Top 6 Wedding Planners in Maryland
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Editor & Publisher
- February 28, 2026
- 19 min read
- Events
Source: Peerspace
Earning its nickname “America in Miniature” for good reason, Maryland spans nautical charm along the Chesapeake Bay waterfronts, historic cobblestone streets in Annapolis, industrial-chic lofts in Baltimore, and rolling vineyards in the Western countryside. This diverse canvas creates endless celebration possibilities, but navigating the unique geography and logistics of the region, including the infamous Bay Bridge traffic and the distinct humidity of the Mid-Atlantic, requires a steady hand and local expertise.
The right wedding planner acts as your navigator, designer, and advocate, ensuring your vision comes to life seamlessly against the backdrop of this vibrant state. The competitive landscape of the Maryland event industry works entirely in your favor. With close proximity to Washington D.C. and Virginia, the region attracts some of the most talented logistical minds and creative designers in the country.
This saturation of talent means you can find a professional who matches your specific aesthetic and communication style, whether you need a full-service producer for a multi-day estate wedding or a month-of coordinator for an intimate rooftop gathering. These experts handle the unglamorous side of planning—permits, load-in schedules, and rain plans—so you can focus on the joy of the occasion. We’ve curated this list to connect you with professionals who know how to make Maryland’s diverse spaces shine.
How we curate our list
Finding the right person to trust with your wedding day is a significant decision that goes beyond comparing price sheets. We’ve developed a rigorous selection process to ensure every company on this list represents the absolute best of Maryland’s event industry. We look for professionals who have demonstrated consistency, creativity, and reliability over time.
Our selection criteria include:
- Client reviews across multiple platforms: We analyze feedback from couples on The Knot, WeddingWire, Google, and social media to ensure consistent satisfaction across verified review sources.
- Industry recognition and awards: We look for planners with accolades from respected organizations and features in top wedding publications, which signal peer respect and editorial quality.
- Professional credentials and associations: Active membership in industry groups, ongoing education, and verified business operations are key indicators of a planner’s commitment to their craft.
- Portfolio quality and diversity: We seek out portfolios that show a range of capabilities, from managing complex tented builds to designing intimate indoor affairs.
Best wedding planners in Maryland
1. DMV Weddings And Events
Company name and founder/lead planner: DMV Weddings And Events / Maddie Garris
Specialty/niche: DMV Weddings And Events specializes in comprehensive wedding planning and coordination across the entire District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia region. Maddie Garris and her team focus on bridging the gap between the initial excitement of engagement and the logistical reality of the wedding day. They excel at serving couples who want a stress-free experience, offering services ranging from full planning to “wedding management”—their elevated take on day-of coordination. Their niche lies in being adaptable to diverse venues throughout the DMV area, from urban hotels to suburban estates.
Notable projects or signature style: The signature style of DMV Weddings And Events is defined by clarity, organization, and a polished aesthetic. Their portfolio showcases weddings that feel structured yet personal, ensuring the couple’s personality shines through without being overshadowed by chaotic logistics. Maddie approaches each event with a focus on “passing the baton”—allowing couples to hand over the hard work so they can be fully present. Their work features crisp timelines and seamless transitions between ceremony and reception, which is vital in the traffic-heavy DMV region.
Pricing: Day-of coordination starts at $2,200; partial planning at $3,500, and full planning packages at $3,700 and are subject to customization based on specific needs.
Why we love them: We love DMV Weddings And Events because Maddie Garris understands that a wedding is a production requiring a steady hand. Operating in the tri-state area requires specific logistical mastery, and Maddie brings that to every event. Her approach is incredibly client-focused, emphasizing the relief couples feel when they know a professional is in their corner. This sentiment is echoed in client reviews, where couples consistently describe their experience as “flawless” and “stress-free.” Testimonials highlight the team’s high responsiveness and ability to make clients feel secure, with one reviewer noting they “didn’t have to think of a thing” on their big day.
