When it comes to the perfect wedding day, there are a lot of factors to consider — the couple, the details, the other vendors. It will still be a great day even if things get off schedule and even if it rains or is colder. Your wedding day will be amazing even if Uncle Bob wears blue jeans and even if your Best Man’s toast is just a little bit embarrassing.

But one of the most important decisions any wedding couple makes that really sets the tone for their day is the *where* of their wedding day.

Couples choose their wedding venue for a variety of different reasons — availability on a preferred date or price or a friend’s great experience with them or the overall look and feel of a place.

While I’m always excited to photograph in any new places, here is my little “bucket list” if you will for places I can’t wait to photograph (and for some, photograph *again*) at in the Maryland, Virginia and Washington, DC areas.

HOLLY HILLS COUNTRY CLUB
Ijamsville, Maryland

Holly Hills was the site of my first Maryland wedding, just a few months after we moved here. It’s also located literally five miles away from my house which is such a treat after years of long travels to and from wedding days.

But Holly Hills also offers beautiful sweeping views of the nearby hills and has an incredible staff of people who seem to anticipate your next need before you even know it yourself. I love this venue so much and can’t wait to return here!

MARYLAND NATIONAL GOLF CLUB
Middletown, Maryland

This is another scenic spot within a 20-minute drive of my home (amazing) that I’ve photographed at in 2019. When you’re inspired pulling into the parking lot, you know you’ve hit the jackpot with beautiful scenery at a wedding venue. Some of my favorite photos from Becky and Mike’s wedding day came from the edge of that parking lot with some incredible backdrops.

THE BARN AT PLEASANT ACRES
St. Leonard, Maryland

A bit more of a drive than the previous two venues but worth it for the intimacy and care for details. The Barn at Pleasant Acres is a family-owned rustic site with gorgeous modern touches — the black chandeliers and details amongst all of the wood inside the barn is so striking. Golf carts take you to any dreamy spot on the property and staff is always around.

MORNINGSIDE INN
Frederick, Maryland

I drive by Morningside Inn at least once a week and always admire the gorgeous views and lush property they have. I cannot wait until one of my brides book this site! Rolling hills, dense trees, water and so much more — Morningside Inn really offers an incredible variety of backdrops for photos.

CERESVILLE MANSION
Frederick, Maryland

Ceresville Mansion is definitely a wishlist item for me for its location (another close venue!), elegant building, beautiful outdoor space and well-known reputation for being an incredible venue to work with for local weddings. They become a chameleon, matching your style, the time of year, everything.

WALKERS OVERLOOK & DULANYS OVERLOOK
Walkersville, Maryland

Two beautiful overlooks in one great area — Walkers Overlook and Dulanys Overlook are most definitely both on my wishlist. Walkers Overlook has a gorgeous colonial home and huge walnut tree to offer while Dulanys Overlook boasts two options: a large brick home and vast lawn or a wooded area and barn, both amazing! It would definitely be a joy to photograph at either location.

MOUNTAIN MEMORIES AT THORPEWOOD
Thurmont, Maryland

This is a wedding venue that I’ve just recently discovered — and it’s located near one of my favorite parks: Catoctin Mountain. Thorpewood offers a much more natural setting and huge, beautiful grounds to explore and capture love stories around. They can accommodate 150 people at their incredible lodge building and even offer a Pine Cathedral for the ceremony. It sounds so dreamy!

SPRINGFIELD MANOR
Thurmont, Maryland

Another site with so much to offer — one of Frederick’s best breweries, with a distillery, winery, overnight suites, 130-acre farm and of course gorgeous wedding venue with both a ballroom and a barn, plus various terraces and lawns. I could see a lot of different wedding styles fitting in just perfectly at a space like Springfield Manor.

STONE MANOR COUNTRY CLUB
Middletown, Maryland

Every time I see a Stone Manor Country Club Instagram post, I’m instantly inspired. Lawns, old buildings, sweeping vistas, stone steps… the possibilities for gorgeous outdoor portraits is seemingly endless. It’s such an elegant and grand location that will make all of my couples’ weddings feel so sophisticated and timeless.

BLUE HILL FARM
Waterford, Virginia

My husband and I discovered the tiny town of Waterford by accident driving around the Loudoun County corner of Virginia one day and it had me mesmerized — it’s like stepping back in time — narrow streets of 200-year-old buildings and immaculate properties. And then, to find a hidden gem tucked inside this town like the bed-and-breakfast wedding venue of Blue HIll Farm is so special! The site offers greenery and gorgeous bright white walls — a perfect blank slate for personal, individualized portraits.

MAYMONT GARDENS
Richmond, Virginia

I was a second photographer for a wedding held at Maymont Gardens and I was in awe from the moment I pulled up to the grounds. It’s just garden after garden after garden, stretching as far in front of you as you can see. The wedding we photographed had the ceremony at the Italian Gardens and it was one of the most beautiful ceremony sites I’ve ever seen. That site featured fountains, sculptures, a 15th-century-inspired long pergola and so many gorgeous flowers. Any couple would be lucky to have a wedding at Maymont.

GREAT MARSH ESTATE
Bealeton, Virginia

Great Marsh is a relatively newer wedding venue in the Virginia suburbs of Washington, DC and does not disappoint. I can’t wait to photograph here — Bright, clean, crisp, elegant. 120 acres plus an incredible Georgian-era estate building surrounded by greenery. It’s a really unique and elegant location that would be perfect for a wedding day. I can imagine lining up the bridal party in front of the building and letting my couple stroll hand in hand amongst the tree-lined field or down the stately stairs. Fingers crossed for this one!

I’ve had so much creating this list of dream wedding venues to photograph in that I just might have to make another list in the future! What sites would you add to it?

Thank you to all of these incredible venues for offering the most beautiful wedding day backdrops.