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Ashore Resort & Beach Club: A Beautiful Oceanfront Wedding Venue in Ocean City, Maryland

At Arborlane Studios, we believe every love story deserves to be captured in a way that’s as unique as the couple. We've had the pleasure of photographing weddings at various venues, and Ashore Resort & Beach Club in Ocean City, Maryland, stands out for its exceptional blend of coastal charm and refined elegance.

All-Inclusive Options & Vendor Flexibility

Ashore Resort & Beach Club offers a variety of flexible options when it comes to vendors. While they provide a list of preferred vendors, they allow couples to bring in their own vendors for many services, such as catering, florals, and entertainment. This flexibility ensures you can curate your wedding day with the vendors that best align with your style and budget. However, it’s always a good idea to check with the venue for any specific requirements or guidelines regarding outside vendors. They do offer exclusive partnerships for catering and bar services, which might be an option to explore if you prefer a more streamlined experience.

For example, Ashore offers in-house catering and event services, but if you’re looking for something more unique, you may want to discuss your options with them directly.

Capacity & Event Space Options

The resort boasts a variety of event spaces to accommodate weddings of all sizes:

  • Atlantic Ballroom: This grand 7,500-square-foot space features 18-foot ceilings and crystal chandeliers, accommodating up to 600 seated guests or 1,000 standing, making it ideal for large celebrations.

  • Shore Deck: A plush, coastal chic space with adjacent outdoor areas offering Atlantic Ocean views, suitable for up to 300 seated guests or 600 standing, perfect for receptions that blend indoor comfort with outdoor beauty.

  • Dune Deck: Located directly on the beach, this 3,000-square-foot deck is surrounded by natural habitat and can host up to 200 seated guests or 400 standing, offering an immersive oceanfront experience.

  • Waterfront Pavilion: An intimate 1,800-square-foot pavilion on the sand, complete with chandeliers and ocean views, accommodating up to 100 seated guests or 120 standing, ideal for smaller gatherings.

  • Tide Room: Offering modern coastal elegance with beach and ocean views, this space is perfect for gatherings of up to 180 seated guests or 300 standing.

Pricing and Packages

While specific pricing details are best obtained directly from the venue, couples typically invest around $16,100 for a wedding at Ashore Resort & Beach Club. Ceremony fees start at $1,500 during peak season and $750 in the off-peak season. Bar service begins at $17 per person. It's advisable to contact the resort for the most current pricing and package information, as rates may vary based on specific requirements and seasonal promotions. More details can be found on their official website.

Seasonal Considerations and Discounts

The resort offers great value during the off-peak months, which can be an excellent opportunity for couples looking to save. In addition to discounted rates for off-peak months (January–April and December), you may also find weekday or last-minute booking discounts. It’s worth checking in with Ashore about special promotions, especially if you’re flexible with your date. Some packages during the off-season even include extra perks like discounted guest rooms or complimentary upgrades for your wedding party. Be sure to inquire about any last-minute booking opportunities if you’re planning on a quick turnaround! For more information, visit here.

Rental Durations and Time Blocks

When booking Ashore Resort & Beach Club, you’ll have access to the venue for a full day or multiple days depending on your needs. A typical one-day rental includes a set number of hours—usually around 8–10 hours—for the wedding ceremony and reception, but we recommend confirming the exact details with the venue. This gives you plenty of time for your ceremony, photos, and celebration. If you’re planning a weekend-long celebration, there are options for extended rentals.

For couples opting for a rehearsal dinner or a morning-after brunch, Ashore offers flexible options for those as well, depending on availability. Setup times generally start several hours before the event, and breakdown typically happens after the reception ends—again, confirming these times with the venue will ensure everything runs smoothly.

Unique Features of Ashore Resort & Beach Club

What truly sets Ashore Resort & Beach Club apart from other beachfront venues is its exclusive oceanfront access and the Oceanfront Wedding Pavilion. Unlike many venues where you need to hop on a shuttle to get to the beach, Ashore’s pavilion sits directly on the sand, giving you a front-row seat to the stunning ocean views for your ceremony. The resort’s expansive property allows you to host every aspect of your day on-site, from the ceremony to cocktails on the beach, without the hassle of transportation.

If you’re looking for a little extra touch, Ashore also offers private beach bonfires for your guests or even the option of cocktail hour on the sand, creating a unique experience that’s hard to beat.

A Photographer’s Perspective

From a photographer's point of view, Ashore Resort & Beach Club offers a visually rich environment that makes capturing unforgettable moments easy. One of our favorite aspects of the venue is its proximity to the beach—just steps away from the reception, allowing couples to slip out for 10-15 minutes during golden hour for breathtaking sunset portraits without missing much of the celebration. The golden light reflecting off the ocean creates a warm, dreamy atmosphere perfect for romantic shots.

Some of the best photo locations include:

  • The Oceanfront Pavilion: With its elegant chandeliers and natural beach backdrop, it’s perfect for capturing intimate ceremony moments.

  • The Shore Deck and Dune Deck: Both spaces offer stunning evening settings adorned with string lights that create a cozy, magical ambiance—perfect for first dances or candid moments with guests.

  • The Beach Pathway: A secluded pathway leading from the Pavilion to the beach serves as a hidden gem for capturing quiet, romantic portraits.

  • The Beach Itself: Just a short walk from the reception, the sandy shore provides endless opportunities for playful, candid shots, especially during sunset. Imagine capturing a silhouette of the couple with the vibrant hues of the sunset reflecting on the water or a close-up of intertwined hands with waves gently lapping at their feet.

Whether capturing the joy of your guests dancing under string lights or stealing away for sunset portraits with the ocean breeze in your hair, Ashore Resort & Beach Club offers a range of aesthetic backdrops that add depth and beauty to your wedding album.

Why We Love Capturing Weddings Here

Our experiences at Ashore Resort & Beach Club have been truly remarkable. The combination of stunning natural backdrops, versatile event spaces, and attentive staff creates an environment where love stories unfold beautifully. Each wedding we've documented here is a testament to the resort's commitment to excellence and the unique charm it offers to couples and their guests.

Let’s Tell Your Love Story

If you're planning a wedding at Ashore Resort & Beach Club—or any other breathtaking venue along the Eastern Shore—we would be honored to capture your day. At Arbor Lane Studios, we focus on documenting real, heartfelt moments that make your wedding uniquely yours. Let's discuss your vision and how we can bring it to life through timeless photography.

Schedule a Call with Us Here!