Connect with them: Follow DMV Weddings And Events on Instagram for a peek into their creative process and recent events.
2. Nouvelle Weddings
Company name and founder/lead planner: Nouvelle Weddings / Briana Dixon
Specialty/niche: Nouvelle Weddings is a premier planning and design firm catering to couples who desire elegant, sophisticated, and timeless celebrations. Briana Dixon has carved out a niche for high-end weddings requiring intricate design work alongside flawless execution. They specialize in full-service planning and design, making them ideal for couples who want a cohesive visual story told from save-the-dates to table settings. While based in Maryland, they serve the broader region and are well-versed in managing logistics for luxury venues.
Notable projects or signature style: Briana Dixon’s work is characterized by a “refined romance” aesthetic. You’ll often see soft, lush floral arrangements, perfectly curated tablescapes, and lighting design that transforms spaces into ethereal environments. Nouvelle Weddings doesn’t just plan events; they design experiences. Their portfolio includes stunning ballroom weddings in Baltimore, tented affairs on the Eastern Shore, and chic celebrations in D.C. The team excels at taking a blank canvas—like a historic manor or industrial loft—and layering in textures and colors that elevate the space.
Pricing: Pricing is customized based on your specific needs. Get in touch through their website for a tailored quote.
Why we love them: We love Nouvelle Weddings for their impeccable eye for design and established industry reputation. Briana Dixon has built a brand synonymous with luxury and grace. Their extensive list of press features and awards speaks volumes about the quality of their work. When you hire Nouvelle, you’re getting a creative partner who can visualize the extraordinary. Client reviews reinforce this, praising the team’s “unparalleled” knowledge of the wedding market and their “extremely thorough” attention to detail. Couples frequently mention the team’s kindness and genuine passion, noting that their ability to transform a vision into reality is unmatched.
Connect with them: Follow Nouvelle Weddings on Instagram for a peek into their creative process and recent events.
3. Weddings by Kristy
Company name and founder/lead planner: Weddings by Kristy / Kristy Silva
Specialty/niche: Weddings by Kristy is a boutique planning company that prides itself on building genuine relationships with clients. Kristy Silva focuses on creating weddings authentically aligned with the couple’s values and personalities. Her niche is the “personal touch”—she limits the number of weddings she takes on to ensure every client receives dedicated attention. This approach makes her perfect for couples who feel overwhelmed by industry noise and want a planner who acts as a grounded, knowledgeable friend throughout the process.
Notable projects or signature style: Kristy Silva’s style is warm, inviting, and detail-rich. Her projects often feature personalized elements that tell the couple’s story, whether through custom signage, unique favors, or interactive food stations. She has a talent for managing weddings that feel intimate and cozy, regardless of guest count. Her work spans various Maryland locales, from rustic vineyards to waterfront piers. One standout aspect is her ability to blend modern trends with classic wedding traditions while ensuring trends feel timeless rather than fleeting.
Pricing: Packages start at $3,000. Submit an inquiry form on their website for a detailed Pricing and Services guide.
Why we love them: We love Weddings by Kristy for her approachable and modern communication style. In an industry that can sometimes feel stiff, Kristy brings a breath of fresh air. Her active presence on platforms like TikTok demonstrates she understands the modern couple and how they consume content. She combines this modern sensibility with solid logistical skills. Reviewers overwhelmingly cite her ability to reduce anxiety, with one “anxious bride” noting that hiring Kristy helped them relax completely. Clients describe the experience as “delightful” and “seamless,” praising her warm personality that makes them feel cared for as individuals rather than just customers.
Connect with them: Follow Weddings by Kristy on Instagram for a peek into their creative process and recent events.
