The Best Park & Garden Wedding Venues in Dowell, MD

The Best Park & Garden Wedding Venues in Dowell, MD

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10 Wedding Venues in Dowell, MD

Parks, gardens
Quick responder
Milton Ridge 

5.0

  • Up to 150 guests
  • All-inclusive
  • Indoor & outdoor
  • Starts at $3,250
  • Offer

Located in the rolling hills of Maryland between Frederick, MD and Washington, D.C., Milton Ridge boasts exquisite setting and exceptional services. The beautifully restored Milton Ridge Historic Chapel and Reception Hall have been created exclusively for beautiful weddings and occasions with special attention given to every detail. Having your wedding ceremony and reception all in one location will make your wedding planning much easier. It gives you more control over timing and flow, as well as make things easier for your guests. At Milton Ridge, our event coordinator will assist in the planning of every detail of your wedding or special event. We have the ability to customize every detail to meet the specific needs for your special event. With our unique all-inclusive pricing, there are no surprises. You know the true costs up-front, which makes budgeting easier. It also allows us to offer beautifully personalized events at a tremendous value.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Has onsite accommodations
  • Classic, vintage atmosphere
  • Provides lighting and sound

Venue considerations

  • Not for you if you are looking for something nontraditional
  • Not for you if you don't want a rustic vibe
Awarded Best of Zola
My daughter and her husband chose Milton Ridge for their wedding venue. I live on the opposite coast so I had no opportunity to have a look myself. She and her husband were very happy with the layout of the property and the location. She assured me that staff were warm and friendly as well as very professional and that all questions were addressed promptly and in great detail. My daughter and her husband felt listened to and respected by everyone at Milton Ridge. I was anxious but it was their wedding and they had done a lot of research! I am overjoyed that they chose Milton Ridge for their very special day!! I spoke to many guests and family members that day and evening; everyone had high praise for the couple’s choice of venue. The property is self-contained with a beautiful turn of the century chapel on the lower level of the property and a very large bricked patio on the upper level; with an enormous wooden gazebo at one end and tiered garden area at the opposite end. Indoor or outdoor wedding?? Hard to choose as both areas are sooooo lovely. The Bridal suite and Grooms quarter are in a building adjacent to the chapel on the lower level of the property. Another turn of the century building with Bridal suite, porch and porch swing on the ground level and the Grooms quarters on the 2nd level via a private enclosed stairway; providing total privacy for both parties and their respective entourages. Both areas were very well appointed, comfortable and large; plenty of room for multiple people in each area to get ready for the big day! The Reception Hall was on the upper level with a porch and short stairway leading from the hall to the outdoor patio. The Hall was fresh and bright with plenty of room for DJ, tables, dance floor, bar and buffet without feeling overfilled or crowded. Bride and Groom chose the bar-b-que menu for their dinner; it was beautifully presented, delicious and plentiful. No one left Milton Ridge hungry that evening! The wait staff and bartenders were all very attentive and had obviously been very well trained at table service and bar service respectively. Music was provided by a DJ who was contracted by Milton Ridge and was included with the package that my daughter and her husband had chosen. The selection was a mix of old and new with the focus of getting the guests up and dancing. He was very good at his job and he accomplished his goal! Last but definitely not least; the photographer; also contracted with Milton Ridge! He was amazing!!! The unique shots, quality and beauty of his work left us speechless. He was everywhere, but never in the way, always inconspicuous and watching for that perfect candid shot. Even his posed photos had a very relaxed casual look about them. All photos were organized and available to the newlyweds on the Milton Ridge website within 10days of their wedding day!! ALL pictures belong to her and her husband to print, copy and share with whoever they wish!! Milton Ridge exceeded my expectation and I would never hesitate to recommend them to anyone!!
Karen F., 3 months ago
Annapolis Maritime Museum 

3.8

Annapolis, MD
  • Up to 150 guests
  • Select services
  • Indoor & outdoor
  • Starts at $2,500

