One of the very first (and biggest!) decisions you’ll make in wedding planning is choosing your venue. It sets the tone for your entire celebration and gives you the backdrop that will live forever in your wedding photos.
As a Maryland wedding photographer, I’ve had the joy of capturing weddings at some of the state’s most stunning spots — from historic mansions and libraries to waterfront estates and vineyards. Each venue offers something unique, whether it’s golden light for portraits, incredible architecture, or rolling landscapes that let your guests breathe and celebrate with you.
Here are some of my favorite Maryland wedding venues that never fail to create a memorable wedding experience and beautiful photographs.
Gramercy Mansion – Stevenson, MD
Gramercy Mansion is one of the most romantic Maryland wedding venues for couples who want lush gardens, elegant architecture, and a peaceful, private setting just outside Baltimore. As a Maryland wedding photographer, I love how the landscaped grounds photograph beautifully in every season — spring blooms, summer greenery, fall color, and winter charm. Its intimate bed-and-breakfast style creates a warm, welcoming atmosphere for weddings of all sizes.
Gramercy Mansion
See the AMS Gramercy Mansion Weddings
Liriodendron Mansion – Bel Air, MD
Liriodendron Mansion is a historic Maryland wedding venue filled with charm, rolling hills, and timeless architecture. The estate’s shaded ceremony space and sweeping gardens offer endless opportunities for romantic portraits. It’s perfect for couples who want a quiet, elegant backdrop that feels both classic and relaxed. As a photographer, I adore how the light filters through the trees here — it creates the dreamiest glow.
Liriodendron Mansion
See the AMS Liriodendron Weddings
The Cloisters – Baltimore, MD
The Cloisters is one of the most unique Baltimore wedding venues, known for its gothic towers, stone walkways, and fairytale ambiance. If you want a wedding day that feels like it stepped out of a storybook, this is your place. The medieval architecture creates a dramatic, one-of-a-kind backdrop for wedding portraits, especially at sunset or during nighttime photos.
The Cloisters
Antrim 1844 – Taneytown, MD
Antrim 1844 is a luxury Maryland wedding venue with European-inspired gardens, fountains, and a glass pavilion perfect for elegant receptions. Every inch of this historic estate photographs beautifully — from the bridal suites to the rose gardens. It’s ideal for couples who want a sophisticated, classic celebration with an old-world feel.
Antrim 1844
George Peabody Library – Baltimore, MD
The George Peabody Library is easily one of the most iconic wedding venues in Baltimore, Maryland. With its towering book stacks, marble floors, and dramatic ironwork, it’s a venue that absolutely takes your breath away. For couples dreaming of a wedding with culture, grandeur, and unforgettable photos, the Peabody is unmatched. Every angle feels like artwork.
George Peabody Library
See a recent AMS wedding at the Peabody in Mount Vernon
Whitehall – Annapolis, MD
Whitehall is a historic Annapolis waterfront wedding venue with sweeping lawns overlooking the Chesapeake Bay. Its 18th-century architecture, private shoreline, and wide-open outdoor spaces make it perfect for couples who love a mix of elegance, history, and coastal beauty. Sunset portraits here are absolutely stunning.
Whitehall
See more from AMS at Whitehall
Shrine of St. Anthony – Ellicott City, MD
The Shrine of St. Anthony is a serene Maryland wedding venue known for its stone archways, landscaped courtyards, and peaceful atmosphere. It’s perfect for couples who want a sacred and meaningful ceremony space surrounded by nature. This venue is a hidden gem — quiet, beautiful, and incredibly photogenic.
Shrine of St. Anthony
See a recent wedding!
Pleasant Hill House – Southern MD
Pleasant Hill House is one of Southern Maryland’s most charming rustic wedding venues, combining open farmland with a cozy barn and beautiful outdoor ceremony spaces. Couples who want relaxed, warm-hearted celebrations love this spot. The surrounding fields glow beautifully at golden hour, making it perfect for natural, candid portraits.
Pleasant Hill House
Prosperity Mansion – Frederick County, MD
Prosperity Mansion is a whimsical Maryland garden wedding venue filled with colorful florals, vintage touches, and peaceful countryside views. It’s ideal for couples who love outdoor weddings and vibrant, romantic imagery.
Prosperity Mansion
The Oaks Waterfront Inn – St. Michaels, MD
The Oaks Waterfront Inn is one of the Eastern Shore’s most beloved waterfront wedding venues. With sweeping views of the water, charming inn spaces, and dreamy golden-hour light, it’s a perfect choice for intimate celebrations by the bay.