4. Christine McFarlane Events
Company name and founder/lead planner: Christine McFarlane Events / Christine McFarlane
Specialty/niche: Christine McFarlane Events is a highly regarded planning firm known for its boutique approach to wedding production. Christine McFarlane specializes in creating bespoke events that prioritize the guest experience. Her niche involves a deep focus on hospitality—ensuring that from the moment guests arrive until the last dance, they feel taken care of. This firm is an excellent match for couples who value logistics and hospitality equally and want a planner deeply embedded in the local Maryland vendor community.
Notable projects or signature style: Christine’s signature style is classic, crisp, and effortlessly chic. Her portfolio demonstrates mastery of Maryland’s diverse venues, particularly private clubs, historic estates, and waterfront properties. She has a knack for logistical problem-solving, often managing complex tented weddings requiring infrastructure built from the ground up. Her projects feature clean lines, elegant florals, and sophisticated color palettes. Christine is known for her calm demeanor under pressure, a trait that translates into the atmosphere of weddings she produces.
Pricing: Pricing depends on the size and scope of your event as well as your desired level of planning support. Inquire through their website for a custom quote.
Why we love them: We love Christine McFarlane Events for the sheer professionalism and reliability Christine brings to the table. She’s a planner’s planner—someone who knows the ins and outs of contracts, floor plans, and vendor management better than anyone. Her focus on the guest experience aligns perfectly with our belief that great spaces are meant to be enjoyed. This is backed by a 100% recommendation rate on major review platforms, where clients describe her as an “absolute dream.” Reviews highlight her cost-effectiveness, noting she often saves clients more money than she costs, and praise her unlimited communication policy which ensures a completely stress-free planning process.
Connect with them: Follow Christine McFarlane Events on Instagram for a peek into their creative process and recent events.
5. Claire Duran Weddings & Events
Company name and founder/lead planner: Claire Duran Weddings & Events / Claire Duran
Specialty/niche: Claire Duran Weddings & Events is a distinguished planning and design firm that has established a reputation for producing high-end, culturally rich weddings. Claire Duran specializes in supporting couples who want to infuse their heritage and personal stories into sophisticated event design. While based in Maryland, the firm is well-known for expertise in destination weddings, bringing a global perspective to local events. Her niche serves discerning clientele who value etiquette, refined aesthetics, and a planner who can navigate multicultural celebrations with grace.
Notable projects or signature style: The signature style of Claire Duran Weddings & Events is defined by “warm minimalism” and organic elegance. Her work often features textural elements, earthy color palettes mixed with luxurious metals, and emphasis on architectural floral design. Claire has a unique ability to create spaces that feel both grand and intimate. Her portfolio includes breathtaking celebrations at some of the region’s most prestigious venues, where she seamlessly blends tradition with contemporary design. Her events are frequently published in top-tier wedding magazines.
Pricing: Pricing is a sliding scale percentage fee. According to their website, most couples dedicate 15–20% of their overall budget to their planning, design and event management services. Reach out to Claire Duran Wedding & Events directly to learn more.
Why we love them: We love Claire Duran Weddings & Events for the depth of cultural competence and design sophistication Claire brings to the Maryland market. Planning a multicultural wedding requires specific skills—from managing diverse family expectations to coordinating complex ceremonies—and Claire handles it all with poise. Her designs are consistently breathtaking. According to customer reviews, clients value the “ease, trust, and generosity” she brings to the relationship. Testimonials frequently mention her team is “incredibly responsive” and “meticulous,” ensuring that even complex multi-day events feel seamless and stress-free.
Connect with them: Follow Claire Duran Weddings & Events on Instagram for a peek into their creative process and recent events.
6. Simply Breathe Events
Company name and founder/lead planner: Simply Breathe Events / Tiffany Rivera
Specialty/niche: Simply Breathe Events is built on a philosophy right in the name: giving couples the room to breathe. Tiffany specializes in wedding logistics and coordination for busy professionals who want a fabulous wedding but don’t have time to manage every minute detail. Their niche is “peace of mind” planning. They’re particularly strong in the D.C. and Maryland market, serving a diverse clientele who value inclusivity, joy, and well-organized celebrations. Michel and her team are experts at taking the mental load off clients.