Annapolis Maritime Museum & Park is a waterfront wedding venue located in the Eastport neighborhood of Annapolis, Maryland. Situated just across Spa Creek from historic downtown Annapolis, this unique museum offers couples and their guests gorgeous views of the Chesapeake Bay and Back Creek. We're happy to accommodate both intimate ceremonies as well as lavish receptions in our indoor or outdoor settings. Annapolis Maritime Museum & Park looks forward to making your special day everything you dreamed it to be.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Picturesque garden backdrop
  • Dressing room available
  • Allows pets

Venue considerations

  • No in-house lighting and sound packages available
  • Does not have a dance floor
  • No on-premises lodging options
Annapolis Maritime Museum was wonderful. Paige was super helpful and responsive and guided us through the venue rental process easily. The space is so unique and dynamic for any type of event you want to do. I was most surprised by the outdoor space. I was really concerned that rain would ruin the event, but their dock space and the permanent tent meant that guests weren't bothered by the rain at all. It was literally perfect.
Meg B., a year ago
Quick responder
Carlyle House Historic Park 

5.0

Alexandria, VA
  • Up to 75 guests
  • Raw space
  • Outdoor
  • Starts at $800

Please contact us directly at CarlyleRentals at NVRPA dot org ! NOVA Parks offers a variety of additional options for your wedding, wedding reception and social gathering in addition to its four large wedding and events facilities. These unique options are perfect for smaller, more intimate gatherings, and offer an extraordinarily unique charm for you and your guests alike. Please find our direct contact information and website in the How to Contact section below.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Exudes old-world charm
  • Natural elegance with open spaces
  • Venue is completely outdoors

Venue considerations

  • Limited cleanup and setup services
  • Dance floor not included
  • Does not provide event staff
We're so glad we booked our small ceremony at Carlyle House! While we initially planned to get married on the front lawn, we pivoted to their tent on the veranda due to rain and it was just as perfect. Randi was so responsive leading up to the big day and was there to help on our wedding day, including helping wrangle our golden retriever!
Rachel S., 2 years ago
Above ALX Community 

5.0

Alexandria, VA
  • Up to 110 guests
  • Select services
  • Outdoor & indoor

Above ALX Community is a premier rooftop venue in the heart of Old Town Alexandria, Virginia, just two blocks off of charming King Street. From the wide wraparound Terrace, you and your guests will enjoy panoramic views of historic Old Town, the Potomac River, and the sights of DC in the distance. The Terrace features a patio covered by a pergola, which can accommodate an intimate seated ceremony or reception. Moving indoors to the Parlor you’ll find sleek marble floors, modern gold finishes, and plush contemporary furniture, perfect for cocktail hour. The Parlor features high ceilings, an outfitted bar, a catering kitchen, elevators, and floor-to-ceiling windows with two access points to the Terrace. Just off the Parlor is the George Washington room, which has a full wall of windows that opens onto the patio, creating a seamless indoor/outdoor feel. This room can be used for a seated indoor ceremony, reception, and/or dancing, and is outfitted with state-of-the-art AV equipment.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Natural elegance with open spaces
  • Classic elegance
  • Provides event staff

Venue considerations

  • Dance floor not included
  • Limited cleanup and setup services
  • Not wheelchair accessible
Above ALX Community was the PERFECT wedding venue! The indoor/outdoor rooftop space offered breathtaking 360 views of the Potomac and Old Town Alexandria, creating a beautiful and unique setting. Our guests couldn’t stop talking about the amazing atmosphere and scenic backdrop. Christopher, our venue coordinator, was exceptional. He went above and beyond to make sure everything ran smoothly, from setup to last-minute adjustments, and made us feel completely at ease. His attention to detail and dedication truly made our day stress-free and memorable. If you’re looking for a stunning venue with top-notch service, we highly recommend Above ALX Community and Christopher!
Nicole S., 9 months ago
The Barn At Pleasant Acres 
Saint Leonard, MD
  • Up to 200 guests
  • All-inclusive
  • Indoor & outdoor

We are a family owned and operated venue that brings you a unique kind of care. We will do everything we can to personalize your event. If you have a unique request, chances are we can make it happen! We offer a variety of different services based on the unique talents within our staff and the interests of our clients. We are committed to making your events as beautiful and special as they could possibly be. Not only will you have a unique experience at The Barn, but it will be a day that you always remember. We only support one event per weekend, which means it’s all yours!

