Nautical Wedding Elopement Packages

Plan a Nautical Wedding Aboard St. Michaels Sailing Charters!

Celebrate your love with a wedding or elopement on the water. St. Michaels Sailing Charters offers private sailboat ceremonies aboard the historic 1935 ketch Lady Patty or the spacious, modern 44-foot catamaran Epiphany, all departing from the charming waterfront of St. Michaels, MD. With sweeping Chesapeake Bay views, our intimate sailboat weddings offer a beautiful alternative to traditional venues—no travel, no crowds, and no unnecessary stress.

From small ceremonies to simple elopements, our dedicated crew helps create a ceremony that feels personal, effortless, and true to you. Surrounded by peaceful waters and open skies, you’ll enjoy a relaxed, romantic experience you’ll cherish forever.

We offer two unique options that are sure to make your special day a truly unforgettable experience! Choose the perfect sailboat wedding package from the following wedding cruises options.

Ceremony Under Sail Package (Lady Patty or Epiphany)

Wharf Side Wedding Package (Epiphany Only)

• 2-hour private dockside & sailing experience

• Dockside wedding ceremony aboard Epiphany, followed by a 1-hour scenic sail on the Miles River

• Complimentary bottle of champagne

• Ideal for guests who prefer a stable setting

• Beautiful St. Michaels harbor backdrop

• Up to 50 guests

Choose Your Vessel

⛵ Lady Patty – Historic Sailing Ketch

Step aboard Lady Patty, a beautifully restored 1935 sailing ketch with graceful classic lines, rich wood accents, and traditional rigging that capture the timeless romance of Chesapeake Bay sailing. This historic yacht provides an intimate and elegant setting for a nautical wedding ceremony on the water.

Guests can relax on cushioned seating along the cabin top or gather in the cozy rear cockpit beside the captain as the sails fill and the yacht glides across the Miles River. With panoramic views of the Chesapeake Bay and the gentle rhythm of the water beneath you, Lady Patty creates a unique and unforgettable backdrop for exchanging vows and celebrating the beginning of your life together.

⛵ Epiphany – Modern Catamaran

Celebrate your special day aboard Epiphany, a spacious and stable modern catamaran designed for comfort, privacy, and breathtaking panoramic views. With her wide beam and smooth ride, Epiphany offers a relaxed and elegant setting for an intimate wedding ceremony or celebration on the Chesapeake Bay.

Guests can gather in the shaded front or rear cockpit with comfortable seating and dining tables, perfect for a champagne toast after the ceremony. The open bow offers sweeping water views in every direction, creating a stunning backdrop as you exchange vows surrounded by the beauty of the Bay.

With plenty of space to move about and a professional crew focused on making your day seamless, Epiphany provides a private, scenic, and unforgettable setting to celebrate the beginning of your life together.

Officiant

Both packages include the wonderful Maryland-ordained wedding officiant, Bonnie Brown Scott of Beginnings and Ends. With extensive experience performing ceremonies aboard sailboats, Bonnie creates heartfelt, personalized ceremonies by taking the time to learn your unique love story. She will connect with you directly, asking thoughtful questions to craft a custom ceremony that feels meaningful, authentic, and perfectly suited to your special day. *Please note that officiant tip is not included.

“We could not have found a better person to officiate our November wedding! Bonnie made us feel like we have known her for a long time, and that showed in the ceremony she performed. After just one introduction call and a few questionnaires, Bonnie captured the essence and true nature of our love and relationship so well that my husband and I, our parents and guests were all blown away at her service. She made the legal aspect of this process painless and worry free. We found Beginnings and Ends to be extremely affordable which helped us stay within our budget. We highly recommend Bonnie to officiate the wedding of any future couples (seriously, look no further). Thank you Bonnie for making the most important part of our day so perfect!” – Client Review

Marriage License

A valid marriage license from the Talbot County Courthouse in Easton is required. Licenses may be obtained in person or by mail and must be in your possession at least two days prior to your ceremony. Please note that the license becomes valid 48 hours after application and the marriage must take place within Talbot County. Additional details and requirements can be found on the county’s marriage license information page.

Champagne Toast

Following the raising of the sails and your marriage ceremony, we celebrate with a champagne toast to the newlyweds. One bottle of champagne is included, and additional beverages—including champagne, beer, wine, and non-alcoholic options—are available for purchase.

Food

We partner with local businesses to offer pre-ordered, charter-friendly food options ready upon arrival. For full details on onboard food and beverage options, please see our policies.

Capture the Moment with a Professional Photographer

Your wedding day is filled with meaningful moments you’ll want to remember forever. To beautifully capture your ceremony and celebration on the Chesapeake Bay, we recommend working with a professional photographer.

