If you’ve been searching for the best wedding venues in Maryland, welcome!! This blog is one I’m especially excited to share with you as I’ve been working on it for a while making sure it was absolutely perf! As an East Coast wedding photographer, I’ve spent years exploring some of the state’s most beautiful venues, and these are on the short list of places I have yet to photograph a wedding at! But they inspire me so much I had to get them on my bucket list!!

Whether you’re planning a timeless black-tie wedding by the bay, an untraditional colorful garden wedding, or an entire romantic wedding weekend that you want every moment documented, these are some of the best Maryland wedding venues!

If you’re still searching for the ideal location for your big day in the Maryland area, I hope this guide helps you decide on a venue that feels absolutely perfect for the wedding of your dreams!

1. Chesapeake Bay Foundation

One of the reasons Chesapeake Bay Foundation sits at the top of this list for me is because of the waterfront views! Being in Maryland there are a ton of places that have this feature. Let me tell you, not only does CBF sit right on the water in Annapolis, it also is surrounded by gorgeous greenery and sand for the ultimate mix of the perfect kind of backdrop for your wedding photos!

I think this venue is great for couples who appreciate a calming atmosphere, a couple who appreciates options when designing their reception with their vendor team.

CBF has several options spaces that are available to couples on their wedding day–including a private beach! You can learn more about those options here. In my opinion as a wedding photographer, I would say the best time to have a wedding here would be summer or fall!

Here are some quick facts about CBF and weddings there:

• CBF can host up to 200 guests, their dining room seats 130 with some overlow on their connected tented deck!
• The rental time is for 8 hours, which includes 2 hours for set up, fives hours for your wedding and one hour for clean up.
• You are allowed access to the venue two hours prior to your wedding start time!
• All music must be off before 10pm, which means this venue is perfect for a daytime wedding!
• Included in the rental fee at 60 inch round guest tables, rectangular tables and high tops, so much bang for your buck!
• You can bring in your own alcohol!
• Parking is available on site!
• CBF is completely ADA compliant!
• You are able to enter and leave by BOAT–how insanely cool is that!? I hear fab photo opportunities!!

2. Pendry Baltimore

Now this venue is beyond dreamy!! Pendry Baltimore is one of the most luxurious places you can get married in Baltimore. If you’re a lover of editorial-style wedding photography like I am, I’m willing to bet you’ll be completely obsessed after scrolling through their website or Instagram.

One of my favorite things about Pendry Baltimore is that you don’t have to compromise if the weather doesn’t cooperate, which you know in Maryland that is always a possibility! Their indoor and outdoor event spaces are equally stunning, so whether you’re exchanging vows overlooking the harbor or celebrating inside the gorgeous Grand Ballroom, your wedding day will still feel incredibly elegant.

The combination of historic Baltimore charm, waterfront views, and modern luxury creates a setting that’s unlike anywhere else in the city.

Another huge bonus? Since Pendry is a luxury hotel, your guests can stay right on-site, making it incredibly easy to turn your wedding into an unforgettable weekend experience. Which I also happen to have the perfect wedding weekend photography package to document the entire weekend perfectly for you! (hint hint)

Here are some quick facts about Pendry Baltimore and weddings there:

• It’s only about 30 minute from BWI Airport, making it super convenient for guests to arrive/depart
• This venue can accommodate celebrations of all sizes. Got 400 guests coming? They are ready for you!
• They offer beautiful spaces for rehearsal dinners, welcome parties and morning after farewell brunches
• Hotel onsite for easy weekend celebrations
• SO many photo opportunities throughout the property

If you’re dreaming of a wedding that feels luxurious, and effortlessly elegant, Pendry Baltimore is truly one of the best venues Maryland has to offer.

3. The Baltimore Museum of Art

Okay, if you’re looking for a wedding venue that is a little unexpected and has SO much personality, let me introduce you to the Baltimore Museum of Art! This is definitely one of those venues that feels different from your typical ballroom or barn wedding, and I am here for it.

One of my favorite things about the BMA is that your wedding photos can feel incredibly editorial without having to do much. You have the gorgeous architecture, the artwork and the sculpture gardens all nearby!

Basically, if you’re a couple who wants your wedding photos to feel like art, this is a pretty obvious choice!

And can we talk about the Sculpture Gardens!? There are nearly three acres of gorgeous gardens with 33 sculptures! Which means SO many options for portraits and cocktail hour photos.

Here are some quick facts about the Baltimore Museum of Art and weddings there:

• The Fox Court can be set up for dinner and dancing
• The Antioch Court can be combined with Fox Court for a larger guest list
• The museum has multiple indoor and outdoor event spaces.
• Gertrude’s Chesapeake Kitchen has an outdoor terrace overlooking the Sculpture Gardens (perfect for photos!!) 
• You get access to some seriously incredible architecture and artwork for photos!

