Your dream becomes a reality at Historic St. Mary’s City. We have multiple venues for weddings & private events with breathtaking views & sunsets of the St. Mary’s River, offering something for everyone to create their own special memories.
The Reconstructed State House of 1676 presents as a regal setting for your wedding or private event. The large lawn is a beautiful ceremony spot that overlooks the St. Mary’s River and has incredible sunsets. The State House has a capacity of 200 utilizing both floors with two fireplaces on each floor. The windows are leaded glass windows. The large doors to the Great Room and waterside make an impressive entry.
Walking down the Aisle – Credit: Jill Christine Design & Photography
Weddings on the State House bluff, overlooking the St. Mary’s River
The Inn at Brome Howard is surrounded by fields and forests on the banks of the St. Mary’s River. This restored 1840s home is gracefully furnished with period and reproduction pieces. Picture perfect for either a small gathering in the home or formal garden, or a larger event on the bluff overlooking the river, with a reception under a tent and cocktail party on the lawn and patio. The Inn operates as a Bed & Breakfast and sleeps 10. You can rent the Inn for the day or rent the entire Inn for the weekend.
Weddings at the The Inn at Brome Howard – Credit: Birds of a Feather Photography
Weddings at the Inn at Brome Howard. Credit: April Rose Photography
The Margaret Brent Gazebo is a turn-of-the century memorial located near Town Center. This is a beautiful location for a small wedding ceremony. The gazebo is a tribute to Margaret Brent, the first woman to ask for the right to vote in 1648.
Margaret Brent Gazebo
The Maryland Dove dock and waterfront is available for receptions. The square-rigged Maryland Dove is docked in the St. Mary’s River. It is a premier spot for enjoying an amazing sunset.
Weddings at Maryland Dove – Credit: Amanda Adams Photography
Capture the joy of your day down at the waterfront
“Thank you for everything you did to make our wedding so wonderful. Everything was set up so beautifully and the night went so smoothly thanks to all your hard work. We've gotten so many compliments about how wonderful the setting was and how amazing everything looked. You definitely outdid yourself - it was everything I envisioned and more. We had the best night of our lives and we can't thank you enough for making it happen! Thank you for everything!”
Katie & ZackNovember 21, 2020
“I can't thank you enough for all your suggestions and expert guidance throughout the planning of the wedding. The first day we met, you were so gracious and kind and you continued to support all of us with your wonderful calm demeanor throughout the times we worked together. I appreciated so much your quick responses and for keeping us on track and organized. So many of our friends and family were so impressed with the beautiful setting of the historic State House and didn't realize what a magnificent gem is right here in Maryland. The evening ran so smoothly and I know you were there behind the scenes making it all happen”.
Donna O.November 20, 2020
“You did such a fantastic job on making sure everything went ok for our wedding a few weeks ago. It was truly seamless and perfect! Thank you so much for making me feel reassured all along the way! Thanks again for everything!”
Cheryl W.November 20, 2020
“We really don't know how to thank you for all you have done to help us get ready for the wedding. Your friendliness, support, attention to detail and super good nature have made all the difference. We are going to miss you! We wish you and your family all the best, thank you so very much”.
Katie & Kevin S.November 20, 2020
Can I bring my vendors to tour the wedding venue?
Yes, particularly if your wedding professional has never been to our different wedding or event venues before. Please include the HSMC Event Manager in the scheduling and meeting to answer any vendor’s questions.
Can I visit the venue more than once?
Yes, you may schedule multiple visits to see your selected venue. If you plan to schedule your visit during museum operating hours (typically Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m.—4 p.m.), you should contact the Events Manager prior to visiting. It isn’t necessary for the Event Manager to be there unless you are visiting The Inn.
Can we choose our own caterer?
Yes. Your selected caterer must be insured.
Can we decorate the night before or the next morning?
We do not recommend decorating until the day of your event – humidity, squirrels and birds can ruin outside decorations. The weather can affect fresh arrangements so it is best to decorate the day of your event. Our staff works with you to schedule a time to decorate knowing that you may be working around hair and makeup appointments.
Can we provide our own alcohol?
That is between you and the barserve business or caterer that has their off-site liquor license that you hire. If you are providing the alcohol, the alcohol cannot be brought to any of our public venues until a staff member is present.
Do your venues have handicapped bathrooms?
All the wedding venues in ‘Town Center’ have use of Farthing’s Bathroom which is ADA compliant and climate controlled. For weddings or events at The Inn at Brome Howard, you would be responsible for the need to rent a portable bathroom. The Inn itself has an ADA bathroom.
How can I use HSMC properties for a private event?
HSMC has a number of beautiful and unique venues that can be leased for private and corporate events. For more information, contact the Events Coordinator at events@hsmcdigshistory.org, or 240-895-4991.
How do I reserve a venue at Historic St. Mary’s City (HSMC)?
A contingency hold can be placed on a date and site but must be confirmed with a contract and deposit within two weeks. If, during that time, another client requests the same venue and date, you will have the right of first refusal and 24 hours to provide the contract and non-refundable deposit.
How many guests fit in each location?
The outdoor areas of the State House and The Inn can accommodate 500+ with the use of tents. The State House can accommodate 90-140 depending on type of use and tables used. The Inn can accommodate 60 for a standup reception in the two main dining rooms.
What electrical do you supply?
We have household current at all of our sites – some have more outlets than others. The HSMC Event Manager will work with you to determine your electrical needs and if renting a generator is necessary. Generally, only a generator is necessary if you are having a band or your caterer is cooking on site.
What facilities are offered for the wedding party to get dressed?
The wedding party can get dressed on the second floor of the State House. If you have rented the weekend package at The Inn at Brome Howard, the wedding party can get dressed in rooms there.
What happens if it rains or other inclement weather on the day of my event?
We watch the weather predictions closely before any event and always have an alternate plan. That plan may be to move the ceremony to inside the State House or move the ceremony to under the tent on the dance floor. If you have rented a tent, our tent and other rental companies have windowed sides that can be rented as well. We will work with you to reschedule, should a more extreme weather situation occur.
What is the official address for The State House and The Inn at Brome Howard?
The official address for the State House is: 47418 Old State House Road, St. Mary’s City, MD 20686. The official address for The Inn at Brome Howard is: 18281 Rosecroft Rd., St. Mary’s City, MD 20686.
When I provide my own decorations, when do they need to be removed?
All personal decorations are to be removed at the end of your event. If you have rented The Inn at Brome Howard for the weekend, you do not have to remove your decorations until Sunday at check-out time.
Will Maryland Dove be at the dock the day of my wedding?
Unless you are renting Maryland Dove as part of your event, it cannot be guaranteed that Maryland Dove will be docked during your event.
Walking down the Aisle – Credit: Jill Christine Design & Photography
Weddings on the State House bluff, overlooking the St. Mary’s River
Weddings at the The Inn at Brome Howard – Credit: Birds of a Feather Photography
Weddings at the Inn at Brome Howard. Credit: April Rose Photography
Margaret Brent Gazebo
Weddings at Maryland Dove – Credit: Amanda Adams Photography
Capture the joy of your day down at the waterfront