Choosing the venue for your wedding is kind of like a popularity contest. Each one vying for your attention as the prettiest and smartest location. And we know how important the venue is because it sets the tone and atmosphere for the entire wedding. With so many incredible options throughout Maryland, you’re sure to find one that is most likely to work for your budget, guest list, and vision (see what we did there?). With that in mind, we’ve rounded up 53 of our favorite spots and given each a yearbook superlative to help you find your perfect match.
Most Likely To Stand Out
1840s Plaza
Immerse yourself in Baltimore history at this boutique hotel and event space in Jonestown. Tie the knot in the plaza’s courtyard surrounded by historic red-brick rowhomes and then head inside the Fava Building, where rich colors and vintage architecture will serve as the perfect backdrop for dinner and drinks. What’s special about it: Book a night in the 1840s Carrollton Inn each year for your anniversary.
Most Flexible for DIY Couples
2640 Space
With a cathedral ceiling, Gothic arches, and light pouring in through stained-glass windows, the Clark Room at 2640 Space in Charles Village is like the Hogwarts Great Hall come to life. The venue setup is fully customizable, so you can choose whether you want a grand seated dinner or a more casual reception. What’s special about it: Looking to save some money? With no preferred catering list, you have total freedom to hire any food vendor for your gathering.
Best Photo Ops
American Visionary Art Museum
Getting married at this quirky Federal Hill art museum means you have options. Tie the knot in the Jim Rouse Visionary Center (the one with Fifi the poodle) and then head to the brick Sculpture Barn for your reception, or get married on the stairs under the museum’s famous Black Icarus and have cocktails on the cafe terrace. What’s special about it: The museum’s glittering silver mosaic wall is the perfect photo-op for a first look.
Best Spot for a Sunset Ceremony
Anchor Inn
Exchange your vows in front of this Pasadena venue’s floor-to-ceiling wall of windows overlooking Rock Creek, a tributary of the Chesapeake Bay, or head outside and say “I do” on the covered waterfront deck. The indoor ballroom soaked in natural light keeps the gorgeous views going during your reception. What’s special about it: Time your ceremony for sunset when the Bay glows in rich oranges and reds, casting a beautiful light across the venue.
Most Likely to Feel Like a Fairytale
Antrim 1844
Live out your storybook dreams at this historic 24-acre hotel and estate at the base of the Catoctin Mountains in Taneytown. Have a ceremony in the picturesque English Tea Rose Garden and host a cocktail hour in one of the mansion’s historical drawing rooms. What’s special about it: Guests can stay in one of the property’s 40 rooms, all uniquely decorated with antique furnishings.
Most Likely to Wow the Out-of-Towners
Baltimore Museum of Art
Attention art lovers—host an unforgettable ceremony on this Charles Village museum’s West Lawn with elegant Roman-temple-style architecture behind you. Inside, sip cocktails while surrounded by fifth-century mosaics and sculptures in Antioch Court. What’s special about it: Reserve Gertrude’s Restaurant for a rehearsal dinner on their outdoor terrace overlooking the sculpture gardens.
Best Harbor Views
Baltimore Museum of Industry
Say “I do” on the museum’s pier with Baltimore’s serene Inner Harbor as a backdrop and then head inside for your reception dancing under the Martin Model 162A “Tadpole Clipper.” What’s special about it: Arrive by water taxi for the ultimate couple’s entrance.
Best Place to Pretend You’re In An Edith Wharton Novel
Belvedere & Co.
Whether you’re celebrating with 20 or 290 guests, this timeless event venue in Mt. Vernon has a space for you. Choose the Grand Ballroom with its opulent columns and chandeliers or host a micro-wedding in front of the John Eager Howard Ballroom’s gorgeous Roman-inspired fireplace. What’s special about it: Visit The Owl Bar, the venue’s historic prohibition-era speakeasy, for late-night post-reception drinks.
Best Total Escape
Black Walnut Point Inn
Located on the tip of Tilghman Island, this cozy seven-room inn offers unmatched privacy for you and your guests. A rental includes the exclusive use of the waterfront property all weekend long, and with no neighbors or cutoff times, your celebration can last all night. What’s special about it: Bald eagles, foxes, and monarch butterflies commonly roam the property.
Best Venue for Tree Lovers
Brittland Manor
Host a wedding that lasts all weekend at this historic manor in Chestertown. A booking means exclusive use of the estate grounds from your Friday night welcome party to Sunday morning brunch. Whether you choose to get married on the waterfront, great lawn, or in the garden, every view is as beautiful as the next. What’s special about it: Up to 41 guests can stay in the 15 bedrooms spread across the manor house and the lodge.
