top of page

Single Day Wedding vs. Weekend Wedding: Which Is Right for You?



waterfront wedding venue, Chesapeake Bay wedding, outdoor ceremony, Maryland waterfront wedding
A breathtaking outdoor ceremony on the shores of the Chesapeake Bay at Island View Waterfront.

When it comes to planning your wedding at a venue like ours, located on the beautiful Chesapeake Bay, there are two major options to consider: a single-day wedding or a weekend wedding. Both offer unique experiences, but how do you know which one is best for you? Let me break it down from my perspective as the owner and operator of this family-owned, waterfront wedding venue, where we’ve been hosting weddings since 1968.


The Charm of a Waterfront Venue on the Chesapeake Bay


Before we dive into the differences between a single day wedding and a weekend wedding, let me paint a picture for you. Island View Waterfront is nestled on the shores of the Chesapeake Bay in Maryland, offering breathtaking views and a serene atmosphere. Imagine an outdoor ceremony with the sound of the water lapping gently against the shore, the scent of saltwater in the air, and your guests all gathered under the open sky. If you’re dreaming of an outdoor ceremony, reception, and all-around celebration, there’s no better place than our venue.


We also offer an indoor space for those who prefer a more traditional setting or who need a backup plan in case of weather. Regardless of your choice, I can guarantee that the views, ambiance, and unique atmosphere of this place will make your day unforgettable.


outdoor reception, Chesapeake Bay wedding venue, Maryland wedding reception, wedding under the stars
Elegant outdoor reception under the stars, featuring tables, chairs, and stunning Chesapeake views.

Single Day Wedding: The Classic Approach


A single-day wedding is, as the name suggests, a full day of celebrations packed into one. For couples looking for a streamlined experience, this might be the way to go.


At Island View, a single-day wedding comes with everything you need to make your day as easy and stress-free as possible. We’ll take care of setup and breakdown for you, and we’ve got your seating covered with chairs and tables already included in the package. Plus, we’ve got a curated vendor guide that features talented local vendors who can help bring your vision to life.


indoor reception space, rustic wedding venue, waterfront wedding, indoor wedding Maryland
Celebrate your wedding in our charming indoor reception space, complete with rustic decor and waterfront views.

Pros of a Single Day Wedding:


  • Efficiency: For couples with busy schedules, a single-day wedding can be a great option. You get to enjoy all of the important moments without having to commit to a whole weekend of celebration.

  • Budget-Friendly: Since you’re only booking the venue for one day, this option can often be more budget-friendly. With Island View, you’ll only pay for the space and services you need—whether that’s just the wedding ceremony or both the ceremony and reception.

  • More Focused: You can pack in all of your must-have moments into one day—ceremony, cocktails, dinner, dancing, and a grand exit. There’s no “downtime” between events, so the energy stays high throughout the day.

  • Flexibility with Guests: Some guests may only have time to attend one part of your wedding, whether it’s the ceremony or the reception, and with a single day event, this can allow for a more flexible guest list.


    wedding catering Maryland, curated vendor guide, all-inclusive wedding packages, wedding menu options
    Delicious and elegant catering options to fit any wedding style—at Island View, you’re in control of your menu.

Cons of a Single Day Wedding:


  • Tighter Timeline: With everything happening in one day, the timeline can get a bit tight. You might not have time to savor every moment, especially if you're trying to fit in pre-wedding photos, family photos, or have a relaxed meal before the party begins.

  • Less Time to Enjoy with Your Guests: Since there’s only a single day, your time with your guests will be limited to a few hours. If you want more time to mingle, a single-day wedding might not offer the relaxation and leisure you’re after.


Weekend Wedding: The Relaxed & Extended Celebration


On the other hand, a weekend wedding offers a more relaxed, laid-back experience, giving you the opportunity to savor the entire weekend with your closest friends and family. You can kick off your celebration with a rehearsal dinner on Friday, and have the main wedding on Saturday, followed by a Sunday brunch or casual gathering. For couples who want a bit more breathing room, this is an excellent choice.


