with so many great Eastern Shore wedding venues to choose from it can seem overwhelming…

There are so many beautiful wedding venues in Maryland, Delaware and Virginia, specifically on the Eastern Shore. There are many different factors to consider and it’s a major decision because the choice you make determines the vibe of one of the most important days of your life. In this guide we will be sharing price ranges and capacities for each venue that we have this information for as well as our thoughts on what makes each one unique from a photographer and industry professional perspective. Happy venue hunting!

Ocean Pines Yacht Club

From the pier overlooking the bay to the large open reception hall surrounded by windows looking over the water, Ocean Pines Yacht Club has tons to offer. It has one of the larger capacity limits on the shore, capable of seating up to 200 guests. There is a bridal suite on the property as well, making things extra convenient. To top it all off the food is delicious! Price points: $1,500 ceremony venue; $100-$145/person food. If beach front is more your speed and you have a smaller guest list, check out their other amazing venue, Ocean Pines Beach Club. For more information or to schedule a tour, reach out to their amazing in house coordinators at (410) 641-7501; events@oceanpines.org; https://venuesatoceanpines.com/ocean-pines-yacht-club.

Castle Farm

Castle Farm wedding venue in Snow Hill, Md is a hidden gem. Castle Farm is an upscale barn venue for those that want a sophisticated meets rustic and natural vibe. It’s a working horse breeding farm on 150 private acres with a pond and friendly Andalusian horses. They have all inclusive collections as well as a build your own options. This venue meets just about anyone’s needs with space for up to 200 guests. There’s no need to worry about your getting ready location as it has both a bridal and groom suite which can be hard to come by in the area. With so many beautiful spaces both inside and out, Castle Farm ranks high on our list for most photographic wedding venues on the Eastern Shore. Venue pricing starts at $5,000 and all inclusive packages are available to simplify the planning process. For more information contact Catherine at (410) 430-1037, (410) 936-4315; info@castlefarmweddings.com; https://castlefarmweddings.com/.

Cambria Ocean City, md

Ocean City’s newest upscale hotel and wedding venue, Cambria is one you absolutely must check out! Their bayfront gazebo rental starts at only $800 and their tented reception with water views on the lawn starts at a very reasonable $2,000. The tent can easily hold up to 170 of your favorite people. Cambria also has a an indoor ballroom option starting at $1500. They even offer on-site catering packages and discounted guest room block to accommodate all your out of town guests. For those adventurous couples, creative portraits under the route 50 bridge over something different and fun. The director of marketing and sales for Cambria OC is super helpful and easy to work with. While their wedding website is being built out, you can reach Marge directly at 443-373-4093 to learn more or schedule a tour.

Wildflower estate

Wildflower Estate is one of the newest barn wedding venues on the eastern shore and is quickly catching the attention of couples looking for an intimate, upscale barn venue option set among a field surrounded by forest. Just minutes from Cambridge and Salisbury, Wildflower is convenient for of town guests to find. A beautiful boho chic bridal suite is one of the venues newest additions and at the time of this updated post, plans for expansion to include up to 100 guests are well under way. Another exciting new development is the option to have your ceremony in the woods. Wildflower is the perfect balance of rustic charm and sophistication. See for yourself by taking a scroll through a real wedding gallery here Alysa & Kevin's Wildflower Estate Wedding. Pricing for this gorgeous venue ranges from 3-5K. When ready reach out to friendly venue owners Josh and Kristin for a tour www.wildflowerestatemd.com.

kylan barn

Kylan Barn ranks top of our list for pure grandeur and beauty. From the beautiful white washed exposed beam ceiling inside the barn to the many different props outside specifically for photos. It is 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. Kylan is one of the largest capacity venues in the area, able to hold up to 243 of your favorite people. Get inspired by checking out this beautiful winter wedding gallery here Christina & Andrew's Kylan Barn Wedding. Located in Delmar Md, its centrally located on the Eastern Shore. Contact the helpful in house staff at (410) 251-5914; kylanbarn@gmail.com; https://www.kylanbarn.com/.