Best Blank Canvas
The Butterfly Room
Exposed brick and natural light fill this hidden gem event space in Pigtown. The open-concept design means it’s easy to personalize the room to your needs. What’s special about it: The provided tables and bars are expertly crafted by Sandtown Furniture, adding a personal touch to your big day.
Best Variety of Outdoor Ceremony Locations
Caboose Farm
With six different ceremony spots to choose from, there’s no shortage of options at this Sabillasville farm in the Catoctin Mountains. Get married on the pond dock, in the meadow, in the glade, on a hilltop vista, in front of the lone tree, or in a tent. The farm’s stone-covered indoor event space is built for dinner and dancing. What’s special about it: The indoor movie theater is the perfect spot to share your favorite memories with your guests on the big screen.
Most Likely to Cast A Spell On Your Guests
Chase Court
Known for its resemblance to Hogwarts, this 1879 venue is perfect for Harry Potter fans and muggles alike. Tucked away in Mt. Vernon, the outdoor courtyard covered in greenery is great for ceremonies, and you won’t want to miss out on the magical reception space with arched Gothic windows and dark wooden beams. What’s special about it: Hire one of the venue’s harpists who can play everything from traditional wedding marches to the Star Wars theme.
Most Likely To Have It All
Chesapeake Bay Beach Club
Choose from four venues at this Stevensville beachfront property. At the Beach House Ballroom, up to 230 guests can mingle on the waterfront terrace with stunning views of the Bay and the more intimate Tavern Ballroom has a Bayfront ceremony lawn and a cozy dining space for the reception. What’s special about it: At the club, everything is in one place—schedule the bridal party’s hair and makeup at The Spa and the post-wedding brunch at The Inn.
Best All-Day Bash
Citizens Ballroom
In the heart of downtown Frederick, this historic bank-turned-wedding-venue is a classy black-and-white canvas for your big day. The limestone-covered walls and vintage gold bank vault add unique touches to the otherwise minimalist space. What’s special about it: The full day rental lasts from 8 a.m. to midnight—16 hours of fun!
Most Likely to Transport You Back in Time
The Cloisters
Whether you’re a history nerd or architecture lover, this secluded Gothic manor house in Lutherville will blow you away. Filled with stained-glass windows, suits of armor, and spiral staircases, this home and courtyard feel straight out of medieval times. What’s special about it: The Cloisters only hosts one event per day, so you and your guests will have exclusive use of the castle and its grounds.
Best Artistic Touches
Corradetti Glass Studio
Blown-glass decor, bamboo hardwood floors, exposed brick, and giant windows overlooking a Roman-style pool add charm and whimsy to this glassblowing studio in Woodberry. Say your vows on a raised stage that turns into the perfect place for your DJ or live band later in the night. What’s special about it: Surprise your guests with custom party favors like glass-blown goblets made at the studio.
Best Blend of Nature and Architecture
Cylburn Arboretum
Picture-perfect backdrops are endless in this Baltimore City-owned urban oasis. Get married outside surrounded by trees from the 19th-century and then host a reception at the modern, eco-friendly Vollmer Center overlooking the gardens. What’s special about it: Use the first-floor rooms of the historic Cylburn Mansion for photos or as a bridal suite.
Most Likely to Feel Like a Summer Camp
Deer Creek Preserve
Calling all nature lovers. This outdoor oasis 50 minutes outside the city in White Hall is a cozy, secluded venue for smaller weddings. Take short hiking trails to two intimate ceremony locations in the woods: the clearing and the amphitheater. With built-in wooden seating, these spots feel like they emerged right from the forest itself. What’s special about it: Rent out the venue for a whole weekend for the ultimate summer camp slumber party.
Best Barn Celebration
Dulany’s Overlook
This historic renovated property in Frederick is a rustic dream. With 170 acres to explore, spots like the rose garden or the woodland area are great for tying the knot, but the venue’s big red barn is the star of the show, fitting up to 200 guests for drinks, dinner, and dancing. What’s special about it: While they wait for dinner, guests can mingle and play lawn games around the barn’s downstairs bar.
Best Unique Menu Options
The Elkridge Furnace Inn
This 18th-century manor home in Elkridge, just off the Patapsco River, is filled with historic charm. Book the Garden House property surrounded by springtime florals or cozy up inside the Manor House and its additional climate-controlled tents for autumn ceremonies. What’s special about it: The Inn is chef owned and operated, meaning the menus are carefully planned, uniquely designed, and locally sourced—your guests will be wowed!
