Planning a small wedding can be a daunting task, but finding the perfect venue doesn't have to be. Maryland offers a wealth of intimate and charming venues suitable for weddings with guest lists of 50 or fewer.
From rustic barns to elegant waterfront estates, there's a venue to match every style and budget. Many small wedding venues in Maryland also offer all-inclusive packages that take the stress out of planning and ensure a seamless and memorable event.
Here's a closer look at some of the best small wedding venues in Maryland:
small wedding venues in maryland
When choosing a small wedding venue in Maryland, there are a few key things to keep in mind:
- Guest capacity
- Location
- Budget
- Style
- Amenities
- Availability
- Reviews
- All-inclusive packages
By considering these factors, you can narrow down your search and find the perfect venue for your special day.
Guest capacity
When choosing a small wedding venue in Maryland, the first thing to consider is your guest capacity. Maryland defines a small wedding as one with 50 or fewer guests, including the couple, the bridal party, and the officiant.
- Less than 20 guests: These venues are ideal for intimate gatherings and can often be booked for a few hours, making them a great option for elopements or micro-weddings.
- 20-30 guests: These venues offer a bit more space and can accommodate a small dance floor and seated dinner.
- 30-40 guests: These venues are perfect for slightly larger weddings and can usually accommodate a DJ or live music.
- 40-50 guests: These venues are the largest of the small wedding venues and can accommodate a full-size dance floor and seated dinner for all guests.
Once you know your approximate guest count, you can start narrowing down your search for small wedding venues in Maryland.
Location
The location of your small wedding venue in Maryland is another important factor to consider. Do you want to be close to home, or are you willing to travel for the perfect setting? Maryland offers a variety of venues in different locations, from urban to rural.
Here are a few things to keep in mind when choosing a location for your small wedding venue in Maryland:
- Proximity to guests: If you have guests coming from out of town, you'll want to choose a venue that is convenient for them to get to.
- Accessibility: Make sure the venue is easy to find and has ample parking.
- Scenery: If you're looking for a venue with beautiful scenery, Maryland has plenty of options to choose from, including waterfront venues, mountain venues, and forest venues.
- Weather: If you're planning an outdoor wedding, be sure to choose a venue that has a backup plan in case of bad weather.
Once you've considered these factors, you can start narrowing down your search for small wedding venues in Maryland.
Budget
Your budget will play a major role in choosing a small wedding venue in Maryland. Maryland wedding venues can range in price from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars, depending on the size, location, and amenities offered.
- Venue rental fee: This is the cost to rent the venue for your wedding day. It can vary depending on the day of the week, the time of year, and the popularity of the venue.
- Food and beverage minimum: Many venues require you to spend a certain amount on food and beverages. This minimum can vary depending on the venue and the type of food and beverages you choose.
- Vendor fees: In addition to the venue rental fee and food and beverage minimum, you will also need to pay for vendors such as a photographer, videographer, florist, and DJ or band.
- Other expenses: There are other expenses to consider when budgeting for your wedding, such as attire, transportation, and invitations.
Once you have a budget in mind, you can start narrowing down your search for small wedding venues in Maryland that fit within your price range.
Style
The style of your wedding will also help you narrow down your search for a small wedding venue in Maryland. Maryland venues offer a variety of styles, from rustic to elegant to modern.
- Rustic: Rustic venues are perfect for couples who want a laid-back, charming wedding. These venues often feature exposed beams, stone walls, and wooden floors.
- Elegant: Elegant venues are perfect for couples who want a sophisticated, formal wedding. These venues often feature chandeliers, marble floors, and high ceilings.
- Modern: Modern venues are perfect for couples who want a sleek, contemporary wedding. These venues often feature clean lines, open spaces, and floor-to-ceiling windows.
- Outdoor: Outdoor venues are perfect for couples who want a wedding surrounded by nature. These venues can range from gardens to vineyards to beaches.
Once you've considered your style, you can start narrowing down your search for small wedding venues in Maryland that match your vision.
Amenities
When choosing a small wedding venue in Maryland, it's important to consider the amenities that are offered. Some venues offer a wide range of amenities, while others offer only the basics. Here are a few amenities to look for when choosing a small wedding venue in Maryland:
- On-site catering: This can be a major convenience, as it eliminates the need to hire a separate caterer.
- On-site bar: This can also be a major convenience, as it eliminates the need to hire a separate bartender.
- Dance floor: This is a must-have if you're planning on dancing at your wedding.
- Outdoor space: This is a great option for ceremonies, receptions, or both.
Once you've considered the amenities that are important to you, you can start narrowing down your search for small wedding venues in Maryland that offer those amenities.
Availability
Once you've found a few small wedding venues in Maryland that you like, it's important to check their availability. Some venues book up quickly, especially during peak wedding season (May-October). If you have a specific date in mind for your wedding, it's important to inquire about availability as soon as possible.
Here are a few things to keep in mind when checking availability:
- Peak wedding season: May-October is the most popular time to get married in Maryland. If you're planning a wedding during this time, it's important to book your venue well in advance.
- Weekends vs. weekdays: Weekends are more popular for weddings than weekdays. If you're flexible with your date, you may be able to get a better deal on a weekday wedding.
- Holidays: Many couples choose to get married on holidays, such as Valentine's Day or New Year's Eve. If you're planning a wedding on a holiday, it's important to book your venue early.
