Chesapeake Bay Maritime Matrimony | Chat with the CBMM Team About All Things Wedding

An Eastern Shore staple, the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum, beautifully blends a rich history of life on Shore with the stunning backdrop of the Miles River to create a truly spectacular venue for nautical nuptials. Located in the heart of St. Michaels, and bringing small town charm together with an abundance of absolutely gorgeous locations, CBMM is a spot you don’t want to miss. Whether you are planning an intimate ceremony with close friends and family, or a grand celebration under the stars, CBMM can do it all. Keep scrolling to hear from CBMM’s Events Manager, Logan, and see so many gorgeous photos a just a few of the wonderful weddings they’ve put on lately!

– Tell us a little bit about Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum. –

The Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum is an 18-acre waterfront campus in the heart of St. Michaels, Maryland. We offer couples a truly unique wedding experience with stunning views of the Miles River, historic boats, and a picturesque lighthouse as an amazing backdrop.

Photo courtesy of Sarah Murray Photography

– What made you decide to work in the wedding industry? What is your favorite part about it? –

What drew me to the wedding industry is the joy of helping couples celebrate such an important day in such a special setting. Every event feels different, and it’s rewarding to see our campus transformed to reflect each couple’s story. My favorite thing is being able to witness those unforgettable moments—when couples first see their reception space, or when their family and friends gather together against the backdrop of the Bay. I also love being a calm, supportive presence for couples so they can fully enjoy their day.

– What’s been your favorite wedding trend lately? –

I’ve really enjoyed the rise of welcome parties and weekend-long celebrations. Many of our couples choose CBMM because it allows their guests to experience the charm of St. Michaels and the beauty of the Chesapeake Bay. Turning the wedding into a whole weekend of memories has been such a fun trend to see.

 

– What would you say are the top 3 things couples should consider when looking for a wedding venue? –

Experience with the venue: Choose vendors who understand the unique logistics of waterfront or historic spaces. It makes a big difference on the wedding day.

Flexibility and communication: Look for vendors who are proactive problem-solvers and responsive throughout the planning process.

Style alignment: Make sure your vendors’ approach and aesthetic align with your vision—you’ll feel more confident knowing you’re on the same page.

– What do you think is the best thing about the array of options that you can potentially offer a couple? –

Our greatest strength is the versatility of our campus. Whether it’s an intimate ceremony beside our 1879 Hooper Strait Lighthouse or a grand reception under the stars along the Miles River, couples can select the setting that best reflects their vision. With 18 acres to explore, the day can naturally unfold from one beautiful backdrop to another. For example, a couple can exchange vows in one area, enjoy cocktails amongst the museum’s fleet of skiffs in the Small Boat Shed, and end the night dancing on the point as boats glide through the harbor. This variety creates a dynamic experience and lasting memories for guests.

– Can you tell us an example of a problem that you solved for a wedding client? –

Weather is always the biggest challenge for waterfront weddings. One couple had planned an outdoor ceremony, but storms were rolling in. We quickly shifted the setup to inside the Small Boat Shed, reworked the layout, and coordinated with their vendors so guests hardly noticed the change. The couple told me afterward that they actually loved the cozy atmosphere it created—it ended up being even more memorable than what they had originally planned.

– What is the most important thing you would like couples to know about Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum? –

We are here to support you. While CBMM is first and foremost a museum, our events team takes pride in helping couples feel cared for from their first tour through their final send-off. Our campus offers an unforgettable backdrop, but it’s our goal to ensure that your day is as seamless, stress-free, and joyful as possible.

See more beautiful Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum wedding celebrations here!