How to Plan a Wedding in Maryland
- jessheddings
- 3 days ago
- 4 min read
Planning a wedding in Maryland is exciting—whether you picture a Chesapeake Bay waterfront wedding, a rustic barn celebration, or a chic Baltimore city affair. Maryland wedding venues offer so many options, but knowing where to start can feel overwhelming. This guide will walk you through everything you need to plan your dream Maryland wedding, from finding the perfect venue to choosing vendors and building a timeline that feels stress-free.
Maryland Wedding Venues: Finding the Perfect Location
One of the biggest decisions is choosing your Maryland wedding venue. Do you imagine an elegant ballroom, a cozy countryside barn, or a waterfront venue overlooking the Chesapeake Bay?
For couples who love the outdoors and want a relaxed but stunning setting, Maryland waterfront wedding venues are a top choice. Chesapeake Bay weddings offer beautiful views, natural charm, and a built-in backdrop for photos.
💡 If you’re searching for something that blends laidback coastal vibes with weekend-long flexibility, Island View Waterfront is one of Maryland’s hidden gems. Couples love that it feels like a private escape—just minutes from Baltimore—where you can host your ceremony, reception, and even a welcome party or Sunday brunch all in one spot.
Setting a Wedding Budget in Maryland
Maryland weddings range widely in cost. The average budget falls between $17,000–$30,000, though many couples spend more depending on guest count and style.
Here’s what to consider when creating your Maryland wedding budget:
Guest list size (the biggest factor in catering + rentals)
Venue rental fees (ask what’s included—tables, chairs, parking, setup)
Vendors (photographer, florist, caterer, music)
Extras (tent rentals, lawn games, décor, late-night snacks)
Tip: Prioritize what matters most to you. For some couples it’s food and entertainment; for others it’s a full weekend Chesapeake Bay wedding experience.
Maryland Wedding Planning Checklist
To keep you on track, here’s a simple checklist for planning your Maryland wedding:
✅ Choose your Maryland wedding style (waterfront, rustic, elegant, city)
✅ Book your wedding venue in Maryland and secure a date
✅ Draft a guest list and finalize your budget
✅ Hire key Chesapeake Bay wedding vendors (catering, photography, music)
✅ Ask your venue about indoor/outdoor options and weather backup plans
✅ Plan your rehearsal dinner or welcome party
✅ Add Maryland-inspired touches (crab cakes, Old Bay cocktails, oysters)
✅ Create a wedding weekend timeline (Friday–Sunday events if you choose a full package)
✅ Relax and enjoy—this season only happens once!
Why Chesapeake Bay Wedding Venues Are So Popular
There’s a reason so many couples choose a Chesapeake Bay wedding. Waterfront wedding venues in Maryland provide a natural, romantic setting where guests can enjoy the outdoors, sunsets, and open-air celebrations.
At Island View Waterfront, couples often stretch their day into a full weekend wedding package. That might include a Friday welcome party on the lawn, a Saturday ceremony and reception by the water, and a Sunday morning brunch before everyone heads home. It’s relaxed, memorable, and feels more like a vacation than a rushed one-day event.
Working with Local Maryland Wedding Vendors
The right vendors make all the difference. Many Maryland waterfront venues partner with trusted local caterers, florists, and planners who know the property and can deliver smooth, stress-free weddings.
Island View has a curated list of Maryland wedding vendors at different price points, making it easier for couples to find the right fit without the guesswork. This helps you skip hours of research and focus on the fun parts of planning.
Adding Personal Touches to Your Maryland Wedding
Maryland weddings shine when couples add personal, local details. Think oyster bars, crab cake appetizers, signature cocktails with Old Bay, lawn games, or dancing under the stars. A waterfront wedding gives you plenty of room to be creative without needing heavy décor.
At Island View, couples often describe their weddings as simple, beautiful, and unforgettable—the kind of moments where you look around at your people and think: this is it.
How to Plan a Wedding in Maryland
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: