Hey there, East Coast lovebirds! 💍 Ready to say “I do” in the Old Line State? From the shores of the Chesapeake to the rolling hills of the countryside, Maryland’s got more gorgeous wedding spots than you can scroll past on your FYP. But don’t worry – I’m here to help you navigate this sea of options. By this blog’s end, you’ll be able to envision your dream Maryland wedding!

things to do in southern maryland luisa frassier VjYP JoDY unsplash

Keep reading if you’re…

Madly in love and ready to make it official

Dreaming of a Maryland wedding that’s anything but cookie-cutter

Looking for a wedding venue that offers beauty, flexibility, and a dash of local charm

Carley and Kenny FAVE

Why Maryland is the Best State to Tie the Knot

  1. Four Seasons of Fabulous – Want a winter wonderland wedding? Check. Dreaming of spring cherry blossoms? Got it. How about a summer beach bash or a fall foliage extravaganza? Maryland’s got you covered, no matter the season.
  2. Location, Location, Location – Smack dab between the North and South, Maryland’s easy to get to for all your guests. No one has to fire up the private jet (unless they want to, of course).
  3. Variety is the Spice of Wedding Life – From urban chic to rural charm, Maryland venues offer more flavors than Old Bay seasoning.
  4. History Buff’s Paradise – Get hitched where history happened! Many Maryland venues come with a side of fascinating backstory.
  5. Foodie’s Dream – Two words: Crab. Cakes. Need I say more? (Okay, I will – our local cuisine is to die for!)

Carley and Kenny FAVE

Top Wedding Venues Styles in Maryland

Let’s break down the main types of wedding spaces you’ll find in our beautiful state…

  • Waterfront Wonders (My Personal Favorite)
    • Think stunning views of the Chesapeake Bay or the Potomac River
    • Ideal for beach lovers, mermaid wannabes, and anyone who loves stunning views
    • Pro tip – A sunset wedding ceremony on the water is chef’s kiss
  • Rustic Barns and Farms
    • For that Pinterest-perfect rustic chic vibe
    • Great for DIY decorations and laid-back atmospheres
    • Built-in photo ops with adorable farm animals
  • Historic Ballroom and Estate Wedding Venues
    • Channel your favorite Bridgerton character
    • Ideal for couples who love a touch of old-world glamour
  • Urban Chic Spaces
    • For the effortlessly cool bride who wants a modern, industrial feel
    • Often found in Baltimore or the DC suburbs
  • Winery or Vineyard Venues
    • Because wine not?
    • Beautiful in any season, but especially stunning in fall

Carley and Kenny FAVE | nautical wedding ideas

Wedding Venue Trends & Must-Haves

Details

Intimate Gatherings and Micro Weddings

Small is the new big!

Outdoor Spaces

Outdoor wedding venues are a great choice for couples looking to plan in the warmer months. Fresh air and natural backdrops for warmer months

Versatile Venues

Couples love places where guests can go from the ceremony to the wedding reception seamlessly.

Local Flair

Incorporating Maryland traditions and cuisine is a must.

Tech-Friendly

Venues with Wifi access are crucial for those destination wedding live streams and Instagram updates!

jillian and alan say i do to the pavilion

The Pavilion at Weatherly | A Gem in Southern Maryland

Now, I might be biased, but let me tell you why The Pavilion at Weatherly should be at the top of your list…

  1. Waterfront Wow Factor – 600 feet of Potomac River frontage. Need I say more?
  2. Versatile Spaces – From the stunning reception Pavilion and the expansive lawn & pond to the historic Manor House, they’ve got options.
  3. Southern Maryland Charm – All the beauty of the DMV area without the DC traffic headaches.
  4. Photo Ops Galore – The sunset photos here are Instagram-famous (okay, they should be).
  5. A Bespoke Wedding Experience – They’re all about making your day uniquely you.

Instead of scrolling through lists of luxury, waterfront, beach wedding venues, you can just explore The Pavilion’s website for all that and more. ;)

the pavilion in the summer

FAQs | Planning Your Dream Wedding on the Coastline

swooping in for a kiss on the potomac river beach

Do I need a permit for a beach wedding in Maryland?

  • For public beaches, usually yes. But at venues with private peach space like The Pavilion, no. Their stretch of waterfront beach and dock is all yours for the day. :)

mary and trevor jpg

What’s the best month for an outdoor wedding in Maryland?

  • May and October are goldilocks months – not too hot, not too cold, just right!

a wedding at the pavilion at weatherly

Can I have fireworks at my wedding?

  • It depends on the county and venue. At The Pavilion, we say the more sparkle, the better!

a wedding at the pavilion at weatherly

Are barn weddings out of style?

  • For some, they’re as classic as crab cakes and football. Maryland’s agricultural roots run deep! For others, this common venue style is a bit overdone. The Pavilion at Weatherly is a unique indoor/outdoor estate that can still lend itself to rustic charm without the usual cliches. No chandeliers in a wooden barn here!

a wedding at the pavilion at weatherly

How far in advance should I book wedding reception venues in Maryland?

  • Popular venues can book up to 18 months in advance, especially for prime dates. If you’ve got your heart set on a place, don’t wait!

furry friend on the lawn jpg

Can I have my dog as my ring bearer in Maryland venues?

  • Many venues (including us!) are pet-friendly. Just make sure Milo is okay with crowds and won’t try to eat the rings! A lot of couples I’ve worked with opt to leave their pets at home and incorporate them into their decor instead. Think cute cake toppers or signature drinks named after their furbabies.

just married on the beach!

Are there any other unique wedding venues in Maryland?

nautical wedding ideas

How should I decorate my wedding?

The key is to pick elements that resonate with you as a couple. Whether you’re all about rustic elegance or more into modern glam, there’s a decor style that’ll make your day uniquely yours. If you’re not feeling inspired use your venue space’s vibe to spark up some ideas!

just married bliss

Dive in!

So there you have it, future newlyweds! Your whirlwind tour of Maryland wedding venues. Maryland’s got everything from the mountains to the bay, from historic mansions to waterfront wonders. And remember, whether you’re planning a grand gala or an intimate gathering, The Pavilion at Weatherly is here to make your Maryland wedding dreams come true. Let’s make some magic happen! 🦀💍🎉