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Chesapeake Bay Foundation Reviews

Chesapeake Bay Foundation

Chesapeake Bay Foundation

Annapolis, MD
4.8 out of 5 rating, 90 Reviews
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Reviews

4.8 out of 5 rating
90 Reviews
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    4.9 out of 5 rating
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94% Recommended by couples

Awards

90
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2024 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2023 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2020 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2019 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2018 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2017 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2016 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2011 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2010 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2009 Winner
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    Lauren A. Sent on 10/16/2023
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    Amazing Wedding Venue!

    The Chesapeake Bay Foundation was a perfect venue for our October wedding! Their staff was so attentive, the venue itself is beautiful and the amenities were all amazing. While we had beautiful weather, we were less stressed knowing if it would storm, we could hold our ceremony and reception on the covered deck. Our guests and us cannot say enough good things!
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    Sarah Sent on 12/20/2023
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    Venue of our dreams!

    We truly are not exaggerating when we say that CBF was the venue of our dreams! When we set out on our venue search, we had a couple of criteria on our must-have list: (1) a setting that would be beautiful, majestic, and unforgettable; (2) convenient and comfortable on-site facilities for our guests; (3) a venue fee that wasn’t going to cost an arm and a leg; (4) somewhere that wasn’t just a “wedding venue,” but rather was part of some broader mission/cause; and (5) a location that was meaningful to us and our family.

    We still can’t quite believe how lucky we were to find all of these and more in CBF. For views, you can’t beat the gorgeous natural surroundings or the stunning wood beams/architecture. For facilities, CBF has free and plentiful parking, as well as on-site bathrooms (so you don’t have to deal with the nonsense of renting a bathroom trailer). The venue fee is SO reasonable, especially when compared to other (frankly far less beautiful) venues in Maryland, DC, and Virginia. You also don’t really even mind paying the venue fee when you know that most of the venue fee goes to supporting CBF’s mission of saving the bay, which is further bolstered by CBF’s wedding-policy of banning single use plastics or Styrofoam. Finally (though this is just personal to us), my husband’s grandparents lived in Annapolis and the lighthouse where we scattered their ashes is visible from the CBF beach, which made the location extra special.

    However, we never felt more affirmed in our decision to choose CBF than in the week leading up to our wedding. Just days before we were supposed to get married, we learned that Tropical Storm Ophelia was scheduled to hit Annapolis—thereby putting CBF in the flood zone—exactly on the day of our wedding. But with Shannon’s support and the work of our wonderful vendors, the team seamlessly turned what was supposed to be an outdoor beach wedding to a covered wedding on the deck seemingly overnight. And even with 50 mile per hour winds and sometimes sideways rain, our wedding could not have been more beautiful or joyful—which was in no small part due to CBF’s flexibility, kindness, and willingness to roll with the punches.

    If you’re at all on the fence about CBF as your wedding venue, don’t be. Come rain, shine, or even a hurricane, I promise you won’t regret it!
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    Perrie B. Sent on 07/27/2023
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    The BEST venue.

    I cannot say enough about CBF! We had our wedding here in July 2023. Ceremony on the beach, cocktail hour on the lawn, reception and dancing on the deck. It was perfect. Shannon at CBF is a dream to work with - an excellent communicator, flexible, experienced. For what you get, for the value for money for the DC-Baltimore area, the fact that the venue COMES WITH A TENT included, this is the best (and believe me, we looked). Also the vendors they work with are amazing. And, as a bonus, you are supporting an incredible organization that is protecting the bay and surrounding shoreline. Our guests were blown away. Our photographer loved it because the gorgeous outdoor backdrop made all photos easy. Cannot say enough good things. Thank you, CBF!
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    Jen W. Sent on 06/21/2023
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    Beautiful!

    CBF is a BEAUTIFUL venue close to Downtown Annapolis, and the staff is so kind! We got married at St. Mary's and had our reception at CBF. It was everything we wanted and more! Our guests were obsessed with the venue, so many people told me they wanted to get married there too, or apply for a job to work there! Kimrey and Shannon were fantastic throughout the booking and planning process. And the staff members that were onsite during the reception were so kind! The recommended vendors were also amazing, and we all couldn't stop raving about Ken's Kitchen's crabcakes. We love CBF's mission and are happy CBF was a part of our big day. Thank you! 
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    Beth H. Sent on 06/03/2023
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    We LOVED everything about CBF and so did our guests!

