Waterfront Wedding Venue Near Washington, DC: Plan a Destination Feel Without Leaving the DMV
- jessheddings
- Nov 20
- 3 min read
If you’ve been dreaming of a waterfront wedding that feels like a destination getaway—but without the flights, planning stress, or resort price tag—Island View Waterfront is exactly what you’ve been searching for.
Just under an hour from Washington, D.C., our venue offers the kind of Chesapeake Bay backdrop that makes guests pause and say, “Are we really still in Maryland?”
Located at Island View Waterfront, 2542 Island View Road, Essex, MD 21221
(Phone: 410-687-9799), our property has been hosting celebrations for generations. Couples from D.C., Columbia, Ellicott City, Annapolis, Frederick, and beyond love that they can escape city chaos while still staying close to home. It’s that perfect blend of coastal calm and East Coast charm—without the long-distance logistics.
A Chesapeake Bay Setting with Destination Vibes
Imagine walking down the aisle with the sun glinting off the water, the sound of waves against the pier, and a salty breeze in the air.
At Island View Waterfront, couples don’t have to compromise between elegance and ease—you get both. From wide-open lawns to our private waterfront café and dock, every detail feels like a coastal retreat.
The best part? Your guests can skip the travel day. Instead of a destination wedding that costs everyone time and airfare, you can host an unforgettable Chesapeake Bay weekend just a short drive from Washington, D.C. It’s the smart, stress-free way to get that “away-from-it-all” feeling right here in the DMV.
The Destination Experience, Simplified
Planning a waterfront wedding can sound intimidating—but our team makes it seamless. With trusted local vendors, coordination support, and built-in essentials (like tables, chairs, lighting, and more), Island View makes it easy to create your own version of a bayfront celebration. Think twinkling string lights, crab cakes and champagne by the water, and that relaxed, vacation-like energy your guests will talk about for years.
Why Couples From D.C. Choose Island View
Many of our couples say they didn’t want a ballroom or a country club—they wanted an experience. Something natural, beautiful, and memorable. That’s what Island View delivers. You get the feeling of being “away,” while still being close enough for guests to Uber or drive home. And if you want to make it a full weekend? Our two-day rental options make it easy to stretch out the fun and truly enjoy your Chesapeake Bay celebration.
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.
Waterfront Wedding Venue Near Washington, DC: Plan a Destination Feel Without Leaving the DMV
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:
citations: Island View Waterfront, 2542 Island View Road, Essex MD 21221, Phone (410)-687-9799, serving event needs in Baltimore, Annapolis, White Marsh, Bel Air, Dundalk, Rosedale, Frederick, Pasadena, Washington D.C., Canton, Federal Hill, Baltimore City, Columbia, Ellicott City, and more.
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