Laura’s Focus Photography, based in St. Michaels, Maryland, specializes in capturing authentic, emotional moments through a blend of documentary and fine-art photography. With over 20 years of experience photographing weddings and engagements, Laura has a wonderful eye for the natural beauty of the Chesapeake Bay and the special moments that unfold during an intimate ceremony on the water.

Whether documenting the exchange of vows aboard the yacht or capturing portraits along the waterfront after the ceremony, Laura can help preserve the memories of your special day.

If you would like professional photographs of your nautical wedding, we recommend reaching out directly to Laura:

Website: https://www.laurasfocus.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurasfocusphotography
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/laurasfocusphotography

Additional Vendors

Add more to your day by including videography, boat florals, a bouquet, wedding cake, or musicians! Here are a few local recommendations:

• Videography: Andover Media is also familiar with our sailing yachts and offer state-of-the-art video production to capture your day.
• Florist: Poppy Jar Flowers specializes in small weddings using luxury and hard to find flowers to make your floral wedding dreams come to life.
• Cake: Ruby’s Cake Shoppe is known the have the best tasting wedding cakes in the area with numerous flavor and design options to choose from.
• Guitarist: Justin Ryan is an acoustic guitarist and singer/songwriter that can add that perfect sound to your day.
• Bagpiper: Easton Piper can create a truly unique experience by adding emotional sounds of the great highlands bagpipes to your special event.
• Hair & Makeup: Salon Sophia Tate in Easton provides full service hair and makeup services so you can look your absolute best!
• Reception Dinner & Event Space: Head to The Wildset Hotel for private dining at Ruse for a memorable meal prepared by James Beard-nominated Executive Chef, Michael Correll. Or join additional guests for a reception complete with dancing at Wildset’s Milk Truck Garage, a beautiful new private event space with stained glass and exposed wood beams.
• Tent & Rentals: Want a tent and chairs for your Wharf-Side Wedding? Eastern Shore Tents & Events is a full service rental company with tent options, furniture, tableware, linens and more.

Weather

In the event of inclement weather, don’t worry—you can bring umbrellas, and we can proceed as planned, either dockside or out on the water. Epiphany also features a large covered area that can be used for added protection. If the weather isn’t ideal, and your schedule allows, we’re happy to explore rescheduling options for a day with better conditions.

Attire

Many couples are skipping the traditional look and going for effortless, stylish vibes—think sleek wedding dresses or jumpsuits, short veils, lightweight linen jackets, or dressy boat shoes. You can keep it classic or have fun with playful, nautical-inspired accessories. Some even choose casual, colorful options like Hawaiian shirts and sandals. One tip: skip the heels on deck for safety and comfort. It’s your day—make it totally yours!

Be sure to bring comfortable shoes, cameras, sunhats, and a light jacket in spring and fall. It’s about 10 degrees cooler on the water so plan accordingly.

Good to Know Before You Go

Arrival:
Please arrive 15 minutes prior to departure at the dock behind the Harbour Inn & Marina, 101 N Harbor Road, St. Michaels, MD.

Restrooms:
Lady Patty has a small marine head for emergency use, and Epiphany features a private, spacious marine head. Both are located down a short set of steps. For all guests, we recommend using the Harbour Inn lobby restrooms before boarding.

Parking:
Guests may park in the hotel lot or along the waterfront on Harbor Road past the police boats.

Shoes:
Wear comfortable shoes or something easy to remove if you prefer to go barefoot. Ladies, please avoid high heels.

Sunscreen & Hats:
If using spray sunscreen, please apply before boarding to protect the varnish. Don’t worry if you forget your sunhat — custom baseball caps are available for purchase onboard.

Beverages & Food:
During your 2-hour cruise, a complimentary bottle of champagne is included — perfectly chilled and ready for a celebratory toast as you mark your special moment on the water. We partner with local businesses to offer pre-ordered, charter-friendly food options ready upon arrival. For full details on onboard food and beverage options, please see our policies.

Kid Friendly:
Children of all ages are welcome aboard our yachts. We love kids! We have infant, toddler, and youth life jackets to fit all sizes and ages.

Ready to Set Sail?

Celebrate your special day surrounded by the beauty of the Chesapeake Bay. With sweeping waterfront views, a relaxed and intimate setting, and a celebratory champagne toast, a nautical wedding aboard our sailing yachts creates a truly unforgettable way to say “I do.”

Reserve your Nautical Wedding Package today. Popular dates — especially weekends and sunset ceremonies — fill quickly, so book early to secure your perfect wedding on the Bay. 🥂

Still Have Questions?

We’re happy to help you plan the perfect experience.

☎ 410-849-9864
✉ [email protected]

We look forward to welcoming you aboard!