Notable projects or signature style: Tiffany Rivera and her team are known for vibrant, joyful, and personality-filled weddings. Their style isn’t rigid; it bends to fit the unique vibe of each couple. Whether it’s a colorful, modern bash in a city loft or a traditional ceremony in a chapel, the common thread is happiness and organization. Simply Breathe Events excels at timeline management, constructing the “run of show” so there are no awkward pauses or rushed moments. Their projects often highlight fun elements like dance floor props and bold color choices.
Pricing: Package pricing depends on your specific needs. Reach out through their website for details.
Why we love them: We love Simply Breathe Events because Tiffany Rivera prioritizes the mental well-being of her clients. Wedding planning can be incredibly stressful, and having a planner who actively works to mitigate that stress is invaluable. Tiffany’s energy is infectious, and her commitment to diversity and inclusivity makes her a leader in the modern wedding space. Clients agree, with many reviews stating that hiring this team was the “best decision” they made.
Connect with them: Follow Simply Breathe Events on Instagram for a peek into their creative process and recent events.
Finding the right Maryland planner
Finding a planner in Maryland can feel overwhelming because the market is so saturated with talent. However, the geography and specific challenges of the state mean you need someone with the right kind of experience. Here’s how to narrow down your options.
1. Test their knowledge of regional logistics
Maryland is small, but the logistics vary wildly between regions. A wedding in downtown Baltimore faces different challenges than one on the Eastern Shore. Don’t just ask if they know the area—test their knowledge. Ask specific questions:
- “How do you handle guest transportation across the Bay Bridge on a summer Friday?”
- “What are the noise ordinances for tented weddings in [Specific County]?”
- “Do you have experience with the load-in restrictions at [Specific Venue]?”
A planner with real local experience will have immediate answers or war stories about Bay Bridge traffic. If they’re vague about how to get guests from a ceremony in Annapolis to a reception on Kent Island, that’s a red flag.
2. Evaluate their vendor network depth
The best planners have a “little black book” of vendors they trust. In Maryland, where you might need a tent company from the Eastern Shore and a caterer from D.C., this network is vital.
Ask: “Which florists and rental companies do you work with regularly, and why?”
Strong planners will name three to five vendors and explain the relationship. Then ask: “What happens if they’re booked?” The depth of their backup list matters. Ask for introduction calls with two to three key vendors. During those calls, gauge the vendor’s enthusiasm—do they light up mentioning this planner?
3. Review their portfolio for Maryland specifically
Don’t just look at their general portfolio—look for events specifically in Maryland. A planner might be based in D.C. but rarely venture north of Bethesda. Request three to five examples similar to yours in terms of venue style (e.g., waterfront, historic estate, industrial).
During the review, ask: “What was the biggest challenge in executing this specific event?”
Strong planners will cite Maryland-specific obstacles: humidity wilting the flowers, sudden thunderstorms, or parking issues in historic districts. Follow up by asking if you can contact a past client.
4. Measure budget realism for this market
The cost of a wedding in Maryland can vary drastically. The D.C. suburbs (Bethesda, Chevy Chase) command prices similar to major cities, while Western Maryland might offer more value.
Share your budget range and ask: “What is realistic for a guest count of [X] in [City/Area] with this budget?”
Good planners will be honest. They might say, “For a waterfront venue in Annapolis, that budget is tight, but we can make it work if we choose a Friday date.” If they promise a luxury Saturday night wedding in Potomac on a shoestring budget without discussing tradeoffs, they’re setting you up for failure.
5. Confirm communication style fits the pace
The Maryland/D.C. event market moves fast. Venues book up 18 months in advance, and top vendors go even faster.
Ask: “What is your typical response time?” and “How do you prefer to communicate?”
Test this during your selection process. If you’re a couple that needs weekly check-ins to feel secure, a planner who only meets monthly might stress you out. Ask about decision-making: “When do you need answers from us vs. when do you handle decisions independently?”
