The 5 Best Wedding Venues In Annapolis

Bride and groom kissing on a lawn as her long veil blows out behind her, with a large building behind

Annapolis has been the site of some of the most important events in American history, like the ratification of the Treaty of Paris which ended the Revolutionary War.

The colonial architecture of the city makes it a beautiful site for weddings and celebrations, and there is no shortage of scenic venues! Mature gardens, red brick walls, and historic buildings abound in this city by the bay.

We’ve selected five of our favorite Annapolis wedding venues for you to consider when planning your Maryland wedding!

Chesapeake Bay Beach Club

Bride and groom kissing at sunset beside a waterfront railing as the bride's veil blows in the wind

Photo by Dani Leigh Photography

Just a short jaunt across the Chesapeake Bay Bridge from Annapolis sits tiny Kent Island. This breezy island in the middle of the bay is home to the Chesapeake Bay Beach Club, one of the area’s premiere beach wedding venues.

If you’re looking for a beachfront ceremony, this is one of the best places to see. And for the reception, there are four classic Atlantic-style ballrooms to choose from, depending on the size of your guest list.

To learn a bit more about this beautiful space, check out our Venue Spotlight!

Wedding guests seated in white chairs for an outdoor waterfront ceremony beside a white pergola

Photo by Dani Leigh Photography

Bride and groom kissing on a sandy shoreline with the bride's long veil trailing on the beach

Photo by Dani Leigh Photography

Reception hall with chandeliers, exposed beams, a fireplace and round tables set with flowers and candles

Photo by Dani Leigh Photography

Bride and groom exiting a beach club entrance at night as guests cheer and toss bubbles

Photo by Dani Leigh Photography

US Naval Academy

Bride and groom kissing in the aisle of a church with a stained glass window and guests behind them

Photo by Carly Fuller Photography

Annapolis is home to the prestigious US Naval Academy and its stunning chapel. This 1908 landmark with its iconic dome is decorated with wood carvings, stone statues, stained glass windows, and a glowing skylight overhead.

After the ceremony, couples can take pictures in the beautiful grounds of the Buchanan House Garden next door.

This ceremony site is not available to all, though — at least one member of the couple must be an alum of the academy, a staff member, or active-duty military on assignment in the area.

Bride and groom kissing on a grand marble staircase inside a domed building with tall columns

Photo by Carly Fuller Photography

Three officers in white uniforms standing on the steps of a large stone chapel entrance with a cross above

Photo by Dani Leigh Photography

Looking up at the domed ceiling and stained glass window inside a historic chapel with organ pipes

Photo by Dani Leigh Photography

Wedding party and guests gathered on the steps of a large stone building flanked by two cannons

Photo by Carly Fuller Photography

Annapolis Maritime Museum

Bride and groom posing with a driftwood arch and draped fabric on a marina dock with sailboat masts behind

Photo by Photography By Brea

Couples with a love of all things nautical can tie the knot at the Annapolis Maritime Museum, surrounded by the area’s natural beauty and long sea-faring history.

This venue has lovely views of the Chesapeake Bay, providing a perfect backdrop to the ceremony and photos. After, there are several reception areas including the 2,000 square foot Bay Room and a tented Waterfront Deck with 180 degree views.

When the party is over, how about making your getaway by boat? The museum pier sits in 6’ of water, so your vessel can pick you up and take you away on the open water under the stars.

Bride and groom embracing at the end of a wooden dock over open water with sailboats in the distance

Photo by Photography By Brea

Bride and groom sharing a first dance under paper lanterns and string lights in a hall with a wood ceiling

Photo by Photography By Brea

Bride and groom kissing at dusk beside a rope-lined post with a boat on the water behind them

Photo by Carly Fuller Photography

Bride and groom embracing and smiling by a waterfront railing with moored boats behind them

Photo by Carly Fuller Photography

William Paca House

Meg Eric Annapolis Wedding Lauren C Photography-67

Photo by Lauren C. Photography

The beauties of the William Paca House are hard to overstate. This Georgian mansion was built in the 1760s by William Paca, signer of the Declaration of Independence and 3rd governor of Maryland.

Fully restored in the 1900s, the house and grounds provide ample photoshoot locations, from the freshwater pond to the lush gardens. Receptions are held on the tented terrace for a full day of outdoor celebration.

Bride and groom holding hands and walking along a gravel garden path lined with potted flowers

Photo by Lauren C. Photography

Bride and groom embracing and laughing under a wooden garden trellis covered in greenery

Photo by Photography By Brea

Bride and groom holding hands and smiling during their ceremony on a white garden bridge with an officiant

Photo by Photography By Brea

Ogle Hall

Bride and groom embracing in the doorway of a red brick colonial mansion with white trim

Photo by Carly Fuller Photography

Also located on the US Naval Academy campus, Ogle Hall’s stately red brick house stands out against the surrounding greenery.

Many couples choose to have their receptions here after their ceremonies at the nearby US Naval Academy chapel. The pretty red brick patio can be tented for a reception protected by the weather. And guests can step into the house to check out the charmingly restored colonial decor.