Baltimore Weddings
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Baltimore is an independent city and the largest city in the state of Maryland in the United States. Baltimore is located in central Maryland on the western coast of the Chesapeake Bay and is approximately 40 miles (64 km) north of Washington D.C.. Founded in 1729, Baltimore is a major U.S. seaport and is situated closer to major Midwestern markets than any other major seaport on the East Coast. Baltimore's Inner Harbor has always remained a major asset, once the second leading port of entry for immigrants to the United States and a major manufacturing center. Today the harbor is home to Harborplace and the National Aquarium in Baltimore and is a successful example of Baltimore's ambitious efforts at renewal. Following the fall of many of its largest manufacturing industries, Baltimore has shifted primarily to a service sector-oriented economy, with the largest employer no longer Bethlehem Steel but Johns Hopkins University and Johns Hopkins Hospital. Despite some successful revitalization Baltimore is still posed with many big-city challenges such as concentrated poverty and crime, and inadequate public education.
As of 2007, the population of Baltimore City was 637,455. The Baltimore Metropolitan Area, which includes the city's surrounding suburbs, has approximately 2.6 million residents; the DOOKEY Maryland Colony, Lord Baltimore in the Irish House of Lords. Baltimore himself took his title from a place named Baltimore in Ireland, which is an Anglicized form of the Irish language Baile an Tí Mhóir, meaning "Town of the Big House" and referring to the O'Driscoll castle that still dominates the town. The Irish-language name for Baltimore is that of the O'Driscoll castle, Dún na Séad ("Fort of the Jewels").
Baltimore has a very long and rich history. It is perhaps most well-known for being the site of the historic Battle of Baltimore. During this battle, the British invaders bombed Fort McHenry with rockets as Francis Scott Key wrote what would become the American national anthem. Baltimore was also the site of the first casualty of the American Civil War.
It has a large African-American population that has played an important role in its history. African Americans have had a major presence in Baltimore since the Revolutionary War. During that time they were brought to Baltimore as slaves from Africa. Baltimore was also one of the hotbeds during the American Civil Rights movement and famous African-Americans such as Thurgood Marshall and Kweisi Mfume have made Baltimore their hometown. R&B artists such as Tupac, Dru Hill and Mario have also emerged from Baltimore. Currently, African-Americans form a majority (within the city limits) at 64%.
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Baltimore Weddings
The city of Baltimore has everything to offer to brides who know what they want. You can choose between a boutique hotel in quaint Fells Point, an outdoor wedding overlooking the Patapsco, or a waterfront, downtown wedding with the hustle and bustle of the city in the background.
If versatility of location is what you want without having to pick either the romance of a garden or the electricity the city has to offer, Baltimore is the perfect place to plan your unforgettable nuptials.
Traditions
True love is more than a feeling. It transcends all boundaries that create an ultimate desire to be with someone who makes your world go round. When your heart is full of love, you seem to experience a positive change of outlook in life that keeps you always on the go and inspired to do your work.
Having a partner in life is the time when your emotions reach its peak and always seeking your loved-one to be at your side to comfort you with his presence. If you are in love, everything seems all right and no tincture of negativity affects your thoughts.
All these things are normal but you should remember that true love is not about good moments alone. In life, you experience both joys and sorrows. So don't expect that everything is all glory. It is a balance of all things, whether it is good or bad.
When getting married, you should have a frame of mind that is open to all possibilities and prepared to face all probable problems. After all, we should keep in mind that we live in an imperfect world.
However, it is a good thing to practice positive thinking so that things will turn out good in what ever we do, especially in preparing for your wedding. Avoid panicking and taking ample time in planning out the details with your partner ahead is advisable.
Several factors to consider that are always present in the list are the schedule of the big day, venue, type of wedding, number of guests and budgetary limits. Certainly, the wedding location is the first on the list since it is frequently remembered every year.
Internet searching or a friend's referral will play a big role when deciding on an ideal location. When you are residing in Maryland, you might choose Baltimore as your wedding destination. But before that, you should know a few things about the city.
Baltimore has the largest land area in Maryland with almost two million inhabitants with diverse ethnical backgrounds. If you like meeting people with different cultures and diverse beliefs, this is a good place to visit. It has innovative urban home structures and it is located near Chesapeake Bay. Its residents maintain a classic red brick row house as their dwelling place.
Since Baltimore inhabitants come from diverse cultural backgrounds, you can choose from a variety of wedding preparations that you like and everyone will respect your choice since multicultural setting is acceptable in Baltimore. You may select Indian wedding, Jewish, African or any wedding you think of.
In the catering services, you may have a mixture of all cultures in your dishes for your guests. Your friends will surely be delighted to taste some exotic food and have the ambiance of another culture. Your preference is all that matters.
But before anything else, requirements must first be met. The partners should be at their legal age of 18-21 with a valid driver's license or any identification. Getting a marriage license usually costs $35-60 depending on the county with six-month validity upon registration.
