Maryland is truly a hidden gem for couples looking to elope! Whether you’re dreaming of a city adventure filled with unique architecture, cozy cafes, and stunning art museums or prefer exploring breathtaking national parks, scenic mountain hikes, and cascading waterfalls, Maryland has something perfect just for you. One of my absolute favorite Maryland elopement spots is the historic downtown Annapolis!

Downtown Annapolis effortlessly combines historic charm with romantic waterfront views, creating an ideal setting for an intimate elopement. Imagine exchanging vows on cobblestone streets lined with colorful, colonial-era buildings or exchanging your vows while cruising the bay on a sail boat. You can have it all here! And in this guide, I’ll tell you everything you need to know about planning your Annapolis elopement.

How to Legally Elope in Annapolis

To legally elope in Annapolis, you’ll need to get a Maryland marriage license from the Circuit Court Clerk’s Office in the county where you plan to get married. If you’re tying the knot in Annapolis, the closest place to get your marriage license is Anne Arundel County.

There’s a 48-hour waiting period after you get your license before you can say your “I do’s.” Once you do have your marriage license, it’s valid for 6 months.

You’ll also need an officiant for your Annapolis elopement. It can be a judge, a religious official, or a clerk of the court. Whoever you choose, they’ll need to sign your marriage license to make your elopement legit. However, you do not need any witnesses, so that makes the process a bit simpler!

Fun fact: I am a legal officiant in the state of Maryland! So, if you want to keep your Annapolis elopement truly private and personal, I can sign your marriage license as the officiant, and your ceremony will simply be more about exchanging private vows and rings together. However, if you want to hire a professional officiant, I have wonderful vendor recommendations.

For a detailed guide on legal requirements, you can check out this post.

Top Annapolis Elopement Locations

Annapolis has so many beautiful elopement locations! The city has a vibrant arts scene with renowned art museums and other stunning downtown locations for a more urban elopement. If you’re after more outdoorsy vibes for your elopement, nearby national and state parks offer scenic trails, waterfalls and mountain views. There’s something for any couple’s unique love story!

William Paca Garden

This stunning 18th-century garden is straight out of a storybook. Tucked behind the historic William Paca House, this two-acre walled garden is filled with lush greenery, vibrant flowers, and charming brick pathways that lead to intimate ceremony and photo spots. The garden features elegant terraces, a picturesque pond, and a summer house! 

Since gardens are seasonal in nature, their wedding season is between April 1st to October 31st, when the garden is at its peak. You can choose a ceremony only package for up to 40 guests between Tuesdays and Thursdays. However, if you book their larger package, you get access to the gardens after the public visiting hours, so you can have the place for yourselves for 5 hours!

Quiet Waters Park

Spanning over 300 acres, Quiet Waters Park offers many scenic trails, peaceful wooded areas, and breathtaking waterfront views of the South River. The park has 3 wedding locations – Blue Heron Center, James Lighthizer Gazebo and South River Overlook. Blue Heron Center is currently closed for renovations until 2027, so you can choose between the other two locations for your day.

The James Lighthizer Gazebo features a features a charming wooden gazebo with a beautiful bridge crossing over a pond with two small fountains. It accommodates up to 35 guests and offers a romantic, intimate setting for a small ceremony.

If you want expansive water views, The South River Overlook is perched above the scenic South River and features two small gazebos that each seat about ten guests. This space can accommodate up to 75 guests, making it a fantastic option for couples who want a slightly larger intimate ceremony with a breathtaking backdrop.

Both of these locations are available for 2 hour increments, and chairs are not provided. It really is a great budget-friendly Annapolis elopement option, with fees ranging from $100 to $240, depending on the day of the week and location you choose.

Waterfront or Private Boat

If you’re after something truly unforgettable, I recommend chartering a private sailboat or a yacht and exchanging vows on the water! Just imagine exchanging your vows during sunrise or sunset, with golden light casting over the Chesapeake Bay! If you prefer to keep your feet on solid ground, the waterfront area near City Dock is a great place to exchange vows with sailboats and historic buildings in the background.