Vanderwende Acres

Once a working dairy barn in Seaford, DE, Vanderwende is now one of the most highly sought after barn venues on the Eastern Shore. It is absolutely incredible and has much to offer including a breathtaking loft with exposed wood beam ceiling, ceremony site with setting sun and soybean fields in the background and beautiful bridal suite to name a few. There is a beautiful bridal suite for the bridal party to get ready. The owners and venue coordinator are very friendly and professional. Vanderwende can hold up to 200 people and pricing starts at $6,900. Learn more about this Eastern Shore wedding venue gem by contacting them at (302) 258-8678; hello@vanderwendeacres.com and visiting their website https://vanderwendeacres.com/.

Lighthouse Cove Event Center

Lighthouse Cove in Dewey Beach is one of the newest eastern shore wedding venues and as is quickly becoming a very popular choice. 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. Pricing starts at $2,000 for the ceremony and the space can accomodate up to 250 people. What’s really cool is that Lighthouse Cove is connected to the Hyatt so many of your guests can stay right there which means the party can continue at one of the many bars within walking distance like the Rusty Rudder or Bottle and Cork. Venue coordinator Lisa Wilgus is exceptional and will work with you to make sure everything is perfect for your big day. Find out more here http://lighthousecoveevents.com/weddings.html.

Lighthouse Sound

Perched on a hill on a premier golf course in the small town of Bishopville, Md, 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 sunset views. 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. Capacity is 200 so invite away! Rates start at $1,500 for ceremony and $5,000 for the reception. Learn more about this serene and magical venue here https://lighthousesoundrestaurant.com/ and see one of our full real weddings here Allie & Spencer's Wedding at Lighthouse Sound.

Golden Sands

Golden sands hotel and wedding venue is unique in that its ocean side and has its own private beach for ceremonies which is almost impossible to find oceanside. This is especially important since the public Ocean City beach is generally packed in the summer and even the best of photographers can have a difficult task of finding the best angles and bokeh backgrounds to reduce if not eliminate public bystanders from your backgrounds. Receptions are held on the 22nd floor in their newly renovated Atrium room. Perched on the highest point in the Ocean City skyline, the views are breathtaking. The bridal suite is next to this room which is also very convenient. Venue pricing starts at $2,500 with an additional $500 off for non Saturday weddings. Chairs and arbor are included for beach ceremonies and the Atrium can accommodate up to 170 people. Head over to Goldensandsoceanresort.com to learn more and schedule a tour with their super friendly and helpful venue coordinator Melissa Mattie.

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.

Seacrets

Okay, I’ll admit I’m a little biased towards Seacrets since I was married to my best friend over 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. Seacrets, Ocean City can hold up to 250 of your guests so its one of the largest capacity venues which we love. Pricing is very reasonable at $29-$59/per person. To get more information contact the helpful staff at (410) 524-4900; https://seacretsweddings.com/.

Venue 54 (formerly Southern Bell)

This rustic barn venue is located conveniently in Delmar, Md and offers so many awesome visual elements. We love that it has a gorgeous bridal suite on site as well as a cool loft area for dramatic shots of the dance floor or for large group portraits. 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 sunset portraits squeezed in during the reception. Pricing ranges from  $5,500-$9,500 and their capacity is 200. To learn more visit their website events@venue54.com.

Windmill Creek Vineyard

This historic home sits on beautiful acreage with grape vines and wildflower fields. What I love about this venue is the wildflower fields in the spring, the cute seating areas around the grounds and of course the beautiful house that has been completely renovated, but retains the original historic charm. Invite everyone you know as this venue with a tented reception can accomodate up to 250 people. Starting rate is $5,000 but doesn’t include the tent. More information on this venue can be found here https://www.windmillcreekvineyard.com/events.

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. Sadly, Smokey Hollow venue will only be taking couples through the end up 2023. Prices range from $3,500-$6,500 depending on the season and can accommodate up to 185 people. Reach out to the venue’s super friendly and wildly helpful coordinator Danielle at (302) 927 - 8368;  info@smokeyhollowde.com; https://www.smokeyhollowde.com/the-details/. Check out a full wedding gallery from the talented photographers at Arbor Lane Studios here: https://arborlane.pic-time.com/-emmanoah.

Salero

Salero in Rehoboth Beach, De is a truly unique reception space in that it’s one of the few that’s located right on the beach encompassed by windows overlooking the Atlantic Ocean is what makes this venue so unique. With 4,000 sf of oceanfront event space you can have up to 200 guests. Salero can hold up to 200 of your favorite people. The owner Dawn is extremely helpful with day of planning and every wedding we have had there goes incredibly smooth. Her husband is an exceptional chef and I can tell you from experience, serves up some of the very best food around. Venue fee is $1,000 plus $100-$175 per person. For more information contact Dawn at (302) 841-2229, Dawnhorton@saleroonthebeach.com; https://www.saleroonthebeach.com/weddings.