    We truly couldn’t have asked for a better venue! Not only is it absolutely stunning and such a unique place to get married, but you will be supporting a wonderful cause. The events manager, Shannon, is so incredibly kind, thoughtful, and helpful. She made the entire process so positive and easy. If you are considering CBF, definitely go see the venue. It is gorgeous and will be even better on the big day!
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    Laura S. Sent on 05/18/2023
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    Hidden Annapolis Gem - CBF

    The Chesapeake Bay Foundation Philip Merrill Environmental Center is perfect for any Annapolis couple! The venue is a gorgeous and modern environmentally-friendly building surrounded by greenery and overlooking a perfect view of the Bay, so you'll have that secluded feel while also being minutes away from downtown. It actually rained on our wedding day, which usually spells disaster but not for us! Instead of the beach ceremony, our vendors easily created a breathtaking ceremony space on the covered deck that kept us all comfortable and dry, while also keeping the beautiful Bay views in the background. The reception space was perfect for our 100-ish guests, and the dance floor was lit all night! The CBF staff was an absolute joy to work with leading up to and during our big day. We couldn't have been happier having CBF as our venue!
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    Beth R. Sent on 05/02/2023
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    Say yes to CBF!

    From the helpful and professional staff to the amazing views CBF was absolutely perfect for our wedding and exactly what I had hoped it would be. Beach ceremony, deck cocktail hour and dinner with incredible views I could not have asked for more. I almost wish I could do it again.
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    Rachel L. Sent on 05/29/2023
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    Perfect place

    We really wanted to get married on the beach and be able to fit all our friends and family comfortably. CBF was perfect for that. Even though the weather didn’t hold out, everyone enjoyed themselves and still getting the water view from the deck
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    Karlie S. Sent on 11/07/2022
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    Absolutely incredible experience with CBF!

    The CBF Philip Merrill Environmental Center was our dream venue with stunning views of the Chesapeake, an expansive tented deck reception, and an honorable commitment to sustainable practices. We could not be more impressed with the staff as well as the venue itself. The preferred vendors were amazing and helped make our wedding day run smoothly, the use of the 31 acres of grounds resulted in some incredible pictures, and the use of both the indoor/outdoor components of the venue made our late October wedding day an all-around success. I would highly recommend the CBF venue to anyone looking to have an incredible wedding day on the Chesapeake Bay!
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    Jane C. Sent on 10/26/2022
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    Stunning venue

    If you want a celebration on the bay, there is no better place to do it than the Chesapeake Bay Foundation. It is in an absolutely stunning setting sitting right on the beach and surrounded by natural beauty. We were lucky to hit peak fall foliage which made for an even more impressive backdrop. Our guests' jaws literally dropped when they walked into the venue! It POURED rain the entire evening, but it didn't diminish the beauty or enjoyment of the space.

    The events team at CBF was also fantastic. Shannon is incredibly helpful and responsive. Scott, who was at the venue during our reception, went above and beyond to make sure the event went smoothly.

    Chesapeake Bay Foundation's reply:

    Thank you so much Jane for the kinds words. We are so glad your event was everything you wanted and more!
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    Melissa K. Sent on 08/30/2022
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    Such an amazing venue

    We are over the moon with Chesapeake Bay Foundation as a venue! We had about 85 guests and it was so spacious, beautiful and unique. The event team is excellent, and we have 0 complaints about our experience - from our first virtual tour to the big day, everything was amazing. The venue was even better after seeing it all set up, and the grounds are amazing for photos. If you're considering hosting your wedding at CBF, don't hesitate!
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    Jenna W. Sent on 09/07/2022
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    Waterfront memories

    CBF is a magical place to get married! The unique architecture and impressive views will leave your family and friends in awe. The staff is extremely helpful and will facilitate the nuances and fine details to make sure your day is memorable. 5 stars!
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    Laura A. Sent on 09/15/2022
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    Dream wedding venue

    Chesapeake Bay Foundation was the perfect spot for our wedding. We knew we wanted to be married there the second we saw it. The nature was beautiful to be surrounded by and looks awesome in our pictures. The ceremony beside the water and under the shade of the large tree was heavenly. We loved that the “rain plan” was a good one so we had no worries about what the weather would be. The space really allowed for our guests to mingle throughout the evening. We also liked how it’s near downtown Annapolis but still is secluded. Highly recommend!
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    Jacqueline Sent on 02/06/2019
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    Excellent customer service

    My fiance and I were looking at this as out venue for our wedding. The customer service and responsiveness to our questions was quick and friendly. This venue would have been a great choice if my fiance and I hadn't chosen to go with a destination wedding instead!

