Your dream becomes a reality at Historic St. Mary’s City. We have multiple venues for weddings & private events with breathtaking views & sunsets of the St. Mary’s River, offering something for everyone to create their own special memories.
The Reconstructed State House of 1676 presents a regal setting for your wedding or private event. The large lawn is a beautiful ceremony spot that overlooks the St. Mary’s River and has incredible sunsets. The State House has a capacity of 200 utilizing both floors with two fireplaces on each floor. The windows are leaded glass windows. The large doors to the Great Room and waterside make an impressive entry.
Walking down the Aisle – Credit: Jill Christine Design & Photography
Weddings on the State House bluff, overlooking the St. Mary’s River
The Margaret Brent Gazebo is a turn-of-the-century memorial located near the Town Center. This is a beautiful location for a small wedding ceremony. The gazebo is a tribute to Margaret Brent, the first woman to ask for the right to vote in 1648.
Margaret Brent Gazebo
The Margaret Brent Pavilion is an open-air pavilion located on the State House Lawn. The pavilion has overhead fans and lighting, with sides that can be brought down in rainy weather. The space is perfect as either a reception or wedding site.
Photo Credit: Coastal Roots Photography
The Maryland Dove dock and waterfront is available for receptions. The square-rigged Maryland Dove is docked in the St. Mary’s River. It is a premier spot for enjoying an amazing sunset.
Weddings at Maryland Dove – Credit: Amanda Adams Photography
Capture the joy of your day down at the waterfront
“We really don't know how to thank you for all you have done to help us get ready for the wedding. Your friendliness, support, attention to detail and super good nature have made all the difference. We are going to miss you! We wish you and your family all the best, thank you so very much”.
Katie & Kevin S.November 20, 2020
"...Everything as far as tables, chairs and arbor were all set up and ready for us to tackle on the day of for decorating. Jen Acker even helped, which we didn't expect, but we appreciated that she did help with moving things and break down. Jen's communication was amazing and she's very responsive. While I didn't meet her when we initially picked this venue she did an amazing job picking up from where her former predecessor left off. When Mary was still alive and for the short time we knew her, she was a great sell on the venue and what really drew us in was her energy and love for HSMC. I can see Jen has that same fire too. Everything was just beautiful and an absolutely gorgeous day for our wedding! I look forward to sending pictures of our day to help bring in future couples to this beautiful venue so that they can fall in love with it just as much as we did!"
Tabitha & JohnBride & GroomNovember 6, 2024
St. Mary's State House ... as my daughter and son-in-law's venue was the best decision! ... Venue was beautiful ... the day was perfect … I would not change one thing!
HelenMother of the BrideSeptember 18, 2024
"The staff at HSMC were so helpful and flexible to our needs. They worked incredibly hard to bring our wedding vision to life. They also hosted our rehearsal dinner! Both events went so smoothly thanks to the organizational prowess of Jen Acker and her team. She was patient, thoughtful, and warm. The setting was absolutely spectacular. We are so grateful to the team and highly recommend Historic St. Marys for any event!"
GillianBrideNovember 7, 2024
Can I bring my vendors to tour the wedding venue?
Yes, particularly if your wedding professional has never been to our different wedding or event venues before. Please include the HSMC Facility Rental Coordinator in the scheduling and meeting to answer any vendor’s questions.
Can I visit the venue more than once?
Yes, you may schedule multiple visits to see your selected venue. If you plan to schedule your visit during museum operating hours (typically Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m.—4 p.m.), you should contact the Facility Rental Coordinator prior to visiting. Any visits after hours may be done without the Facility Rental Coordinator.
Can we choose our own caterer?
Yes. Your selected caterer must be insured.
Can we decorate the night before or the next morning?
We do not recommend decorating until the day of your event – humidity, squirrels and birds can ruin outside decorations. The weather can affect fresh arrangements so it is best to decorate the day of your event. Our staff will work with you to schedule a time to decorate, knowing that you may be working around hair and makeup appointments.
Can we provide our own alcohol?
That is between you and the bar-serve business or caterer that has their off-site liquor license that you hire. If you are providing the alcohol, the alcohol cannot be brought to any of our public venues until a staff member is present.
Do your venues have handicapped bathrooms?
All weddings / events using the Pavilion, Gazebo, State House, and Maryland Dovehave use of the Farthing’s restroom which is ADA compliant and climate controlled.
How can I use HSMC properties for a private event?
HSMC has a number of beautiful and unique venues that can be leased for private and corporate events. For more information, contact the Facility Rental Coordinator at hsmcc.events@maryland.gov.
How do I reserve a venue at Historic St. Mary’s City (HSMC)?
A contingency hold can be placed on a date and site but must be confirmed with a contract and deposit within two weeks. If, during that time, another client requests the same venue and date, you will have the right of first refusal and 24 hours to provide the contract and non-refundable deposit.
How many guests fit in each location?
The outdoor areas of the State House can accommodate 500+ with the use of tents. The State House indoors can accommodate 90 – 140, depending on type of use and tables used.
What electrical do you supply?
We have household current at all of our sites – some have more outlets than others. The HSMC Facility Rental Coordinator will work with you to determine your electrical needs and if renting a generator is necessary. Generally, only a generator is necessary for a band or caterer.
What facilities are offered for the wedding party to get dressed?
The wedding party may dress on the second floor of the State House.
What happens if it rains or other inclement weather on the day of my event?
We watch the weather predictions closely before any outdoor event and always have an alternate plan. That plan may be to move the ceremony to inside the State House or move the ceremony to under the pavilion. We will work with you to reschedule, should a more extreme weather situation occur.
What is the official address for The State House and The Inn at Brome Howard?
The official address for the State House is: 47418 Old State House Road, St. Mary’s City, MD 20686.
When I provide my own decorations, when do they need to be removed?
All personal decorations are to be removed at the end of your event.
Will Maryland Dove be at the dock the day of my wedding?
Unless you are renting Maryland Dove as part of your event, we cannot guarantee the ship will be docked during your event.
Walking down the Aisle – Credit: Jill Christine Design & Photography
Weddings on the State House bluff, overlooking the St. Mary’s River
Margaret Brent Gazebo
Photo Credit: Coastal Roots Photography
Weddings at Maryland Dove – Credit: Amanda Adams Photography
Capture the joy of your day down at the waterfront