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About

With tranquil waterfront settings overlooking the beautiful Miles River and beyond, the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum is a place unlike any other. Make memories at one of our picturesque venues, perfect for ceremonies, rehearsal dinners, receptions, cocktail parties, and more.
Nationally recognized for preserving the heritage of the Chesapeake, the Museum brings the warm and casually elegant hospitality of the Eastern Shore of Maryland to each special occasion. Set on a private 18-acre campus with over 2,000 feet of pristine waterfront in the historic village of St. Michaels, the Museum offers spectacular views of the water.
The Museum offers stunning backdrops for wedding portraits, providing an exquisite array of Chesapeake scenery and textures, ranging from the rustic Small Boat Shed to panoramic views of the water on Navy Point, from the very top of the 1879 Hooper Strait Lighthouse to the authentic Waterman's Wharf on Fogg's Landing. Give your guests a true Chesapeake experience with a one-of-a-kind wedding in which they not only celebrate your special day but take away a piece of history. From a large tented affair for 250 people to a small, intimate gathering, the Museum is an ideal spot to create lifelong memories.

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Frequently asked questions

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?

$10,000

What is the starting site fee for wedding receptions during off-peak season?

5,000.00

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?

2,000.00

What is the starting site fee for wedding ceremonies during off-peak season?

2,000.00

Which of the following are included in the starting site fee?

Bridal Suite
Parking

What is the minimum number of guests required to book your venue?

2

How many event spaces or rooms does your venue offer?

5

Describe your venue:

Historic Building
Marina
Museum
Waterfront

What kind of settings are available?

Indoor
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?

Get Ready Rooms
Outside Vendors
Pet Friendly
Wifi

What transportation and access is available?

Parking
Wheelchair Access

What months are included in your peak season?

April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November

What months are included in your off-peak season?

