This photo was taken at The River View at Occoquan in VA (A beautiful and queer affirming venue not too far outside of MD!) as part of a beautiful styled shoot with Styled in Pride! For more vendor details, visit this post on IG!
When it comes to planning a wedding, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is choosing the venue. For LGBTQ+ couples, finding a venue that is not only beautiful but also welcoming can make all the difference. Maryland is known for its stunning landscapes, scenic views, and vibrant cities, making it an ideal location for weddings. However, not all venues are created equal when it comes to LGBTQ+ inclusivity. (Which… insert my deep eye roll and longest sigh. I can’t believe that this is STILL something that queer couples are facing as they plan wedding days.) Fortunately, Maryland has a plethora of options available for queer couples!
Today, we’ll be chatting all about LGBTQ+ affirming wedding venues in Baltimore City AND in the state of Maryland as well as what to look for in a venue.
This isn’t an exhaustive list— I could have missed lovely venues who are queer affirming! This list was created based on extensive research, review deep dives, and personal experiences in the wedding industry. (Also not going to lie, marketing materials WERE checked for venues that I don’t have personal experiences with— including websites and social! If I am not able to see queer couples enjoying a space, I’m not able to include you on this list!)
If you are a queer couple and would like to see a venue either added or subtracted from the list based on your personal experience, I am open to feedback and edits on this post! As a proud member of the queer community in Baltimore and as someone who wishes to make the wedding industry more representative and inclusive for all couples, I would love to hear your personal stories and referrals. Please send me an email at caity@caitkramer.com if you have any comments 💕
What to look for in an LGBTQ+ affirming wedding venue
When searching for an LGBTQ+ affirming wedding venue, there are a few key things to look for (other than the obvious… that it is gorgeous and fits your vibe, guest count, and budget!). First and foremost, make sure that the venue has a non-discrimination policy that includes sexual orientation and gender identity. This policy should be available on their website or can be requested from the venue directly. Additionally, it’s important to consider the staff’s attitude towards the LGBTQ+ community as you deserve to feel nothing but celebrated on your wedding day.
These questions may be uncomfortable to ask (I truly hate that they have to be asked AND that asking can be uncomfortable), but you deserve nothing but the best on your wedding day and it is better to have an honest answer before your big day than to find out when it is too late.
A venue may have a non-discrimination policy, but if the staff is not welcoming, supportive, and affirming of queer love, it can create an uncomfortable atmosphere. (Again, I absolutely hate that this is a thing we have to consider, but alas… here we are. Your safety matters.) Ain’t nobody got time for that… especially on your wedding day.
Consider your venue’s flexibility and ability to execute your wedding logistics exactly as you envision them. Hoping to get ready together? Double check that the getting ready suite(s) are large enough to accommodate your crew! Getting ready separately? Double check that you love both getting ready suites or that there are comparable areas that you are comfortable using for getting ready! Hoping to have gender neutral restrooms for use during your reception? Confirm that your venue is able to accommodate this. If there are specific elements that you would like to include on your wedding day, confirm that your venue is willing to work with you to make this happen.
Finally, confirm that your identity and relationship will be respected and reflected in your wedding planning experience! We love a gender neutral questionnaire, respecting pronouns is a must, and it is always nice to see love stories similar to yours reflected in the marketing of your vendors, including your venue.
Now… onto the good stuff:
Queer affirming wedding venues in Baltimore City
Baltimore City has a vibrant LGBTQ+ community that I’m lucky enough to be part of! The city is home to many queer-affirming wedding venues including (in no particular order!):
- Haven Street Ballroom
- Chase Court
- Mt. Washington Mill Dye House
- The Winslow
- 1840s Plaza
- Baltimore Museum of Art
- Chase Court
- Four Seasons Baltimore
- Kimpton Hotel Monaco Baltimore
- Sagamore Pendry
- George Peabody Library
- American Visionary Arts Museum
- Frederick Douglass-Isaac Myers Maritime Park
Other LGBTQ+ affirming wedding venues in Maryland
If you’re looking for a venue outside of Baltimore City, there are several wonderful queer-affirming options available throughout Maryland. (Again, in no particular order!):
- Springfield Manor Winery & Distillery (Thurmont, MD)
- Tenth Ward Distilling Company (Frederick, MD)
- The Cloisters (Lutherville, MD)
- Harford Hills (Fallston, MD)
- Gramercy Mansion (Stevenson, MD)
- Herrington on the Bay (Rose Haven, MD)
- The Inn at Perry Cabin (St. Michaels, MD)
- 9030 at Rockland Estates (Fairplay, MD)
- Strathmore (North Bethesda, MD)
Planning a wedding can be stressful, but finding an LGBTQ+ affirming venue in Maryland doesn’t have to be.
With so many options available, it’s important to take the time to find a venue that not only meets your aesthetic preferences but also welcomes and supports the LGBTQ+ community. Remember to look for venues with non-discrimination policies that include sexual orientation and gender identity, staff that is welcoming and supportive, and flexibility to accommodate the elements that you would like to include on your day. With these tips in mind (As well as these venues to start your search!), you’re sure to have a beautiful and inclusive wedding that celebrates your love and commitment.
And if you’re still looking for a queer affirming wedding photographer who is also queer herself… I may just be your girl! Learn more about my wedding experience here!
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