Why you'll love this venue

  • Dressing room available
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Provides lighting and sound

Venue considerations

  • Not for you if you prefer a more modern aesthetic
  • No venue-provided food services
  • No on-premises lodging options
Quick responder
Black Walnut Point Inn 
Tilghman, MD
  • Up to 500 guests
  • All-inclusive
  • Outdoor

We're a blank slate and host weekend weddings, so estimates given are for Friday - Sunday morning. We also have 15 years experience and know how to help with all the details. Our point is surrounded by miles of water, with sunrise over the Choptank River and sunset over the Chesapeake Bay. We have no neighbors, no cut-off times, and we customize our weddings using our local vendors. We have no hidden fees. We set up meetings with your vendors and you pay them directly. Because we have one of the most unique locations, we had hosted some of the most unique weddings guests have ever attended. The privacy of our point ensures the freedom to make your day as special as you are as a couple. And with plenty of time, there is no rush enjoying the point with your friends and family.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Private area for the wedding party
  • Has a relaxed and casual vibe

Venue considerations

  • No in-house lighting and sound packages available
  • No all-inclusive dining options
  • Additional event staff required
Monroe Bay Winery, Wedding on the Water 
Colonial Beach, VA
  • Up to 200 guests
  • All-inclusive
  • Indoor & outdoor

Monroe Bay Vineyard is located on the water near Colonial Beach on the original birthplace Farm of our 5th President James Monroe. We have secluded and tranquil waterfront land to plan your perfect day. We have a large, unique barn made of natural, recycled materials of strawbales for insulation and recycled wine bottles for light and design. You no longer see the strawbales in the wall as they have been covered with a hydraulic lime the same material castles in France for hundreds of years have been made from. The inside is a museum quality white lime finish with unique curves with sun shining through the patterned wine bottle walls to give a unique backdrop.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Provides lighting and sound
  • Picturesque garden backdrop
  • Rustic charm with elegance

Venue considerations

  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Venue feels large for events with small guest lists
  • Not for you if you're looking for a sleek and contemporary space
Quick responder
River Farm | American Horticultural Society 
Alexandria, VA
  • Up to 240 guests
  • Raw space
  • Outdoor & indoor
  • Starts at $4,500

**Events Manager OOO until June 2nd, 2025** Step into a fairy tale setting at River Farm, where history and elegance intertwine on the banks of the Potomac. Just 10 minutes from the heart of Old Town Alexandria, this 27-acre historic estate, once owned by George Washington, offers an enchanting blend of natural beauty and timeless grace. Imagine exchanging vows surrounded by lush gardens, breathtaking river views, and the majestic manor house that has stood for centuries. Your wedding at River Farm includes full access to the gardens, grounds, and the grandeur of the manor, with a private bridal suite and restroom upstairs for your comfort and ease. Whether you’re envisioning an intimate ceremony by the river or a grand celebration on the estate’s sweeping lawns, River Farm offers a spectacular setting that makes your special day truly unforgettable.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Both indoor and outdoor options
  • Promotes a party atmosphere
  • Dressing room available

Venue considerations

  • No in-house lighting and sound packages available
  • Venue feels large for events with small guest lists
  • No on-site guest accommodations
Quick responder
George Mason's Gunston Hall 
Mason Neck, VA
  • Up to 125 guests
  • Select services
  • Indoor & outdoor

Say “I do” on the historic grounds of Gunston Hall. With 550 acres of beautiful landscape and a breathtaking vista of the Potomac, you and your guests will have an experience to remember. Weddings at Gunston Hall are truly a special occasion and can include the use of the grounds, the Ann Mason Room (located inside our visitor center) and its adjoining private courtyard. Wedding packages may include tours of the historic mansion, private bridal changing quarters, and a dedicated staff member throughout your wedding planning process. Contact our team to start planning your dream wedding.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Flexible event spaces
  • Designed for grand celebrations
  • Provides lighting and sound

