Are you envisioning a rehearsal dinner at a country barn, an intimate ceremony on the water, or a grand reception in downtown Baltimore? Maryland is the ideal destination to make your wedding dreams come true. On America's original 13 colonies and nicknamed "Little America", Maryland boasts a wealth of stunning venues and expert wedding vendors, not to mention an abundance of natural beauty. Nestled on the Chesapeake Bay, Atlantic Ocean, and Potomac River, Maryland has beautiful waterfronts.
As an experienced team of hair and makeup artists in Salisbury, MD, we know all about weddings in Maryland. Whether you’re planning a small intimate affair or a large-scale event, Maryland is a beautiful experience with plenty of unique locations. From the Inner Harbor to the rolling hills of Frederick County, there’s no shortage of gorgeous spots to exchange your vows. Check out our best tips for planning the perfect wedding in Maryland.
Best time of year to get married in Maryland
The best time of year to get married in Maryland depends on the area of the state where the wedding will take place. So let's break it down by region.
The Eastern Shore - If you're getting married on the Eastern Shore, the best time of year to do so is in the spring or fall. While the weather is still warm enough to enjoy being outdoors, it's not as hot and humid as it is in the summer months. Plus, the spring flowers make for beautiful backdrops for your wedding photos.
Baltimore and Annapolis - If you're getting married in the Baltimore or Annapolis area, the best time of year to do so is in the spring or fall. Again, the weather is more pleasant during these months, and the scenery is beautiful. Plus, there's always the option of having a winter wedding if you're looking for something truly unique.
Northern and Western Maryland - Cities in northwestern Maryland, like Frederick, Charles Town, and Cumberland, will experience four full seasons with more extremes in the summer and winter. This area also has more precipitation spread throughout the year.
Overall, temperatures in Maryland are mild throughout the year, so you won't have to worry about it being too hot or cold. In addition, the spring and fall months make for dazzling waterfront weddings.
Choosing a spot to get married in Maryland
When choosing a wedding venue, Maryland has no shortage of options. There's something for every taste and budget, from whimsical waterfront venues to rustic woodland plantations with a few swanky cities in between. The popular spots tend to stay booked up well into the future. So, looking for a venue before setting a date helps you land that perfect popular spot. Let's look at a few of Maryland's most popular wedding spots.
Whimsical Waterfront Weddings
Couples in Maryland are drawn to waterfront weddings for their beauty and uniqueness. The miles of coastline provide a stunning backdrop for wedding ceremonies and photographs. The approach brides take can range from a causal sandy beach to elegant windswept water views from afar. The most popular wedding spots for shoreline weddings in Maryland include:
The Chesapeake Bay - If you're looking for a waterfront wedding location that will offer your guests a unique and memorable experience, Chesapeake Bay is the perfect place to look. With its large size and numerous event venues, you'll be able to find the perfect spot for your special day. One of the most popular spots is Kent Island's Chesapeake Bay Beach Club.
Ocean City - If you want endless, sparkling waves in the background and sandy toes, then Ocean City, Maryland, will have the seaside wedding venue you have your heart set on. With over 10 miles of beaches, including the popular boardwalk, it's no wonder this is a top pick for couples. So, check out Dunes Manor Hotel for a beautiful beach wedding.
Potomac River - Looking for a unique style of waterfront wedding, you might want to have a wedding along the picturesque Potomac River. Brides-to-be can choose from a variety of venues that offer stunning river views to guests and provide a beautiful backdrop for pictures. The Pavilion at Weatherly provides water views of the Potomac River with a rustic plantation vibe.
Rustic Woodlands Weddings
Maryland has plenty to offer brides looking for a more rustic, woodland vibe. Home to over 50 state parks, Civil War battlefields, and wooden enclaves, many farms, estates, and country clubs offer romantic and captivating spots to host your wedding. Brides have fallen in love with The Gardens at Bethlehem Farms for its beautiful meadows, vibrant wildflowers, and charming gazebo.
Swanky City Weddings
You may prefer the glitz and glamor of a city wedding. Maryland is home to some mid-sized urban cities with plenty to offer in the way of wedding venues. From classic ballrooms to modern rooftops, these cities have it all when it comes to city escapes. The three most popular cities in Maryland to get married include:
Baltimore - The largest city in Maryland, Baltimore is a top pick for city weddings. From the Inner Harbor to Fells Point, there are plenty of places to get married from stately hotels to waterfront venues. First built in 1866 as the headquarters for the Maryland Freemasons, The Grand offers timeless elegance and world-class service to brides.
Frederick - Located in the northern part of Maryland, Frederick offers eye-catching views of the Appalachian Mountian range. Only minutes away from Gambrill State Park, there are several idyllic wedding spots. Brides can get a venue with rustic elegance and sophisticated charm at Glen Ellen Farm.
Annapolis - The capital of Maryland, Annapolis sits on the Chesapeake Bay and is home to the United States Naval Academy. If you're looking for a mix of historic charm and modern elegance, Annapolis will have the perfect wedding venue for you. Historic Whitehall, built in 1764 before the start of the American Revolution, is a 135-acre luxury waterfront property that only allows 12 exclusive weddings per year.
Start planning and booking your Maryland wedding vendors early
When booking a venue, finding one that meets all your needs can be challenging. If you're looking for a Saturday night in a prime month, you'll need to book at least 12 to 18 months in advance. If you're looking for a quieter season or would prefer a Friday or Sunday, you'll need to book 8 to 12 months in advance. Keep in mind that if your venue doesn't offer on-site catering, you'll need to prioritize your food service vendor simultaneously. This will influence everything from your place setting rentals and floral design to your cake size and future spending. If you want to book premium hair and makeup services, it is wise to get them booked sooner rather than later, as they tend to book up quickly.
You can create the Maryland wedding of your dreams
Planning a wedding can be a lot of work, but it's worth it in the end. When finding the perfect place to get married in Maryland, there are plenty of options to choose from, no matter what you envision for your nuptials. Whether you want sand in your toes, prefer a barn with mountain visages, or looking for stately white columns downtown, you can find an inn, vineyard, beach house, or estate that suits your needs and budget. Start planning and booking your vendors early, so you don't miss out on your preferred date for the perfect weather.
Cheers to you and your upcoming marriage!
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