At Island View, our signature weekend wedding package provides you with the luxury of two full days at our waterfront venue. This includes full access to both the outdoor and indoor spaces, all the way from Friday evening to Sunday afternoon. Plus, you'll have access to our curated vendor guide to select the perfect team for your wedding weekend.


bridal party fun, wedding on the lawn, Chesapeake Bay wedding venue, Maryland wedding photos
Enjoy moments of joy and laughter with your bridal party at Island View Waterfront.

Pros of a Weekend Wedding:


  • More Time to Celebrate: A weekend wedding gives you the opportunity to fully immerse yourself in your celebration. You won’t be rushing to get everything done in one day. Instead, you’ll have the time to host a rehearsal dinner, have relaxed mornings with your bridal party, and enjoy more time with your guests.

  • Incorporates Family and Friends: If you have family traveling from afar, a weekend wedding allows you to make the most of their time. It gives you a chance to spend time with those who may not have been able to attend a single-day event, and it offers a more relaxed atmosphere for everyone to catch up and enjoy each other’s company.

  • Stress-Free Experience: A weekend wedding allows you to break things up and enjoy each event without rushing. There’s no “go-go-go” pressure because you have more time to get things done. And let’s be honest: wedding planning can be overwhelming. A weekend allows you to spread out the events to avoid feeling too rushed.

  • The Ultimate Wedding Weekend: From the rehearsal to the wedding day to a farewell brunch, your entire weekend will be a celebration. This experience gives you an unforgettable, leisurely wedding experience that reflects the adventure and excitement of life itself.

  • Everything in One Spot: One of the best advantages of a weekend wedding at Island View is that everything you need is right here. From the rehearsal dinner to the ceremony and reception to post-wedding brunches, you don’t have to worry about coordinating transportation or traveling between different venues. Your guests can relax, enjoy, and spend more time with you, since everything is right on the waterfront, with ample space for each part of your celebration. This makes the weekend feel even more cohesive and stress-free.


Cons of a Weekend Wedding:


  • Higher Costs: A weekend wedding can be more expensive, especially since you’re booking the venue for more than just one day. This may increase the cost of catering, staff, and other services. However, with Island View, we offer all-inclusive options, where you choose inclusions based on your budget and needs, so you can customize the weekend to fit your vision.

  • More Planning Required: While it’s definitely more laid-back, a weekend wedding requires more planning, from organizing a rehearsal dinner to deciding on activities for the weekend. You’ll need to think about meals, accommodations, and even entertainment options beyond the wedding itself.

  • Guest Travel and Accommodations: If you have a lot of out-of-town guests, you may need to arrange accommodations for them, and depending on the season, that could be a challenge. We’re located on the scenic Chesapeake Bay, so you may also want to help your guests make the most of the area.


    wedding details, family-owned wedding venue, wedding rings, wedding photography Maryland
    Wedding day details—captured beautifully at Island View Waterfront, a family-owned venue since 1968.

Choosing the Right Option for You


Ultimately, the decision between a single-day wedding and a weekend wedding depends on your priorities, your guest list, and the type of experience you want to create. At Island View Waterfront, we pride ourselves on being adaptable to your needs. Whether you're looking for a simple, yet memorable, one-day affair, or a grand weekend celebration, we’ll work with you to make your vision come to life.


Our family-owned venue has been providing unforgettable experiences for weddings since 1968, and we’ve built our reputation on offering beautiful, outdoor spaces with stunning waterfront views. With free parking for your guests and an all-inclusive approach to your event planning, we make it easy to bring your dream wedding to life.


And of course, we’ve got backup plans for the backup plans—because here at Island View, we’re all about making sure your day goes off without a hitch, rain or shine.

If you’re ready to discuss your wedding day options or start planning your adventure, I’d love to help you decide what works best for you and your loved ones.


Let’s see if we’re the right match!


Make Your Dream Wedding a Reality at Island View Waterfront

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.


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:



Comments


Island View Waterfront

2542 Island View Road, Essex, Maryland 21221

© 2025 Island View Waterfront. All Rights Reserved.

bottom of page