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
Tucked away just outside Baltimore, Gramercy Mansion feels like a secret garden. Its lush gardens, classic architecture, and charming bed-and-breakfast vibe make it perfect for couples who want elegance with a touch of intimacy. The landscaped grounds photograph beautifully in every season.
Gramercy Mansion
See the AMS Gramercy Mansion Weddings
Liriodendron Mansion – Bel Air, MD
A historic estate surrounded by rolling hills and gardens, Liriodendron offers timeless beauty. The stately home has that old-world charm while the outdoor ceremony space is shaded, private, and perfect for romantic portraits.
Liriodendron Mansion
The Cloisters – Baltimore, MD
If you’ve ever dreamed of a fairytale wedding, The Cloisters is it. Think stone towers, gothic architecture, and hidden courtyards. The medieval-inspired design gives your wedding album a one-of-a-kind backdrop.
The Cloisters
Antrim 1844 – Taneytown, MD
This historic hotel and estate is as grand as it gets. With sweeping gardens, fountains, and a glass-enclosed pavilion, Antrim 1844 brings European charm to Maryland. It’s elegant, classic, and built for celebrations that feel timeless.
Antrim 1844
George Peabody Library – Baltimore, MD
Talk about a wow factor! The Peabody Library is one of the most jaw-dropping wedding venues in Maryland. Imagine exchanging vows surrounded by soaring stacks of books, marble floors, and ironwork balconies. It’s elegant, dramatic, and unforgettable.
George Peabody Library
See a recent AMS wedding at the Peabody in Mount Vernon
Whitehall – Annapolis, MD
Whitehall is a waterfront estate dating back to the 1700s. With sweeping lawns rolling down to the Chesapeake Bay, it’s perfect for couples who want history, elegance, and a wide-open canvas for their celebration.
Whitehall
See more from AMS at Whitehall
Shrine of St. Anthony – Ellicott City, MD
For couples who want a sacred space with incredible architecture, the Shrine of St. Anthony offers stone archways, landscaped grounds, and a serene, timeless atmosphere. It’s as peaceful as it is beautiful. A real hidden gem
Shrine of St. Anthony
See a recent wedding!
Pleasant Hill House – Southern MD
Pleasant Hill House is ideal for couples who want rustic charm blended with comfort. With open fields, a welcoming barn, and cozy touches, it’s a laid-back but beautiful setting for celebrating love.
Pleasant Hill House
Prosperity Mansion – Frederick County, MD
Colorful gardens, whimsical touches, and a countryside feel make Prosperity Mansion a unique gem. It’s especially perfect for couples who love vibrant blooms and relaxed, romantic vibes.
Prosperity Mansion
The Oaks Waterfront Inn – St. Michaels, MD
Nestled on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, The Oaks is a waterfront inn with charm to spare. It’s intimate and cozy, with stunning views of the water at sunset — perfect for golden-hour portraits.
The Oaks
1840s Plaza – Baltimore, MD
If you love city weddings with historic flair, 1840s Plaza brings Baltimore charm in spades. Brick walls, colorful architecture, and a central courtyard create an urban-yet-romantic atmosphere.
1840s Plaza
Grey Rock Mansion – Pikesville, MD
Grey Rock combines elegance and history in one venue. Its sprawling lawn, stately home, and beautiful indoor ballrooms make it flexible and classic all at once.
Grey Rock Mansion
See a recent gallery here
Walker’s Overlook – Walkersville, MD
For couples who want rolling farmland and rustic charm, Walker’s Overlook delivers. The historic home, barns, and fields create a relaxed but polished backdrop for both ceremony and reception.
Walker’s Overlook
Dulaney’s Overlook – Frederick, MD
Another Frederick gem, Dulaney’s Overlook features gardens, barns, and historic homes on 170 acres. It’s versatile and beautiful, offering countless photo opportunities across its grounds.
Dulaney’s Overlook
Ceresville Mansion – Frederick, MD
Ceresville Mansion brings old-world elegance with its white-columned architecture, manicured gardens, and tented reception space. It’s equally stunning indoors or outdoors.
Ceresville Mansion
Big Cork Vineyards – Rohrersville, MD
Vineyards, mountain views, and a modern tasting room — Big Cork Vineyards is perfect for couples who love wine country vibes right in Maryland. Sunset over the vines makes for unforgettable portraits.
Big Cork Vineyards
Overhills Mansion – Catonsville, MD
This turn-of-the-century mansion offers classic elegance. With sweeping staircases, chandeliers, and lush grounds, Overhills is perfect for a traditional yet warm celebration.
Overhills Mansion
Tilghman Island Inn – Tilghman Island, MD
Waterfront charm meets Eastern Shore elegance. Tilghman Island Inn is intimate and welcoming, with Chesapeake Bay views and cozy inn vibes.
Tilghman Island Inn
Visitation Academy – Frederick, MD
Once a historic monastery, the Visitation Hotel has been beautifully transformed into a modern boutique hotel and wedding venue. Its elegant architecture, soaring ceilings, and thoughtfully designed event spaces make it perfect for couples who want a celebration that blends timeless character with contemporary luxury.
Visitation Hotel
Baltimore Museum of Art – Baltimore, MD
For couples who want an artistic, modern setting, the BMA is unbeatable. Its marble halls, sculpture gardens, and contemporary galleries create an elegant, cultural backdrop.
Baltimore Museum of Art
Historic Londontowne & Gardens – Edgewater, MD
Overlooking the South River, this venue blends historic buildings with lush gardens. It’s romantic, versatile, and especially gorgeous in spring and summer.
Historic Londontowne & Gardens
Carriage House Inn – Emmitsburg, MD
A cozy venue with historic charm, the Carriage House is perfect for smaller weddings. Its intimate spaces make guests feel right at home.
Carriage House Inn
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.