Best Cozy Venue in the City
The Elm
This carriage house tucked away in Hampden predates the Civil War. Host a ceremony in the garden nestled under oak and maple trees. Inside, vintage art, antiques, and furniture create a unique and cozy atmosphere for dinner and conversation. What’s special about it: Looking for an intimate celebration? The space welcomes as few as 20 guests.
Best Gilded-Age Glamour
The Engineers Club
This gilded-age Mt. Vernon mansion is home to the city’s oldest private social club, The Engineering Society of Baltimore. Surround yourself with original 19th-century woodwork in the mansion’s parlor, library, and grand ballroom, all available for elegant indoor ceremonies. What’s special about it: Have an “outdoor” ceremony any time of year in the mansion’s enclosed atrium.
Best Garden Ceremony Space
Evergreen Museum & Library
This nationally registered historic property feels like a piece of Europe nestled in Roland Park. Host an outdoor ceremony in the manicured gardens and then move inside for dinner and drinks in the rustic Carriage House complete with a patio space. What’s special about it: Want to spend the whole day outside? The Evergreen does a limited number of fully tented weddings in their garden space.
Best Luxury Experience
Four Seasons Hotel Baltimore
Located right on the water in Harbor East, this 5-star hotel offers both indoor and outdoor venues for your big day. The luxurious Grand Ballroom has panoramic views of the harbor, while the outdoor Splash Terrace is a green oasis surrounded by urban buildings. What’s special about it: Couples rave about the hotel’s expert wedding specialists, who coordinate everything from guest needs to menus, making sure you don’t have to worry about a thing.
Best Blend of Coastal and Industrial
Frederick Douglass-Isaac Myers Maritime Park
A waterfront ceremony space, an industrial reception room, and rustic brick buildings for photo-ops: this Fells Point venue has everything. Guests will line the wooden dock as you get married with the iconic Domino Sugar sign behind you. Inside, two modern gallery spaces and a brick dining room offer stunning panoramic views of the harbor. What’s special about it: You and up to 1,000 guests can enjoy a reception in the park’s outdoor promenade and courtyard.
Best Use of a Parking Garage
Garage at R. House
This 6,500-square-foot flexible event space in Remington is a perfect blank canvas for your ceremony and reception. Host up to 350 guests in this open concept industrial-style room complete with wood accents and a giant retractable glass garage door. What’s special about it: Craft your own custom bar menu with the lounge inside R. House.
Most Likely to Wow the Foodies
Gatherings by Woodberry Kitchen
If fantastic eating and drinking are top priorities for your wedding day; Woodberry Kitchen is for you. This historic mill venue in Woodberry is rustic and charming with exposed brick and archways, but the meal is the main star crafted with locally sourced, organic ingredients from farms around Maryland. What’s special about it: From a Chesapeake Bay feast to a light afternoon tea, choose from dozens of expertly designed menus by award-winning chef Spike Gjerde.
Best Backdrop for Bibliophiles
The George Peabody Library
In Mt. Vernon, surround yourself with more than 300,000 books in one of America’s most beautiful libraries. You’ll be framed by six tiers of balconies and neo-Greco columns as you say your vows and then ushered into the Exhibit Gallery as the ceremony space is transformed into a stunning dining room and reception area. What’s special about it: The library’s massive, latticed skylight illuminates the space day or night.
Most Likely to Charm Garden Lovers
Glen Ellen Farm
These 30+ acres of perfectly manicured gardens make this Frederick venue an ideal spot for a romantic outdoor celebration. The patio overlooking the pond is an idyllic ceremony spot, followed by drinks in the stone barn ruins as guests explore the windflower meadow. Wrap up the night with dinner in the outdoor reception tent. What’s special about it: Don’t miss the hidden tree swing for photos and a quiet moment away from the festivities.
Best Historic Appeal
Gramercy Mansion
Tucked away in Stevenson, this elegantly designed 1904 Tudor mansion and its pristine gardens are the perfect backdrop for your ceremony and reception. You’ll have access to the mansion’s first floor rooms, including the historic parlor, library, and bar. What’s special about it: Guests can stay in the mansion’s eleven unique bed and breakfast suites.
Best Garden Party
H.P Rawlings Conservatory & Botanic Gardens
From The Orchid House to The Palm House, this 1888 conservatory in Druid Hill Park has five different greenhouses filled with plants from all corners of the world. The gardens’ pavilions provide an intimate setting for ceremonies of up to 30 guests, while larger gatherings are held under tents on the conservatory’s lawn. What’s special about it: With multiple greenhouses, you can host a wedding at any time of year while still being surrounded by lush nature.
