Cheap Places to Get Married in St. Mary's County, Maryland

St. Mary's County is located in the Chesapeake Bay portion of the state of Maryland. It's about two hours southeast of Washington, DC and a little under two hours west of Fredricksburg, Va. The county is a popular summer destination for those who seek a vacation getaway on or near the water. St. Mary's also hosts a large number of weddings, since it has a number of affordable venues.

The Sotterley Plantation

• The Sotterley Plantation (http://www.sotterley.org/wedding_sotterley.htm) is a national landmark located in Hollywood that rents out its space for weddings of all sizes. The plantation has six sites from which to choose and three wedding packages: the Silver Package, which is $750 and includes the ceremony only; the Gold Package, priced at $1,500 and includes the reception only; and the Platinum Package, which includes the ceremony and reception together and costs $2,000.

Greenwell State Park/Greenwell Founation

• The Greenwell State Park (http://www.greenwellfoundation.org/index.cfm?Content=72&menu=39) offers space to hold weddings on its property. The actual wedding space is located in the Manor House, which has room for up to 50 guests. The non-profit Greenwell Foundation operates the events portion of the park. Weekends are reserved for weddings, so there are a finite number of openings available. High season (May-October) wedding fees are $950, while off-season rates go down to $700.

Historic St. Mary's City

• Historic St. Mary's City (http://www.stmaryscity.org/Visit.html) is a museum that offers tours and sightseeing, and an outdoor wedding venue. The museum has five different areas available for weddings, which can be held outside the normal museum hours of 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wedding costs include tent, table and chair rentals. Small tents of 20 x 40 are $250, larger tents run from $1,000-$1,800, tables are $9 each, and chairs are $3.

Mary's Hope on Church Cove

• Located in Saint Inigoes, Mary's Hope on Church Cove (http://www.marys-hope.com/index.php?) is a waterfront location that offers indoor and outdoor weddings. Mary's Hope has a list of suggested vendors to help guide your decision of who to use. Wedding prices are quoted on a per-event basis. The facility also rents tables, chairs and place settings needed for the reception.

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Where to Find Lobster Tails at Restaurants in Maryland

Maryland is a one-of-a-kind region that boasts a wide array of resources, including its bays and streams, which lend themselves to successful fishing seasons. Thanks to this characteristic, various seafood restaurants serving fresh and local seafood can be found throughout the state. If you are looking for an area in Maryland that features restaurants serving lobster tails, Baltimore offers several reputable options.

Mo's Fisherman's Wharf Restaurant and Mini Market

• Mo's Fisherman's Wharf Restaurant and Mini Market is one of four Mo’s seafood restaurants found in Baltimore, with a fifth location in Glen Burnie, Maryland. Mo’s specializes in seafood, with customer favorites such as the calamari, jumbo lump crab cakes, and lobster tails stuffed with shrimp, scallops, and crab royale. Other menu choices vary from stuffed chicken breast with crab imperial, twin 4 oz. beef filets topped with shrimp, scallops, and lobster meat, as well as various pastas, surf and turf, as well as soups and salads. The restaurant interior has soft lighting, white linen covered tables, and a full bar area.

Bo Brooks Restaurant and Catering

• Bo Brooks Restaurant and Catering specializes in fresh seafood and features oceanfront dining within the Baltimore Marine Center. Bo's serves steamed crabs all year; they are seasoned with hand-blended herbs and spices and then cooked in small batches to ensure quality, and care is put into each batch. Weekly specials are offered at Bo's, including Monday night football at the Tiki Bar that includes a free halftime buffet. The broad menu offers selections such as broiled lobster tail, seafood pot pie, and jumbo lump crab cake platter. The restaurant features indoor or outdoor seating as well as private catering and banquet facilities.

Rusty Scupper

• The Rusty Scupper is situated three levels above the Inner Harbor Marina and offers a panoramic view of the harbor from all sides. The restaurant features a spacious dining room and a large bar-lounge area, as well as a generous patio. Enjoy live piano music while you dine or live jazz during the Sunday brunch. Seafood specialties served range from steamed Canadian lobster tails and Cajun mussels with penne to the lump crab cake sandwich and filet mignon with balsamic glaze and port wine butter. The Rusty Scupper accepts reservations and hosts wedding receptions and corporate events, as well as events such as Lobsterfest, Baltimore Raven’s tailgate party, and seasonal holiday events.

