) to use during your portraits.”

– Jessica Bishop Via Budget Savvy Bride

Weather Backup Plans on the Water

We’ve all seen those viral TikToks of a windstorm blowing over a wedding arch or a pop-up rainstorm sending guests sprinting for cover. When you’re planning a waterfront wedding, having a weather backup plan isn’t optional—it’s essential.

1. Indoor or Covered Spaces

Always ask your venue about their rain plan. At The Pavilion at Weatherly, we offer a seamless transition into our covered pavilion space if weather becomes an issue. The best part? You’re still near the water, and the aesthetic stays elevated—not like shoving guests into a random conference room or banquet hall.

2. Tent Rentals

High-end tents (think: sailcloth, not backyard barbecue pop-ups) are popular for waterfront weddings. They keep the vibe classy and the guests dry. Remember: not all tents are created equal—some can withstand heavy winds, while others can’t.

3. Flexible Vendors

Collaborate with planners, caterers, photographers, and florists who have experience working on the waterfront. They’ll understand load-in timing, how to handle tented receptions, and how to pivot fast if needed.

Waterfront weddings take a little extra coordination, but with the right timeline, you’ll stay ahead of the stress.

Here’s a step-by-step timeline for planning your day:

Planning Pro Tip 🌟 Waterfront weddings usually require earlier arrival times for vendors because setups take longer. Allow extra hours for tent installation, sound checks, and dockside ceremony staging.

Vendor Selection | What to Look for When Planning a Waterfront Wedding

Waterfront weddings are not the place for first-timers—you need pros who’ve done this before. View our complete list of preferred vendors here.

Keep scrolling to learn more about what to prioritize when building your team and some of our favorites in Southern MD:

Planners

A waterfront venue planner isn’t just picking napkin colors—they’re thinking about weather patterns, tides, vendor load-ins, and guest transportation. Look for planners who have experience with outdoor events.

Our Recommended Planners:

• B&W Wedding Coordinators
• Maegan Sapienza – Five Senses Event Management

Read More: Compare Northern Virginia Planners With Our Services

Caterers

Serving food by the water comes with challenges. Can your caterer set up in an outdoor kitchen? Are they prepared for heat, wind, and potentially limited power sources? Choose a catering team that knows how to work in nontraditional spaces.

Our Recommended Caterers:

• Milloff’s Catering (closing at the end of 2025—book soon!)

• Creative Cuisine

• Selby’s Food Service

• Two Rivers Catering

• Dream Weaver Catering

• Absolutely Perfect Catering

• Canards Catering

Florists

Wind, humidity, and sun can wreck delicate floral arrangements. Choose a florist who knows which blooms hold up well and can secure décor properly.

Our Recommended Florists:

• Blushing Blooms

• Centerpiece Studio

• Copper Moon Florals

• Floral Design Studio

Bakeries

Cakes don’t love humidity. Fondant handles heat better than buttercream, and a shaded cake table is key. Pick a bakery that knows how to create weatherproof desserts.

Our Recommended Bakeries:

• Michelle’s Cakes

• Charles Street Bakery

• Almond Creek Cakery

• Sugar Lips Cakery

DJs & Live Music

Sound travels differently over water. DJs and musicians need equipment that can handle open-air spaces without blowing out the speakers or sounding flat.

Our Recommended Entertainment:

• Invincible Entertainment

• Crow Entertainment

• CJ Curtis

• DJ Dave Entertainment

• Elite Beatz

• Tiffany Rose: Pop/Rock Electric Violin

Hair & Makeup Artists

Waterfront weddings mean wind, sun, and sweat. Your glam team should know how to create looks that last in outdoor conditions.

Our Recommended Hair & Makeup Pros:

• Shyanne Ricchiuto at Shy Beauty LLC

• Miranda Paige Beauty

• Natural Looks by Victoria

• S&T Beauty

• Amanda Holley

Photographers & Videographers

Waterfront lighting can be both magical and tricky. Hire a photographer who understands how to work with reflections, direct sunlight, and wind.

Our Recommended Photographers:

• Candace Nicole Photography

• Love Charm Photography

• Julia Summers Photography

• Amanda Wose Photography

• Alex and Suzanne Photography