They allow first kin weddings in Baltimore so if you like to marry your cousin, it is allowed even in other cities of Maryland. When you are underage or still within 16-18 age bracket, you can be married for as long as one of your parents is present to give you a written consent.
You can be married by church or anywhere you desire with an officiating member to the kind of wedding you desire. So get ready and follow your heart if the wedding bells are already ringing in your ears.
Why Baltimore?
Marriage License Requirements
Marriage licenses are issued by the Clerk of the Court for Baltimore County at the County Courts Building, 401 Bosley Avenue, Towson, MD 21204. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. The license is valid for ceremonies taking place within Baltimore County after a 48 hour waiting period and expires after 6 months.
It is only necessary for one person to apply for the license and should bring the following information for both applicants: name, address, age, social security number, place of birth, and marital status. If divorced or widowed, we need the exact date(s) and name(s) of the county and state in which the divorce/death occured for both applicants. This applies for all divorces/death. ID is not required unless under age 18. Eighteen (18) is the legal age one can be married without parental consent. A fee of $35 (CASH ONLY) is required at time of issue. Civil Ceremonies are available. Call 410-887-2607 for more information.
How to Get There
Get in
By bus
Greyhound serves most major cities, and the stop in Baltimore's downtown is a few blocks south of the Inner Harbor
Also check out Apex Bus if you're travelling from New York. They offer pretty competitive rates especially if you are travelling on a shoestring budget.
Megabus Now do a very cheap service to New York for around $8 return (but can be as cheap as $1 each way if you book early)
By car
Car parking is expensive in the inner city, roughly $5/hr around the harbor area. The 395 turn-off from the I95 will take you right into the harbor area, but traffic can be slow in the center of the city at rush hour and on game days.
By train
Amtrak offers frequent services into Baltimore. The main station (Penn Station) is on Charles Street in the center of the city, but a considerable distance from the harbor area. However, a spur of the light rail system connects to the train station, and you can ride it to the convention center, three blocks from the harbor. Some Amtrak trains also stop at the BWI (airport) station which is a few miles south of the main Penn Station.
The MARC train system provides inexpensive service between Baltimore and Washington, D.C. (and from Washington to Frederick, Maryland and Martinsburg, West Virginia). It is, however, meant to be a commuter system, and runs mostly during work days/hours. Check to be sure it is available when you need it. MARC trains operate through the Penn Station (designated the "Penn line" on MARC schedules) and through a station at Camden Yards (the "Camden line"), near the Inner Harbor.
By plane
The Baltimore-Washington International Airport is located a few miles outside of the city and is accessible by car or light rail. Shuttles connect BWI to an Amtrak train station just off the airport grounds.
BWI has a somewhat unique car rental system. Car rental facilities are located in a centralized facility located away from the airport. Airport shuttle buses must take travelers to and from the facility and it is advisable to plan an extra 10 to 15 minutes to get out of the airport. Also, if heading to Washington DC, the signage from the airport's car rental facility is very poor and confusing, especially to Route 495. However, all roads ultimately lead to highway access in either direction (North or South).
Get around
Public transportation in Baltimore is nothing spectacular. Fares to ride light rail, buses and subway are $1.60 each way, and $3.50 buys you a day pass that gets you unlimited rides on all three. However, most sights you'll probably be seeing can be walked to.
The light rail system is far more useful for getting into the city than getting around it. You may wish to park outside the city (for free!) and take the light rail in. The only worthwhile sight the light rail passes is Camden Yards.
There is also a single line subway [1] which runs from Johns Hopkins hospital, through downtown, and out to the northwest suburbs of Pikesville and Owings Mills. The subway does not pass many tourist destinations and is mostly used by commuters.
Parking is plentiful near all major sights, usually with pay lots and garages charging parking rates commensurate with most major cities. The harbor area and the public transportation systems are safe and patrolled.
One of the most popular (and unique!) modes of transportation in Baltimore is the water taxi system. The water taxi is an especially nice way to get around during the warmer months, and offers unique views of the Baltimore skyline. $9.00 buys you unlimited rides all day long, and you can hop on and off at any of the stops throughout the harbor area (which covers areas like Fort McHenry, Fells Point, Little Italy, the Science Center and Aquarium). Hours of operation vary throughout the year; check the schedule for details.
Cabs can be expensive, but are safe.
Stay Safe
Baltimore has quite the reputation for crime. Its nickname the "Charm City" has been updated by local cynics as the "Harm City," and you can probably find an I *heart* Baltimore t-shirt for sale in which the heart is made of guns and knives. An even less inviting nickname of recent years is the grisly "Bodymore." This reputation is in no small part due to its very high murder rate and its prominent, nationally-acclaimed crime dramas. The reputation is warranted, but the average traveler should not get overly concerned. The high murder rate needs to be informed by the awful (albeit not awful for travelers) context that nearly all the homicides in the city are of young black men—most of them just in their teens—located in parts of the city that few travelers have ever laid eyes upon. Most crime occur between individuals that know each other. Muggings are the violent crime to be concerned with for tourists, and they very rarely occur in any of the popular tourist areas.
