6 First Steps to Plan Your Dream Waterfront Wedding in Baltimore, Maryland
- jessheddings
- May 6
- 5 min read
Planning your wedding is one of the most exciting (and sometimes overwhelming) journeys you’ll ever take. But don't worry—I'm here to guide you through it!
As the venue manager at Island View Waterfront, a stunning family-owned venue in Baltimore, Maryland, I’ve helped countless couples bring their dream weddings to life. Our property, tucked away on the shores of the Chesapeake Bay, is the perfect place to host your wedding, whether you're envisioning a laid-back celebration or an unforgettable adventure.
Before we get into the nitty-gritty of all the details (don’t worry, I’ve got you covered there too!), let’s start with the basics. Here are six first steps to kick off your wedding planning, ensuring you’re on the path to creating a celebration that’s as unique as you are.
1. Dream Big, but Start With Your Wedding Vision
Before you do anything, take a moment to think about your wedding day vision.
What feels right for you? Do you want a formal celebration with a glamorous vibe, or are you more into an intimate, relaxed gathering by the water?
Whatever your style, it’s important to nail down the atmosphere you’re going for.
Here at Island View Waterfront, we love the combination of both—an intimate, relaxed vibe with a dash of adventure. Whether you're hosting an epic crab feast by the water or dancing barefoot under the stars, our venue lets you create a wedding that’s perfectly you. No matter what your dream day looks like, we’re here to make it come true!
2. Set Your Budget (and Stick to It!)
Now that you’ve got your dream wedding in mind, it’s time to talk numbers. Setting your budget early on is key to keeping the planning process stress-free. Trust me, there are a lot of little costs that add up fast! To avoid any surprises down the road, figure out your budget for the venue, catering, decor, and all those fun extras that will make your day even more special.
As a family-owned venue with over 57 years of history in the Baltimore area, Island View Waterfront offers everything from our iconic waterfront views to a curated list of local vendors you can trust, making sure your wedding stays within budget without sacrificing the experience. If you're dreaming of a waterfront wedding in Maryland, you're in the right place!
3. Pick Your Wedding Date (and Consider the Season!)
Selecting the perfect wedding date is crucial—and it also helps to think about the season. Here in Baltimore, the most popular wedding dates fall between late spring and early fall, which means these dates book up fast! If you're flexible and want something a little more unique, consider booking a winter or early spring wedding. Our venue, with its picturesque setting on the Chesapeake Bay, offers beautiful vibes all year round.
Not only does Island View Waterfront have a gorgeous backdrop for a wedding anytime of the year, but we’ve also been recognized as Baltimore’s Best Waterfront Venue since 2022! Our team is here to make sure your date works with both your vision and our availability, so we’ll do our best to accommodate.
4. Find Your Dream Venue (We Think We’re It!)
Once you've got your style, budget, and date in mind, it’s time to choose the venue that fits your needs. When it comes to waterfront wedding venues in Maryland, Island View Waterfront offers a truly special experience. From the moment you step onto our property, you'll be surrounded by stunning water views and a peaceful atmosphere that instantly puts you at ease.
Whether you're having a small ceremony with a breathtaking view of the water or planning a larger reception on the spacious grounds, we’ve got everything you need. The beauty of our venue is that it gives you both an indoor and outdoor space, allowing for a smooth transition from the ceremony to dinner and dancing. Plus, we're just a short drive from Baltimore—perfect for couples in the DMV area who want a destination-like experience without the travel hassle.
5. Choose Your Vendors and Partners (We’ll Help!)
One of the most exciting parts of wedding planning is selecting your team of vendors. Whether it's the caterer, photographer, florist, or DJ, you want a crew that understands your vision and can help make it a reality. But with so many options out there, it can get a little overwhelming.
Lucky for you, Island View Waterfront has a handpicked list of trusted vendors who know our property inside and out. From local caterers who can create a mouthwatering Chesapeake Bay-inspired feast to top-notch photographers who’ll capture every beautiful moment by the water, our vendor list makes it easy for you to find the right partners for your day. Plus, we work with some amazing local tent companies, so you don’t need to stress about the weather—rain or shine, we’ve got you covered.
6. Create a Timeline That Works for You (Not the Other Way Around)
When it comes to wedding timelines, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. You don’t need a rigid, high-pressure schedule that makes you feel rushed. Instead, focus on a timeline that feels relaxed, flowing, and fits your unique celebration. At Island View, we love helping couples create a timeline that works for them—whether you’re soaking in the moment with a full weekend wedding experience or enjoying a laid-back evening celebration.
With our exclusive wedding weekend package, you can savor every moment, from the ceremony on the water to the last dance in our indoor space. No need to hurry, just enjoy every second of your day with the people you love most.
Planning your wedding should be exciting, not stressful! At Island View Waterfront, we combine over 57 years of family expertise with a personal, hands-on approach to help you create a wedding that’s perfectly tailored to you. From our stunning waterfront location in Baltimore, Maryland, to our seamless indoor-outdoor flow and trusted vendor recommendations, we’re here to make sure your wedding is everything you’ve dreamed of.
So, if you’re looking for a venue that feels like home and adventure all at once, where every moment is about you and your love story, let’s get started! Reach out today to see how we can make your waterfront wedding dreams come true.
Let’s see if we’re the right match!
Island View Waterfront offers a flexible approach to wedding planning, allowing you to customize your package to suit your needs and budget.
Island View Waterfront is committed to making your dream celebration a reality.
Contact us today to schedule a tour and start planning your unforgettable wedding or event.
Wedding Website: www.islandviewwaterfrontevents.net
Instagram: Island View Waterfront Venue, Essex Maryland
About us: Island View Waterfront is an independent, locally-owned wedding venue near Baltimore Maryland. We have been family owned and operated since 1968. What started as a small bar and marina (read the history here), we are proud to be the current stewards of this waterfront property on the Chesapeake Bay.
When you choose an independent, locally owned venue like ours, you work directly with the owner, and third generation operator Jessica, throughout your entire wedding planning process!
We are committed to supporting other locally owned wedding venues around the country. A shout-out to the following venues who are offering their continued support and encouragement:
Photos in this blog by: https://www.richardandtara.com/
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