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Beaches Closest to Upper Marlboro, Maryland

Upper Marlboro is a small Maryland town located in Prince George's County, just outside Washington, D.C. If you are driving from Upper Marlboro, you can reach the edge of the Chesapeake Bay in less than 30 minutes. There are numerous public beaches along the bay, some of which have picnic areas, waterfront campsites and boat rental facilities.

Sandy Point State Park

• Located along the Northwest shore of the Chesapeake Bay, Sandy Point State Park has a public beach with a good view of the middle of the bay. Visit the park to enjoy a day of swimming, suntanning, picnicking, fishing, crabbing or windsurfing, or take out a boat from the park's rental facility to enjoy a relaxing day on the water. The park is located on the Atlantic migration flyway, so you might see woodland, marsh or migratory waterfowl. Several hiking trails are located in and around the park, one of which takes you to an old planted pine forest and some of the neighboring marshes. The park is about 30 miles northeast of Upper Marlboro. There is a small entrance fee to access the beach.

Chesapeake Beach

• Located in Calvert County, Chesapeake Beach is only 17 miles southeast of Upper Marlboro and is a popular summertime destination for Washingtonians. This bayside town has secluded beaches, waterfront restaurants and a water park equipped with slides, fountains, marinas and a lagoon. Bay Front Park, which contains Brownie's Beach, is about 0.5 mile south of the town. The nearby Breezy Point Beach has more than 80 waterfront campsites that face the Chesapeake Bay.

North Beach

• North Beach is located on the western shore of the Chesapeake Bay. A half-mile long boardwalk with a bike path goes along the beach, and a public fishing pier allows you to cast a line if you have a license. Rent a kayak or paddle board to ride the waves, or check out a beach chair for a day of suntanning. Visit the Bayside History Museum to learn about the area's history. North Beach is 17 miles from Upper Marlboro, just a few minutes north of Chesapeake Beach.

Point Lookout State Park

• Point Lookout State Park is located at the southernmost tip of the state, approximately 70 miles from Upper Marlboro. The beach is open year-round. In the summer, visit the beach to go swimming, picnicking, camping or boating, but beware of jellyfish that are sometimes found in the swimming area. The Periwinkle Point Trail is a nature trail winding through the park, and the Civil War Museum and Marshland Nature Center provide information about the park's history and wildlife.

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Things to Do in Upper Marlboro, Maryland

A small town vibe emanates from Upper Marlboro, Maryland, where community and history play an important part in the life of the residents. Village history dates back to 1695 when the town was named after the first Duke of Marlborough, a relative of Winston Churchill. The village is defined by its largest street, where you'll find a few shops and stores, but it's a mostly pastoral, residential area with horse farms.

Get to the Water

• Fishing, walking and picnicking are the main attractions at School House Pond, a quiet conservation area located in Upper Marlboro. If you're over the age of 16, you need a fishing license to throw a line in the 12-acre pond, either from the bank or the fishing pier. There's also a 3/4-mile boardwalk, picnic area and nature trail on site. Patuxent River Park, about 5 miles southeast of Upper Marlboro, permits boating, kayaking and canoeing. If you don't have your own equipment, canoe and kayak rentals are available at the park. Three public ramps on the Patuxent River serve boaters in the park.

Celeberate With Festivals

• Annual festivals provide residents and visitors with a chance to mingle, enjoy a party atmosphere and uphold local traditions. Plan a trip to Upper Marlboro in May and participate in Marlborough Day, with a parade, live music, dance and martial-arts performances, kids' activities, arts and crafts vendors, information booths, and food and drink. The festival is held the day before Mother's Day. A charity car show designated as Cruzin' Main Street usually is held in August and a townwide yard sale is scheduled at the end of September each year. Residents of Upper Marlboro sell their treasures from their vehicle -- or spread to nearby tables. Snacks and refreshments are available and information booths are open for browsing.