January
February
March
December

Reviews of Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum

Katherine
Katherine Sent on 06/10/2021
5 out of 5 rating

Lovely day in May

We were married in May and had a lovely time at this beautiful venue. There were no boats docked around Navy Point, which allowed our guests a beautiful view. The museum aspect and the old boats were very cool for our guests to explore during before the wedding started.
M
Melanie Sent on 08/28/2018
5 out of 5 rating
CBMM is the most beautiful venue on the eastern shore - I know I am biased because that is where I got married, but it is seriously stunning. While the pictures you see are gorgeous, just wait until you see it in person. It is truly one of a kind. We held our wedding on August 25th and had our ceremony in front of the bandstand, and had our cocktail hour in the boat house. Many guests commented on how amazing the boat house was - they loved getting to see all of the antique boats, and there is a dock on the other side that made for some amazing photos! We held our reception under a tent on navy point and it was truly spectacular. Many guests complimented that it was one of the most beautiful weddings they had ever attended. Working with Liz Cowee was amazing! She is so flexible and will answer all of your questions (My now husband and I had a ton leading up to the wedding)! Liz even unlocked the light house and we were able to go to the very top to get some amazing photos and have a birds eye view of our wedding! I highly recommend this venue! You will not regret it! Thanks CBMM we will be back to see you very soon!!
L
Lynn Sent on 05/14/2018
5 out of 5 rating
We don’t know where to begin- from the start the CBMM was nothing but professional and wonderful to work with!!! If you want to get married in Maryland on the water go to CBMM, you will not be disappointed
B
Bettina Sent on 10/14/2016
5 out of 5 rating
The Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum was an absolute DREAM venue and the most stunning backdrop for our wedding weekend in St. Michaels. My husband and I got engaged in St. Michaels and knew from that moment on that we wanted to get married there. We came across the Maritime Museum and were instantly blown away by the gorgeous views on the Navy Point and unique property. We decided to have both our rehearsal dinner on the property (in the Small Boat Shed) and our ceremony and reception (on Navy Point). Liz and her team went above and beyond in so many ways -- including by making the wedding planning process leading up the wedding seamless and fun and, on the day of, making sure every detail was in place and perfect. The CBMM team even arranged to have a golf cart transport my husband’s grandmother right to the ceremony so she wouldn’t have to strain walking the grounds. We are so thankful to the CBMM team for everything they did to make our wedding an absolute fairytale for us, and look forward to coming back for years to come to relive the happy memories.
C
Clare Sent on 10/10/2016
5 out of 5 rating
Beautiful venue and the staff was incredible. Highly recommend!
C
Cameron Sent on 07/25/2015
5 out of 5 rating
Ida Heelan made our selection of the museum campus a perfect choice for our wedding! She graciously helped with all aspects of planning and getting the insurance for the event. She went above and beyond on many occasions but most memorably when my necklace broke. She fixed it herself by using thread to replace a broken chain link and saved the day! Many thanks to the whole museum team!
W
Whitney Sent on 06/15/2015
5 out of 5 rating
The Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum was the perfect setting for our big day. The weather was perfect and our guests absolutely loved the location. It was so much character and charm. We could not have been happier with the way it turned out. Ida, Melissa, and the entire CBMM staff were wonderful to work with as well. Strongly recommend!
P
Paul Sent on 10/19/2014
5 out of 5 rating
The team at CBMM is outstanding, especially the Event Coordinator Ida Heelan. The setting and services were extremely professional but more importantly, the great amount of concern demonstrated to ensure our special day was perfect. Ida provided excellent guidance and was present both before and during the event to ensure all expectations were met. When the weather worked against us, Ida had prepared us well in advance for all of the options and it was a simple and easy adjustment to ensure that all our guests stayed warm and dry. I can't say enough. If I could do it all again, I would.
P
Peg Sent on 09/16/2014
5 out of 5 rating
We held our son's rehearsal dinner at the Steamboat Building, Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum. We were guided by Ida Heelan, which was extremely helpful considering .....we live in Connecticut and everything had to be done by email or phone. The site was absolutely beautiful...the cocktail hour was held on the deck, then a buffet dinner inside. Ida also helped with recommendations for a caterer and flowers. We used Gourmet By the Bay and Seaberry Farms and were delighted with the cooperative spirit of all the vendors! Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum was a great place to start the wedding weekend!
S
Sarah Sent on 08/27/2014
5 out of 5 rating
We could not have imagined a more wonderful experience! The venue was very accommodating and provided a spectacular setting for pictures.
We're all about trust. Our community relies on honest reviews to help you make those big decisions with ease.

Awards

26
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2015 Winner

Professional Network & Endorsements

2 Endorsements
Images of Sommer (A Bill Rettberg Jr. Production) Images of Sommer (A Bill Rettberg Jr. Production) Wedding Photographers

Fantastic waterfront property with a huge amount of unique opportunities for wedding photography. We have found the staff friendly, professional, and attentive! Food quality is excellent, and you could not have a prettier setting. Saint Michaels is a treasure unto itself but the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum is a jewel that should not be overlooked for that special event, or just a visit.

Ceremony Officiants - Rev. Laura Cannon & Associates Ceremony Officiants - Rev. Laura Cannon & Associates Wedding Officiants

The Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum in St. Michaels is a true gem - beautiful, historic, and right on the water... an absolutely unforgettable spot for a wedding. We couldn't recommend it more highly! - Rev. Laura C. Cannon, Owner

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Map

Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum frequently asked questions

Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum includes the following items and services for wedding events in its starting site fee:
  • Bridal Suite
  • Parking
The space offered by Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum for wedding events is known for:
  • Historic Building
  • Marina
  • Museum
  • Waterfront
Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum offers the following indoor/outdoor options for weddings:
  • Indoor
  • Uncovered Outdoor
Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum offers the following types of wedding events:
  • Ceremony
  • Reception
  • Bridal Shower
  • Engagement Party
  • Elopements
  • Rehearsal Dinner
Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum offers the following services for wedding events:
  • Get Ready Rooms
  • Outside Vendors
  • Pet Friendly
  • Wifi
Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum is recommended by 97% of couples who have used their services. Their overall rating is 4.8 out of 5 with the following breakdown: 5 in average response time, 4.9 in quality of service, 4.9 in professionalism, 4.8 in flexibility and 4.7 in value.
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