Marriage, a union that signifies an eternal bond of love, requires a perfect setting to make the experience nothing short of magical. If you’re dreaming about an idyllic waterfront wedding, the Chesapeake Bay, with its enchanting views and natural beauty, is unparalleled. This article is your compass to navigate through the very best wedding venues around the Chesapeake Bay.
The Charm of Chesapeake Bay: An Overview
From elegant resorts positioned on the water’s edge to historical colonial mansions and captivating marinas, Chesapeake Bay is home to diverse wedding venues, each with its unique charm. But it’s not just about the places; it’s about the experience that these venues offer, which makes them stand out. Here are some of the top venues you might consider for your big day.
1. Eagle Point Weddings & Retreats
Located in North East, Maryland, Eagle Point Weddings & Retreats is a scenic beauty spread across 432 acres overlooking the Chesapeake Bay.
Key Features
- Scenic Location: Dive into the breathtaking view and the serene surroundings that Eagle Point offers.
- Beach Bonfire: Kickstart your wedding festivities with a Friday night bonfire on their beach.
- Outdoor Waterfront Ceremony: Pledge your vows in a romantic outdoor waterfront ceremony, followed by a spectacular tented reception.
- Catering: While they do have a preferred list, you can also bring your own caterers.
Note: The venue is budget-friendly and offers a great bang for your buck.
2. Whitehall
Whitehall, a stunning historical colonial mansion in Annapolis, Maryland, is an epitome of elegance and grandeur.
Key Features
- Historical Colonial Mansion: The mansion is surrounded by bucolic fields, adding to its charm.
- Waterfront Wedding: Have a beautiful waterfront wedding along the Chesapeake Bay shoreline.
- Sunset View: The venue offers a stunning view of the sunset over the water, creating a magical evening for you and your guests.
- Catering: You have the freedom to bring your own caterers.
Note: The pricing is moderate to high.
3. Historic London Town and Gardens
Located in Edgewater, Maryland, Historic London Town and Gardens offers a blend of history and nature.
Key Features
- Historic Gardens: The venue covers 23 acres of pristine, historic gardens with sweeping South River views.
- Outdoor and Indoor Options: They offer beautiful ceremonies on the expansive, waterfront East Lawn or on the elevated River Deck. For receptions, they have a clear-walled, chandelier-draped tent or the indoor glass pavilion.
- Catering: They provide a preferred list of caterers.
Note: The pricing is budget-friendly to moderate.
4. Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay
The Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay located in Cambridge, Maryland, is an idyllic resort perfect for a weekend wedding.
Key Features
- Resort Facilities: The resort is located on over 342 waterfront acres and offers beautiful accommodations, a spa, golf course, and private marina.
- Indoor and Outdoor Venues: Celebrate with your guests in the formal ballroom or outdoors on the Crescent pool patio.
- Catering: They provide a preferred list of caterers.
Note: The pricing ranges from budget-friendly to high.
5. Celebrations at the Bay
Located in Pasadena, Maryland, Celebrations at the Bay is known for its panoramic view of the bay.
Key Features
- Panoramic View: The venue has a stunning wall of windows offering a panoramic view of the bay.
- Elegant Tent: They offer an elegant, climate-controlled tent for outdoor parties under a silk-lined ceiling with chandeliers.
- Catering: They offer in-house catering services.
Note: The pricing ranges from budget-friendly to high.
6. Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum
Located in St. Michaels, Maryland, the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum offers a tranquil waterfront setting.
Key Features
- Waterfront Setting: The venue is located on Navy Point and Fogg’s Landing, overlooking the beautiful Miles River.
- Event Options: You can host a large, tented affair or a small intimate gathering.
- Catering: They provide a preferred list of caterers and also allow you to bring your own.
Note: The pricing ranges from budget-friendly to high.
7. Swan Harbor Farm
Located in Havre de Grace, Maryland, Swan Harbor Farm offers breathtaking ceremonies overlooking the Chesapeake Bay.
Key Features
- Historic Farmhouse: The venue comprises a lovely historic farmhouse with dressing rooms, a playroom, and a wonderful screened porch.
- Elegant Tent: They offer stunning receptions beneath an elegant, permanent tent with sparkling chandeliers.
- Catering: You are allowed to bring your own caterers.
Note: The pricing is budget-friendly.
8. The Bayfront Club
Located in Edgemere, Maryland, The Bayfront Club offers a gorgeous ceremony lawn at the edge of the Chesapeake Bay.
Key Features
- Elegant Ballroom: The venue has an elegant, airy ballroom with a soaring ceiling and massive windows framing dreamy sunsets.
- All-Inclusive Packages: Their generous all-inclusive packages even include a personal wedding planner.
- Catering: They offer in-house catering services.
Note: The pricing is moderate to high.
9. Port Annapolis Overlook Pavilion
Located in Annapolis, Maryland, Port Annapolis Overlook Pavilion offers beautiful ceremonies on the lawn overlooking the sparkling waters of the Marina.
Key Features
- Beautiful Gazebo and Pavilion: The venue has a lovely gazebo and spacious Pavilion accented with twinkle lights.
- Expert Planners: They have expert planners to assist throughout the process, with generous rental policies and plenty of flexibility for your vision.
- Catering: They provide a preferred list of caterers and also allow you to bring your own.
Note: The pricing is moderate.
10. Calvert Marine Museum
Located in Solomons, Maryland, the Calvert Marine Museum offers a memorable setting at the confluence of the Pateuxent River and Chesapeake Bay.
Key Features
- Unique Venue: Say ‘I do’ under the lighthouse or in the graceful open air Carbin Pavilion.
- Museum Access: Host your reception in the Harms Gallery and allow your guests to explore the museum.
- Catering: They provide a preferred list of caterers.
Note: The pricing is budget-friendly.
Conclusion
Choosing the right wedding venue is a crucial decision that sets the tone for your entire wedding. Each of these Chesapeake Bay wedding venues offers a unique charm and elegance. Evaluate your preferences, budget, and requirements, and choose the one that resonates the most with your dream wedding.