Annapolis Wedding Chapel

You’ll find Annapolis Wedding Chapel about 12 minutes from downtown Annapolis. It is a simple yet beautiful option for couples looking for a no-fuss ceremony in a dedicated wedding space. You can have your ceremony at the Chapel (max 10 guests!) or the Garden Area (max 20 guests). This is another budget friendly elopement location with the fees ranging between $365 to $750, depending on the day of the week, your chosen location and the amount of guests you’re bringing along.

The fee includes the location, benches, an officiant and also some of the necessary legal bits, like filing your marriage license with the courts! This is a great alternative to a courthouse elopement!

Prism Annapolis

Prism Annapolis is a chic and stylish venue in Annapolis! With its high ceilings, exposed brick, and artistic touches, it’s perfect for couples looking for an urban elopement setting. It is located near the waterfront and the Arts District neighborhood, so you can have an indoor ceremony and celebration, yet still be able to go and have gorgeous photos outdoors, as well! The venue offers micro-wedding and elopement packages, and you can learn more about them here.

Annapolis Courthouse

If you choose to have an Annapolis courthouse wedding, keep in mind that photos are only allowed in the chapel—not inside the courthouse itself. But no worries, there are plenty of gorgeous spots outside to capture beautiful post-ceremony portraits! The courthouse is near some of Annapolis’ most scenic streets, so we can explore charming alleyways, historic homes, and waterfront spots to take stunning photos!

Plan Your Annapolis Elopement Activities

One of the best parts of eloping is the freedom to craft a day that feels like you. It can be so much more than exchanging your vows! So why not turn your wedding day into an unforgettable adventure?

• Charter a private sailboat or yacht tour at sunset, enjoying the breathtaking Annapolis skyline as your romantic backdrop.
• Enjoy a leisurely afternoon wine tasting at a nearby vineyard. The vineyard views are truly amazing!
• Grab a pizza from your favorite local spot and relax at the waterfront (just like the couple pictured in this blog post!)
• Visit a museum!
• Bike or scooter through the city and explore hidden corners together.
• Wander through the cobblestone streets of downtown Annapolis, stopping for coffee at a charming café, admiring the historic homes, or popping into a local art gallery for a fun and unique touch to your elopement day.
• If you love being on the water but don’t want a full sailboat experience, you can rent kayaks or paddle boards!
• Beyond ceremonies, spend some time hiking, kayaking, or even ice skating in winter months at Quiet Waters Park!
• Visit Sandy Point State Park.
• Treat yourselves to a relaxing spa session at one of Annapolis’s luxurious spas!
• Whether it’s a romantic dinner for two to celebrate your elopement or you want a table or private room to have your closest family and friends, there are some great restaurants in Annapolis to choose from!
• End your elopement day with a night out at one of Annapolis’ cozy bars or music venues, sipping craft cocktails and listening to live music as you celebrate your first night as a married couple.

Your elopement can be as chill, adventurous, or unique as you want—because this is your day, your way. Want help crafting the perfect itinerary? Let’s dream up something amazing together!

Annapolis Elopement Packages

Your elopement day is so much more than a photo shoot—it’s about creating an experience you’ll cherish forever. As your Annapolis elopement photographer, I’m here to guide you every step of the way. Whether you’re eloping just the two of you or sharing an intimate celebration with a few loved ones, we’ll plan an unforgettable day that’s authentically you. 

Every Annapolis Elopement Package Includes:

• 4-12 hours of photo coverage
  
• In-depth questionnaires to help create your dream day
  
• Personalized planning and assistance with locations, permits, vendors, and timelines
  
• Sneak peek photos within 3 business days
  
• An online gallery with a print ordering option
  
• High-resolution, professionally-edited images
  
• Photographer’s travel costs included
  
• Add-ons available to customize your experience

My prices for local elopements start at $5,500. My half-day and full-day elopement options are for those who want a carefree, laid back day with plenty of time for getting ready, a first look, your ceremony and vows, multiple amazing locations and activities, and including a few guests to celebrate with your dinner, first dance, and cake cutting—or however you want to celebrate! 

Learn more about my packages here!  Please contact me if you have any questions or even if you already want to get stuck straight into the fun stuff! 

And if you’re still trying to find the perfect spot for your elopement day, take a look at my recommendations for the best Maryland elopement locations here!

Here’s some more inspiration for your Annapolis elopement below!

Vendors

Florals: Adrimar Flowers
Dress: Asos
Coordinator: Cana Wedding Co