Step Back in Time With A William Paca House Wedding in MD!
Maryland is one of those areas so rich in history that you are almost always a stone’s throw away from a highly significant place. So, when you’re planning your classic Maryland wedding, why not tie in a historical space? William Paca House is a wedding venue with foundational ties reaching back to the founding of the country. Plus, it has everything you need for a gorgeous garden wedding. As a Maryland photographer, I get the chance to tour lots of local venues and watch them in action. If you’re on the search for your perfect venue, I would love to tell you what you can expect from a William Paca House wedding!
About The William Paca House Wedding Venue
186 Prince George Street, Annapolis, Maryland 21401
The William Paca House is a Georgian mansion that was built in the 1760s by one of Maryland’s four signers of the Declaration of Independence. Following his ties to the revolution, Paca went on to become one of Maryland’s early governors. Over the years, the house has changed hands a number of times before being restored by Historic Annapolis, which started in 1965. Today, the house is a truly impressive feat that has been recognized as one of the finest colonial homes in the country. It also serves as a National Historic Landmark. Beyond giving you an elegant manor for your wedding, the space provides you with a breathtaking garden that has been constructed to be reminiscent of the early grounds. The venue lets you celebrate the state’s history while writing the next chapter of your future.
Cat Granger Photography
Details of the Grounds
The William Paca House specializes in outdoor weddings. The venue gives you several spaces you can use for your day. For those who would prefer to keep things close to the mansion, you will have access to two tented terraces. You will have the house as your backdrop while having a paved and shaded space to exchange your vows.
One of the most beloved spots for this part of your ceremony is the lawn in front of the restored Summerhouse. Your guests will walk across a lattice bridge to get to this positively magical space. You can then exchange vows with the historic structure just beyond your officiant.
The tented terraces are the best place to host your reception. With this option, you will have all the stunning views of the landscaping while being near all the indoor amenities. If you would prefer to be a little closer to nature, you can speak to the venue about utilizing the gardens for this portion of your day. The William Paca House is your destination for mid-sized weddings. The terraces will be able to accommodate up to 150 guests for your celebration.
Cocktail Hour And More For Your William Paca House Wedding
One of the best spots for your cocktail hour is the garden. With this option, you will be able to set up your bar in the midst of the lush plants so your guests can explore the area while enjoying your signature cocktails.
The venue has limited indoor access and will provide you with a dressing room where you can put on all the finishing touches while you wait for your guests to arrive.
The mansion is a charming colonial two-story with two levels of stairs leading up to the front door. There is a stone gate at the base of the entrance with verdant shrubs creating a natural barrier. The Summerhouse is a white round structure with a gray roof and two shrubs near the entrance. The Chinese lattice fence leads across a small stream, adding an extra layer of ambiance to your event. The garden features a small fish-shaped pond as well as a Chippendale-style bridge. The space has four formal parterres and a wilderness garden. As you travel around the grounds, you’ll encounter vibrant roses and heritage plants. The back lawn features a slope with several levels of stairs that will take you through the land. The terraces are paved with elegant white tents providing shade in the midst of the hot Maryland summers.
Cat Granger Photography
Photography Opportunities
With the William Paca House, you will have several spots that are key for your pictures. The entrance leading into the front door is ideal for couples’ portraits. You can also use this for your send-off pictures once your reception wraps up. The gardens are a must for pictures! With over two acres of meticulously kept landscaping, you’ll have no shortage of spaces you can use for portraits. The shrub walls can be utilized for first-look pictures, while the rose backdrops are fantastic for your individual portraits. The intricate pergola gives you a romantic space to sneak a kiss. Additionally, the garden serves as a great spot to get pictures with your entire wedding party and your family. Lastly, the bridge is a favorite for this portion. You can line up your wedding party or get pictures overlooking the water.
Wedding Details
The house is owned by Historic Annapolis and works with you to have everything you need for your wedding day. They will provide the tables and chairs necessary for your event. You will have 4-5 hours of event time as well as 2 hours for set-up and 1 hour for clean-up. The venue has a list of preferred caterers you can use for your meal. If you’d prefer, you will be able to choose your own caterer for an additional fee. No matter who you choose, the staff will have access to an on-campus kitchen. There is a guest entrance through the museum, giving your guests an elegant and historic welcome to your event. The venue is wheelchair-accessible. In order to secure your place, they do request that you put down a 50% deposit while booking.
Imagine Yourself Celebrating At Your Dream William Paca House Wedding
With a William Paca House wedding, you will have a truly gorgeous space to celebrate your unique love story. Be sure to schedule your tour soon so you can decide if this is the spot for you!
Once you have your venue figured out, it’s time to start thinking about pictures. That’s where I come in! I am a Maryland wedding photographer, and I adore working with couples so they can capture every detail of their wedding. I would love to sit down and have a conversation so you can decide whether or not my style matches yours. Let’s chat soon!