Those areas of Baltimore that attract tourists are very safe. You are simply not in danger when going to the opera, museums, aquarium, etc. The popular waterfront areas in particular are saturated with police day and night, as the city government relies heavily on these areas to generate much needed tax revenues. Some areas just north of the waterfront (Downtown above the Inner Harbor and big public housing projects just northeast of Little Italy) can get a little too quiet after dark. If parking your car on street in the Charles Street entertainment district or even in Fells Point, don't leave anything (even trash) visible in your car, in order to deter smash-and-grab robberies.
Above all, though, just exercise the usual precautions for urban America: know where you are going and how you are getting there, at night walk in groups and do not carry large amounts of money, avoid poorly lit streets, and call a cab if the trip back at night seems beyond your comfort zone.
Get out
- Annapolis
- Ellicott City
Insider Tips
Baltimore, Maryland is a vibrant city surrounded by water that couples would definitely find attractive. There is a surprise at every corner and Baltimore’s attraction never remains the same. This is because Baltimore is a continuously evolving city so new hotels and expanding attractions are always being constructed. It is no wonder then that a lot of locals in the area do not look further than Baltimore for their wedding ceremony. Likewise, there are also various couples from all over the country and even the world who decide to wed in Baltimore to discover its attractions.
One of the notable sections of Baltimore is its Inner Harbor; you will be able to find historic neighborhoods that boast the best of Baltimore. There are many unique shops and restaurants that will suit every taste and style. Baltimore, Maryland also has a vibrant art scene that couples may want to discover; various museums and shows are dedicated to art.
Couples can experience the best of American culture in Baltimore. It is really no wonder that Baltimore is the host of an average of 12 million visitors. It is also notable that some of these visitors go to Baltimore for the specific reason of getting married.
For couples who want to get married, there are various establishments that are specifically dedicated for this purpose. Here are some of the top choices for couples in Baltimore:
- Baltimore Tremont Grand – provides a distinctive combination of both elegance and comfort. Couples will be able to access the city’s attractions easily in this hotel because of its location. Married couples can make their Baltimore stay a memorable one at this hotel.
- Patapsco Manor – this is a historic and private manor that is usually made as the venue for small and intimate weddings. It is the perfect setting for weddings with a guest list of 125 people or below to maintain the intimate atmosphere of the manor. Different services such as catering, flowers, and music are also available upon request.
- Martins Caterers – one of the favorite caterers of locals in Baltimore. If you want your dining experience to be unforgettable on your wedding day then consider hiring the services of Martins Caterers.
- Clarion Hotel Aberdeen – the notable feature of this hotel is its Crystal Ballroom that also has a reception area of 134 guestrooms. Couples and their visitors can also enjoy the hotel’s restaurant and night club.
- Overhills Mansion – offers couples the opportunity of experiencing a wedding with the splendor of a gilded age. The food being served by the Overhills Mansion is also catered by the Whitehouse caterers so you can be assured that the food will be delicious.
- Kent Manor Inn – offers luxury rooms, ceremonies, and wedding facilities that will suit the needs of a couple. You can also expect breathtaking views at this inn combined with excellent amenities.
- Town and Country Caterers – one of the favorite caterers among the locals, the Town and Country caterers has been in operation for more than 45 years and it is still going strong. It remains as one of the top secret of the residents of Baltimore.
Best Time to Go
Climate
Baltimore, MD Weather
Baltimore, MD climate is hot during summer when temperatures tend to be in the 80's and very cold during winter when temperatures tend to be in the 30's.
The warmest month of the year is July with an average maximum temperature of 90.60 degrees Fahrenheit, while the coldest month of the year is January with an average minimum temperature of 29.40 degrees Fahrenheit.
Temperature variations between night and day tend to be fairly limited during summer with a difference that can reach 18 degrees Fahrenheit, and fairly limited during winter with an average difference of 15 degrees Fahrenheit.
The annual average precipitation at Baltimore is 43.59 Inches. Rainfall in is fairly evenly distributed throughout the year. The wettest month of the year is May with an average rainfall of 4.18 Inches.
Normal Climate
Normal Temperatures
(BALTIMORE CITY Weather station, 0.81 miles from Baltimore) Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Annual Max °F 44.1 47.3 56.8 67.8 77.2 86.0 90.6 88.2 80.9 69.7 58.7 48.5 68.0 Mean °F 36.8 39.3 47.9 58.0 67.7 76.9 81.7 79.5 72.3 60.7 50.4 41.0 59.4 Min °F 29.4 31.3 39.0 48.2 58.2 67.7 72.7 70.8 63.7 51.6 42.1 33.5 50.7
Normal Precipitation
(BALTIMORE CITY Weather station, 0.81 miles from Baltimore) Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Annual Inch 3.48 3.07 4.12 3.06 4.18 3.28 3.96 4.05 4.06 3.19 3.45 3.69 43.59