Venue considerations

  • No on-premises lodging options
  • Not for you if you are drawn to more unconventional venues
  • Does not have a dance floor
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The River View 
Lorton, VA
  • Up to 425 guests
  • Select services
  • Indoor & outdoor

Located in Occoquan Regional Park, The River View overlooks the Occoquan River through floor-to-ceiling windows. Whether inside or outside, your event guests can enjoy waterfront views. Our facility was newly opened in Summer 2018, with weddings specifically in mind for design. Our rentals include a 1608 Room (cocktail space), hospitality suite, main room, ceremony lawn, rooftop patio, and a historic scale house cottage.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Provides catering services
  • Space for a large guest list
  • Multiple event spaces

Venue considerations

  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Large venue, not ideal for small guest lists
  • No free parking

Location flexible? Discover venues near Dowell, MD

About wedding venues in Dowell, MD

Maryland offers exceptional variety for couples planning their special day. You can choose from Chesapeake Bay's waterfront settings with their shimmering views, explore Baltimore's historic mansions filled with ornate architectural details, or celebrate in Eastern Shore's rustic barns surrounded by pastoral landscapes that create a picturesque backdrop for your celebration.

What's the True Cost of a Maryland Wedding?

The price tag for Maryland weddings varies significantly based on guest count. Small gatherings of about 50 guests average $22,754 while mid-sized celebrations with 150 guests typically run around $51,712. Large weddings hosting 300 guests can reach $89,329. Your venue will likely be your biggest expense at about $8,532 for a typical wedding; that's 16% of your total budget for a 150-person celebration, so choosing wisely matters.

Which Maryland Regions Offer the Best Wedding Settings?

# Baltimore Area

Baltimore venues showcase the area's rich architectural heritage and stunning harbor views. The Belvedere features incredible gilded ceilings crystal chandeliers and grand staircases that create perfect dramatic entrances for your big moment. Celebrations at the Bay gives you panoramic waterfront ceremony spaces with dedicated sunset photography locations that'll make your album spectacular. You'll appreciate their customizable reception layouts that comfortably fit up to 250 guests so everyone has space to enjoy.

# Eastern Shore

The Chesapeake Bay region delivers quintessential Maryland beauty that your guests will remember. Chesapeake Bay Beach Club offers private beaches for your ceremony waterfront ballrooms with floor-to-ceiling windows and charming oyster shell pathways that reflect the local maritime culture. Castle Farm combines beautiful equestrian elements with thoughtful accessible design including solid-surface walkways and convenient golf cart shuttles so all your guests can participate fully.

How Much Should You Budget for Wedding Services in Maryland?

For a 150-guest wedding in Maryland, expect these costs:

ServiceAverage CostPercentage of Total
Venue$8,53216%
Catering$6,82613%
Florals$6,54113%
Bar Service$5,46111%
Photography$4,9069%
Videography$3,9118%
Wedding Planner$4,0538%
Band/DJ$1,7503%
Cake/Desserts$1,4013%
Hair/Makeup$7902%

When Should You Book Your Maryland Venue?

Most couples in Maryland secure their venues about 14 months before their wedding date. You'll want to plan ahead since December sees the highest inquiry volume when many newly engaged couples start their search. Keep in mind that summer and fall wedding dates often come with premium pricing, so if you're flexible with your date you might find better value in other seasons.

Where Can You Find Accessible Wedding Venues in Maryland?

Castle Farm Weddings offers truly inclusive spaces for all your guests. You'll find accessible ceremony and reception areas with no steps wheelchair-friendly walkways designated handicapped parking and ADA-compliant restrooms throughout. Ten Point Acres Venue can comfortably seat up to 500 guests with fully accessible facilities including large handicap restrooms and climate control for year-round comfort so everyone can focus on celebrating your special day.

What Are Maryland's Best Venues for Remote Participation?

Chesapeake Bay Beach Club provides stunning waterfront settings that enhance the virtual experience for guests who can't attend in person. You'll love their post-event storytelling approach that keeps remote guests feeling connected. Graduate Annapolis gives you advanced tech infrastructure for high-quality streaming with nautical-themed digital backdrops that help engage virtual viewers and make them feel part of your celebration.

Which Maryland Venues Feature Outstanding Culinary Experiences?