    Chesapeake Bay Foundation's reply:

    Thanks for your review Jacqueline! Enjoy every moment of your upcoming wedding- we wish you a lifetime of happiness!
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    Laura W. Sent on 06/16/2021
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    A dream come true!

    CBF was the venue of our dreams. We wanted to get married on a beach and have the freedom to design an event that would really fit “us”. No place that we toured even held a candle to CBF/Philip Merrill Environmental Center. They let you provide your own bar, and choose from a list of caterers, which meant that we were able to serve caipirinhas and pick a caterer who could design a Brazilian menu. We loved that the venue is environmentally friendly, and that our venue fee would help support the Chesapeake Bay.

    Emily Blackman knew every contingency plan for rain, social distancing, etc, and helped us design a layout that would work in any circumstance. There is a big tree on the beach, which provides some shade during the ceremony, and the deck is spacious enough for tables, a bar, and a dance floor. They also provided some decor and a cornhole set, which was just an added bonus for an already perfect night.
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    Alex G. Sent on 10/20/2020
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    Stunning and Sustainable!

    I started searching for wedding venues after my Fiance and first got engaged. I didn't know much about Maryland and stumbled onto CBF as a wedding Venue. As someone who considers themselves eco conscious I had to learn more about what this venue was all about. Then. I fell in LOVE! What isn't to love? A private Beach, an outdoor patio, and an organization with a mission to #SAVETHEBAY ?! There was no question after touring this venue that it was going to be the place we said "I Do" with a full commitment to not only each other, but the environment too. On top of that Emily was a pleasure to work with and everyone we have encountered at CBF has had so much energy and we have learned so much about Maryland and the Chesapeake Bay. We even incorporated many Bay Saving Items into our wedding details - like the ties, the masks, and of course the Oyster reef balls!!
  • Katie
    Katie B. Sent on 09/18/2020
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    Dream like venue!

    We are SO SO happy with our decision to get married at the CBF! It was the first place we saw when we started venue shopping and we fell in love instantly. The beach, the tree, the deck... it was all magical! We were originally planning to have a wedding with 125 people but cut it down to 30 because of COVID. Since the venue is pretty much all outdoors, we still felt really great about holding the ceremony and reception there and I would choose this place 100 times over if I could! We had the ceremony under the tree and cocktail hour on the beach. The reception was all outside on the deck and we didn't end up using the inside room for anything other than a staging area. Emily and the entire staff were amazing to work it and we loved that the fee goes towards the foundation! Another really great thing is that would can bring your own alcohol which ended up saving us a lot of money! We got married over labor day weekend and it was truly a dream come true (even with less people)! Thank you CBF!!!

    Chesapeake Bay Foundation's reply:

    Thank you Katie for the review! You and Travis were lovely to work with, and we are so glad that everything turned out so lovely in these crazy circumstances! Cheers to many, many happy years!
  • Austin
    Austin B. Sent on 10/24/2019
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    Your Wedding Venue Search Ends Here!

    My wife and I had our wedding ceremony/reception at CBF in June and were incredibly pleased with the entire experience. Emily Blackman was a superb events coordinator who helped us visualize each detail and answered all our questions. The venue is undoubtedly the best value in the area with a private beach and incredible bay views, guests were commenting on it throughout the entire evening. Fortunately we had a nice sunny day but having a back up rain plan that would be covered and still have water views lowered our anxiety. There are a number of delicious caterers to choose from (shout out to Be My Guest) that are very familiar with the venue and keep everything running smoothly. We were completely satisfied, might have to go ahead and get married again! Thanks CBF!