The Oaks
1840s Plaza – Baltimore, MD
1840s Plaza is a vibrant Baltimore wedding venue offering a mix of historic charm and urban energy. Its brick walls, colorful architecture, and elegant courtyard create a stylish backdrop for city-loving couples. Portraits here feel modern and romantic all at once.
1840s Plaza
Grey Rock Mansion – Pikesville, MD
Grey Rock Mansion is a timeless Maryland mansion wedding venue featuring grand indoor ballrooms, a stately estate exterior, and sprawling lawns. Its classic architecture is perfect for couples who want a traditional yet welcoming setting.
Grey Rock Mansion
See a recent gallery here
Walker’s Overlook – Walkersville, MD
Walker’s Overlook is a gorgeous Maryland farm wedding venue with rolling fields, historic barns, and a charming estate home. It blends rustic charm with refined details, making it perfect for couples who love nature and open-air celebrations.
Walker’s Overlook
Dulaney’s Overlook – Frederick, MD
Dulaney’s Overlook is a versatile Frederick wedding venue featuring gardens, historic buildings, and scenic farmland. With 170 acres of photo opportunities, it’s ideal for couples who want a mix of rustic and elegant details.
Dulaney’s Overlook
Ceresville Mansion – Frederick, MD
Ceresville Mansion is an elegant Maryland mansion wedding venue with white columns, manicured gardens, and flexible indoor-outdoor spaces. Whether you choose the ballroom or the tented terrace, every space feels refined and photogenic.
Ceresville Mansion
Big Cork Vineyards – Rohrersville, MD
Big Cork Vineyards is one of Maryland’s most scenic vineyard wedding venues, featuring mountain views, rows of vines, and a modern tasting room. Couples who love wine country vibes adore this location — especially during sunset portraits in the vineyard.
Big Cork Vineyards
See a recent wedding here
Overhills Mansion – Catonsville, MD
Overhills Mansion is a classic Catonsville wedding venue known for its sweeping staircase, chandeliers, and lush outdoor spaces. It’s perfect for couples drawn to timeless, elegant celebrations.
Overhills Mansion
Tilghman Island Inn – Tilghman Island, MD
Tilghman Island Inn is a cozy Eastern Shore wedding venue with waterfront views, charming inn suites, and a peaceful coastal atmosphere. Ideal for intimate weddings and relaxed celebrations by the water.
Tilghman Island Inn
Visitation Academy – Frederick, MD
Visitation Hotel is a modern boutique Frederick wedding venue created inside a beautifully restored historic monastery. Its soaring ceilings and architectural details blend old-world beauty with contemporary luxury — a dream for elegant, editorial-style wedding photos.
Visitation Hotel
Baltimore Museum of Art – Baltimore, MD
The Baltimore Museum of Art is a sophisticated art museum wedding venue offering marble halls, sculpture gardens, and modern gallery spaces. It’s perfect for couples who want a chic, contemporary, art-inspired celebration.
Baltimore Museum of Art
Historic Londontowne & Gardens – Edgewater, MD
Historic Londontowne & Gardens blends waterfront views with historic buildings and lush gardens. It’s a versatile Maryland garden wedding venue that shines in spring and summer.
Historic Londontowne & Gardens
Carriage House Inn – Emmitsburg, MD
Carriage House Inn is a charming, intimate Maryland wedding venue with cozy indoor spaces and warm hospitality — perfect for smaller celebrations filled with meaning and heart.
Carriage House Inn
Strong Mansion – Frederick, MD
Strong Mansion is a romantic, historic wedding venue in Frederick, MD, and it’s one of my favorite places to photograph. The stone architecture, garden ceremony spaces, and sugarloaf mountain views blend elegance with natural beauty—perfect for couples who want a classic yet scenic backdrop. The mansion’s vintage details and lush grounds offer endless spots for heartfelt, artistic portraits that feel timeless and full of joy. If you’re planning a Strong Mansion wedding, this venue truly shines in every season.
Strong Mansion
Final Thoughts
Maryland is filled with incredible wedding venues — from Baltimore’s historic gems to the Eastern Shore’s waterfront escapes. The best part? Each one offers a unique backdrop that allows your love story to shine.
