If the freezing arctic blast, snow and ice have you snuggled up in your p.j.’s with Netflix and hot cocoa this weekend, take advantage of some down time and begin your search for Maryland wedding venues! You may have browsed aisles of exhibitor booths at recent wedding shows and expos, gazed dreamily at wedding gowns in a few bridal magazines or googled wedding and reception venues during your lunch break. But if you’re planning a wedding celebration between now and spring of 2016, it’s time to really get down to business. Popular Maryland wedding venues are well-booked for peak dates beginning about a year to a year and a half in advance. If you have your heart set on a Saturday evening ceremony and reception during warmer weather, you are among the majority of Maryland wedding couples and availability is limited from April through November at many venues.
If you’re not sure where to begin or what to look for in Maryland wedding locations, keep the following considerations in mind while researching venues to suit your vision, budget and needs.
5 Things to Consider When Choosing Your Maryland Wedding Venue
1. Location. City, country, waterfront, gardens, farm… what have you envisioned for your wedding day? We have the amazing good fortune to live in a state that offers a little bit of everything. From quaint B&Bs, to rustic farms and fabulous ballrooms with city and waterfront views, Maryland’s varied landscape provides countless options for your wedding location. Are your guests local? Do you wish to stay within a 20 mile radius of a specific church or wedding chapel? Are you looking for a location with a destination appeal, where guests can choose to book overnight accommodations as well? Starting with a radius around a city or town will help you narrow your search.
2. Maximum capacity. The first question you will be asked when inquiring about available space for a ceremony or reception is how many guests you are planning to invite. Yes, we realize that not all invited guests may accept but what if they do? Be sure to only consider venues with maximum capacities that can comfortably accommodate your guest list. If the number on your list is a bit flexible and you’re leaning toward a venue on the smaller size, realize you may have to limit the invites and make sure you, your partner and anyone else directly involved in planning the big day are okay with that.
3. Back-up plan for outdoor locations. You have your heart set on a flower-filled garden wedding ceremony with butterflies and sunshine in late September followed by al fresco dining and dancing under the stars. What if Mother Nature doesn’t cooperate with your plans? We all know that Maryland’s weather can be unpredictable from season to season and year to year. A sudden downpour, hurricane-force winds or a cold spell could have you scrambling at the last-minute. Choosing a wedding venue with equally beautiful options for indoor ceremonies and receptions and outdoor events will ease your mind and save your sanity the week of and day of should the weather forecast put a damper on things.
4. Must-have rentals. Thinking a backyard location or your great-aunt’s farm house with rolling hills and gardens would be a perfect wedding venue? Excellent. But keep in mind, those options most likely do not come with tables, chairs, tenting, and adequate restroom and kitchen facilities to accommodate 100 of your closest family and friends. If your location selection is based on budget and does not include some of these necessities, consider the cost of event rentals before making a final decision. Contact an event rental company for an estimate for must-have items including tables, chairs and tenting. You may even want to reach out to a company that supplies portable restrooms… the last thing you need is Aunt Millie’s septic overflowing mid-reception!
5. Polished and professional. You’re planning one of the most special and memorable celebrations of your life. Peace of mind in knowing that every detail on your wedding day will be handled with care by professionals is priceless. Chances are this is the first time you’ve planned and hosted a wedding. The right team of event professionals including the management and event hosts at your chosen venue contribute years of experience to the planning process and day-of coordination. The key to your wedding planning and wedding day happiness is to feel comfortable with the professionals you have chosen to play a role. Know that you can ask any question that comes to mind and it will be answered thoughtfully and respectfully. Feel confident that while not everything will be perfect on your wedding day, the team you’ve put together will manage any glitches gracefully and no one will know the better.
Ready to dive in? Begin your search for Maryland wedding ceremony and reception venues at WeddingWire.com or TheKnot.com where you can search by distance from city and zipcode, maximum capacity, setting and venue type. Or visit our wedding page to learn more about ceremony and reception venues at Gramercy Mansion in Baltimore County and 1840s Plaza in Baltimore City. Check out reviews from past wedding couples to learn about their real wedding experiences. Then pick your top contenders and set aside some time for private venue tours. Pictures speak a thousand words but an in-person visit reveals details the camera may have overlooked. Once you’ve chosen a wedding date and contracted your ceremony and reception venue, you’re well on your way to happily ever after!
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