Valley Country Club set in a grand 1850s mansion offers all-inclusive packages with elegant butlered hors d'oeuvres and complete meal service that impresses even the most discerning guests. Their crab cakes are simply phenomenal and often receive rave reviews from attendees long after the event. You'll benefit from their over 70 years of hosting expertise that ensures everything from appetizers to dessert flows seamlessly.

Maryland offers exceptional variety for couples planning their special day. You can choose from Chesapeake Bay's waterfront settings with their shimmering views, explore Baltimore's historic mansions filled with ornate architectural details, or celebrate in Eastern Shore's rustic barns surrounded by pastoral landscapes that create a picturesque backdrop for your celebration.

What's the True Cost of a Maryland Wedding?

The price tag for Maryland weddings varies significantly based on guest count. Small gatherings of about 50 guests average $22,754 while mid-sized celebrations with 150 guests typically run around $51,712. Large weddings hosting 300 guests can reach $89,329. Your venue will likely be your biggest expense at about $8,532 for a typical wedding; that's 16% of your total budget for a 150-person celebration, so choosing wisely matters.

Which Maryland Regions Offer the Best Wedding Settings?

# Baltimore Area

Baltimore venues showcase the area's rich architectural heritage and stunning harbor views. The Belvedere features incredible gilded ceilings crystal chandeliers and grand staircases that create perfect dramatic entrances for your big moment. Celebrations at the Bay gives you panoramic waterfront ceremony spaces with dedicated sunset photography locations that'll make your album spectacular. You'll appreciate their customizable reception layouts that comfortably fit up to 250 guests so everyone has space to enjoy.

# Eastern Shore

The Chesapeake Bay region delivers quintessential Maryland beauty that your guests will remember. Chesapeake Bay Beach Club offers private beaches for your ceremony waterfront ballrooms with floor-to-ceiling windows and charming oyster shell pathways that reflect the local maritime culture. Castle Farm combines beautiful equestrian elements with thoughtful accessible design including solid-surface walkways and convenient golf cart shuttles so all your guests can participate fully.

How Much Should You Budget for Wedding Services in Maryland?

For a 150-guest wedding in Maryland, expect these costs:

ServiceAverage CostPercentage of Total
Venue$8,53216%
Catering$6,82613%
Florals$6,54113%
Bar Service$5,46111%
Photography$4,9069%
Videography$3,9118%
Wedding Planner$4,0538%
Band/DJ$1,7503%
Cake/Desserts$1,4013%
Hair/Makeup$7902%

When Should You Book Your Maryland Venue?

Most couples in Maryland secure their venues about 14 months before their wedding date. You'll want to plan ahead since December sees the highest inquiry volume when many newly engaged couples start their search. Keep in mind that summer and fall wedding dates often come with premium pricing, so if you're flexible with your date you might find better value in other seasons.

Where Can You Find Accessible Wedding Venues in Maryland?

Castle Farm Weddings offers truly inclusive spaces for all your guests. You'll find accessible ceremony and reception areas with no steps wheelchair-friendly walkways designated handicapped parking and ADA-compliant restrooms throughout. Ten Point Acres Venue can comfortably seat up to 500 guests with fully accessible facilities including large handicap restrooms and climate control for year-round comfort so everyone can focus on celebrating your special day.

What Are Maryland's Best Venues for Remote Participation?

Chesapeake Bay Beach Club provides stunning waterfront settings that enhance the virtual experience for guests who can't attend in person. You'll love their post-event storytelling approach that keeps remote guests feeling connected. Graduate Annapolis gives you advanced tech infrastructure for high-quality streaming with nautical-themed digital backdrops that help engage virtual viewers and make them feel part of your celebration.

Which Maryland Venues Feature Outstanding Culinary Experiences?

Valley Country Club set in a grand 1850s mansion offers all-inclusive packages with elegant butlered hors d'oeuvres and complete meal service that impresses even the most discerning guests. Their crab cakes are simply phenomenal and often receive rave reviews from attendees long after the event. You'll benefit from their over 70 years of hosting expertise that ensures everything from appetizers to dessert flows seamlessly.

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