When you choose your venue, think not just about the logistics, but also about how it will feel in your wedding photos. The architecture, the light, the landscapes — they’ll become the canvas for the story you’ll relive for years to come.
Maryland Wedding Photography FAQ
Planning a wedding can feel overwhelming, and choosing the right photographer is a big decision. Below are answers to some of the most common questions couples ask me about wedding photography in Maryland, Washington, D.C., and beyond.
1. How far in advance should we book a Maryland wedding photographer?
I recommend booking 9–12 months in advance, especially for popular spring and fall dates. This ensures you get the coverage you want and allows time for engagement sessions, planning, and customizations. Weddings in Northern Virginia, Baltimore, and the surrounding areas tend to fill up quickly, so early booking gives you the most options.
2. Do you travel outside of Maryland for weddings?
Yes! While I’m based in Maryland, I regularly photograph weddings in Washington, D.C., Virginia, Pennsylvania, and beyond. Travel fees depend on location and distance, and I’m happy to provide a custom quote to make your destination wedding planning seamless.
3. How many hours of coverage do most Maryland weddings need?
Most couples choose 8 hours of coverage, which usually captures getting ready, the ceremony, portraits, and part of the reception. Smaller weddings may only require 6 hours, while larger or multi-day events may need 10+ hours to fully document the day.
4. What’s included in your Maryland wedding photography packages?
Packages typically include:
- Full-day coverage (customizable hours)
- An online gallery of high-resolution edited images
- Access to prints, albums, and wall art options
- Engagement sessions (available in most collections)
- Second photographers (for larger weddings or multi-venue days)
Each package can be customized to fit your needs and your day’s unique timeline.
5. When will we receive our images?
One week after your wedding, you’ll receive a highlight gallery to relive the best moments. The full, watermarked gallery will also be available for you to select your favorites. Within 1–2 months, the final gallery is delivered, ready for download and sharing. From there, we can start building albums, prints, and other keepsakes.
6. Do you offer engagement or portrait sessions?
Absolutely! Engagement sessions are included in many packages, and they’re a great way to get comfortable in front of the camera before your wedding day. I also offer additional sessions for bridal portraits, anniversary shoots, or special couple milestones. These sessions often provide images perfect for invitations, save-the-dates, or wedding websites.
7. Can we request specific shots or poses?
Yes! I encourage couples to share their vision. While I focus on capturing natural, emotional moments, I’ll always work with you to include any family formals, must-have shots, or creative ideas you love. I provide a flexible photography experience tailored to your personalities.
8. Do you photograph smaller or micro-weddings?
Definitely! Smaller weddings and intimate celebrations are my specialty. Even with a guest list under 50, I bring the same care, creativity, and storytelling approach as I would for a larger wedding, ensuring your photos feel full, meaningful, and memorable.
9. What happens if the weather is bad on our wedding day?
Maryland weather can be unpredictable, so I always have a plan for rain or inclement conditions. Indoor backup locations, covered ceremony options, and creative outdoor solutions allow us to capture beautiful photos no matter what. I’ll help you adapt your timeline and locations to make the most of the day.
10. How many photographers will be at our wedding?
Most weddings are covered by one lead photographer, but I often recommend a second shooter for larger weddings or multiple venue days. This allows us to capture different perspectives simultaneously, like the groom getting ready while I photograph the bride, or multiple angles of your ceremony.
11. What if we want prints, albums, or wall art?
I offer a range of heirloom-quality prints, albums, and wall art that can be personalized to your home and style. Many couples choose to create a wedding album as a keepsake for themselves and their families — it’s a beautiful way to relive your day for years to come.
12. How do we reserve our date?
Once you’ve decided your wedding date, we’ll sign a contract and submit a deposit to officially hold your date. I suggest booking as early as possible, especially if your date is during peak wedding season. After that, we’ll schedule planning calls, engagement sessions, and timelines leading up to your wedding day.
13. Do you offer custom packages or add-ons?
Yes! All of my packages are flexible. I can tailor coverage hours, add a second photographer, engagement sessions, or albums to suit your budget and vision. This ensures every couple gets a customized experience without paying for extras they don’t need.
14. How do we get started?
The easiest way is to reach out through my contact form or email. I’ll check availability, answer any questions you have, and provide pricing and package options. From there, we can schedule a consultation to ensure we’re the perfect fit for your wedding day.
Amanda MacPhee Studios | amandamstudios@gmail.com | instagram.com/amandamacpheestudios
