Best Places To Host A Wedding Reception In Baltimore

Choosing a location for a wedding reception involves advanced planning to ensure that the site chosen is available. There are a number of items to consider – the number of invited guests, the estimated length of the event, whether or not there will be live entertainment of some sort, will it be catered, adequate parking, adequate restroom facilities, audio-visual equipment, the cost and more. It's best to put together a checklist of all the items required for the facility and a timetable as to setting a deadline for having the chosen site reserved. Residents of the Baltimore area have many fine facilities from which to choose when the big day arrives.

Grand Historic Venue
225 N. Charles St.
Baltimore, Md. 21201
(443) 573-8444
www.grandhistoricvenue.com

In 1867, the Freemasons of the Grand Lodge of Maryland picked a Charles Street location near the Inner Harbor for its permanent headquarters. In 1996, the Freemasons moved to another location. The building was purchased by Tremont Suite Hotels in 1998, was restored and the Tremont Grand was opened to the public in 2005. Wedding planning services by Embassy Suites Baltimore Inner Harbor, along with the Grand Historic Venue, are available. The all-suite hotel is available to lodge out-of-town guests, while the classic Grand Historic Venue is available for the reception.

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1840s Plaza
29 S. Front St.
Baltimore, Md. 21202
(410) 752-1624
www.1840splaza.com

Located in the historic Fava Building, the 1840s ballroom of the 1840s Plaza is surrounded by beautiful gardens and is an excellent site for both outdoor and indoor wedding ceremonies and receptions. On the fourth floor, the ballroom features tall windows that offer scenic views of the Inner Harbor. From its chandeliers to its classic English pub, the facility offers various areas for receptions. Other locations operated by the company that are popular for wedding receptions are the Carroll Mansion, the Gramercy Mansion and the Carriage House.

Lord Baltimore Hotel
20 W. Baltimore St.
Baltimore, Md. 21201
(410) 539-8400
www.lordbaltimorehotel.com

A beautiful example of French Renaissance-style architecture, the Lord Baltimore Hotel is located near the Inner Harbor. A classic choice for holding a wedding reception, the 23-story building contains more than 20,000 square feet of banquet space. Its 1928 grand ballroom features crystal chandeliers and a replica of the Versailles Dining Room. The building is being restored this year to update its technology. The facility provides both on-site and off-site catering services and has a maximum capacity of 400.

Royal Sonesta Harbor Court
550 Light St.
Baltimore, Md. 21202
(410) 234-0550
www.sonesta.com/Baltimore

Located on the water of the Inner Harbor, the Royal Sonesta Harbor Court offers both elegance and convenience for wedding receptions and other events. Within walking distance of all the Inner Harbor attractions, the facility has more than 10,000 square feet of meeting and event space that can accommodate a maximum of 300 people. Providing wedding planning services, the establishment is known for Food is Art celebrations for weddings.

The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore
1876 Mansion House Drive
Baltimore, Md. 21217
(410) 396-7102
www.marylandzoo.org

At first glance, hosting a wedding reception at the Maryland Zoo in Baltimore may seem a bit eccentric. Certainly, it is a unique venue for such an event, but it offers both interior and exterior space for events with up to 180 guests. While it does not provide on-site catering, it permits outside catering. There is valet parking available. The zoo facilities include the Mansion House Porch, the Waterfowl Pavilion and the Lakeside Pavilion. Wedding packages are available.

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