Hopkins Heartland Honey Bee & Covered Bridge

Located in Lewes on acres of private land is Covered Bridge and Honey Bee. Covered Bridge, accommodating up to 225 people offers completely customized wedding weekends, a 3 night stay in a modern farmhouse oasis, a swanky barndominium, and a historic barn with authentic charm. Sister site to Covered Bridge and just minutes away is Honey Bee. Pricing starts at $3500 for 5 hours and offers a bridal suite, indoor barn which can hold up to 85 of your favorite people and adorable outdoor ceremony in the field. The sunset are amazing and the vibe is laid back and fun. Head over to hopkinsheartland.com to learn more and schedule a tour with they’re amazing event coordinators.

Venue 447

While a little further west than some of the others 447 venue in Cambridge is worth including on this list for multitude of reasons. At the top of the list for me is the building’s character and vintage feel, from the arched windows and doors to the coffered ceilings and beautiful columns, this place is lush with character. I also love the flood of natural light that engulfs every room. Speaking of rooms, with this venue there is a bridal and groom’s suite…a rare find! The entire space holds up to 200 people. 447 is in the heart of Cambridge’s downtown district, which makes for some great photo opportunities for couples and their bridal parties if they are okay with doing a little adventure photo shoot around this historic town. It’s also not far from the docks for those that love sunset water photos as much as we do! Reach out to Steve at (410) 253-7670, stevevondenbosch@gmail.com to set up a tour.

Addy sea

Addy Sea in Bethany Beach, De is a quaint, victorian bed and breakfast positioned directly on the beach on Delaware’s eastern shore. For smaller more intimate ceremonies, don’t overlook this amazing venue. They have space for up to 120 people and pricing starts at $6,000. From the perfectly manicured gardens to the ceremony site between the dunes only a few second walk from the beach, this venue offers so much. (302) 539-3707; https://www.addysea.com/events/weddings.

atlantic Sands Hotel

If your looking for a fun beach wedding venue thats reasonably priced and can accommodate a large guest list, Atlantic Sands hotel in Rehoboth should be high on your list of venues to visit. We love that it’s right on the boardwalk for fun bridal party photos and of course the proximity to the beach is super desirable as well. Atlantic Sands has a capacity of up to 250 and reasonable rates at $100 per person. Contact Joe, the venues friendly and helpful event coordinator at (302) 227-2511; https://atlanticsandshotel.com/weddings for more information and to schedule a tour.

Atlantic hotel

Again, I love history so this place has to make the list. The Atlantic Hotel was the hub of Berlin for decades and remains the town’s landmark still today. The courtyard is one of my favorite things about this venue, but the fact that it’s right in the middle of one of the cutest quaint towns in America, making for some incredibly dreamy pics is the main reason this wedding venue makes the list. As photographers, we also love the architecture of the hotel, and the attention to detail inside that’s so indicative of the 1940s. The reception space is on the smaller side and can accomodate up to 150 people. Reach out to them for more information: 410-641-1234, atlantichotel.com/weddings-and-events.

Indian river lifesaving station

The Indian River Lifesaving Station in Rehoboth Beach is a remarkable wedding venue on the eastern shore. I love the natural light inside the museum for beautiful bridal portraits as well as the short walking distance to the beach which feels as if you have entirely to yourself due to it being inside a state park. In addition to the bridal suit there is also a grooms quarters within the large property. A reception tent is set up just outside the museum which is a short distance from the beach ceremony site. Pricing starts at $5,000 and can hold up to 250 people. Contact them at (302) 227-6991 for more information. 

There you have it…our two cents for what it is worth on some of the most photographic eastern shore wedding venues dotting the Delmarva Peninsula. Several other noteworthy wedding venues on the eastern shore that deserve mentioning include Green Hill Country Club in Quantico Md, Brooklyn Meadows in Berlin Md, Covered Bridge Inn in Lewes De, Nassua Vineyards in Lewes De, Bayside Resort Golf Club in Selbyville, Princess Royal Hotel in Ocean City, Golden Sands Hotel in Ocean City, A Loft Hotel in Ocean City Md and Rehoboth Country Club in Rehoboth De.