Planning a wedding in Maryland
Planning a wedding in Maryland is all about timing and geography. The state offers four distinct seasons, but the weather can be unpredictable, and traffic patterns can dictate your entire timeline.
Factors to consider:
- Weather patterns: Maryland is famous for its humidity. If you’re planning an outdoor wedding in July or August, you absolutely must have a plan for air conditioning or heavy-duty fans. May and October are generally the most pleasant months, making them peak season for outdoor venues. Check the National Weather Service Baltimore/Washington regional forecasts for detailed regional forecasts.
- The Bay Bridge: If your wedding is on the Eastern Shore (Kent Island, Easton, St. Michaels) and your guests are coming from the western shore (Baltimore/D.C.), you must account for the Chesapeake Bay Bridge. Summer beach traffic on Fridays and Sundays can cause delays of several hours. Monitor conditions via the Maryland Transportation Authority traffic conditions.
- Traffic timing: The Capital Beltway (I-495) and I-95 are among the most congested roads in the country. Avoid scheduling guest travel during rush hour (3:00 PM–7:00 PM) on weekdays.
- Local events: Be aware of major events that swallow up hotel blocks. The Preakness Stakes in Baltimore (May) and Naval Academy Commissioning Week in Annapolis (May) drive up prices and scarcity significantly. Check the Visit Maryland events calendar for scheduling conflicts.
- Marriage license requirements: Maryland requires couples to obtain a marriage license from any Circuit Court Clerk’s office. There’s no waiting period after obtaining the license. Visit the Maryland Courts website for current requirements and fees.
- Venue variety: Maryland has everything from barns to ballrooms. Don’t limit yourself to hotels. Historic mansions in the countryside and industrial spaces in Baltimore offer incredible character. Explore options through Visit Annapolis and Visit Baltimore event planning resources for venue inspiration.
Major events to avoid (or plan around):
- May: Preakness Stakes (Baltimore), USNA Commissioning Week (Annapolis)
- October: U.S. Powerboat Show and Sailboat Show (Annapolis)
- Cherry Blossom Season: While mostly in D.C., the tourism spillover affects hotel rates in Maryland suburbs in late March/early April.
FAQs: Maryland wedding planning
When should I hire a Maryland wedding planner?
You should hire a planner as soon as you get engaged, ideally 12 months in advance. Maryland is a competitive market, and popular dates in May and October book up fast. If you’re planning a short-engagement wedding (less than six months), a planner is essential to secure remaining vendors.
How much does an event planner cost in Maryland?
Costs vary widely depending on the scope of work. Full-service planning typically runs 15-20% of your overall wedding budget. For “month-of” coordination or wedding management, you might expect flat fees ranging from $2,500 to $5,000+, depending on the complexity and location (prices near D.C. are generally higher).
Do I need a planner if my venue has a coordinator?
Yes. A venue coordinator works for the venue; their job is to ensure the lights work, the food is served, and the building doesn’t burn down. An independent wedding planner works for you. They manage your timeline, your photographer, your family dynamics, and your design vision.
Why hire a local Maryland planner versus bringing someone from out of town?
Local knowledge is irreplaceable. A Maryland planner knows which caterers source local crab, which roads flood during rainstorms, and exactly how long it takes to get from the church to the reception venue during Preakness weekend.
Great events start with standout spaces—and the people who bring them to life
Your wedding is a collection of moments, and those moments are shaped by the environment you choose and the team you trust. Maryland offers a stunning array of backdrops, from the historic streets of Annapolis to the artistic lofts of Baltimore. The planners listed above have the expertise to take these spaces and transform them into something that reflects your unique love story. By pairing a visionary planner with a distinctive Maryland wedding venue, you set the stage for a celebration that is truly extraordinary.
If you have feedback on our list, our team would love to hear from you. Reach us anytime at [email protected] with suggestions, corrections, or additions.
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