When you’re planning your Baltimore wedding, the very first step is to find a venue that perfectly encapsulates you. I know, I know. It’s much easier said than done! The fact is there are countless venues around the city, all of which are currently clamoring for your attention. That’s why I’m here to help you out! I am a Maryland wedding photographer, and I have gotten to see the best Baltimore venues in action. Now, I want to tell you all about them. If you are searching for a unique and urban place for your Baltimore wedding, I would love to tell you why I think you should consider the 1840s Plaza wedding venue!
29 S Front Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21202
1840s Plaza is a series of row houses inside a neighborhood that was built in 1732. It’s just across the street from the Carrollton Inn, a space named after American founding father Charles Carroll. Back when the buildings were first being constructed, Carroll spent much of his time strolling around the street between the two buildings. While the hotel has undergone several renovations over the past few centuries, it has never once lost its charm. The cast iron facade in the front of the building was one of only twelve that was saved from the Baltimore fire in 1904. As you walk down the cobblestone road, you’ll lose track of time and feel as though you’re taking a journey down the streets of old.
The 1840s Plaza wedding venue gives you several indoor spaces you can use for your wedding ceremony. The hotel reserves the Fava building for its special events. On the first floor, you’ll have the Cabaret, a space that has been built with a Latin theme. As you go upstairs, you’ll find the lounge-inspired City Lites. Once you get to the top floor, you’ll find a ballroom with polished mahogany floors and views of surrounding Baltimore.
If you would prefer an outdoor wedding, you will be able to use the Courtyard for this portion of your day. This private area is nestled between the buildings and offers rows of shrubs for an added feeling of seclusion.
The venue lets you transform any of the ceremony spaces into reception spaces. For larger parties, you’ll want to use the open fourth floor with its high ceilings and its large, arched windows. The Cabaret also works well for dinners followed by dancing. Outdoor receptions can be hosted in the Courtyard beneath the bistro lights.
The venue is full of vintage charm built up throughout the years. The exterior of the house right outside the Fava Building features a brick cobblestone road, lush gardens, and bistro lights. The brick hotel stands proudly in the background. Once you walk inside to the Cabaret, you’ll see ceilings with exposed beams and crystal chandeliers. Polished wooden columns run throughout. While there is carpet on the floor, the venue gives you the chance to bring in a dance floor.
City Lites is your go-to spot for an indoor cocktail hour at your 1840s Plaza wedding. This space is outfitted with a full bar and gives your guests a refined space where they can sip on your signature cocktails. Couples who prefer an outdoor cocktail hour can set up a bar in the Courtyard.
The venue has dressing rooms where you can get ready ahead of your event. If you are looking for tons of space where you and your wedding party can spread out, you can rent one of the 13 rooms at the Carrollton Inn.
The venue can accommodate up to 350 guests for a cocktail-style reception and up to 230 for a seated reception.
City Lites features a lounge as well as a retro diner. There is a full bar that runs throughout, and your guests will get to sit at the tables around the room.
The 1840s Ballroom is located on the fourth floor and features large arched windows, light walls, and draped ceilings. There are wooden columns running across this space as well.
The property in front of the 1840s Plaza is one of the best spots for your wedding portraits both before and after your event. This will make sure the iconic hotel is located prominently in the background. The proximity of the hotel to the rest of the city will give you the chance to walk around with your wedding party and your photographer and get pictures with an urban backdrop. Inside the hotel, you will find plenty of spaces where you can sneak a kiss with your partner or take individual portraits. One of the best spots is the open staircase that connects the levels.
The 1840s Plaza wedding venue has several options so you can have your ideal wedding. If you choose to use the 1840s Ballroom, you will rent out the entire building and be able to host different portions of your party throughout. If you do not use the Ballroom, you can choose to only rent the Cabaret, CIty Lites, and the Courtyard. The Carrollton across the street will provide you with accommodations for yourself as well as any out-of-town guests. After you book the venue, you will have access to their planning services. On the day of the wedding, they will take care of set-up and clean-up. You will be able to use their tables and chairs for your night. The venue uses a list of preferred caterers for their meals. The entirety of the building is wheelchair accessible. They offer both BYOB and in-house bar services.
With an 1840s Plaza wedding, you will have a historic space that will make sure you have the wedding of your dreams. Book your tour soon so you can decide whether this is the place for you!
Once you have your venue, it’s time to start thinking about pictures. That’s where I come in! I am a Maryland photographer, and I adore working with couples so they can document every part of their wedding. If you’ve been looking for your photographer, I would love to have a conversation so you can decide if I’m the one for you. Let’s chat soon!