Love By The River: Historic St. Mary’s City Hosts 15th Annual Wedding Expo

ST. MARY’S CITY, Md. — With the St. Mary’s River stretching wide beyond the lawn and the promise of spring in the air, engaged couples will soon gather at one of Southern Maryland’s most scenic backdrops to begin planning their big day.

Historic St. Mary’s City will host its 15th Annual Wedding Expo on Sunday, March 8, from 1 to 4 p.m. at the HSMC State House overlooking the river. The event is free with pre-registration and $5 at the door.

Designed as a one-stop planning experience, the expo will feature more than 40 wedding professionals offering services ranging from venues, gowns and photography to catering, music, floral design, transportation and travel. Vendors will be stationed throughout the Historic State House, Margaret Brent Pavilion and lawn areas, providing consultations, samples, booking opportunities and exclusive expo specials.

In an interview with The BayNet, organizer Katie Dixon, the facility rental coordinator for Historic St. Mary’s City, emphasized her admiration for the 15-year partnership between HSMC, the vendors and their customers.

“Reaching our 15th year is a meaningful milestone that reflects long-standing community support and strong partnerships with local vendors whose commitment, talent and professionalism make planning stress-free for couples,” Dixon said. “Historic St. Mary’s City offers a uniquely magical backdrop with panoramic river views and living-history charm.”

Couples will also have the chance to explore the waterfront venues that have made Historic St. Mary’s City a sought-after destination for ceremonies and celebrations. Settings include the State House lawn, the gazebo and the Margaret Brent Pavilion, each offering panoramic river views and historic charm suited for ceremonies, receptions, rehearsal dinners and gatherings of varying sizes.

More than 40 vendors will be stationed throughout the Historic State House, Margaret Brent Pavilion and lawn areas, providing consultations, samples, booking opportunities and exclusive expo specials.

“We’re excited to be adding a tent this year to make the expo even grander and elevate the overall experience,” Dixon added. “Couples can look forward to meeting more than 40 trusted vendors, enjoying live DJ entertainment and complimentary dance lessons, and discovering exclusive expo specials.”

Beyond vendor displays, attendees can enter to win door prizes and enjoy live DJ entertainment and dance lessons during the afternoon event.

Whether newly engaged or putting the finishing touches on wedding plans, couples can use the expo to meet local professionals, compare services and envision their celebration in a distinctive Southern Maryland setting.

As couples step onto the State House lawn and look out over the St. Mary’s River, the 15th Annual Wedding Expo at Historic St. Mary’s City offers more than planning resources, it offers a glimpse of what their own celebration could become. For many, the afternoon will mark the first step toward a wedding day framed by waterfront views, historic charm and the promise of a new chapter together.

To register for free admission, visit https://forms.gle/skoAB3GEU2vSYgBdA.

For additional information, contact Katie Dixon at katie.dixon@maryland.gov.

More information about wedding venues at Historic St. Mary’s City is available at hsmcdigshistory.org/the-experience/weddings-rentals/.

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