Play in the Park

• Those who love educational outings as well as the great outdoors find ample opportunities to participate in both activities at Jug Bay Natural Area, a 2,000-acre tract of land about 5 miles south of Upper Marlboro. This freshwater tidal estuary connects with the Patuxent River and is a site designed for you to experience and learn about the Chesapeake Bay. Outdoor enthusiasts can plan a trek on foot, bike or horseback on more than 8 miles of woodland trails. Anglers head to two fishing areas in Jug Bay where year-round tidal fishing usually yields yellow or white perch and catfish. Take time to participate in a river-ecology tour on a pontoon boat and learn about the wetlands, wildlife and history. In addition, you can stroll through the Patuxent Rural Life Museums, a collection of late-19th- and early-20th-century buildings at which you'll learn about life in southern Maryland.

Exciting Events

• Head to the Show Place Arena and Prince George's Equestrian Center and choose from numerous different things to do just south of Upper Marlboro. Events include musical concerts featuring rock, pop and country hitmakers, home and garden shows, trade shows, the Prince George’s County Fair and rodeos. Sports enthusiasts watch hockey, boxing, wrestling and basketball at the arena, and the equestrian center hosts shows such as the Maryland National Horse Show, the All Thoroughbred Charity Horse Show and the Mounted Games Across America event.

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Places to Visit in Towson, Maryland

Towson, Maryland, was settled in 1752 when William and Thomas Towson began farming the land. Designated the Baltimore County seat in 1854, Towson, Maryland, is now the second most populated unincorporated county seat in the country. When Baltimore’s suburbs began to grow after World War II, the town became a hub for offices and businesses, and now boasts a burgeoning art scene. Immerse yourself in the history and culture of Towson by visiting one of the town’s notable places.

Step Back in Time

• Walk through lush gardens that are filled with rare and exotic plants from South Africa, the Middle East, Asia and South America, or take a guided or self-guided tour of the 1880s Georgian mansion at the Hampton National Historic Site. The land was once home to a prominent Maryland family -- the Ridgelys -- who became wealthy from agriculture and iron production on the land. Visit the site to learn about the family, as well as the European indentured servants and enslaved African-Americans who worked on the estate.

Explore the Arts

• The Rosenberg Gallery has been displaying local and regional works of art since 1962. Located at Goucher College, the gallery presents five exhibits each year and regularly ties them in with campus activities, including symposiums, concerts and performances. The gallery focuses on works by solo artists in minority groups and promotes the exchange of ideas throughout the artistic community. Viewing is free and open to the public.
• Take in a Show

• Opened in 1959 and operated as a single-screen movie theater until it closed in 1992, the Recher Theatre was reopened in 1996 as a billiards room. After the Recher brothers discovered the fine acoustic quality of the room in 1999, it was transformed into the Recher Theatre and now hosts regional and national acts. Visit the historic theatre to dance the night away to live music or laugh ‘til it hurts with a comedy show, then head next door to the Rec Room for a refreshing libation. Past performances at the theatre include George Clinton, Nickel Creek, Collective Soul and comedian Louis C.K.

Discover the Orient

• At the Asian Arts & Culture Center at Towson University, browse nearly 1,000 works of antique and modern Asian art. Exhibits in the 1,500-square-foot gallery include Chinese and Japanese ivory carvings, jade carvings, ceramics, textiles and paintings from Asia. Learn about the culture by interacting with writers, scholars, musicians and artisans from Asian backgrounds. Take part in family workshops throughout the year to create your own masterpiece to take home.

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Quiet Oceanfront Getaways in Maryland & Delaware

While home is a man's castle, sometimes it's good to pack up the car and get away from it all. The Atlantic coast of Maryland and Delaware has less than 60 miles of shoreline, but much of it lies within small beach towns and pristine state and national parks that offer a haven from the cares of the world. If you're looking for a peaceful escape, the Maryland and Delaware coasts provide ideal spots for quiet oceanfront getaways.