Once you've checked availability and found a venue that is available on your desired date, you can move on to the next step: booking your venue.
Reviews
Once you've found a few small wedding venues in Maryland that you like, it's a good idea to read reviews from other couples who have gotten married at those venues. Reviews can give you valuable insights into the quality of the venue, the staff, and the overall experience.
Here are a few things to look for when reading reviews:
- Overall rating: This will give you a general idea of how satisfied other couples have been with the venue.
- Specific feedback: Look for reviews that mention specific aspects of the venue, such as the food, the service, or the ambiance.
- Negative reviews: Don't just focus on the positive reviews. It's also important to read the negative reviews to see if there are any common complaints.
Once you've read a few reviews, you'll have a better idea of which small wedding venues in Maryland are the best fit for you. You can then contact the venues to schedule a tour and learn more about their services.
All-inclusive packages
Many small wedding venues in Maryland offer all-inclusive packages. These packages typically include everything you need for your wedding, from the venue rental to the food and beverages. All-inclusive packages can be a great way to save money and reduce stress.
Here are a few things to look for when choosing an all-inclusive package:
- What's included: Make sure the package includes everything you need for your wedding, such as the venue rental, food and beverages, tables and chairs, linens, and a DJ or band.
- Cost: Get a clear understanding of the cost of the package and what's included in that cost.
- Flexibility: Make sure the package is flexible enough to accommodate your needs. For example, can you add or remove items from the package? Can you customize the menu?
If you're looking for a stress-free and affordable way to plan your small wedding, an all-inclusive package may be the right option for you.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about small wedding venues in Maryland:
Question 1: What is the average cost of a small wedding venue in Maryland?
Answer: The average cost of a small wedding venue in Maryland is between $2,000 and $5,000. However, prices can vary depending on the size of the venue, the location, and the amenities offered.
Question 2: What are some popular small wedding venues in Maryland?
Answer: Some popular small wedding venues in Maryland include:
- The Inn at Brookewood
- The Red Fox Inn
- The Antrim 1844
- The Tidewater Inn
- The Inn at Perry Cabin by Belmond
Question 3: What should I look for when choosing a small wedding venue in Maryland?
Answer: When choosing a small wedding venue in Maryland, you should consider the following factors:
- Guest capacity
- Location
- Budget
- Style
- Amenities
- Availability
- Reviews
- All-inclusive packages
Question 4: How far in advance should I book my small wedding venue in Maryland?
Answer: It is recommended to book your small wedding venue in Maryland at least 6-12 months in advance. However, some venues may book up even sooner, especially during peak wedding season.
Question 5: What are some tips for planning a small wedding in Maryland?
Answer: Here are some tips for planning a small wedding in Maryland:
- Set a budget and stick to it.
- Choose a venue that fits your style and guest count.
- Book your vendors early, especially if you're getting married during peak wedding season.
- Create a timeline for your wedding day and stick to it.
- Delegate tasks to your family and friends.
- Relax and enjoy your wedding day!
Question 6: What are some unique small wedding venues in Maryland?
Answer: Here are some unique small wedding venues in Maryland:
- The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore
- The National Aquarium in Baltimore
- The B&O Railroad Museum in Baltimore
- The Maryland Science Center in Baltimore
- The Frederick Keys Stadium in Frederick
We hope this FAQ has been helpful. If you have any other questions, please feel free to contact us.
Now that you know more about small wedding venues in Maryland, you can start planning your dream wedding. Here are a few tips to help you get started:
Tips
Here are a few tips for planning a small wedding in Maryland:
Tip 1: Set a budget and stick to it.
The first step in planning any wedding is to set a budget. Once you know how much you have to spend, you can start narrowing down your options for venues, vendors, and other details.
Tip 2: Choose a venue that fits your style and guest count.
There are many beautiful small wedding venues in Maryland to choose from. When choosing a venue, it's important to consider your style and the number of guests you'll be inviting.
Tip 3: Book your vendors early, especially if you're getting married during peak wedding season.
The most popular wedding vendors book up quickly, especially during peak wedding season. If you have your heart set on a particular vendor, it's important to book them as soon as possible.
Tip 4: Create a timeline for your wedding day and stick to it.
Creating a timeline for your wedding day will help you stay organized and on track. Make sure to include time for everything, from getting ready to the ceremony to the reception.
Closing Paragraph for Tips
Planning a small wedding can be a lot of work, but it's also a lot of fun. By following these tips, you can help ensure that your wedding day is everything you've dreamed of.
Now that you have some tips for planning a small wedding in Maryland, you're ready to start planning your dream wedding.
Conclusion
Maryland offers a wealth of beautiful and charming small wedding venues. Whether you're looking for a rustic barn, an elegant waterfront estate, or a modern urban loft, you're sure to find the perfect venue for your special day.
When choosing a small wedding venue in Maryland, it's important to consider your guest capacity, location, budget, style, and amenities. It's also important to check availability and read reviews from other couples who have gotten married at the venue.
If you're looking for a stress-free and affordable way to plan your small wedding, consider choosing an all-inclusive package. These packages typically include everything you need for your wedding, from the venue rental to the food and beverages.
Planning a small wedding can be a lot of work, but it's also a lot of fun. By following these tips, you can help ensure that your wedding day is everything you've dreamed of.
We hope this article has been helpful. If you have any other questions, please feel free to contact us.