Baltimore, MD or Washington, DC Wedding Venues: Which Is Better?

DC or Baltimore Wedding? Here’s the Real Difference No One Talks About

So you’re from the DMV and you’re trying to pick a wedding venue? How do you even begin to choose? Between Baltimore, Annapolis and Washington, DC, you have a lot of options. If you include Virginia, you could be searching forever. Baltimore, MD and Washington, DC seem to be the most popular of locations. Both bring solid options to the table—but they couldn’t feel more different. One’s got grit and personality, the other’s polished and iconic. So how do you pick where to say “i do?” Let’s break it down.

The Vibe: Bold and Beautiful or Clean and Classic?

Baltimore’s all about character—industrial warehouses, cool rooftops, water front venues. There is an astonishing amount of variety and freedom in picking a Baltimore venue. 

DC, though? It’s sleek. It’s timeless. Picture marble staircases, hotel ballrooms, and garden courtyards that look straight out of a movie. Imagine looking out over the city on your wedding night from your venue, or even your hotel room after. If you’re going for classic and refined, DC’s your pick.

For the Photos

Both cities photograph like a dream—it just depends on your aesthetic. Baltimore gives you brick walls, murals, and golden-hour light and splashes of color. DC gives you clean lines, monuments, and that editorial look that never goes out of style. Perfect for black tie weddings.

If you want warm, textured, personality filled photos—Baltimore wins. If you want sharp, elegant, and magazine-worthy—go DC.

Guest Experience

Your guests are gonna have a good time either way, but the vibe changes. DC’s packed with nice hotels, bars, and things to do, but it can feel… big and crowded at times. Baltimore’s more compact—you can bounce from ceremony to reception without dealing with gridlock or parking nightmares.

Basically: DC is classy convenience, Baltimore is easygoing fun.

Budget Reality Check

Let’s be honest—DC costs more. Between permits, catering and venue minimums, and all the hidden “city” fees, that price tag climbs quick. Baltimore gives you more bang for your buck without losing style points. You can go big without going broke and often times, your not restricted to what vendors you can and cant use.

Bottom Line

If you want elegant, iconic, and buttoned-up—DC will absolutely provide that.
If you want chill, creative, and full of personality—Baltimore may be the best option.

Both cities deliver amazing backdrops, great food, and memories that hang around way after the night is over. Just pick the one that feels like you.

Pro tip: Whichever you choose, get a photographer who knows how capture the best night of your life. In the DC and Baltimore area, look no further than right here. If you’re getting married in Baltimore, or Washington, DC, lets chat! Contact me here book your wedding date! 

About the couple:

Niklas and Jahncie were a couple from Baltimore picking their city was an easy decision. Being big fans of all things Baltimore including the Orioles and Ravens, staying home was important. They even had their engagement session at the waterfront to tie everything together. Mt. Washington Tavern in Baltimore, MD provided them with all of the food, drinks and music they needed to keep the vibes flowing and the love going. This blog also marks their first anniversary so happy 1st anniversary to them! 

Venue: Mt. Washington Tavern

Associate Photographer: Anneliese Ott

Hair / MUA: Shy Watter’s Hair Studio

Music: Infinite Sound 

Dresses: Betsy Robinson Bridal