    Chesapeake Bay Foundation's reply:

    Thanks Austin for the review! Everything turned out lovely, and you were so easy to work with. Come back and visit anytime!
  • Sarah
    Sarah Sent on 03/16/2020
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    Beautiful & Natural

    If you are looking for a venue with architectural interest, natural landscape, and water views all while contributing to helping the bay!? Look no further. I loved everything about CBF. Emily was amazing to work with and so helpful in every step of the planning process.
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    Caitlin Sent on 10/02/2019
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    Absolutely breathtaking

    We were looking for a place where we could bring in our own vendors (including an outside caterer) while also being on the water. CBF was everything we wanted and more. While admittedly we had a perfect weather day, it would have been beautiful regardless. Breathtaking views of the Bay along with open air decks allowing for the breeze to pass through and keep people comfy. The facility offered everything we might need (or at least space to house what we needed!) and they were environmentally friendly, allowing us to feel like we were able to give back just a bit on our happiest day. Highly recommend to anyone who wants to plan their own wedding from beginning to end! (we'll update with a professional pic once they come in!)

    Chesapeake Bay Foundation's reply:

    Thank you for the lovely review Caitlin! What a beautiful day it was, and best wishes to you and Paul! Come back and visit us anytime!
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    Kelcey C. Sent on 09/17/2019
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    An Amazing Experience!!

    I cannot express how amazing this venue was for our wedding!! It has a very unique feel to it, and after get married right on the water on the private beach we were able drink and dance the night away on a large covered desk overlooking the water at night. During the planning leading up to it we dealt with Emily who was fantastic in answering all our questions and making sure we had everything we needed for the big day. Another huge perk was that they allowed us to supply our own alcohol which was a big advantage in customize our options for the guests. I can without a day say that my wife and I have no regrets going with here as our venue and would absolutely do it again!

    Chesapeake Bay Foundation's reply:

    Thanks Kelcey & Keith for the review- congrats again on the wedding! We were so glad to have such a beautiful day for such a lovely couple! Come back and visit us anytime!
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    Ashley M. Sent on 09/13/2019
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    Beautiful Beach Venue and A Great Cause!

    We absolutely loved getting married at the Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF) for our summer wedding! We got married on the beach and had our reception under the twinkle lights on the deck overlooking the water. Not only is it gorgeous, but the venue cost also goes towards helping save the Chesapeake Bay. The Venue Coordinator at CBF, Emily, was wonderful to work with and very responsive. Highly recommended!

    Chesapeake Bay Foundation's reply:

    Thank for for the kind words Ashley! It was wonderful working with you and your family and everything turned out gorgeous! Best wishes to you and Dan!
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    Caroline Sent on 08/06/2019
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    Wonderful Experience!

    From the moment we toured CBF, we knew this was the spot where we wanted to get married. It is an incredibly beautiful location and there is a lot of flexibility in how you can set things up. We got married on one of the hottest days of the year and were able to be flexible even on the day of in terms of where we set up cocktail hour and the ceremony. When choosing CBF, it’s important to keep in mind that it is not a traditional wedding venue and much of the organizational elements will be left up to you. The staff are really helpful and friendly, but ultimately you are renting the space, not a “venue.” This all worked out well for us, but just something to keep in mind! Our guests loved the location and we would definitely choose CBF again!
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    Adrianne C. Sent on 07/01/2019
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    June wedding

    Could not be happier that we had our wedding here. Great experience with staff. Beautiful location/views and great flexibility having the covered deck. It rained during our ceremony and I LOVED how the ceremony ended up feeling so intimate on the deck plus we still had gorgeous views behind us. Love that our wedding also supported the environmental efforts the foundation works on and guests loved that it had such a special meaning

    Chesapeake Bay Foundation's reply:

    Thanks for the review, Adrianne- come back and visit anytime! Best wishes to you & Ches! We can't wait to see some more pony pictures on the beach!
  • Lauren
    Lauren Sent on 07/09/2019
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    Amazing Venue!

    The Chesapeake Bay Foundation was the perfect venue for our wedding. The venue is basically a blank slate and the bride and groom have extreme flexibility in layout, decorations, vendors, etc. The CBF staff was very helpful throughout the process and quick to respond to emails. The venue is absolutely gorgeous and all of our guests were blown away by the setting. The location is also extremely convenient to downtown Annapolis. We couldn't have asked for a better venue to suit our taste and style. Would highly recommend!
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