Bowleys on the Bay
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"My wife and I recently had our wedding reception at Bowleys on the Bay, and it was truly the best..."
"Great location. Service was ok. I ordered the Monte Cristo and I don't recommend. Terrible, dry and..."
About this venue
Exchange vows amidst breathtaking waterfront views, swaying palm trees, and an unforgettable coastal atmosphere at Bowleys on the Bay, a charming restaurant wedding venue in Essex, Maryland. For nearly 10 years, Bowleys on the Bay has been creating memorable experiences for guests and is proud to offer couples a one-of-a-kind setting for weddings and special celebrations.
Whether you're planning an intimate gathering or a larger reception, our venue offers the perfect combination of natural beauty, elegant spaces, and exceptional hospitality.
Nestled in the Bowleys Quarters, Bay Area. Guests can enjoy handcrafted cocktails from our full-service indoor bar, fresh chef-prepared cuisine, and seamless service from our experienced events team. We work closely with every couple to customize menus, timelines, and event details so your wedding reflects your unique vision.
Experience
-
9 years in business
-
We speak English and Spanish
FAQ
Do you have a site fee for wedding receptions at your venue?
Yes
What is the starting site fee for wedding receptions during peak season?
$15,000
What is the starting site fee for wedding receptions during off-peak season?
$8,500
Do you have a site fee for wedding ceremonies at your venue?
Yes
What is the starting site fee for wedding ceremonies during peak season?
$15,000
What is the starting site fee for wedding ceremonies during off-peak season?
$8,500
Which of the following are included in the starting site fee?
Chairs
Clean Up
Event Planning
Flatware
Glassware
Lighting/Sound
Linens
Parking
Set Up
Tables
Transportation
Catering Services
Which of the following are included in the cost of wedding catering?
Server(s)
What is the starting price per person for bar service?
$10
Which of the following are included in the starting price for bar service?
Bartender(s)
House Beer
House Liquor
House Wine
Limited Bar
What is the minimum number of guests required to book your venue?
50
How many event spaces or rooms does your venue offer?
1
Describe your venue:
Beach
Marina
Restaurant
Waterfront
What kind of settings are available?
Indoor
Covered Outdoor
Uncovered Outdoor
Which of the following wedding events does your venue service?
Ceremony
Reception
Bridal Shower
Engagement Party
Elopements
Rehearsal Dinner
What event services do you offer?
Accommodations
Bar Services
Catering Services
Clean Up
Event Planner
Event Rentals
Outside Vendors
Pet Friendly
What catering services do you offer?
Buffet
Cocktail Reception
Dessert
Family Style
Hors d'oeuvres
Outside Cake
Plated
Server(s)
Stations
Tastings
What bar services do you provide?
Bartender(s)
Cash Bar
Champagne Toast
House Beer
House Liquor
House Wine
Limited Bar
Liquor License
Open Bar
Outside Alcohol
Premium Liquor
Signature Drink
Specialty Beer
Specialty Wine
What event items are available?
Aisle Markers
Aisle Runners
Altar/Arch
Chairs
Decor
Lighting
Tables
Tents
What food and beverage items are available?
Barware
Flatware
Glassware
Linens
What transportation and access is available?
Parking
Shuttle
Wheelchair Access
What months are included in your peak season?
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
What months are included in your off-peak season?
January
February
March
November
December
Still have questions?
Reach out about anything you didn't see answered here—no question is too small!
Reviews of Bowleys on the Bay
Weddingwire
2 reviews
Google
1098 reviews
Aaron Sent on 07/08/2026
5 out of 5 rating
Best Beach Wedding on the Bay Ever
My wife and I recently had our wedding reception at Bowleys on the Bay, and it was truly the best day of our lives.
The food and drinks were amazing (our guests are still talking about those crab balls), the service from the staff was impeccable, they accommodated our plans to have incredible live entertainment from the best local bands and DJ in the area, and the atmosphere was unbelievable. The rain in the forecast even held off and we were able to enjoy a beautiful sunset over one of the most scenic beachy views in town with our closest friends and family. It was like a destination wedding, right at home.
We can’t thank Anthony, Taylor, Grace, Maddie, Adrian, Savannah, and the entire Bowleys on the Bay team that was there that day enough for making the wedding of our dreams a reality. The Bowleys Quarters community is lucky to have such a great restaurant, bar, and exceptional event venue right here on its waterfront.
The food and drinks were amazing (our guests are still talking about those crab balls), the service from the staff was impeccable, they accommodated our plans to have incredible live entertainment from the best local bands and DJ in the area, and the atmosphere was unbelievable. The rain in the forecast even held off and we were able to enjoy a beautiful sunset over one of the most scenic beachy views in town with our closest friends and family. It was like a destination wedding, right at home.
We can’t thank Anthony, Taylor, Grace, Maddie, Adrian, Savannah, and the entire Bowleys on the Bay team that was there that day enough for making the wedding of our dreams a reality. The Bowleys Quarters community is lucky to have such a great restaurant, bar, and exceptional event venue right here on its waterfront.
Kerry Sent on 07/25/2026
3 out of 5 rating
Poor management not great service
Great location. Service was ok. I ordered the Monte Cristo and I don't recommend. Terrible, dry and tasteless. Supposed to have honey mustard on it , did not taste. I tried to eat it so they charged me for the half I tried to eat.poor management imo. The manager made that call without even coming to check what was wrong with the food . I don't generally complain but this sandwich was terrible and so was the management
We're all about trust. Our community relies on honest reviews to help you make those big decisions with ease.
Are you interested?
Team
Taylor Gale
Manager
Map
Location
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Bowleys on the Bay frequently asked questions
Bowleys on the Bay includes the following items and services for wedding events in its starting site fee:
- Chairs
- Clean Up
- Event Planning
- Flatware
- Glassware
- Lighting/Sound
- Linens
- Parking
- Set Up
- Tables
- Transportation
- Catering Services
Bowleys on the Bay includes the following items and services in its wedding catering costs:
- Server(s)
The bar service starting price at Bowleys on the Bay includes:
- Bartender(s)
- House Beer
- House Liquor
- House Wine
- Limited Bar
The space offered by Bowleys on the Bay for wedding events is known for:
- Beach
- Marina
- Restaurant
- Waterfront
Bowleys on the Bay offers the following indoor/outdoor options for weddings:
- Indoor
- Covered Outdoor
- Uncovered Outdoor
Bowleys on the Bay offers the following types of wedding events:
- Ceremony
- Reception
- Bridal Shower
- Engagement Party
- Elopements
- Rehearsal Dinner
Bowleys on the Bay offers the following services for wedding events:
- Accommodations
- Bar Services
- Catering Services
- Clean Up
- Event Planner
- Event Rentals
- Outside Vendors
- Pet Friendly
Bowleys on the Bay offers the following furniture and decor items for weddings:
- Aisle Markers
- Aisle Runners
- Altar/Arch
- Chairs
- Decor
- Lighting
- Tables
- Tents
Bowleys on the Bay is recommended by 80% of couples who have used their services. Their overall rating is 4.0 out of 5 with the following breakdown: 4.5 in professionalism, 4 in quality of service, 4 in average response time, 4 in flexibility and 3.5 in value.