Best Picture-Perfect Ceremony Spot
Herrington on the Bay
Dreaming of a waterfront wedding? This award-winning venue in North Beach offers a stunning view of the bay from The Lawn, where you’ll walk through a garden of colorful flowers to say “I do” under an intricate wooden arch. You and up to 350 guests can enjoy dinner in the tented Chesapeake Ballroom with a waterfront patio and dock. What’s special about it: Treat your guests to a fireworks show to end the day with a bang.
Best Hidden Gem
The Heron Room
This industrial chic space is nestled on the banks of the Jones Falls. Cozy up inside the warmly lit, stone-walled venue and listen to the calming sounds of the stream just outside. Book the Run of the Mill package for catering by Cosima and enjoy access to the outdoor courtyard, patio, and dining room. What’s special about it: Being tucked away inside a historic mill means this venue has no shortage of photo spots, from weathered brick walls to views overlooking the falls.
Best City View
Hotel Revival Baltimore
If you’re looking for artsy decor and an intimate celebration, this boutique hotel located in the heart of Mt. Vernon is for you. The greenery-filled Garden Room on the hotel’s top floor means gorgeous views of the city. What’s special about it: Host some post-wedding karaoke at the hotel’s spirit-forward micro bar, B-Side.
Most Likely to Be Where the Cool Kids Are
Hotel Ulysses
With three expertly designed event spaces, this swanky hotel in Mt. Vernon is sure to be an unforgettable experience. Choose from Swann House, a luxe dining room in a historic townhouse attached to the hotel; Bloom’s, an art-deco-meets-disco explosion of a cocktail lounge; or Ash-Bar, a 1930s-inspired cafe. What’s special about it: The bathtubs in the room make for spectacular photos.
Best Bay Views
The Inn at Perry Cabin
Nestled in the quaint coastal town of St. Michael’s, this spectacular inn boasts some of the state’s best waterfront views. Get married outside on The Pointe, where up to 250 guests can overlook the Miles River as you exchange vows. Then head over to The Wetlands or the Miles View Terrace for a stunning cocktail hour silhouetted by passing sailboats. What’s special about it: For the ultimate coastal experience, get married at sea on the Inn’s 55-foot Hinckley yacht.
Best Outdoor Adventure
Irvine Nature Center
With more than 210 acres of nature in the scenic Caves Valley, there’s no shortage of ceremony and reception spots. Choose the tented patio for a covered oasis in the middle of the forest or fit an unlimited number of guests in the outdoor gazebo area. What’s special about it: Add on the animal ambassador package to surprise your guests with a hawk, owl, turtle,
opossum, or snake.
Best Hotel Takeover
The Ivy Hotel
Whether you’re having a warm-weather celebration or a cozy winter wedding, you’ll find something you love at this luxe Mt. Vernon hotel featured in The New York Times and Vogue. Intimate ceremonies are held in the wood-covered tearoom or private garden courtyard. What’s special about it: A romantic two-night stay in one of the hotel’s guest rooms is included with every wedding package.
Best Palladian Place
Liriodendron Mansion
Built in 1898 as a summer residence for one of Johns Hopkins’ founding physicians, this Georgian Revival-style mansion in Bel Air now operates as a historical and cultural center. Host your ceremony outdoors in front of the home’s elegant main entrance and then head inside to the music room for dancing. What’s special about it: The venue is closed to the public on event days, ensuring you and your guests can enjoy complete privacy.
Best Blend of Old and New
The Loom
This bright and modern Hampden-Woodberry event space is great for more intimate celebrations of up to 120 guests. The outdoor courtyard, complete with a fireplace, is the perfect spot for photos. What’s special about it: Your classic cocktail hour gets an upgrade with a hidden bar area, creating an after-hours speakeasy vibe.
Most Likely To Take Your Breath Away
London Town and Gardens
This historic town and garden in Edgewater dates all the way back to 1683 and boasts outdoor lawns overlooking the water and pristine, manicured gardens on this 23-acre property. A canopy-draped tent serves as the reception area with gorgeous waterfront and garden views. What’s special about it: The venue’s proximity to the South River is a stunning backdrop for wedding party photos.