If you’re looking for a wedding venue that feels artistic and completely different from the norm, the Baltimore Museum of Art is definitely one to put on your list!

Next on the list of best wedding venues in Maryland!

4. Glen Ellen Farm

Do you want a venue that feels like it was plucked out of a historical novel!? This gorgeous property is nestled into the Maryland countryside and it’s SO, so dreamy.

As a wedding photographer, I obviously love venues where you don’t have to go far to find beautiful photo opportunities, and Glen Ellen definitely falls into that category. There are over 30 acres to explore, so your wedding gallery can have a ton of variety!

I think this venue is especially perfect for couples who are dreaming of a romantic, garden-inspired wedding with a little bit of that classic Maryland countryside feel.

And the tent is gorgeous! It has beautiful chandeliers, and Palladian-style windows, so you still get that outdoor wedding feeling without having to worry about the weather.

Honestly, this is the kind of venue where I would encourage you to really lean into the natural beauty of the property when planning your wedding design.

Here are some quick facts about Glen Ellen Farm and weddings there:

• The property sits on over 30 acres of gardens, fields and natural scenery.
• The tent can accommodate up to 200 guests.
• Tables and chairs for up to 180 guests are included with the rental.
• There is a historic Manor House available to the wedding party and family.
• The property includes a spring-fed pond and wildflower meadow.
• Glen Ellen is less than an hour from the Baltimore/DC metro area.
• A day-of coordinator is required for all weddings.

If you are envisioning a romantic Maryland countryside wedding with gorgeous gardens and a reception under twinkle lights, Glen Ellen Farm is a match made in heaven!

5. Ceresville Mansion

If you’re looking for that classic, elegant Maryland wedding venue with a little bit of everything, Ceresville Mansion needs to be on your list!

This historic mansion sits on 25 acres along the Monocacy River and has such a beautiful combination of historic charm and elegant reception spaces. It really gives you that timeless wedding feel! 

One of my favorite things about a venue like Ceresville is the variety. You can have your ceremony outside, take gorgeous portraits around the property and then move into an elegant reception space for dinner and dancing. 

And if Maryland decides to do its unpredictable weather thing, you have indoor options too!

I think this venue is especially perfect for couples who want a romantic, traditional wedding with plenty of beautiful spaces for photos. 

Here are some quick facts about Ceresville Mansion and weddings there:

• The Grand Ballroom is ideal for weddings of around 100-120 guests and can accommodate up to 150 with a dance floor.
• The Garden Terrace and Meadow Pavilion can both accommodate even more, if you want a larger wedding
• The property offers both indoor and outdoor event spaces.
• The venue includes an Event Manager who oversees venue and food-related details.
• Ceresville sits on 25 riverside acres with beautiful views and plenty of outdoor photo opportunities.

If you’re looking for a venue that feels timeless, romantic and quintessentially Maryland, Ceresville Mansion is such a beautiful option!

Okay next up on the Best Wedding Venues in Maryland!!

6. Mt. Washington Mill Dye House

Now THIS is a venue for my couples who want something a little different!

The Mt. Washington Mill Dye House is a historic cotton mill in Baltimore that has been transformed into one of the coolest wedding venues in the city. Think exposed brick, original wood beams, giant windows, Edison lights and tons of industrial character. You really don’t need to do much to make this space look incredible because the building itself does SO much of the work for you.

As a photographer, I love venues with this much architectural interest. It gives your photos texture and personality without needing a million different decorations. You can keep your wedding design clean and classic or go bold and editorial. Either way, the space can handle it.

And the entire venue is set up for a really natural flow throughout the wedding day, which is always nice logistically on the day-of.

Here are some quick facts about the Mt. Washington Mill Dye House and weddings there:

• The venue can accommodate up to 200 guests for dinner and dancing with a DJ.
• Up to 180 guests can be accommodated for dinner and dancing with a band.
• Beautiful photo opportunities throughout the entire space
• The building dates back to 1810 and is one of the oldest existing cotton mills in the United States.
• You get exposed brick, original beams, historic walls and tons of natural light built right into the space.

If you want a wedding that feels modern, stylish and a little bit edgy while still having all that gorgeous historic Baltimore character, the Dye House is SUCH a good option.

7. The Butterfly Room

The Butterfly Room is one of those venues that immediately makes me want to grab my camera and start taking pictures!!

It was originally built in 1885 and was restored in 2021, so you get all of that gorgeous historic character with a fresh, modern feel.

This is a space that feels like a blank canvas, but not a boring one. (I would NEVER recommend boring! haha) But, you’ve got exposed brick, beautiful natural light and an open layout that gives you room to make the space feel completely like YOU.

I think The Butterfly Room is perfect for couples who don’t want a super traditional wedding venue. 

And as a photographer, I’m always looking for venues where there are interesting details AND great light. The Butterfly Room definitely delivers on both.

