Your wedding day should be unforgettable, and what better way to create those memories than with a gorgeous venue for your special day? From a romantic cruise as you say “I do” to sprawling lawns and adorable animals, here are a few of our favorite Baltimore wedding venues.
Evergreen Museum & Library
Whether you’re looking for a large outdoor wedding or a small indoor ceremony, Evergreen Museum & Library can do it all. You’ll have your choice of their Terrace & Gardens or Carriage House, along with sprawling lawns and a 19th-century Gilded Age mansion. Your rental will also include a venue manager, tables and chairs, security, and a preparation suite for your special day.
The Maryland Zoo
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Not only is The Maryland Zoo a truly unique place to hold your wedding, but it can also hold up to 250 guests on your big day. Located in central Baltimore, the zoo offers gorgeous indoor and outdoor venues, including the Lakeside Pavilion and Mansion House Porch. You’re also welcome to choose an “Animal Ambassador” to appear during the cocktail hour of your wedding reception for a chance to get some memorable photos.
1840s Plaza
Photo Courtesy of Alison Dunn Photography
Set in the historic Jonestown district, 1840s Plaza is the perfect blend of charming and contemporary style. It has six different ceremony locations to choose from, with its largest holding a capacity of 350 wedding guests. You are also free to choose from their several wedding packages, based on the venue. It’s also near several of Baltimore’s most popular attractions, such as the Inner Harbor and Little Italy. It has even won numerous awards from The Knot and Wedding Wire for consecutive years.
Spirit Cruises
Photo Courtesy of Spirit Cruises
Spend your wedding day on the water with Spirit Cruises! The ship is great for small and large weddings, as it can hold up to 400 guests onboard. You’ll say your “I do’s” with the Inner Harbor as the backdrop to your special day. Indoor space is also available if the weather gets colder when the sun goes down. You can also host your engagement party, rehearsal dinner, bridal shower, and more on their cruise ship.
Kimpton Hotel Monaco Baltimore
Photo Courtesy of Eric Lee
Named a “Top Wedding Venue” by the Baltimore Sun, the Kimpton Hotel Monaco is one of our favorite Baltimore wedding venues. Known for its classy and elegant decor, the hotel is located in downtown Inner Harbor with open spaces great for dancing, larger receptions, and cocktail hours. Their onsite restaurant offers regional cuisine and catering, along with a marble staircase and crystal chandeliers that are perfect for your wedding photos.
Now that you’ve chosen these Baltimore wedding venues for your special day, it’s time to find your dream dress! Book an appointment with one of our bridal fashion stylists in our private viewing area today!
Ready to Pick Your Reception Music?
Of all the things your guests will remember about your wedding day, the music and entertainment are definitely one of the highest items on the list. Of course, that’s no surprise. They are going to remember the time they spent with you the most, and the vast majority of that time is going to be at the reception while the music is playing. Would you rather their memories be watching you’re your spouse from a distance or dancing the night away with the two of you on the dance floor? This is the reason so many great bands and DJs are in such high demand. They know what to play and when to play it. Of course not everyone can afford a band or DJ, so sometimes we have to take the playlist into our own hands. In that case, we’ve gathered a few tips for you:
Top 5 Tips to Pick Your Music
1.) Make mutual decisions. One person can be in charge when it comes to other aspects of your wedding, but when it comes to the music it needs to be a joint decision. Music is incredibly meaningful and each of you deserves to be a part of choosing which songs will be played at your reception
2.) Plan to spend all night. Most likely this isn’t going to be a quick decision. Grab a few bottles of wine or a case of beer and get ready for a long night in. Don’t worry though, it won’t be as tedious as you may think. You’ll both most likely spend the night reminiscing and telling stories about one song or the other. Don’t rush it, these are important memories too.
3.) Be ready to compromise. You aren’t going to like all the songs your partner chooses and he or she isn’t going to like all the songs that you choose, but that’s okay. It’s also important to determine why you don’t like certain songs. Then keep in mind what the song means to each of you and the importance, good or bad.
4.) Choose music that’s special to you. Don’t just choose songs because they’re popular or because you think they will get people on their feet and dancing, also choose songs that are significant to you and your future spouse for specific reasons. Maybe you share an inside joke to a specific song or maybe you both sing the wrong words to another. Bringing up the memories associated with these songs will make your wedding day even more special.
5.) Choose music that’s special to your guests. It’s also advised to add a few songs that hold special meaning to a few friends or family members. Your parent’s wedding song, your little sister’s favorite song, or the tune that your fiancé remembers his mom always humming as she made dinner; these additions will show your friends and family just how much you appreciate them being there on your special day. Lily’s Bridal is Maryland’s Premier Bridal Boutique offering Wedding Gowns, Prom Dresses, and Tuxedo Rentals.