Top 5 Wedding Venues For Your Maryland Wedding

Over the last 10 years, I have photographed at probably over 100 wedding venues; and while I haven’t experienced them all, I’ve seen A LOT. My couples have taken me all over Maryland, the state known for its blue crabs & Old Bay. But, what I bet you didn’t know is that they have GORGEOUS wedding venues. As a wedding photographer, a great venue is everything. Let me tell you, Maryland wedding venues are more beautiful than my lens can capture. So, if you’re recently engaged or dreaming about where to host your fairytale wedding, here are 5 of my favorite wedding venues in Maryland (in no particular order) to consider!

My Top 5 Maryland Wedding Venues as a Wedding Photographer

The Cloisters Castle | Pikesville, Maryland

There really isn't another wedding venue in Maryland quite like Cloisters Castle. Tucked away on 60 acres just outside of Baltimore, the castle is filled with stained glass, stone, carved wood, winding staircases, and little architectural details that make it feel like you've stepped somewhere completely different.

As a photographer, this is one of those venues where I never feel like I'm running out of places to take photos. The gardens and exterior are beautiful, but the inside of the castle is just as much a part of the experience. The staircase, library, windows, balconies, stone walls, and different rooms give us so much variety without ever needing to leave the property.

It's especially beautiful for couples who want their wedding to feel romantic, historic, a little dramatic, and completely different from a traditional ballroom. I've photographed Cloisters weddings with completely different styles, and somehow the castle works for all of them.

Why I love photographing here: The variety. We can create completely different looks throughout the day while staying in one location, and there is no shortage of beautiful options if the weather changes.

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Blue Moon Rising on Deep Creek Lake | McHenry, Maryland 

For couples who want their wedding to feel less like a traditional event and more like an entire weekend away with their favorite people, Blue Moon Rising is such a fun option.

Located in McHenry overlooking Deep Creek Lake, Blue Moon Rising is surrounded by more than 100 acres of woods and rolling hills and is best known for its collection of unique tiny cabins. Guests can stay right on the property, which creates this wonderful wedding-weekend atmosphere where everyone gets to slow down and actually spend time together.

Photographically, it's completely different from the traditional ballroom or barn wedding. The woods, lake views, cabins, trails, and outdoor spaces give the entire day a relaxed, adventurous feeling.

It's especially perfect for couples who love Deep Creek and want the location itself to be part of their wedding experience rather than simply the place where the reception happens.

Why I love photographing here: It feels like a destination wedding without leaving Maryland. The cabins, woods, lake atmosphere, and weekend experience make it completely unique.

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Chanteclaire Farm | Friendsville, Maryland 

Chanteclaire Farm is easily one of my favorite wedding venues in Western Maryland. Located just outside of Deep Creek Lake, the property combines rolling hills and mountain scenery with an experience that feels polished without losing the relaxed feeling that makes Deep Creek so special.

One of the biggest advantages of getting married at Chanteclaire is that it's pretty much an all-inclusive experience. So many pieces of the wedding day can be handled right through their team, which makes planning significantly easier and keeps everything feeling cohesive from beginning to end.

Leigh, the venue owner, is also truly wonderful to work with. She knows the property and the flow of a wedding day inside and out, and has a way of keeping everything moving while making it all feel completely effortless. From a photographer's perspective, having an experienced coordinator like Leigh makes such a difference. I can focus on my couple and their photos while knowing everything happening behind the scenes is being taken care of.

The property itself also gives us so much variety for photos. Between the rolling fields, mountain views, barn, and different spaces throughout the venue, we can create several completely different looks without ever having to leave.

Why I love photographing here: Beautiful Western Maryland scenery, an almost all-inclusive experience, tons of variety for photos, and an incredible team that makes wedding days feel effortless.

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Red Barn Inn | Swanton, Maryland 

Red Barn Inn is one of those venues that gives couples a lot of freedom to make their wedding feel like their own. Located in the Deep Creek Lake area, the property combines a historic red barn, open fields, a pavilion, and an inn where couples and their guests can turn the wedding into an entire weekend experience.

The barn itself has so much character, with exposed wood and plenty of space for dinner, dancing, and celebrating. Outside, the classic red exterior photographs beautifully against the greenery and Western Maryland landscape, and the property gives us plenty of room to explore for portraits throughout the day.

Another huge part of the experience at Red Barn Inn is their planning duo, the Savage Sisters, who are amazing to work with. Having planners who know the venue, understand how the day should flow, and are genuinely great at what they do makes such a noticeable difference. They're another reason I love coming back here.

What I especially love about Red Barn Inn is how many different looks we can create on one property. You can lean into the rustic history of the barn, keep things simple and romantic in the fields, or create something a little more elevated inside. Having accommodations directly on the property is another huge bonus, especially for a Deep Creek wedding where many guests are already traveling for the weekend.

Why I love photographing here: It's incredibly versatile. There are indoor and outdoor options, beautiful scenery, lots of character, and plenty of room to make the day feel completely personal.

StoneBridge Events | Cumberland, Maryland 

StoneBridge Events is such a hidden gem in Western Maryland. Located just outside of Cumberland, the property feels private and tucked away while still being convenient for couples and guests traveling from the surrounding area.

One of my favorite things about StoneBridge is the versatility of the property. There are so many different spaces to work with throughout a wedding day, from the outdoor ceremony areas and surrounding greenery to the more elegant spaces around the venue. It gives us plenty of opportunities to create variety in your photos without ever needing to leave the property.

It's also a venue that can work with so many different wedding styles. Whether you're envisioning something romantic and classic, colorful and personality-filled, or a little more relaxed, there's plenty of room to make the space feel like your own.

For couples looking to get married in Western Maryland without traveling toward Baltimore, DC, or Pittsburgh, StoneBridge offers a beautiful option right here in the Cumberland area.

Why I love photographing here: A beautiful, versatile property with plenty of portrait locations and the ability to make each wedding feel completely different.

Maryland has no shortage of beautiful wedding venues, but these five continue to stand out to me for their versatility, unique settings, and the experiences they offer couples. After photographing weddings throughout Maryland for more than a decade, I’ve learned that the best venues aren’t just beautiful in photos. They’re spaces that allow you to create a day that genuinely feels like you. If you’re planning a wedding at one of these venues (or somewhere completely different!), I’d love to hear what you’re dreaming up and help you capture it. If you enjoyed these 5 Maryland wedding venues, I’d be happy to share more favorites & even venues in West Virginia, Virginia & Pennsylvania. Let me know in the comments!