With its picturesque harbor and rich history, Baltimore is a wonderful place to get married. It offers some of the best seafood in America, stunning waterfront views, rich cultural diversity, and quaint, walkable neighborhoods. The city is also home to major professional sports teams — the Ravens and the Orioles are both based in Baltimore, and they each have a dedicated fan base. If you’re looking to experience the history and culture here, head downtown to visit Lexington Market, the oldest in the U.S. There’s truly something for everyone in this vibrant city, and you’re sure to find a perfect wedding venue here no matter what you’re looking for.
Historic Venues
Baltimore is rich with American history and has a wealth of historic venues that are perfect for your big day.
George Peabody Library
Getting married in a library may not sound particularly appealing, but the George Peabody Library will defy all of your expectations. It’s a truly exceptional place to get married — in fact, Brides Magazine deemed it one of America’s best wedding venues. The beauty of the building’s reading room is accentuated by majestic cast-iron columns, intricate metalwork finished with gold leaf and large skylights that create almost a sense of infinity within the space. For weddings, hundreds of glowing fairy lights add to the romantic atmosphere. In the adjacent Exhibit Gallery, enjoy cocktail hour in a unique environment. This room features carefully selected items throughout the year, showcasing pieces from the library’s private collection that provide an additional element of excitement for many wedding guests. There’s no doubt that you and your guests will be enchanted by the rich, elegant atmosphere at the George Peabody Library — there are few places in Baltimore as magnificent as this one.
The Cloisters
This historic mansion, located just north of Baltimore, will whisk you to another world with its grandeur. Sitting atop a hill surrounded by 60 acres of quiet woods, the magnificent venue is tucked away from the bustle of the city. The Cloisters features intricately carved wood, gorgeous stained glass, and elaborate wrought iron designs. It was designed with a medieval feel and still delivers that to this day– you can even view the collection of medieval relics that the original owners, Sumner and Dudrea Parker, brought to the home. Thousands of tiny lights can be strung up for evening celebrations, making the castle seem to come alive with magic. Any wedding here would be absolutely unforgettable, and we think it would be hard to find a more captivating setting for your special day.
Venues on the Water
If you and your partner love a good stroll along the Inner Harbor, then a waterfront venue is a must.
Pier 5 Hotel
If you’re looking for a waterside venue with stunning views, look no further than the Pier 5 Hotel. It’s located on Baltimore’s Inner Harbor and has its own pier and waterfront garden, creating a gorgeous backdrop for your wedding ceremony. Next to the garden, you’ll find the Seven Foot Knoll Lighthouse — this historic structure is perfect for photos, and it adds even more distinctiveness to the venue’s harborside location. Hold your reception in the hotel’s Harbor Club, where you’ll experience 270-degree panoramic views of the harbor through floor-to-ceiling windows. Dance under the stars on the waterfront terrace, or enjoy cocktails on the ballroom’s wraparound balcony as you watch boats move across the river. A wedding at the Pier 5 will capture the beauty of Baltimore’s famous Inner Harbor, often considered the crown jewel of the city.
Legg Mason Tower
Legg Mason Tower is another gorgeous venue overlooking Inner Harbor. The building has outdoor space right next to the water as well as indoor areas with sweeping, 180-degree views. Floor-to-ceiling windows let in cool natural light, and large balconies make you feel even closer to the harbor. The state-of-the-art tower was only built in 2009, giving it a contemporary and elegant feel. Have your ceremony on one of the wide balconies high above the water, or choose a spot right alongside the harbor. If you’re looking for a modern, sophisticated setting for a waterfront ceremony, Legg Mason Tower is a fantastic choice.
Countryside Venues
Get away from the hustle and bustle of the city for an intimate countryside wedding.
Cylburn Arboretum
Located just 15 minutes from downtown Baltimore, this urban oasis spans over 200 acres of vast gardens, fields, and trails. Over 20 different gardens can be found throughout the park, each of which contains a careful selection of plant types. Weeping cherry and magnolia trees create a gorgeous, romantic backdrop for photos, and the wide carpet of daffodils that bloom in the spring adds another element of floral beauty. But the allure of the arboretum doesn’t just come from its natural beauty: the Vollmer Center and Cylburn Mansion complete the uniqueness of a wedding experience here. The Cylburn Mansion is a historic building built in the Victorian era — it features distinctive inlaid floors, decorative leaded glass windows, and ornate plasterwork. It also has a large, three-sided porch that would be perfect for cocktails. The Vollmer Center offers an exciting contrast to the mansion’s Victorian style with its fresh design and modern feel. It was built in 2008 and has several eco-friendly features: a green roof, a composting system, and geothermal heating and cooling systems are just a few examples. This might appeal to you if you’re particularly environmentally-conscious yourself, but the Vollmer Center is visually stunning as well. Floor-to-ceiling windows seem to bring the vast gardens and warm sunlight indoors, giving the building an open and natural feel. The contrast between this modern building and the Victorian mansion makes a wedding here truly one-of-a-kind.
