When you’re planning your wedding, you want a venue that will live up to your expectations and make sure you have all the accommodations you need for a seamless day. It’s not just about the style; it’s about the experience! As a Maryland wedding photographer, I have gotten the chance to connect with couples as they watch their dream weddings come to life. Because of this, I know a thing or two about what sets a venue apart from the rest! If you are on the search for a cozy and historic space that will give you a magical garden wedding, I would love to introduce you to one of my favorite spaces: the Vandiver Inn wedding venue!
301 South Union Avenue, Havre De Grace, Maryland 21078
Located amidst other historic homes and shops, Vandiver Inn is a charming mansion wedding venue in the heart of Havre De Grace. The Queen Anne mansion was constructed in 1886 by Murray Vandiver as a wedding present to his soon-to-be bride. He didn’t just want to show his affection; he wanted an extravagant way to flaunt his wealth. Murray spent years as a successful lumberman before joining his father’s business in shipping brick molding sand over to Baltimore. During the process of construction, Murray served as the mayor before joining the House of Delegates.
The house would continue to serve as a grand estate, getting passed onto the couple’s children until 1981, when it was sold. The house started to serve as an inn in 1987, providing unforgettable meals as well as legendary stories. Today, the house is considered a boutique hotel. They will do whatever it takes to craft an experience you’ll treasure for the rest of your life! It has won travel awards as well as recognition from wedding sites such as The Knot and WeddingWire.
The Vandiver Inn has absolutely breathtaking spaces, both indoors and outdoors, that you can use for your wedding day. Indoors, you will find refined spaces that are perfect for micro-weddings and elopements. The Parlor serves as an intimate space where you can exchange vows while joining with your closest friends and family members. If you want something a little bigger, you can use The Pavilion. This open-air space features a permanent roof with white rafted ceilings. If you’d prefer, you can use drapes to close off the walls and create a bit more climate control. For those who want a big wedding, the Gazebo is the perfect spot for you. The namesake structure was crafted over 130 years ago and gives you a rustic backdrop you can use while you exchange vows.
The Pavilion remains the favorite spot for receptions. The space is not only outfitted with fans, but you’ll also have central heating and cooling that will keep your party temperate all year round! You will have plenty of space to feast before it’s time to start the dancing! The Pavilion can host parties with up to 175 guests, and the Gazebo can accommodate up to 120 guests. The staff will let you use this area for both your ceremony and your reception and will work to transform the room during your cocktail hour.
Speaking of cocktail hours, the wrap-around front porch is the ideal setting for this time. Your guests will have the chance to sample your signature drink beneath the shade. If they’d like, they can explore the grounds and see all the details of this truly remarkable inn.
The Vandiver Inn uses the inn’s guest rooms as your space to get ready before it’s time for your wedding ceremony to begin. Both you and your partner will have separate suites. You will have a well-lit space where you can put on the finishing touches and relax with your wedding party.
The Queen Anne mansion is full of unique and colorful details that will set your wedding day apart! The Parlor features robin’s egg blue walls as well as stained glass bay windows. The exterior of the house is a pale green with red and yellow details on the covered front porch. The Gazebo features walls with wood designed to look like tree branches. The Pavilion has a white ceiling with elegant light fixtures and a cobblestone floor.
The Vandiver Inn wedding venue has a few key spots they encourage you to use for your pictures. They made an effort to make the get-ready suites well-lit so you can have natural light for these portraits. They suggest using the Gazebo if you’re taking first-look pictures. If not, you can use the doorway inside to get your portraits taken together without sneaking a peek. The exterior of the house has several shrubs and plants that can serve as your backdrop. You can also walk around through Havre De Grace and use landmarks, including the historic lighthouse and the Chesapeake Bay.
The venue goes out of its way to make your wedding a total dream! When you book Vandiver Inn, you will be connected with their full-service planners. With their help, you can iron out all the details and have everything you need before your day arrives. Their on-site caterers will work with you to create the perfect menu for your day. You’ll get to sample all their creations before making your decision. The staff members will be on-site and will take care of set-up and clean-up. They can transform the rooms throughout your event so your night flows effortlessly from one portion to the next. There are 17 rooms at the inn, so you and your guests have a space where you can stay throughout the weekend. You’ll be able to enjoy a complimentary breakfast.
With a Vandiver Inn wedding, you will have a charming space for your Havre de Grace wedding! Book your tour soon so you can decide if this is the spot for you!
Once you have your venue, it’s time to start thinking about your photographer. That’s where I come in! I’m a Maryland wedding photographer, and I adore working with couples so they can document every second of their event. I would love to sit down and have a conversation so you can decide if my style matches yours. Let’s chat soon!