Best Repurposed Space
Mt. Washington Mill Dye House
This 19th-century cotton mill in Mt. Washington is a rustic-lover’s dream. Exposed brick, string lights, and vintage wood beams mean every inch of this venue is picture-perfect. What’s special about it: Forget renting extra decor—the velvet furnishings and accent walls in the Dye House Room and cocktail lounge do all the work for you.
Best Way to Make A Splash
The National Aquarium
Surround yourself with coral reefs and exotic fish as you say your vows in the aquarium’s award-winning Blue Wonders exhibit. Host a nighttime reception in the Harbor Overlook room for a glittering view of the Inner Harbor. What’s special about it: Your guests can enjoy private, self-guided tours of four floors of aquarium exhibits.
Most Likely To Elicit Gasps
Sagamore Pendry Baltimore
The Pendry’s industrial courtyard space in the heart of Fells Point is filled with cozy fireplaces and a dramatic row of trees, perfect for an unforgettable walk down the aisle. Host up to 340 guests for a reception in the Grand Ballroom, complete with arched windows and architectural molding. What’s special about it: Reserve a semi-private dining area at the Pendry’s Rec Pier Chop House for an after-party celebration.
Best Southern Charm
Sunday Morning at Savannah’s
Be a part of Maryland history and get married at this bed and breakfast in New Windsor where couples have been tying the knot since the 1800s. Warm-weather weddings are a dream here: Say your vows on the lawn surrounded by lush greenery and then treat your guests to a waterfront dinner as the sun sets. What’s special about it: The wraparound porch on the 1865 country house is great for mingling and photo-ops.
Most Likely to Make You Want to Move to the Mountains
Strong Mansion
Completed in 1915, this mansion lies on Maryland’s scenic Sugarloaf Mountain and was once used as a Union observation station during the Civil War. The property’s garden terrace with mountain views and a small pond is great for an outdoor summertime ceremony, and a tented patio next to the mansion serves as the reception area. What’s special about it: Before walking down the aisle, get ready with your bridesmaids in one of the mansion’s elegant rooms.
Most Scenic
Swan Harbor Farm
This Havre de Grace venue located on the Chesapeake Bay boasts 500+ acres of gorgeous green farmland and a restored 18th-century farmhouse. From the manicured lawns to the Bayside gazebo, there are endless scenic spots for your ceremony, and a reception under an outdoor tent means you can enjoy the farm’s beauty well into the evening. What’s special about it: The farmhouse’s decorated rooms are the perfect getting ready spot for the wedding party.
Best Way To Wow Your Friends
The Tidewater Inn
This year-round destination in Easton is perfect for all types of weddings. The Inn’s courtyard, complete with red brick walls and white columns, is a charming backdrop for outdoor ceremonies, and the custom-built sailcloth-style tent outside the Gold Ballroom can host up to 375 guests for a reception. What’s special about it: Make your wedding last by booking the whole weekend, including a room block, rehearsal dinner, and a post-wedding brunch.
Best Tree-Lined Drive
Walkers Overlook
This charming property in Walkersville is the sister venue to Dulany’s Overlook. Get married in front of the old walnut tree with rolling hills in the background and then move to drinks on the outdoor patio. Dinner in the tent (complete with hardwood floors) can hold up to 275 guests. What’s special about it: Couples love posing for photos in front of the venue’s vintage car.
Best Of Both Worlds
The William Fell
This historic hotel—newly renovated—in the heart of Fells Point is flanked by cobblestone streets on one side and waterfront views on the other. Book exclusive access to the Bond Street Pier for a ceremony overlooking the water and then host a dinner in the hotel’s light-soaked rooftop Admiral Ballroom or more intimate Stone Room. What’s special about it: Take advantage of the hotel’s great location so your guests can explore the shops, bars, and restaurants in Fells Point.
Best Revamped Historic Building
The Winslow
This venue in downtown Baltimore’s restored Parker Metal Building is the perfect blend of historic and contemporary charm. The sun-soaked Train Shed fits up to 250 guests for a ceremony surrounded by floor-to-ceiling windows. Then, guests can mingle around the 30-foot marble bar in the cocktail area and dance the night away in the industrial Main Winslow Room. What’s special about it: Your rental includes the entire venue and its four rooms, meaning you have the flexibility to design your day however you want it.
Best Hallmark Movie Property
Worsell Manor
This restored 1683 manor house—once a favorite stop of George Washington—lies on 50 acres of scenic property on the Eastern Shore. Host your ceremony outdoors beside the manor house then move to the rustic barn (with incredible high ceilings) for dinner and a giant dance floor. What’s special about it: You and your guests can stay overnight at one of The Manor’s six cozy bedrooms.