Cape Henlopen Quietude

• As soon as you drive off the ferry, turn left for the two-minute drive to Cape Henlopen State Park in Lewes, Delaware. The park has more than 500 acres of hilly coastal scrub habitat, salt marshes, ponds and 6 miles of Atlantic Ocean shoreline to explore. After unloading your gear at your secluded tent site or cabin -- a two-bedroom structure with a screened-in dining porch -- head to the Nature Center for kayak rentals, maritime displays and maps of the park. A shed full of all types and sizes of bicycles and helmets are available for your free use around a 3-mile-long paved loop. Take a rest from pedaling, and climb the WWII Observation Tower for panoramic views, or investigate the former military bunker and barracks. You can lay out your blanket at one of two ocean swimming beaches, or hone your skills at the 18-hole disc golf course. When your stomach calls, stick to the speed limit and take the short drive to picturesque downtown Lewes. Gilligan's Restaurant and Bar has waterfront dining, then shoot over to Hopkins Farm Creamery for farm-made ice cream.

Bethany Beach -- The Quiet Resort

• With the neighboring party town of Dewey Beach to the north, Bethany Beach has long kept its reputation as the Delaware shore's quiet, family-oriented vacation destination. Vibrant sunrises and sunsets, dolphin watching and leisurely strolls along the beach are popular pursuits at this relaxed, oceanfront community. The town still has many of its original 1930s beach bungalows, which are available for weekend, weekly and seasonal rentals and are just steps to the short boardwalk and shoreline. The Addy Sea bed and breakfast inn, a Victorian mansion with unobstructed views of the Atlantic, is another lodging option. A rocking chair porch, original woodwork and tin ceilings take guests back to a simpler time. Gourmet breakfast is included, and for dinner, head to town for a host of restaurants. A quiet getaway to the shore should include seafood, so order up a plate of grilled swordfish or seared scallops at Off the Hook. For items right off the grill, Bethany Blues BBQ serves up ribs and burgers. Work off the calories at Captain Jack's Pirate Golf, the only miniature golf course in town.

Fenwick Island -- A Relaxing Escape

• The small coastal town of Fenwick Island, Delaware, is the calm before the hoopla of Ocean City, Maryland's, heavy traffic, long line of hotels and carnival-like boardwalk amusements. Practically everything in Fenwick is within walking distance. You can stroll down to the movie theater, water park, restaurants, Fenwick Lighthouse and the wide, white-sand Fenwick Island Beach from the Atlantic Coast Inn, a small inn with standard amenities and an outdoor pool. If you prefer more privacy, vacation rentals range from studio condominiums to luxurious waterfront homes. Fenwick is just south of Fenwick Island State Park, an uncrowded 3-mile stretch of Atlantic Ocean coastline that offers swimming, licensed surf fishing and one of Delaware's only designated surfing beaches.

Assateague Island National Seashore

• Although Assateague Island National Seashore in Maryland is most well-known for the wild ponies that roam freely through its undeveloped acreage, this 37-mile-long narrow strip of land is also worth exploring for its wildlife, coastal habitats and pristine beaches. Self-guided nature trails, swimming, licensed surf fishing, hiking, biking, birding and picnicking are at your disposal, and a visitors center has hands-on exhibits, aquariums and information about seabirds and the ponies. You can sleep to the sound of the breaking surf at one of the primitive oceanside drive- or walk-in campsites. The more adventurous camper can backpack or paddle to one of two backcountry campsites along the ocean. A 10-mile drive west takes you to the historic town of Berlin, where you can catch dinner and a show at the Globe Theater Restaurant and Bar.

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Top Things to Do in Germantown, MD

Germantown, Maryland, a planned but unincorporated community that is governed by Montgomery County, lies between Little Seneca Creek and Little Seneca Lake to the north and Great Seneca Creek to the south. First settled in the late 1700s, the Germantown region was a mostly rural farming area until the 1970s but is now a bustling place with plenty to do for all ages, including historic, recreational and cultural attractions.

Down on the Farm

• Button Farm, which lies just inside the entrance to Seneca Creek State Park, is one big interactive history lesson set on a site that was used for agriculture as early as 1767. The farm includes a circa-1901 farmhouse, Civil War-era barn, livestock pens, a museum garden and slave cemetery. Living-history demonstrations tell the story of the Underground Railroad and provide visitors with examples of what life was like for farmers and enslaved workers on a 19th-century plantation. The King Barn Dairy MOOseum at South Germantown Recreational Park has interactive exhibits and collections set in a former working dairy barn with silos. Among the draws are a Holstein bull, a herd of milking cows -- including one that visitors can attempt to milk -- and a 19th-century milk delivery wagon.