Here are some quick facts about The Butterfly Room and weddings there:

• The venue has approximately 7,000 (!!) square feet of event space.
• It can accommodate up to 250 guests.
• The space has an industrial feel that so many couples are looking for
• The venue can host both ceremonies and receptions.
• Get-ready rooms are available.
• The venue is pet friendly! Bring your fur babies! 
• Tables, chairs and some lighting are included with the rental.

If you’re looking for a Baltimore wedding venue that feels modern and creative, The Butterfly Room is definitely one to put on your list!

Okay next up on our list of best wedding venues in Maryland?

8. Strong Mansion

Okay, this one is for my couples who want MOUNTAIN VIEWS!

Strong Mansion is located on Sugarloaf Mountain in Dickerson, Maryland, and the setting is absolutely beautiful. You’re surrounded by thousands of acres of preserved land, mountain views, gardens and historic architecture. 

So basically your wedding day can feel like you’re on a movie set in the most gorgeous location! Obviously, I had to put it on the list of best wedding venues in Maryland!

As a photographer, I am always going to love a venue where the landscape is part of the experience. Sign me up! 

The mansion itself was built in 1915 and has so much historic character, while the outdoor reception space gives couples room to have that classic Maryland outdoor wedding experience.

I think this venue is perfect for couples who want something romantic and outdoorsy but still elegant. It feels intimate and elevated without being overly formal.

Here are some quick facts about Strong Mansion and weddings there:

• Strong Mansion is located on Sugarloaf Mountain in Dickerson, Maryland.
• The property is surrounded by approximately 3,000 acres of preserved land.
• The tented patio can accommodate up to 175 guests.
• There are three outdoor ceremony locations to choose from.
• The historic mansion offers an indoor ballroom with original period details.
• The venue is available for weddings April through November.
• You’re only about 15 minutes from downtown Frederick.

If you’re dreaming of a wedding surrounded by nature, mountain views and historic charm, Strong Mansion is a pretty magical place to say “I do.”

9. Belmont Manor & Historic Park

If you want a wedding venue that feels like you’ve stepped back in time, Belmont Manor & Historic Park is SUCH a good option.

This historic property in Elkridge sits on nearly 68 acres and has everything from a historic manor house and carriage house to formal gardens, a pond, an aqua garden and a beautiful tree-lined setting.

The thing I love most about Belmont is that it has that classic estate wedding feeling throughout, but it’s laid-back too.  The gardens are romantic, the historic architecture is gorgeous and there are so many little pockets around the property that can give your final photo gallery a ton of variety. (Perfect for if you’re wanting a printed album!!) 

I think this venue is an especially good fit for couples who want a garden wedding with an elevated feel. And if you’re planning a spring or summer wedding, I would be all about leaning into those gardens!

Here are some quick facts about Belmont Manor & Historic Park and weddings there:

• The property spans nearly 68 acres.
• The Manor House dates back to 1738 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
• The property includes a Manor House, carriage house, cottage and large barn.
• There are formal gardens, a pond and an aqua garden throughout the property.
• The venue hosts both wedding ceremonies and receptions.
• Belmont is operated by Howard County Recreation & Parks.

If you’re dreaming of a romantic garden wedding surrounded by history and beautiful Maryland scenery, Belmont Manor is definitely one to add to your venue tour list!

Last on our list of best wedding venues in Maryland:
10. Evergreen Museum & Library 

Evergreen Museum & Library is one of those venues that feels straight out of a European countryside estate, but it’s right here in Baltimore! Cue my Bridgerton fans!! 

This 19th-century Gilded Age mansion is surrounded by manicured gardens, beautiful terraces and a charming historic Carriage House. It has this really incredible combination of elegance and old-world charm that makes it feel completely unique from some of the more traditional Baltimore wedding venues.

As a photographer, I would be OBSESSED with the photo opportunities here. Between the mansion, gardens, and stone fountain, there are so many different backdrops throughout the property. 

This is the venue for you if you want a wedding that feels romantic, refined and timeless. It’s also a great option if you want the option for an outdoor garden ceremony but still want a beautiful indoor space for your reception.

Here are some quick facts about Evergreen Museum & Library and weddings there:

• The estate features a 19th-century Gilded Age mansion.
• The Carriage House has exposed brick, original woodwork and a tented patio.
• Tables and chairs for the reception are included in the Carriage House rental.
• A preparation suite is available one hour before a garden ceremony.
• The property has parking for at least 200 cars.
• Evergreen is located just 15 minutes north of downtown Baltimore.

If you’re looking for a venue that feels romantic, elegant and a little bit European without leaving Baltimore, Evergreen Museum & Library is absolutely worth a tour!

I hope this guide of the Best Wedding Venues in Maryland was helpful!

If you have any questions about wedding photographer, or would like to chat about hiring me to capture your big day, you can reach out to me here!