George Peabody Library Wedding: A Dream Venue for Book Lovers
Let’s be honest here for just a second. Who amongst us didn’t grow up watching Beauty and the Beast while imagining ourselves inside Belle’s private library? It was one of those places that was so visually stunning that you desperately wished you could find a place just like it. If you’re a bride-to-be nodding your head right about now, I think I might just have the perfect spot for your wedding day! I am a Baltimore wedding photographer, and I have gotten the chance to document lots of gorgeous and unique weddings all across the city, but few have blown me away quite like the George Peabody Library wedding venue. For all you fellow bibliophiles, I would love to tell you everything you need to know about this breathtaking space.
About The George Peabody Library Wedding Venue
17 E Mt Vernon Pl, Baltimore, Maryland 21202
Since first opening its doors in 1878, the George Peabody Library has gained worldwide acclaim. The space is named after the Massachusetts-born philanthropist George Peabody, who dedicated the space to Baltimore citizens for their kindness and hospitality. The library was designed by Edmund G. Lind with the Peabody Institute’s first provost, Dr. Nathaniel H. Morrison. The finished product was an absolute feat. There are currently five tiers of cast-iron balconies with a 61-foot skylight providing natural light throughout the space. Within the building, you will find over 300,000 books–most of which are from the 19th century–covering a wide range of topics, including religion, literature, exploration, and travel.
Cat Granger Photography
Details of the Grounds
The primary George Peabody Library wedding space is the main floor of the library, also called the Reading Room. In this area, you will have a black and white marble floor stretching through the length of the building. While you can lay down an aisle runner, the floors add to the classic charm of the space. As your guests look around, they will immediately see the centuries-old detail that runs throughout the space. The cast iron gates offer ornate designs, and the aisles are broken apart by white Grecian columns. There are bistro lights strung around the space to add charm and ambiance to an already remarkable space. And, of course, the books will be prominently on display.
While you take portraits and your guests sip cocktails, the venue can work to transform the Reading Room into the perfect reception venue. You can either set up your table in the middle of the space or set it at the front where your arbor was earlier. The venue will allow you to set up a stage if you would like, and you’ll have the option to curtain off areas if you would like to close off access to your guests.
Between your wedding and reception, you can host your cocktail hour in the Exhibit Gallery. This space offers high ceilings and walls with delicate blue paneling. Throughout the year, you will see different exhibitions brought in by the Johns Hopkins University curators. The library keeps this space open throughout the night for anyone who wants to take a small break from the festivities.
The venue offers a bridal suite where you can put on the finishing touches before your ceremony. You will have a comfortable space to sit, relax, fix up any makeup, and drink some champagne with your besties!
Cat Granger Photography
Unique Details Of The Venue
This George Peabody Library comes rich with details that will elevate your wedding. The entrance has glass doors that allow you to make your grand entrance. The books rest behind tall arches with ornate details on either side. The cast iron balconies across the room have a weathered white coating that brightens up the space. There is a gold leaf throughout that will bring a subtle elegance to your day. The Exhibit Gallery is accented with oak and features large arched windows that will let in natural light.
Photography Opportunities
The George Peabody Library has plenty of spaces that are perfect for your wedding portraits. The balconies across the room are the ideal way to capture the ambiance of the space while giving you a romantic way to sneak a kiss. The exterior of the building has limestone walls with a large wooden door as a backdrop for your couples’ portraits. The campus itself features plenty of spaces where you can get bright and airy group portraits between the ceremony and the reception. You will be adjacent to Mount Vernon Place Park, where you will have a scenic spot for your bridal party pictures. The skylight in the Reading Room will ensure your ceremony pictures feature floods of natural light.
Cat Granger Photography
Wedding Details
The George Peabody Library will go out of its way to ensure you have everything you need for your dream ceremony. You will have a venue manager who will work with you to make sure your day goes smoothly. At least one support staff member and security will be there. The team will provide you with all the tables and chairs you need for your guests. They can also provide you with drapery.
But they also have a list of exclusive caterers who will ensure you have one of the best meals around! The center offers dessert services, including cake cutting and a server. They have a complimentary coat check and will provide you with clean-up services. When you book a wedding in the Reading Room, you will have an hour for a rehearsal so you can be familiar with the space prior to your ceremony.
Your Fairytale Wedding Will Be Perfect At The George Peabody Library Wedding Venue
If you are looking for a truly captivating location to host your wedding, the George Peabody Library wedding venue is ideal. This timeless venue has everything you need for an unforgettable wedding!
Are you looking for the perfect photographer to help you document your wedding? Then I would love to connect! I am a Baltimore wedding photographer and adore working with couples to capture every detail of their days. I would love to have a conversation and tell you all about my style. Then you can decide whether I’m the photographer for you. Contact me today so we can start planning!