Park Pleasures

• Seneca Creek State Park, set along the banks of the namesake creek, is home to boating and fishing on Clopper Lake, a disc golf course and more than 50 miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding. In addition to Button Farm, the state park also includes other historic sites such as Black Rock Mill and the restored 19th-century Seneca Schoolhouse. At Black Hill Regional Park in nearby Boyds, take a pontoon boat tour or rent a rowboat, canoe or kayak for your own trip around Little Seneca Lake. The park also has picnic shelters and volleyball courts. The Hoyles Mill Trail, a 6-mile multi-use trail, connects Black Hill Regional Park to Seneca Creek State Park, winding through Hoyles Mill Conservation Park and South Germantown Recreation Park along the way.

Aquatic Adventures

• The 60,000-square-foot Germantown Indoor Swim Center at South Germantown Recreational Park has a large indoor pool with diving platforms, a water slide and two hydrotherapy pools for year-round enjoyment. During warmer months, you can make a splash in the Germantown Outdoor Pool. The facility includes a large main pool with eight swimming lanes, a leisure pool with two water slides, a toddler pool, concessions and bathhouse. The Water Park at Bohrer Park in Gaithersburg, about 7 miles southeast of Germantown, has a tropical-themed pool with zero-depth entry, artificial palm trees, a 250-foot double water slide, children's splash pool and a large tipping bucket that dumps water. Both outdoor facilities are open from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day.

Evening Entertainment

• If you're looking for a night out, BlackRock Center for the Arts plays host to frequent cultural events such as independent films, concerts, ballets, plays and other live performances. Catch a recent release at one of Regal Germantown Stadium's 14 movie theaters or participate in a family-friendly laser showdown among the ramps, bridges and towers of the mist-enshrouded arena at ShadowLand Laser Adventures in Gaithersburg, less than 5 miles from Germantown.

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Roller Skating in Cumberland, Maryland

Lace up, snap tight, stand up and roll out! Roller skating has been one of America's favorite pastimes for over a half century, and is an engaging activity for the whole family, with many roller and inline skating rinks offering a variety of both day and evening sessions for people of all ages. Cumberland, Maryland, the quiet county seat of Alleghany County has convenient access to several rinks that offer a variety of skating experiences.

Skate the Night Away at Moon Glo Skating Rink

• An entertaining throwback to the heyday of roller skating, Cumberland’s Moon Glo Skating Rink is the perfect place to lace up and get your legs moving. Prime time hours are 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, with $5 general admission. On Fridays, all parents skate free, making it a great option for an evening of family fun. If daytime hours are more up your alley, Moon Glo also offers Saturday and Sunday afternoon skate times from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. for the reduced price of $3.50 per person. Skate rentals are a flat $1 fee. Inquire about special events -- they host several roller derbies, holiday nights and charitable evenings throughout the year.

Star-Lite Roller Skating Rink

• Located on Highway 100, Star-Lite Roller Skating Rink is a local favorite. Hours vary, with most weekend nights opening at 7:30 p.m.; General Admission is $6. Skate rentals run an additional $1, and inline skates an additional $2. There are also Saturday and Sunday daytime skating sessions, and the facility is available for private rentals, so if you are looking for the next great birthday party location, Star-Lite may just fit the bill.

Head Over to Bedford's Moon Glo II

• A convenient 30-minute trip from Cumberland along US route 220, Bedford, Pennsylvania's Moon Glo II offers weekend skate sessions on Friday and Saturday evenings for $7 per person. Discounted Saturday and Sunday afternoon sessions are also offered, and the rink is available for party rentals Monday through Thursday. Moon Glo II also hosts skating and hockey lessons, as well as holiday specials with reduced admission prices. Skate rentals are $1.

Skate Outdoors on the Alleghany Highlands Trail

• If you are in the mood for scenic views while skating, consider an afternoon gliding along the Allegheny Highlands Trail. The trail is open for a variety of outdoor exercises, including roller and inline skating, biking, horseback riding and hiking. The trail features 22 miles of natural bliss, with beautiful picturesque views along the way, taking trail-goers from Cumberland to the Maryland-Pennsylvania border. Parking and public restrooms are available.

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