Magical Waterfront Receptions at Chesapeake Inn’s Ballroom, Chesapeake City Maryland

Every couple wants their wedding reception to feel personal and effortless, and that’s exactly what we create here at Chesapeake Inn Restaurant & Marina. Overlooking the C&D Canal in Chesapeake City, Maryland, our Ballroom offers a true waterfront experience where every moment feels connected to the scenery. From the first toast to the last dance, your celebration unfolds against the calm backdrop of the marina.

Magical waterfront receptions at Chesapeake Inn’s Ballroom offer a calm setting along the C&D Canal with outdoor terraces, indoor ballroom space, and smooth transitions from nearby ceremony spots. Guests enjoy marina views, flexible indoor and outdoor areas, full-service catering, and convenient photo locations, creating a relaxed and scenic celebration.

Why Couples Love Waterfront Receptions

The Chesapeake Inn Ballroom captures the best of what couples want most: fresh air, open space, and the timeless beauty of the water. With views stretching across Back Creek Basin and the marina, it’s a setting that feels naturally romantic and easy to personalize for your style.

Celebrate by the Water

The Ballroom is the heart of our waterfront weddings. Cocktail hour is on our waterfront Terrace which features a fireplace, retractable awning, and open-air grill for live chef events. Smaller receptions can use both the Terrace and Veranda for more intimate events. Your guests can relax outdoors, surrounded by marina views and the soft sound of the water. For smaller celebrations, the Terrace connects directly to the Veranda Room, combining open-air ambiance with indoor comfort. The result is a setting that feels as easygoing as it is elegant.

How Your Reception Flows

Couples begin their day nearby at Pell Garden or the Moon Property for their ceremony, then return to the Inn for a smooth transition into cocktail hour. Guests gather on the Terrace & Veranda Rooms for drinks and hors d’oeuvres before moving into the Ballroom, where our signature fiber optic ceiling creates the effect of a starry night sky. With a balcony overlooking the marina, your reception flows naturally from the waterfront to the dance floor.

Personal Service from Start to Finish

When you plan with us, you’ll work directly with our professional banquet planners and event staff who know our spaces inside and out. We handle coordination and catering in-house, so your vision stays consistent from menu to setup. It’s this level of service and experience that’s made Chesapeake Inn a top choice for weddings since 1996.

A Dining Experience to Remember

Our culinary team is known for award-winning cuisine that celebrates local flavor. From plated dinners and buffets to live grill stations on the Terrace, every menu is crafted to fit your event. Fresh seafood, prime cuts, and seasonal ingredients take center stage, prepared by chefs who make each dish feel special. Because our catering is full service, you can focus on your guests while we handle every detail.

What’s Included with Your Booking

When you reserve your reception at Chesapeake Inn, you receive our dedicated event team, complete table setup, linens, and catering service. Decor can be tailored to your color scheme and layout. With ceremony options just steps away and spaces that connect smoothly, your entire celebration can happen in one beautiful waterfront location.

Chesapeake City Charm and Photo Spots

Located along the Back Creek Basin, Chesapeake City offers endless backdrops for photography. Couples love taking portraits at Pell Garden, by the docks, or right on the Terrace as the sun sets. For those spending the weekend, our waterfront accommodations like the Chandler House provide comfort and proximity, making your stay easy and your photos timeless.

Conclusion

We’d love to help you plan a waterfront reception that feels completely your own. Every detail, from the menu to the view, is handled with the same care and warmth that has defined Chesapeake Inn for nearly three decades.

FAQs

How many guests fit in the different rooms?
The Terrace accommodates 35 - 45 guests and can connect with the Veranda Room for larger events. If using both the Terrace and Veranda for a cocktail reception, 150 is a great number. The Ballroom can accommodate up to 175.

Can receptions move indoors if the weather changes?
Yes. The Terrace connects directly to the Veranda Room and Ballroom, allowing an easy indoor transition.

Do you provide catering?
Yes. We offer full-service catering with customizable menus crafted by our culinary team.

Are ceremonies available nearby?
Yes. Couples often hold ceremonies at Pell Garden or the Moon Property before celebrating with us.