Example: Patuxent Grand at The Gathering Place
Example: Patuxent Grand at The Gathering Place
Looking for the best location for the big day in Maryland? With the yearly wedding count at 40,684 in Maryland, there are a lot of brides, just like you, looking for the perfect venue to host their wedding celebration.
Maryland is a historic hub defined by its iconic coastlines and waterways. From mills and manors to banquet halls and waterfront spots, the state houses a variety of stunning, unique venues for wedding ceremonies and receptions across its major cities.
A major city in Maryland, Baltimore boasts a handsome history and a famous seaport. Perfect for weddings by the water with fresh breezes and even fresher seafood, Baltimore offers a timeless setting for wedding celebrations. Alternative options nearby include historic manors that exude traditional elegance amidst impressive architecture and gorgeous grounds.
Home to many marine-inspired restaurants and views, Annapolis is a great area to look to for a couple who wants to capture the charm of Maryland’s green landscape and waterways in their reception. For example, the Chart House in Annapolis offers a unique and elegant fusion of land and sea. Situated along the waterfront at Spa Creek, its massive glass windows and marine-inspired in-house menu ties your wedding together to craft a spectacular event!
Home to the vast blue body of Chesapeake Bay, the Eastern Shore/Chesapeake Bay area is a beautiful region of Maryland that embraces the natural elements of its surroundings. Many venues in the area utilize the bay view as the centerpiece of their spaces. With its sleek white-pillared structures and vast open view of the waterfront, The Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Golf Resort, Spa & Marina is a great example of a venue for a modern bride with a large wedding party. In this region, parties transform from the outdoors to the indoors in fluid transitions. Your ceremony can be held outside by the water, followed by cocktails beneath the open air, and finished off with a dance in an impressive banquet space.
Frederick is full of rustic charm. Many venues in Frederick highlight the special alcoves and cloisters of trees that are present in the landscape. An ideal visual of such a venue, the Inn at Roops Mill offers the perfect country charm with its lush green open spaces, well-lit ballroom, and picture perfect rope bridge. After a stunning photo session, retire your wedding party to the classic indoor rooms to be wined and dined.
Venue cost depends on space availability (how many events they can hold at once) and services offered (catering, wedding planner, etc). Most venues in Maryland hold only one wedding party at a time. Maryland’s four main regions offer similar prices across the board. Location costs alone range from $3,001-$5,001 in Maryland.
Here is another cost to be prepared for: taxes and service fees. When you start looking at venues, you need to remember that there are state-allowed taxes that tack on surprising increases to your bill. In Maryland, the sales tax is now 6.0 percent (this will also affect your dress purchase, and other outside costs). One positive about having your wedding in this state is that individual counties and cities are not allowed to tack on their own personal tax as well. As for service fees, they are more loosely based on the desires of each specific venue. This charge is usually around 20 percent of your venue costs.
First things first, and that's a marriage license! Each county in Maryland has its own Circuit Court Clerk's Office. Whatever county you intend to get married in is the one whose office you must go to for your license! This means that if you live near Baltimore, but your ceremony is in Annapolis, you must go to the Annapolis office to get your license. The basic requirements for a Maryland application are:
If you are divorced or widowed, you must provide certified copies of those events as well (divorce document, death certificate).
Legal form of ID with your picture on it, as well as your social security number. You DON'T have to be a resident of Maryland, but all applicants must be prepared to write which state and country you were born in.
The cost of the license will be $35-85 via cash or credit card. Please call the circuit court of your respected county to get the most updated prices.
Licenses are usually given the day of application. You must wait at least 48 hours after its issue to be married. You must use the license within 6 months as well.
On Budgeting
A great way to control your budget is to establish a range, rather than a set number, of what you are willing to pay for each aspect of your wedding. Determine what is most important to you as a couple. Allowing yourself to write down your priorities together will help to avoid petty conflicts that could take away from your special moment.