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Chesapeake Bay Wedding Venue

Sandaway Suites & Beach, located on the charming shores of Oxford, Maryland, offers an idyllic and historic waterfront venue for your dream Chesapeake Bay wedding. Under the new leadership of our 3rd-generation family business, this comprehensive guide outlines why Oxford is the perfect serene backdrop for your celebration. Discover Sandaway's unique features, from our romantic "Natural Canopy" of historic shade trees to our private beach and luxury accommodations. Whether you are seeking the effortless elegance of our flat-fee Sunset Ceremony Package (up to 50 guests) or the total seclusion of a Full Property Buyout with Venue Fees starting at $4,500, Sandaway provides the perfect canvas for an unforgettable celebration. Learn how our family-led estate combines century-old charm with modern transparency to ensure your wedding is a seamless, cherished experience.

Chesapeake Bay Wedding Venue for Your Dream Celebration - Discover Sandaway Suites & Beach in Charming Oxford, Maryland

Nestled along the picturesque shores of the Chesapeake Bay, Sandaway Suites & Beach in charming Oxford, Maryland, offers an idyllic backdrop for your dream wedding celebration. Imagine exchanging vows with the gentle sounds of lapping waves and the scent of salty air enveloping you and your loved ones.

Under the new leadership of our 3rd-generation family business, Ben and Santy Gibson are revitalizing the Sandaway legacy. We specialize in transforming our historic estate into a private sanctuary where your wedding is more than an event—it is a story whispered between the water and the trees. From our effortless Sunset Ceremony Package to our exclusive Full Property Buyouts, discover how we make waterfront luxury transparent and accessible.

Why Choose Oxford, Maryland for Your Wedding

Oxford is an enchanting town that exudes historical charm and coastal beauty. Nestled on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, it offers a serene environment that feels worlds away from the city. Its quaint streets, lined with colonial-era architecture and lush greenery, provide a timeless backdrop for romantic photography.

Choosing Oxford means immersing yourself in maritime history. Whether you are arriving via the Oxford-Bellevue Ferry (the oldest privately operated ferry in the U.S.) or strolling to local dining after a ceremony, the town’s tranquil vibe ensures your guests feel like they’ve escaped to a hidden retreat. Just a short drive from Baltimore, DC, and Philadelphia, Oxford offers a seamless blend of convenience and total exclusivity.

Overview of Sandaway Suites & Beach

Sandaway is a premier waterfront venue that encapsulates the beauty of the Eastern Shore. Situated on a private beach, our boutique hotel offers:

  • The Sunset Ceremony Package: A flat-fee, "stress-free" option for up to 50 guests.

  • Full Property Buyouts: Exclusive use of all 18 suites and 2.5 acres of grounds for up to 150 guests.

Our suites are designed for comfort and elegance, many featuring private porches with breathtaking Bay views. Our "guest-funded" lodging model is a key feature of our buyouts, allowing your guests to satisfy the lodging guarantee by booking their own rooms, significantly reducing the couple's out-of-pocket venue investment.

Unique Features: The Natural Canopy & Private Beach

One of our most captivating features is the "Natural Canopy"—a collection of several historic shade trees, including our iconic Weeping Beech, which provide a romantic, organic cathedral for outdoor ceremonies.

For those seeking total seclusion, our Private Beach (available exclusively with Full Property Buyouts) allows you to say "I do" with your toes in the sand and the sun setting directly over the water. This combination of historic architecture and pristine natural beauty ensures a setting that feels both luxurious and deeply personal.

Outdoor Wedding Ceremonies by the Bay

Outdoor ceremonies at Sandaway are nothing short of magical. We offer three distinct spaces:

  1. Waterfront Garden Terrace: The dedicated home of our Sunset Ceremony Package, offering garden romance and panoramic views.

  2. Upper Waterfront Lawn: The ideal canvas for grand tented receptions or elegant cocktail hours beneath the trees.

  3. Private Beach & Lower Lawn: A front-row seat to the Chesapeake’s famous "Golden Hour."

Accommodations and Amenities

Turn your wedding day into a wedding weekend. With 18 uniquely appointed suites and cottages, your inner circle stays on-site. Your guests can enjoy:

  • Complimentary "Coffee by Seven" service delivered to their door.

  • Private Beach Access for relaxation and sunbathing.

  • Bicycle, Kayak, and Paddleboard rentals to explore the Tred Avon River and the streets of Oxford.

Planning Your Wedding: Tips and Pricing Transparency

We believe wedding planning should be joyful and transparent. When planning at Sandaway, consider these three pillars:

  • Seasonality: Spring and Summer offer full blooms, while Fall provides a cozy, romantic "afterglow" atmosphere.

  • Exclusivity: If you desire a "no wedding crashers" experience, our Full Property Buyout is the gold standard.

  • Budget Clarity: Our Venue Fees start at $2,500 (Ceremony), $4,500 (Midweek Buyout), and $11,000 (Weekend Buyout). We provide these figures upfront so you can plan with confidence.

Inspiring Stories from Sandaway

Our property has hosted countless "I do's," each as unique as the couple. From barefoot beach ceremonies followed by local Oxford dining, to grand weekend-long takeovers featuring sailcloth tents and dancing under the stars, Sandaway provides the canvas. One recent couple utilized our 3-Hour Private Photo Pass to capture stunning portraits by the Weeping Beech while their guests enjoyed local oysters on the Garden Terrace—a perfect blend of intimacy and celebration.

Conclusion: Your Forever Begins Here

Sandaway Suites & Beach offers an idyllic setting where historic charm meets modern transparency. Our dedicated team is committed to ensuring every detail—from the initial retainer to the final sunset toast—is perfect.

Ready to secure your 2026 or 2027 date? To view available dates and book instantly, visit our official wedding page: Sandaway's official wedding page at Chesapeake Bay Wedding Venue | Sandaway Suites & Beach

For complex inquiries or to schedule a tour, please call or text Ben Gibson with the Sandaway wedding team at (410) 829-4204.

Romantic setting by the bay for a couple's wedding at sunsetWeddings by the Chesapeake Bay

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