There are so many beautiful wedding venues in Maryland, specifically on the eastern shore, making it difficult to select just a few. These choices are from a my perspective as a wedding photographer based on a number of factors. These range from sheer number of photographic backdrops, professionalism of the coordinators and staff, lighting, to their unique natural surroundings and architecture of the venue itself.

1. Kylan Barn

This one ranks top of my list for pure granduer and beauty. From the beautiful white washed exposed beam ceiling inside the barn to the many different setups outside specifically for photos. The owner Kyle is also a photographer and it’s clear that so much thought went into creating a visually magical, wedding experience. There is a bridal suite as well as a remodeled airstream camper with a cool retro feel. Having both separate areas where each party can get ready is highly desirable when considering convenience as well as time savings. You have your choice of ceremony site, whether it be the nearby forest or open field, allowing each couple to custom tailor their dream wedding.

1. Wildflower Estate

Wildflower is the newest barn on the eastern shore at the time of this post, and is quickly catching the attention of couples looking for an intimate, upscale barn venue option. Just minutes from Cambridge and Salisbury, Wildflower is easy for out of town guests to find and get to. The rural setting is so picturesque in the middle of a field backed up to woods. It’s the perfect balance in my opinion of rustic and sophistication, but don’t take my word for it…schedule an appointment with venue owners Josh and Kirstin.

https://merrysherwoodplantation.

2. Lighthouse Cove Event Center

Lighthouse Cove in Dewey Beach is one of the newest wedding venues on the eastern shore as is quickly becoming one of the most popular. The reception hall has numerous windows to provide expansive views of Rehoboth Bay. The multi level deck is perfect for wedding guests to enjoy a drink during social hour. The layers of decking will allow for many different angles and views which really make for some incredible portraits and ceremony shots. Lisa Wilgus at Lighthouse Cove Event Center is exceptional and will work with you to make sure everything is perfect for your big day. Speak to Lisa and find out more by clicking here http://lighthousecoveevents.com/weddings.html

3. Lighthouse Sound

Perched on a hill on a premier golf course in the small town of Bishopville, only minutes from Ocean City, is Lighthouse Sound. The wall of windows in the reception hall allow for panoramic views of Ocean City across the bay making for arguably some of the the most beautiful sunsets of all. If the weather is nice which it typically is in the summer, your guests can enjoy the open air and that same view from the patio outside. The newly renovated bridal suite is just one more reason to love this incredible wedding venue. Lauren is the day of coordinator and contact for weddings for Lighthouse Sound and is absolutely amazing. Learn more about this serene and magical venue here https://lighthousesoundrestaurant.com/.

4. Bear Trap Dunes

Another golf course wedding venue located in Ocean View, De, Bear Trap Dunes offers gorgeous lake views along with forests and rolling hills. The grand Clubhouse provides an elegant setting to host any type of special event and exquisite floor-to-ceiling windows provide spectacular panoramic views of the tranquil landscape. The grounds also can accommodate a tent overlooking the lake and beautiful course. The day of coordinator, Chelsea will take great care of you! Check them out here http://www.beartrapdunes.com/weddings.html.

4. Seacrets

Okay, I’ll admit I’m a little biased towards Seacrets since I was married to my best friend nearly 15 years ago, however it really is a truly one of a kind place for a wedding. The tropical/beach/urban backgrounds, ranging from beach to rope bridges, steel walls, piers and palm trees, speak to my creative heart.

5. Southern Bell

This rustic barn venue is located conveniently in Delmar and offers so many awesome visual elements. I love that it has a dressing room on site as well as a cool loft area for dramatic shots from above of the reception hall. The ceremony site is set far back behind the barn for a very intimate feel so couples don’t have to go far for stunning portraits before their grand entrance.

5. Windmill Creek Vineyard

This historic home sits on beautiful acreage with grape vines and wildflower fields. More information on this venue can be found here https://www.windmillcreekvineyard.com/events.

7. Smokey Hollow

Imagine being only minutes from the hustle and bustle of Ocean City when you turn down a long gravel road though a wooded forest, which eventually opens to a lovely field surrounded by trees and in the middle a lake. This sounds almost fanciful by itself, but then there off the side against the wood next to the lake is a stunning, chic, white barn ready to make all your wedding dreams come true. Just when it couldn’t get much better there is a mansion far on the other side of the enormous lake which can be rented to acomodate you and your husband, wedding party and several other guests. Many gorgeous backdrops dot the property. One such example is the wooden pier leading into the placid lake. A second example is a weathered brick path lined by boxwood which open up to a bench facing the lake. Certainly not last but equally stunning photo op is the giant boulder that sits alongside the lake where a perfectly positioned couple can curl up together for yet another enchanting portrait.

6. Heritage Shores

Great for large weddings, Heritage Shores in Bridgeville, De is an astounding wedding venue. Recently completely renovated, the Nantucket inspired clubhouse provides an elegant and tranquil setting. The classically neutral toned walls make it easy adapt to your envisioned style. The bridal suite has also recently been renovated and is a rather large space this is also elegant and neutral toned. This is an asset as I see it, as several highly important moments have to be captured here; mom helping you into your dress, dad walking in with tears in his eyes as he sees you for the first time are among the top of the list. You will want these moments to be captured as beautifully as possible and a beautiful space only amplifies the scene. Heritage Shores has one grand ballroom accommodating up to 450 and several other reception areas. There is also a large outdoor ceremony site with the focus being a very elegant gazebo. Allie, the day of coordinator, is incredibly on point and helpful with the details of your special day. Learn more about Heritage Shores here www.heritageshores.com/special-events

There you have it…my two cents for what it is worth on some of the most photographic wedding venues in and around Ocean City, MD. I will admit that there are a few more venues that should make this list. However this being only my second full season here in the Ocean City area, I have not yet had the chance to photograph at all of them. I am very much looking forward to doing so very soon and will do another blog post about my experiences there. A few of those venues worth mentioning are Castle Farm in Snow Hill Md, Kylan Barn in Delmar, Wildflower Estate in Mardela Springs, Brooklyn Meadows in Berlin and the Atlantic Hotel in Berlin.