Weddings 101: Where to have a waterfront wedding in Baltimore?

July 16, 8:02 PMBaltimore Wedding Planning ExaminerHeather Travaglini

Previous Next

1 comment Print Email RSS Subscribe

Subscribe

Get alerts when there is a new article from the Baltimore Wedding Planning Examiner. Read Examiner.com's terms of use.

Email Address   Include other special offers from Examiner.com Terms of Use

Photo by Paisley Photography

Setting a summer wedding date often inspires the desire to get married at the beach or on the water; however, living in Baltimore, the beach can seem like a bit of a drive especially on a Saturday in July or August. Driving over the Bay Bridge may not be on your to-do list, but have no fear, many waterfront options are still available closer to home.

Maryland has been graced with the beauty of the Chesapeake Bay, which hosts many wedding worthy options. For the Baltimore-based who love their home city, the Inner Harbor is the place to start when looking for a waterfront, or at least water view, location. Hotels, such as Pier 5 and InterContinental Harbor Court, boast waterfront views from the windows of their ballrooms. Many restaurants around the harbor have the space to host wedding receptions and rehearsal dinners, including Tabrizi's and Rusty Scupper. Don't forget about the local museums as well; the Baltimore Museum of Industry is situated right on the water with outdoor space for a ceremony and/or cocktail hour. The Baltimore National Aquarium offers several reception options, which may not put you on the water but more like under it with their Underwater View Area.

If getting out of the city was part of your dream wedding plan, head a little further East along the Bay and some more secluded options become available. Out in Pasadena, discover Windows on the Bay, a restaurant with panoramic views; Kurtz's Beach, a beach front catering facility with indoor and outdoor options; and Celebrations at the Bay, a waterfront ballroom with views of the Bay. Herrington on the Bay, located south of Annapolis, also overlooks the Bay and offers different on-site venue options, including the Herrington Harbour South Historic Yacht Club and Polynesian Bridal Lawn.

Annapolis, also home to a portion of the Chesapeake, also offers a mix of ideal wedding options while still being slightly outside the big city. In the heart of downtown, find Annapolis Marriott Waterfront sitting right on the water with beautiful views all around. Right on the outskirts of downtown visit The Overlook Pavilion at Port Annapolis Marina where a waterfront pavilion can be turned into the wedding site of your dreams. On the other side of town, Quiet Waters Park sits on the South River and provides a beautiful outdoor gazebo right on the water for any wedding ceremony. Also on South River is Paul's on South River, a waterfront restaurant ready to help with all your wedding ceremony and reception needs. Follow the river south of town and make a stop in Edgewater at the Historic London Town & Gardens. Here you will find a picturesque bluff that overlooks the river.

If sitting back and just looking at the water is not enough, Maryland offers several floating options where you can really get your feet wet, so to speak. In Baltimore, jump aboard the USS Constellation for a historic twist to your water-based ceremony and reception or board an old fashioned paddle boat, The Black Eyed Susan. For something a little more modern, rent one of the cruise ships through Spirit Cruises and sail around the Chesapeake for a few hours. If leaving from Annapolis, check out Watermark Cruises or Admiral of the Bay to get your full nautical experience. Not sure where to start? Pintail Yachts will pick up in either Baltimore and Annapolis and take you along the Bay.

I Want To Know: What local waterfront location did you stumble across and have a party at?